Program, method, and information processing device

Abstract

To facilitate the use of a service for renting photography equipment.SOLUTION: A computer is configured to provide a user with a service to rent photographic equipment, the computer executing the steps of: receiving, from a first user who hopes to rent photography equipment, a registration of information on the photography equipment which can be rented to the second user while the ownership of the equipment is held by the first user; receiving, from the second user, an input operation to apply for renting the photography equipment; managing, in response to the input operation for the application from the second user, the photography equipment as being rented by the second user and paying a consideration for the renting to the first user who has the ownership of the photography equipment relating to the application for renting; and managing information relating to a residual value to be paid by the first user for the purchase of the photography equipment owned by the first user such that the information is updated in accordance with the renting of the photography equipment.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a program, a method, and an information processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, rental services have been provided for temporarily lending out items. Rental services are used when an item needs to be used temporarily. For example, if a person does not normally use a car but wants to use a car temporarily when moving, they may use a car rental service to borrow a car.

[0003] The following Patent Publication No. 2022-053122 (Patent Document 1) discloses that an information processing device executes a process of transmitting information indicating a rental fee when a first product being sold is loaned, and a process of collecting the rental fee from a user when the first product is loaned to the user, and collecting at least a portion of the amount for which the first product was sold by the user in a trading service. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-053122 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Patent Document 1 describes that when the rental ends, the user can sell the product to another user through a trading service and recover the remaining amount after deducting the rental fee from the product price.The purpose of this disclosure is to promote the use of product rental services for items such as photography equipment by creating a system for ownership of the items. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One embodiment of the present disclosure is a program for operating a computer, the computer being configured to provide a service for renting photographic equipment to users, the program causing a processor of the computer to execute the following steps: accepting registration of information on photographic equipment that can be rented to a second user from a first user who wishes to rent the photographic equipment, while the first user retains ownership of the photographic equipment; presenting a screen for renting photographic equipment to the second user who uses the service and accepting an input operation from the second user to apply to rent the photographic equipment; managing the photographic equipment as being rented by the second user in response to the application input operation from the second user, and paying a fee for the rental to the first user who holds ownership of the photographic equipment requested to be rented; and managing information on the residual value that the first user will pay when purchasing the photographic equipment owned by the first user, so that the information is updated in accordance with the fact that the photographic equipment is being rented. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, by creating an ownership mechanism, it is possible to encourage a user in an item rental service to make an item that he or she owns available for rental to other users. This can further increase the number of items available for rental in the item rental service, thereby increasing the opportunities for users of the rental service to receive rentals. This can encourage use of the item rental service. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a rental service system 1. As shown in FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the terminal device 10 of the first user. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 20. As shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the data structure of the user database 2021. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the data structure of the product registration database 2022. As shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the data structure of the rental item database 2023. As shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the data structure of the rental service usage history database 2024. As shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the data structure of the ownership transfer database 2025. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the data structure of the item repair database 2026. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the data structure of the photographed image database 2027. As shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the data structure of the contract plan database 2028. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the flow of processing for accepting the rental of photographic equipment from a second user after accepting registration of photographic equipment from a first user. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows a screen for accepting registration of photographic equipment from a first user. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows a screen for accepting an application to rent photographic equipment from a second user. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing, on a screen, information on the history of users of the rental service who have rented photographic equipment of the same model number in the past, when an application to rent photographic equipment is received from a second user. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing information on the repair history of photographic equipment on a screen when an application to rent photographic equipment is accepted from a second user. [Figure 17]FIG. 17 is a diagram showing, on a screen, information about images taken using photographic equipment with the same model number as the photographic equipment in question, when an application to rent photographic equipment is accepted from a second user. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The following describes embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. The names and functions of the components are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0010] <Rental Service Overview> A rental service is a service that temporarily lends out an item. Rental services are used when an item needs to be used temporarily. Examples of items that can be rented out through rental services include home appliances, cameras, fashion items, and mobile objects. Mobile objects include, for example, vehicles, and more specifically, motorcycles that are powered by electric power, etc. Furthermore, multiple items with different manufacturers, brands, performance, ranks, etc. are available for rental through rental services. A rental service accepts membership registration from users of the rental service and then accepts applications to rent items from users who have become members. Next, the rental service rents an item to the user of the rental service in response to receiving the rental application from the user of the rental service. For example, in response to receiving the application to rent an item, the rental service processes the shipping of the item from a base managed by the operator of the rental service. After the item arrives at the user of the rental service, the user of the rental service uses the item. Then, after using the item, the user of the rental service returns the item to a location, etc., designated by the rental service.

[0011] The rental service of this embodiment is a rental service for renting photographic equipment, which includes cameras, interchangeable lenses, tripods, drones, camera-related peripherals, and the like.

[0012] <Subscription-based service overview> A subscription service is a service that allows you to use a service, product, etc. for a certain period of time by paying a set fee. The subscription-based service in this embodiment is a rental service that allows users of the subscription-based service to rent items by paying a set flat fee. Users of the subscription-based service can also rent multiple items through the subscription-based service. Furthermore, the subscription-based service in this embodiment accepts membership registration from users and then accepts applications for rental of items from users who have become members. As this is a subscription-based service, users pay a fixed fee (for example, a monthly fee) at predetermined intervals. In other words, this subscription-based service is a service that allows users to rent items any number of times for a fixed fee. The subscription-based service in this embodiment accepts membership registration from users of the subscription-based service and accepts applications for rental of items from users of the rental service who have become members. Next, the subscription-based service rents an item to the user of the subscription-based service in response to accepting the rental application from the user of the subscription-based service. For example, in response to accepting the application for rental of an item, the subscription-based service performs a shipping process for the item from a base managed by the operator of the subscription-based service. After the item arrives at the user of the subscription-based service, the user of the subscription-based service uses the item. Then, after using the item, the user of the subscription-based service returns the item to a location, etc., specified by the subscription-based service. In addition, subscription-based services may specify a period during which items can be rented.

[0013] The subscription-based service of this embodiment is a subscription-based service for renting photographic equipment, which includes cameras, interchangeable lenses, tripods, drones, camera-related peripherals, and the like.

[0014] The subscription-based service of this embodiment has a plurality of contract plans with different service contents, and the subscription-based service of this embodiment accepts subscription to any of the contract plans from the service user. The multiple contract plans are divided into plans with fixed fees for a predetermined period (for example, one month), and the predetermined period may be automatically renewed. Depending on the contract plan, multiple contract plans stipulate the items that users of the subscription-based service can rent.

[0015] <Ownership Overview> Ownership refers to the right to freely use and profit from an owned item. The subscription-based service of this embodiment has a mechanism that allows users of the rental service to have ownership of the photographic equipment. In the subscription-based service of this embodiment, when a user of a rental service registers photographic equipment with the subscription-based service, the ownership of the photographic equipment becomes the user of the rental service who registered the item. Note that even if the photographic equipment is rented to a user of another rental service, the ownership remains with the user of the rental service who registered the item. In the rental service system 1, the server 20 may accept input from a user regarding the registration of an item owned by the user. The server 20 may also communicate with a server operated by a seller of the item, such as a service server of a consumer electronics retailer or an electronic commerce (EC) site, to accept registration of the item when the user purchases the item through the service of the seller. For example, assume that a user purchases an item at a physical store or an EC site and completes payment processing using installments. In this case, information on the sales price and the remaining value of the installment payment is stored in the server of the seller of the item or the server of the credit card company. An API (Application Programming Interface) provided by the server 20 of the rental service system 1 is used at the physical store or the EC site to display a screen for API linkage with the rental service system 1, and operations for the API linkage are accepted from the purchaser of the product, the operator of the business, or the like. As a result, information on the purchased item, the remaining value, information on the user who made the purchase, and the like are recorded in the server 20. Ownership can be transferred from one rental service user to another rental service user, and ownership can be transferred multiple times. The rental service system 1 provides the user who has ownership with compensation for renting the photographic equipment. Even if the ownership of the photographic equipment is transferred, the rental service system 1 will provide compensation to the rental service user who registered the photographic equipment. Furthermore, the rental service system 1 will provide compensation to the rental service user who registered the photographic equipment, regardless of which rental service user owns the ownership of the photographic equipment.

[0016] <Outline of the first embodiment> One embodiment of the present disclosure is an information processing device including a communication unit, a control unit, and a storage unit, for providing an item rental service to a user of the rental service. In this embodiment, a user of the rental service uses the rental service system 1 by operating a PC, a smartphone, or the like. In the following description, when a terminal device 10 of a first user accesses the server 20, the server 20 responds with information for generating a screen on the terminal device 10 of the first user. The terminal device 10 of the first user then generates and displays the screen based on the information received from the server 20. Similarly, in the following description, when a terminal device 30 of a second user accesses the server 20, the server 20 responds with information for generating a screen on the terminal device 30 of the second user. The terminal device 30 of the second user then generates and displays the screen based on the information received from the server 20.

[0017] <1.1 Overall system configuration> Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a rental service system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the rental service system 1 includes a terminal device 10 of a first user, a terminal device 30 of a second user, and a server 20, which are connected to each other via a network 80 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0018] A user of the rental service system 1 can register as a member of a server 20 that provides rental services, and can access the server 20 to rent an item. In the rental service system 1, a business operator that operates a rental service prepares and manages items to be rented. The rental service system 1 can also accept registrations of photographic equipment to be rented out by users of the rental service at the rental service system 1. The rental service system 1 can then rent out the registered photographic equipment to users of the rental service within the rental service system 1. The following explanation shows how to accept registration of photographic equipment from users of the rental service. 13 is a diagram showing a screen for accepting registration of photographic equipment from a first user. The registration of photographic equipment is performed, for example, by accepting an input of registration information of the photographic equipment from the first user on the terminal device 10 of the first user in a dialog screen 1300 shown in FIG. First, the terminal device 10 of the first user accepts input of information related to the registration of photographic equipment from the first user in area 1301 of Fig. 13. At this time, it is assumed that the first user owns photographic equipment that they wish to rent from a photographic equipment rental service. Then, the terminal device 10 of the first user accepts input of information related to the item registration of the photographic equipment from the first user. The information related to the item registration of the photographic equipment includes, for example, information on the item model number, item name, item condition, and residual value at the time of registration. Then, in response to accepting input of information related to the item registration of the photographic equipment from the first user, the server 20 updates the values ​​of each item in the item registration database 2022. In addition to the above, when registering the photographic equipment, the terminal device 10 of the first user may also accept input from the user of the rental service such as images of the photographic equipment taken using the photographic equipment, information on the repair history of the photographic equipment, etc.

[0019] The example in Figure 1 shows a terminal device 10 of a first user used by a user of the rental service. The terminal device 10 of the first user is, for example, a PC, a smartphone, or the like. The terminal device 10 of the first user is the terminal device of the first user who uses the rental service system 1. The terminal device 10 of the first user is used, for example, when accepting registration of photographic equipment from the first user in the rental service, when accepting an application to borrow photographic equipment from the first user, etc.

[0020] The terminal device 10 of the first user executes a program to provide the user with an environment for operating a system corresponding to the program. The terminal device 10 of the first user loads and executes the program to establish a communication connection between the terminal device 10 of the first user and the server 20. The terminal device 10 of the first user then transmits and receives data related to the rental service system 1 between the terminal device 10 of the first user and the server 20.

[0021] The example in Fig. 1 shows a server 20 that manages various data related to the rental service system 1. The server 20 transmits data necessary for the rental service system 1 to the terminal device 10 of the first user as needed, thereby visualizing the status of the rental service system 1 on the terminal device 10 of the first user. Similarly, the server 20 transmits data necessary for the rental service system 1 to the terminal device 30 of the second user as needed, thereby visualizing the status of the rental service system 1 on the terminal device 30 of the second user. Furthermore, the server 20 communicates with the terminal device 10 of the first user, and transmits images, files, text data, etc. to the terminal device 10 of the first user according to the usage status of the rental service system 1. Similarly, the server 20 communicates with the terminal device 30 of the second user, and transmits images, files, text data, etc. to the terminal device 30 of the second user according to the usage status of the rental service system 1.

[0022] For example, the server 20 manages information about users related to the rental service system 1, information about items used in the rental service system 1, and various other data.

[0023] The example in Figure 1 shows a second user terminal device 30 used by a user of the rental service. The second user terminal device 30 is, for example, a PC, a smartphone, etc. The second user terminal device 30 is a terminal device of a second user who uses the rental service system 1. The second user terminal device 30 is used, for example, when accepting an application to rent photographic equipment from the second user.

[0024] The second user's terminal device 30 executes a program to provide the user with an environment for operating a system according to the program. The second user's terminal device 30 reads and executes the program to establish a communication connection between the second user's terminal device 30 and the server 20. The second user's terminal device 30 then transmits and receives data related to the rental service system 1 between the second user's terminal device 30 and the server 20.

[0025] The terminal device 10 of the first user includes a communication IF (Interface) 12, an input device 13, an output device 14, a memory 15, a storage unit 16, and a processor 19.

[0026] The communication IF 12 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the terminal device 10 of the first user can communicate with an external device.

[0027] The input device 13 is a device for accepting an input operation from the first user's terminal device 10. The device for accepting an input operation is, for example, a touch panel, a touch pad, a pointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard, or the like.

[0028] The output device 14 is a device (such as a display or speaker) for presenting information to the terminal device 10 of the first user.

[0029] The memory 15 is for temporarily storing programs and data to be processed by the programs, etc. The memory 15 is, for example, a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0030] The storage unit 16 is for storing data and is, for example, a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), or the like.

[0031] The processor 19 is hardware for executing an instruction set written in a program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, a register, a peripheral circuit, and the like.

[0032] The server 20 is a device that manages information related to the rental service system 1.

[0033] The server 20 includes a communication IF 22 , an input / output IF 23 , a memory 25 , a storage 26 , and a processor 29 .

[0034] The communication IF 22 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the server 20 can communicate with external devices.

[0035] The input / output IF 23 functions as an input device for receiving input operations from the terminal device 10 of the first user or the terminal device 30 of the second user. The input / output IF 23 also functions as an interface with an output device for presenting information to the terminal device 10 of the first user or the terminal device 30 of the second user.

[0036] The memory 25 is for temporarily storing programs and data to be processed by the programs, etc. The memory 25 is, for example, a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0037] The storage 26 is for storing data and is, for example, a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), or the like.

[0038] The processor 29 is hardware for executing an instruction set written in a program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, and the like.

[0039] The terminal device 30 of the second user includes a communication IF (Interface) 32, an input device 33, an output device 34, a memory 35, a storage unit 36, and a processor 39.

[0040] The communication IF 32 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the second user's terminal device 30 can communicate with an external device.

[0041] The input device 33 is a device for accepting an input operation from the second user's terminal device 30. The device for accepting an input operation is, for example, a touch panel, a touch pad, a pointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard, or the like.

[0042] The output device 34 is a device (such as a display or speaker) for presenting information to the terminal device 30 of the second user.

[0043] The memory 35 is for temporarily storing programs and data to be processed by the programs, etc. The memory 35 is, for example, a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0044] The storage unit 36 ​​is for storing data and is, for example, a flash memory or a hard disk drive (HDD).

[0045] The processor 39 is hardware for executing an instruction set written in a program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, and the like.

[0046] <1.2 Functional Configuration of the Terminal Device 10 of the First User> 2 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the first user's terminal device 10. The first user's terminal device 10 includes an antenna 111, a first wireless communication unit 121, a processor 19, an operation reception unit 130, a storage unit 16, a memory 15, a display 132, an audio processing unit 140, a microphone 141, and a speaker 142.

[0047] The antenna 111 radiates a signal emitted by the terminal device 10 of the first user into space as a radio wave. The antenna 111 also receives the radio wave from space and provides the received signal to the first wireless communication unit 121.

[0048] The first wireless communication unit 121 performs modulation / demodulation processing and the like for transmitting and receiving signals via the antenna 111 etc. so that the terminal device 10 of the first user can communicate with other communication devices. The first wireless communication unit 121 is a communication module for wireless communication including a tuner, a high-frequency circuit etc., and performs modulation / demodulation and frequency conversion of the wireless signals transmitted and received by the terminal device 10 of the first user, and provides the received signals to the processor 19.

[0049] The processor 19 controls the operation of the terminal device 10 of the first user by reading and executing the programs stored in the storage unit 16. The processor 19 is realized by, for example, an application processor.

[0050] The operation reception unit 130 has a mechanism for receiving input operations from the first user. The operation reception unit 130 is realized as a pointing device such as a mouse, touchpad, or touch panel, a keyboard, a controller, or an imaging unit that senses the body movements of the first user as input operations. For example, the operation reception unit 130 senses the body movements of the first user, such as the movements of body parts such as hands, and the facial expressions of the first user, and receives these body movements as input operations. The operation reception unit 130 determines the type of operation, such as whether the first user's operation is a flick operation, a tap operation, or a drag operation, based on the coordinates at which the input operation is received, such as when the first user touches a finger on a touch panel.

[0051] The storage unit 16 is composed of a flash memory, a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and stores programs used by the terminal device 10 of the first user, and various data received by the terminal device 10 of the first user from the server 20.

[0052] The display 132 displays data such as images, videos, and text under the control of the processor 19. The display 132 is realized by a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display.

[0053] The audio processing unit 140 modulates and demodulates audio signals. The audio processing unit 140 modulates a signal provided from a microphone 141 and provides the modulated signal to the processor 19. The audio processing unit 140 also provides the audio signal to a speaker 142.

[0054] The microphone 141 receives an audio input and provides an audio signal corresponding to the audio input to the audio processing unit 140 .

[0055] The speaker 142 converts the audio signal provided from the audio processing unit 140 into audio and outputs the audio to the outside of the terminal device 10 of the first user.

[0056] The storage unit 16 stores user information 161, rental service usage history information 162, and ownership information 163. The user information 161 is for holding information about users of the rental service in the rental service system 1. The rental service usage history information 162 is for holding information on the usage history of rental services by users of the rental service in the rental service system 1. The ownership information 163 is for holding information about the ownership of an item in the rental service system 1.

[0057] The processor 19 operates in accordance with the program, thereby fulfilling the functions of an input operation receiving unit 191, a transmitting / receiving unit 192, a data processing unit 193, and a notification control unit 194. The input operation receiving unit 191 performs processing to receive an input operation of the first user on an input device such as the operation receiving unit 130. When the operation receiving unit 130 is, for example, a touch device, the input operation receiving unit 191 determines the type of operation, such as whether the operation of the first user is a flick operation or a drag operation, based on information on the coordinates where the first user has touched the touch device with a finger or the like. The transmitting / receiving unit 192 performs processing for the terminal device 10 of the first user to transmit and receive data to and from an external device such as the server 20 in accordance with a communication protocol. The data processing unit 193 performs a process of performing calculations on the data that the terminal device 10 of the first user accepts as input, in accordance with a program, and outputs the calculation results to a memory or the like. The notification control unit 194 performs processing to present information to the user, such as processing to display a display image on the display 132, processing to output sound from the speaker 142, and processing to generate vibrations from a vibrator or the like.

[0058] <1.3 Functional configuration of server 20> 3 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the server 20 functions as a communication unit 201, a storage unit 202, and a control unit 203.

[0059] The communication unit 201 performs processing for the server 20 to communicate with external devices.

[0060] The memory unit 202 stores various databases such as a user database 2021, an item registration database 2022, a rental item database 2023, a rental service usage history database 2024, an ownership transfer database 2025, an item repair database 2026, a photographed image database 2027, and a contract plan database 2028.

[0061] The user database 2021 is a database for managing information on users of each rental service in the rental service system 1. Details will be described later.

[0062] The item registration database 2022 is a database for managing information on item registration in the rental service system 1. Details will be described later.

[0063] The rental item database 2023 is a database for managing information on rental items in the rental service system 1. Details will be described later.

[0064] The rental service usage history database 2024 is a database for managing information on the usage history of rental services by users of each rental service in the rental service system 1. Details will be described later.

[0065] The ownership transfer database 2025 is a database for managing the history of ownership transfers between rental service users in the rental service system 1. Details will be described later.

[0066] The item repair database 2026 is a database for managing information on the repair history of items rented in the rental service system 1. Details will be described later.

[0067] The photographed image database 2027 is a database for managing information on photographed images in the rental service system 1. Details will be described later.

[0068] The contract plan database 2028 is a database for managing information on contract plans in the rental service system 1. Details will be described later.

[0069] The control unit 203 is realized by the processor 29 reading a program stored in the storage unit 202 and executing instructions included in the program. By operating in accordance with the program, the control unit 203 performs functions shown as a reception control module 2031, a transmission control module 2032, a user information acquisition module 2033, a rental item information acquisition module 2034, and a rental service usage history information acquisition module 2035.

[0070] The reception control module 2031 controls the process by which the server 20 receives signals from external devices in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0071] The transmission control module 2032 controls the process in which the server 20 transmits signals to external devices in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0072] The user information acquisition module 2033 performs a series of processes for managing information about users of the rental service in the rental service system 1.

[0073] The rental item information acquisition module 2034 performs a series of processes for managing information on rental service items in the rental service system 1.

[0074] The rental service usage history information acquisition module 2035 performs a series of processes in the rental service system 1 for managing information relating to the rental service usage history of each rental service user.

[0075] <2 Data Structure> Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 are diagrams showing the data structures of databases stored in server 20. Note that Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 are examples, and do not exclude data not shown.

[0076] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the data structure of the user database 2021. The user database 2021 is a database for managing information on users of each rental service in the rental service system 1. Each record in the user database 2021 in Fig. 4 includes an item "user ID," an item "user name," an item "email address," an item "name," an item "address," an item "telephone number," an item "contract plan ID," and an item "contract plan registration date."

[0077] The item "user ID" indicates identification information issued by the server 20 for the rental service system 1. Specifically, the item "user ID" is a unique ID for each user that is required when managing users of each rental service in the rental service system 1. In the rental service, when issuing an account to a user of the rental service, the terminal device 10 of the first user accepts an input for registration of an email address from the user of the rental service. In response to accepting the input for registration of the email address, the server 20 issues a user ID.

[0078] The item "user name" indicates information about the user name used by the user of the rental service when using the rental service. The item "user name" does not have to be the real name of the user of the rental service.

[0079] The item "email address" indicates information about the email address that the user of the rental service uses when using the rental service. When issuing an account to a user of the rental service in the rental service, the terminal device 10 of the first user accepts an input for registration of an email address from the user of the rental service. In response to accepting the input for registration of the email address, the server 20 issues a user ID. A user of the rental service uses, for example, an email address when logging in to the rental service.

[0080] The item "Name" indicates information about the name of the user of the rental service. Some rental service contract plans require the operator to verify the identity of rental service users. The identity verification procedures and requirements vary depending on the contract plan. For example, some contract plans require rental service users to enter customer information such as name, address, and phone number. When requesting registration of the above-described customer information, the terminal device 10 of the first user accepts input of name information from the user of the rental service. Then, the server 20 updates the item "Name" in the user database 2021 in response to the input.

[0081] The item "address" indicates information about the address of the user of the rental service. In the same manner as described for the item "name", the server 20 updates the value of the item "address".

[0082] The item "telephone number" indicates information about the telephone number of the user of the rental service. In the same manner as described for the item "Name", the server 20 updates the value of the item "Telephone Number".

[0083] The item "contract plan ID" indicates identification information issued by the server 20 for the rental service system 1. The item "contract plan ID" is a unique ID for each contract plan required when managing each contract plan in the rental service system 1. A contract plan is a contract plan in the subscription-type service described above. In response to receiving an operation from a rental service user to register for one of the contract plans, the server 20 updates the value of the item "contract plan ID."

[0084] The item "Contract plan registration date" indicates the date and time when a user of the rental service registered for a contract plan. The server 20 updates the value of the item "Contract plan registration date" according to the date and time when the operation to register for one of the contract plans is accepted from the user of the rental service.

[0085] 5 is a diagram showing the data structure of the item registration database 2022. The item registration database 2022 is a database for managing information on item registrations in the rental service system 1. Each record in the item registration database 2022 includes an item "item registration ID," an item "user ID," an item "model number," an item "item name," an item "item condition," an item "residual value at time of registration," and an item "registration date and time."

[0086] The item "item registration ID" indicates identification information issued by the server 20 for the rental service system 1. Specifically, the item "item registration ID" is a unique ID required for managing the registration of items for rental services in the rental service system 1.

[0087] The item "user ID" indicates identification information issued by the server 20 for the rental service system 1. Specifically, the item "user ID" is a unique ID for each rental service user that is required when managing users of each rental service in the rental service system 1. The item "user ID" in the item registration database 2022 stores the user ID of the service user who registered the item.

[0088] The item "Model number" indicates information about the model number of an item. A model number is a number assigned to each model of a product. The following is an example of how the value of the item "Model Number" is updated. 13 is a diagram showing a screen for accepting registration of photographic equipment from a first user. The registration of photographic equipment is performed, for example, by accepting an input of registration information of the photographic equipment from the first user on the terminal device 10 of the first user in a dialog screen 1300 shown in FIG. First, the terminal device 10 of the first user accepts input of information related to the registration of photographic equipment from the first user in area 1301 of Fig. 13. At this time, it is assumed that the first user owns photographic equipment that they wish to rent from a photographic equipment rental service. Then, the terminal device 10 of the first user accepts input of information related to the item registration of the photographic equipment from the first user. Information related to the item registration of the photographic equipment includes, for example, information on the item model number, item name, item condition, and residual value at the time of registration. Then, in response to accepting input of information related to the item registration of the photographic equipment from the first user, the server 20 updates the value of the item "model number" in the item registration database 2022.

[0089] The item "item name" indicates information about the name of the item for the rental service. In the same manner as described for the item "model number," the server 20 updates the value of the item "item name."

[0090] The item "condition of the item" indicates the results of a graded evaluation of the degree of soiling of the item. In the same manner as described for the item "model number", the server 20 updates the value of the item "item condition". When receiving input of information on the condition of the item from the first user, the rental service system 1 may receive a selection from a plurality of options, such as a drop-down list.

[0091] The item "Remaining value at time of registration" indicates information on the remaining value of the item to be registered at the time of item registration. In this disclosure, the remaining amount to be paid by a user of the rental service to purchase the item is referred to as "residual value." For example, when a user registers a camera that costs 100,000 yen and was purchased in 10 installments at an electronics retailer, if four of the 10 installments have already been paid, the remaining value of the item will be 60,000 yen. As explained for the item "Model Number", the server 20 updates the value of the item "Residual Value at Time of Registration".

[0092] The item "registration date and time" indicates information on the date and time when an item was registered in the rental service system 1 by a user of the rental service. As explained for the item "Model number," the server 20 updates the value of the item "Residual value at time of registration." Specifically, the server 20 updates the value of the item "Registration date and time" in the item registration database 2022 according to the date and time when the server 20 receives input of information related to the item registration of the photographic equipment from the first user.

[0093] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the data structure of the rental item database 2023. The rental item database 2023 is a database for managing information on rental items in the rental service system 1. The rental item database 2023 in Fig. 6 includes an item "item ID", an item "model number", an item "item name", an item "major item category", an item "medium item category", an item "manufacturer", an item "contract plan", an item "rental status", an item "item registration ID", an item "initial ownership", an item "current ownership", and an item "residual value of item".

[0094] The item "item ID" indicates identification information issued by the server 20 for the rental service system 1. Specifically, the item "item ID" is a unique ID for an item that is required when managing items for rental services in the rental service system 1.

[0095] The item "Model number" indicates information about the model number of an item. A model number is a number assigned to each model of a product.

[0096] The item "item name" indicates information about the name of the item for the rental service.

[0097] The item "major item category" indicates information on a major classification of items for rental services. Examples of the item "major item category" include cameras, interchangeable lenses, drones, etc.

[0098] The item "item medium category" indicates information about the medium classification of items for rental services. The item "item medium category" is a more detailed classification of the item "item large category." The item "item medium category" is, for example, a single-lens reflex camera, a single-focus lens, etc.

[0099] The item "manufacturer" indicates information about the manufacturer that produces the item for rental service.

[0100] The item "contract plan" indicates information about the contract plan under which an item of the rental service can be rented. The rental service system 1 determines the items that users of the rental service can rent according to the contract plan. Therefore, the item "contract plan" sets information about the contract plan under which the rental service item can be rented in the rental service system 1. For example, an item with Level 8-10 listed in the "Contract Plan" field can be rented to a user of the rental service if the user's contract plan is Level 8, Level 9, or Level 10. In other words, an item with Level 8-10 listed in the "Contract Plan" field cannot be rented to a user of the rental service if the user's contract plan is Level 7. In addition, rental services may set a minimum contract plan level required for renting items. For example, rental service users may be required to have a contract plan of "Level 2 or higher" in order to rent items.

[0101] The "Rental Status" item indicates the status information regarding the rental of an item through a rental service. For example, if the "Rental Status" item is "Available for Rental," it indicates that the item is available for rental to a user of the rental service. Also, if the "Rental Status" item is "Currently on Rental," it indicates that the item is currently being rented to a user of one of the rental services.

[0102] The item "item registration ID" indicates identification information issued by the server 20 for the rental service system 1. Specifically, the item "item registration ID" is a unique ID required for managing the registration of items for rental services in the rental service system 1. The following is an example of how the value of the item "item registration ID" is updated. If the item has been registered by a user of the rental service, the server 20 updates the value of the item “item registration ID” in the rental item database 2023 based on the information in the item “item registration ID” in the item registration database 2022.

[0103] The item "initial ownership" indicates information about the user ID of the rental service user who registered the item. In the present disclosure, when a user of a rental service registers photographic equipment in the rental service system 1, the ownership of the photographic equipment belongs to the user of the rental service who registered the item. Note that even if the photographic equipment is rented to another user of the rental service, the ownership remains with the user of the rental service who registered the item. Below is an example of how the value of the "initial ownership" field can be updated. If the item is registered by a user of the rental service, the server 20 updates the value of the item "initial ownership" in the rental item database 2023 based on the information in the item registration database 2022.

[0104] The item "current ownership" indicates information about the user ID of the rental service user who currently holds ownership of the item. In the present disclosure, when a user of a rental service registers photographic equipment in the rental service system 1, the ownership of the photographic equipment becomes the user of the rental service who registered the item. Note that even if the photographic equipment is rented to another user of the rental service, the ownership remains with the user of the rental service who registered the item. However, the ownership of photographic equipment can also be transferred to another user of the rental service. Therefore, depending on the transfer of ownership, the ownership of the photographic equipment may differ from that of the user of the rental service who registered the item. Therefore, the value of the item "Current Ownership" is affected by the transfer of ownership. Below is an example of how the value of the "Current Ownership" field can be updated: First, let us look at the row in the rental item database 2023 in Figure 6 where the value of the "item ID" item is #702. For the item with the "item ID" value #702, the value of the "initial ownership" item is #2U9Q. If there is no history of ownership transfer for the item, the value of the "current ownership" item for the item with the "item ID" value #702 will be #2U9Q. However, if there is a history of ownership transfer, the value of the "current ownership" item may be different from #2U9Q. The ownership transfer history is explained in detail in the ownership transfer database 2025 in Figure 8. The ownership transfer database 2025 is a database for managing the history of ownership transfers between rental service users in the rental service system 1. For example, looking at the ownership transfer database 2025, we can see that the ownership of the item with the "item ID" value #702 has been transferred. Next, let's look at the row in the ownership transfer database 2025 where the value of the "ownership transfer ID" field is OR0081 and the "item ID" field is stored as #702. The row in which the value of the "ownership transfer ID" field is OR0081 records the history of ownership transfers for an item whose value of the "item ID" field is #702. The row in which the value of the "ownership transfer ID" field is OR0081 stores that ownership was transferred from a rental service user whose user ID is #2U9Q to a rental service user whose user ID is #7X3V. In this case, based on the information in the ownership transfer database 2025, the server 20 updates the value of the "current ownership" field in the rental item database 2023 of FIG. 6. Therefore, the "current ownership" field in the rental item database 2023 of FIG. 6 where the value of the "item ID" field is #702 is stored as #7X3V.

[0105] The item "residual value of goods" indicates information on the residual value of goods. Below is an example that illustrates how the value of the item "Residual Value of Goods" is updated. The following example shows how the value of the item "residual value of goods" is updated in response to goods registration. First, the terminal device 10 of the first user accepts input of information related to the registration of photographic equipment from the first user in area 1301 of FIG. 13. At this time, it is assumed that the first user owns photographic equipment that they wish to rent from the photographic equipment rental service. Then, the terminal device 10 of the first user accepts input of information related to the item registration of the photographic equipment from the first user. The information related to the item registration of the photographic equipment includes, for example, information on the item model number, item name, item condition, and residual value at the time of registration. As described above, the residual value at the time of registration is information on the residual value of the item to be registered at the time of item registration. Next, in response to accepting input of information related to the item registration of the photographic equipment from the first user, the server 20 updates the value of the item "residual value at the time of registration" in the item registration database 2022. Then, the server 20 copies the value of the item "residual value at time of registration" in the item registration database 2022 and updates the value of the item "residual value of item" in the rental item database 2023. The following example shows how the value of the item "residual value of item" is updated in response to the borrowing of an item. First, the terminal device 30 of the second user accepts an input operation from the second user to apply for rental of photographic equipment. A screen for renting photographic equipment is, for example, the dialog screen 1400 of FIG. 14 . The input operation for applying to rent photographic equipment is, for example, accepting an input operation of button 1403 on the dialog screen 1400 from the second user on the terminal device 30 of the second user. At this time, it is assumed that the photographic equipment requested for rental by the second user is the photographic equipment for which input for registration of the photographic equipment has been accepted from the first user. Next, in response to accepting an input operation for renting photographic equipment from the second user, the server 20 updates the value of the item "item residual value" in the rental item database 2023. Specifically, the server 20 updates the value of the item "item residual value" in the rental item database 2023 so as to reduce the residual value according to a calculation formula set in the rental service system 1. The calculation formula set in the rental service system 1 may be, for example, a formula that leaves one-tenth of the residual value of the item. Also, the calculation formula set in the rental service system 1 may be, for example, a formula that leaves the amount of the photographic equipment multiplied by a specific multiplier.

[0106] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the data structure of the rental service usage history database 2024. The rental service usage history database 2024 is a database for managing information on the usage history of rental services by users of the rental service in the rental service system 1. The rental service usage history database 2024 in Fig. 7 includes an item "rental service usage ID", an item "item ID", an item "user ID", an item "rental date", and an item "return date".

[0107] The item "Rental service usage ID" indicates identification information issued by the server 20 for the rental service system 1. Specifically, the item "Rental service usage ID" is a unique ID required when managing the usage history of the rental service in the rental service system 1.

[0108] The item "item ID" indicates identification information issued by the server 20 for the rental service system 1. Specifically, the item "item ID" is a unique ID for an item that is required when managing items for rental services in the rental service system 1.

[0109] The item "User ID" indicates identification information issued by the server 20 for the rental service system 1. Specifically, the item "User ID" is a unique ID for each rental service user that is required when managing each rental service user in the rental service system 1. The item "User ID" in the rental service usage history database 2024 indicates information about the user ID of the rental service user when the rental service user applies to borrow an item.

[0110] The item "rental date" indicates information about the date and time when a user of the rental service applied to rent an item. The following is an example of how the value of the item "rental date" is updated. First, the terminal device 30 of the second user accepts an input operation from the second user to apply to rent photographic equipment. The screen for renting photographic equipment is a screen like the dialog screen 1400 in FIG. 14. The input operation to apply to rent photographic equipment is, for example, accepting an input operation of button 1403 on the dialog screen 1400 from the second user on the terminal device 30 of the second user. Next, in response to accepting the input operation to apply to rent photographic equipment from the second user, the server 20 updates the values ​​of each item in the rental service usage history database 2024. Specifically, the server 20 updates the value of the item "rental date" in the rental service usage history database 2024 in accordance with the date and time when the input operation to apply to rent photographic equipment was accepted from the second user.

[0111] The item "return date" indicates information about the date and time when the item was returned by the user of the rental service. The following is an example of how the value of the item "Return Date" is updated. First, after using an item from the rental service, the user of the rental service performs a shipping operation to return the item. Next, the item from the rental service is shipped from the user of the rental service. Next, the item from the rental service shipped from the user of the rental service arrives at a warehouse where the operator manages the items. Then, a user on the operator side checks the item for damage, etc., regarding the arrived rental service item. At this time, the user on the operator side may input information regarding the return date of the item when checking the item for damage, etc. Then, the server 20 updates the value of the item "return date" item in accordance with the input of information regarding the return date of the item received from the user on the operator side.

[0112] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the data structure of the ownership transfer database 2025. The ownership transfer database 2025 is a database for managing the history of ownership transfers between rental service users in the rental service system 1. The ownership transfer database 2025 in Fig. 8 includes an item "ownership transfer ID", an item "item ID", an item "transferring user ID", an item "transferee user ID", and an item "transfer date and time".

[0113] The item "Ownership Transfer ID" indicates identification information issued by the server 20 for the rental service system 1. Specifically, the item "Item ID" is a unique ID for an item that is required in the rental service system 1 when managing the history of transfers of ownership of items in rental services.

[0114] The item "item ID" indicates identification information issued by the server 20 for the rental service system 1. Specifically, the item "item ID" is a unique ID for an item that is required when managing items for rental services in the rental service system 1.

[0115] The item "Transferred user ID" indicates information about the user ID of the rental service user who transferred ownership of the item. The following is an example of how the value of the item "Transferred User ID" is updated. The rental service system 1 is provided with an input form for transferring ownership of photographic equipment in order to record the transfer of ownership of photographic equipment. A rental service user who owns the photographic equipment wishes to transfer the ownership of the photographic equipment to another rental service user. First, a user of a rental service who has ownership of photographic equipment fills in an input form for transferring ownership of the photographic equipment. The input form for transferring ownership of photographic equipment requires the input of information such as the item ID of the photographic equipment, the user ID of the rental service user transferring the ownership, and the user ID of the rental service user to whom the ownership is being transferred. Then, in response to receiving input from the rental service user into the input form for transferring ownership of the photographic equipment, the server 20 updates the value of the item "Transferring User ID."

[0116] The item "Transferred user ID" indicates information about the user ID of the rental service user to whom the ownership of the item has been transferred. As explained in the section "Transferred User ID", the server 20 updates the value of the section "Transferred User ID".

[0117] The item "transfer date and time" indicates information about the date and time when ownership of the item was transferred. As explained in the section "Transferred User ID," the server 20 updates the value of the section "Transferred User ID." Specifically, the server 20 updates the value of the section "Transferred User ID" according to the date and time when it receives input from the user of the rental service into the input form regarding the transfer of ownership of the photographic equipment.

[0118] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the data structure of the item repair database 2026. The item repair database 2026 is a database for managing information on the repair history of rental items in the rental service system 1. The item repair database 2026 in Fig. 9 includes an item "item repair ID", an item "item ID", an item "repair location", an item "repair content", and an item "repair date and time".

[0119] The item "item repair ID" indicates identification information issued by the server 20 for the rental service system 1. Specifically, the item "item ID" is a unique ID for item repair that is required when managing the repair history of items for rental service in the rental service system 1.

[0120] The item "item ID" indicates identification information issued by the server 20 for the rental service system 1. Specifically, the item "item ID" is a unique ID for an item that is required when managing items for rental services in the rental service system 1.

[0121] The item "repaired part" indicates information about the part of the item that has been repaired. The repaired part of the item may be, for example, the power supply part, the lens, etc. The following is an example of how the value of the item "repair location" is updated. First, after using an item provided by the rental service, a user of the rental service performs a shipping operation to return the item. Next, the item provided by the rental service is shipped from the user of the rental service. Next, the item provided by the rental service shipped from the user of the rental service arrives at a warehouse where the operator manages the items. Next, a user on the operator side checks the arrived rental item for damage, etc. If the item needs to be repaired, the user on the operator side repairs the item. Assume that the rental service system 1 has an input form for item repairs to record the repair of the item. After repairing the item, the user on the operator side inputs information about the repair into the input form. The information about the repair of the item includes, for example, the item ID, the repaired part of the item, the repair content of the item, and the date and time when the repair of the item was completed. Then, in response to receiving input from the user on the operator side into the input form for the repair of the item, the server 20 updates the value of the item "repaired part."

[0122] The item "repair details" indicates information about the repair details of the item. The repair details of the item include, for example, battery replacement, cleaning up trash, etc. In the same manner as described for the item "repair location," the server 20 updates the value of the item "repair details."

[0123] The item "repair date and time" indicates information about the date and time when repair of the item was completed. As explained for the item "repair location," the server 20 updates the value of the item "repair date and time." Specifically, the server 20 updates the value of the item "repair date and time" according to the date and time when the server 20 receives input from the user on the management side into the input form regarding the repair of the item.

[0124] The item repair database 2026 may store information on item repairs for the item that is input when the rental service system 1 receives an item registration from a user of the rental service.

[0125] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the data structure of the photographed image database 2027. The photographed image database 2027 is a database for managing information on photographed images in relation to the rental service system 1. The photographed image database 2027 in Fig. 10 includes an item "photographed image ID", an item "image data", an item "title", an item "photographic equipment", and an item "registration date and time".

[0126] The item "photographed image ID" indicates identification information issued by the server 20 in relation to the rental service system 1. Specifically, the item "photographed image ID" is a unique ID for each photographed image that is required when managing the photographed image in the rental service system 1.

[0127] The item "image data" indicates information about the image data of the captured image. The following is an example of how the value of the item "Image Data" is updated. It is assumed that the rental service system 1 has a page where rental service users can upload photographed images. The page where rental service users can upload photographed images has a section where image data of the photographed images can be uploaded and a section where information about the photographed images can be entered. First, the user of the rental service opens a page for uploading a photographed image. Next, the user of the rental service inputs information about the photographed image on the page for uploading the photographed image and uploads the image data of the photographed image. The information about the photographed image includes, for example, the title of the photographed image and information about the photographic equipment used to take the photographed image. Then, in response to receiving the upload of the image data of the photographed image and the input of the information about the photographed image from the user of the rental service, the server 20 updates the value of the item "image data."

[0128] The item "title" indicates information about the title of the photographed image. In the same manner as described for the item "image data," the server 20 updates the value of the item "title."

[0129] The item "photographic equipment" indicates information about the photographic equipment used to capture the photographed image. In the same manner as described for the item "image data," the server 20 updates the value of the item "photography equipment."

[0130] The item "registration date and time" indicates information on the date and time when the photographed image was registered. As explained for the item "Image data," the server 20 updates the value of the item "Photographic equipment." Specifically, the server 20 updates the value of the item "Registration date and time" according to the date and time when the uploaded photographed image and the input of information related to the photographed image are accepted from the user of the rental service.

[0131] 10, information about the user who took each photographed image may be stored in the photographed image database 2027. For example, the server 20 acquires information about the user who took the photographed image as follows. When accepting an upload of a photographed image from a user, the user's login information for Rental Service 1 is referenced. Accept input of user information (social network account, name, etc.) from the user When a photographed image is posted on a social networking site, etc., information for referencing the post (such as the URL associated with the post) is obtained to acquire information about the image and poster included in the post. The photographed image database 2027 may store information on photographed images taken using an item that is input when the rental service system 1 receives an item registration from a user of the rental service.

[0132] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the data structure of the contract plan database 2028. The contract plan database 2028 is a database for managing information about contract plans in the rental service system 1. The contract plan database 2028 in Fig. 11 includes an item "contract plan ID," an item "contract plan name," and an item "monthly fee."

[0133] The item "contract plan ID" indicates identification information issued by the server 20 for the rental service system 1. Specifically, the item "contract plan ID" is a unique ID for each contract plan that is required when managing each contract plan in the rental service system 1. A contract plan is a contract plan in the subscription-based service described above.

[0134] The item "contract plan name" indicates information about the name of the contract plan corresponding to each contract plan.

[0135] The "Monthly Fee" item indicates the monthly fee information for each contract plan. The higher the monthly fee for a contract plan, the greater the variety of items that users of the rental service can rent.

[0136] It should be noted that the data having the data structure of the database stored in the server 20 described above may be managed using block chain technology.

[0137] <Operation of the First Embodiment> Next, the operation of each device constituting the rental service system 1 will be explained.

[0138] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the flow of processing for accepting the rental of photographic equipment from a second user after accepting registration of photographic equipment from a first user.

[0139] In step S12011, the terminal device 10 of the first user accepts an input for registration of photographic equipment from the first user who wishes to rent the photographic equipment. The registration of the photographic equipment is performed, for example, by accepting an input for registration of information about the photographic equipment from the first user on the terminal device 10 of the first user in the dialog screen 1300 of FIG. First, the terminal device 10 of the first user accepts input of information related to the registration of photographic equipment from the first user in area 1301 of Fig. 13. At this time, it is assumed that the first user owns photographic equipment that the first user wishes to rent from a photographic equipment rental service. Then, the terminal device 10 of the first user accepts input of information related to the item registration of the photographic equipment from the first user. The information related to the item registration of the photographic equipment includes, for example, information on the model number of the item, the item name, and information on the condition of the item.

[0140] In step S12021, the server 20 updates the item registration database 2022 in response to receiving registration of information about photographic equipment from the first user. The following is an example of how an item in the Product Registration Database 2022 is updated. First, the server 20 accepts an item registration operation from the first user as described in step S12011. Then, in response to accepting input of information related to item registration of the photographic equipment from the first user, the server 20 updates the values ​​of each item in the item registration database 2022.

[0141] In step S12031, the terminal device 30 of the second user presents a screen for renting photographic equipment. The screen for renting photographic equipment is, for example, the dialog screen 1400 in Fig. 14. The second user checks the information about the photographic equipment displayed on the dialog screen 1400 and determines whether or not to rent the photographic equipment.

[0142] In step S12032, the terminal device 30 of the second user accepts an input operation to apply for rental of photographic equipment from the second user. A screen for renting photographic equipment is, for example, the dialog screen 1400 of Fig. 14. The input operation to apply for rental of photographic equipment is, for example, accepting an input operation of button 1403 on the dialog screen 1400 from the second user on the terminal device 30 of the second user.

[0143] In step S12022, the server 20 updates the rental service usage history database 2024 in response to an input operation from the second user requesting to rent photographic equipment. The following is an example of how items in the rental service usage history database 2024 are updated. First, in step S12032, the terminal device 30 of the second user accepts an input operation for applying to rent photographic equipment from the second user. Then, in response to accepting the input operation for applying to rent photographic equipment from the second user, the server 20 updates the values ​​of each item in the rental service usage history database 2024.

[0144] In step S12023, the server 20 updates the value of the item "rental status" in the rental item database 2023 in response to an input operation from the second user requesting to rent the photographic equipment. The following is an example of how the value of the "rental status" item in the rental item database 2023 is updated. First, in step S12032, the terminal device 30 of the second user accepts an input operation from the second user to apply to rent photographic equipment. Then, in response to accepting the input operation to apply to rent photographic equipment from the second user, the server 20 updates the value of the item "rental status" in the rental item database 2023. Specifically, in response to accepting the input operation to apply to rent photographic equipment from the second user, the server 20 updates the value of the item "rental status" in the rental item database 2023 from "available for rent" to "on rent."

[0145] In step S12024, in response to an input operation from the second user requesting to rent the photographic equipment, the server 20 updates the value of the item "remaining value of item" in the rental item database 2023. The value of the item "remaining value of item" in the rental item database 2023 is updated only when there is remaining value for the photographic equipment. The following is an example of how the value of the item "residual value of item" in the rental item database 2023 is updated. First, in step S12032, the terminal device 30 of the second user accepts an input operation from the second user to apply to rent photographic equipment. In the following example, it is assumed that the photographic equipment in question is the photographic equipment for which registration input from the first user was accepted in step S12011. Next, in response to accepting an input operation from the second user to apply to rent photographic equipment, the server 20 updates the value of the item "item residual value" in the rental item database 2023. Specifically, the server 20 updates the value of the item "item residual value" in the rental item database 2023 so as to reduce the residual value according to a calculation formula set in the rental service system 1. The calculation formula set in the rental service system 1 is, for example, as follows: A certain percentage of the compensation that the business operator of the server 20 receives by renting out an item. For example, the fee for the contract plan required to rent the item (for example, the contract plans shown in FIG. 11) is used as the source of funds, and a certain percentage of the contract plan fee is paid to the user who registered the item while the item is being rented. During the rental period (e.g., every month), a fixed percentage of the item's remaining value is deducted. However, it is also possible to deduct the remaining value by an amount greater than a certain amount. The calculation formula set in the rental service system 1 may be, for example, a formula in which the remaining amount is calculated by multiplying the sales price of the photographic equipment by a specific factor. If the remaining value of the item is 0 yen or no remaining value is set, the rental service system 1 will return some kind of compensation to the rental service user who registered the item in the rental service system 1. The compensation may be money, points in the rental service system 1, or the like.

[0146] <Screen example> FIG. 13 shows a screen for accepting registration of photographic equipment from a first user.

[0147] The rental service system 1 can accept registration of rental-service-available photographic equipment from rental service users. After accepting registration of rental-service-available photographic equipment from a rental service user, the rental service system 1 may rent out the photographic equipment to other rental service users. 13 is a diagram showing a screen for accepting registration of photographic equipment from a first user. The registration of photographic equipment is performed, for example, by accepting an input of registration information of the photographic equipment from the first user on the terminal device 10 of the first user in a dialog screen 1300 shown in FIG. First, the terminal device 10 of the first user accepts input of information related to the registration of photographic equipment from the first user in area 1301 of Fig. 13. At this time, it is assumed that the first user owns photographic equipment that they wish to rent from a photographic equipment rental service. Then, the terminal device 10 of the first user accepts input of information related to the item registration of the photographic equipment from the first user. The information related to the item registration of the photographic equipment includes, for example, information on the item model number, item name, item condition, residual value at the time of registration, etc. Then, in response to accepting input of information related to the item registration of the photographic equipment from the first user, the server 20 updates the values ​​of each item in the item registration database 2022. In addition to the above, when registering the photographic equipment, the terminal device 10 of the first user may also accept input from the user of the rental service such as images of the photographic equipment taken using the photographic equipment, information on the repair history of the photographic equipment, etc.

[0148] Specifically, the terminal device 10 of the first user presents the following information on the dialog screen 1300: Area 1301 is an area for receiving input of information related to item registration from the first user. Information related to item registration includes, for example, information on the item model number, item name, item condition, residual value at the time of registration, etc. The button 1302 is a button that accepts an operation from the first user to determine the content of information related to product registration.

[0149] FIG. 14 shows a screen for accepting an application to rent photographic equipment from a second user.

[0150] The terminal device 30 of the second user presents a screen for accepting applications to rent photographic equipment. The second user looks at the screen for accepting applications to rent photographic equipment and decides whether or not to rent the photographic equipment. If the second user decides that he or she wants to rent the photographic equipment, the screen for accepting applications to rent photographic equipment accepts the application from the second user to rent the photographic equipment.

[0151] Specifically, the terminal device 30 of the second user presents the following information on the dialog screen 1400: The area 1401 is an area for displaying an image relating to the photographic equipment. The image relating to the photographic equipment is, for example, an image of the photographic equipment itself, an enlarged image of a part of the photographic equipment, etc. Area 1402 is an area for displaying detailed information about the photographic equipment, such as the name of the item and information about the manufacturer of the item. A button 1403 is a button for accepting an application to rent photographic equipment from a second user.

[0152] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing, on a screen, information on the history of users of the rental service who have rented photographic equipment of the same model number in the past, when an application to rent photographic equipment is received from a second user.

[0153] When accepting an application to rent photographic equipment, the terminal device 30 of the second user displays on the screen information on the history of users of the rental service who have rented photographic equipment of the same model number in the past. Presenting historical information about users of the rental service who have previously rented photographic equipment of the same model number helps users of the rental service decide whether to rent that equipment. Presenting historical information about users of the rental service who have previously rented photographic equipment of the same model number also increases the value of that equipment. This is because presenting historical information about users of the rental service who have previously rented photographic equipment of the same model number provides information such as whether the equipment has been rented to a professional photographer, which is useful for users of the rental service.

[0154] Specifically, the terminal device 30 of the second user presents the following information on the dialog screen 1500: The area 1401 is an area for displaying an image relating to the photographic equipment. The image relating to the photographic equipment is, for example, an image of the photographic equipment itself, an enlarged image of a part of the photographic equipment, etc. Area 1402 is an area for displaying detailed information about the photographic equipment, such as the name of the item and information about the manufacturer of the item. A button 1403 is a button for accepting an application to rent photographic equipment from a second user. Area 1501 is an area that displays information on the history of users of the rental service who have rented photographic equipment of the same model number in the past.

[0155] The rental service system 1 may also allow the user to select which individual pieces of photographic equipment are available for rental. In this case, the rental service user history information for each piece of photographic equipment is presented as the information on the rental service users who have rented the photographic equipment. The second user's terminal device 30 may, for example, present, on the dialog screen 1500, information on the rental service users' history for each piece of photographic equipment in addition to the photographic equipment information.

[0156] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing information on the repair history of photographic equipment on a screen when an application to rent photographic equipment is accepted from a second user.

[0157] When accepting an application to rent photographic equipment, the terminal device 30 of the second user displays information on the repair history of the photographic equipment on the screen. The rental service system 1 may also allow the user to select which individual pieces of photographic equipment are available for rental. In this case, the repair history information for each piece of photographic equipment is presented. The terminal device 30 of the second user may present information about each piece of photographic equipment in addition to the photographic equipment information, for example, as in the dialog screen 1600. Presenting information on the repair history of photographic equipment can help users decide whether to rent that equipment. This is because presenting information on the history of users of the rental service who have rented the same model of photographic equipment in the past can provide information such as which parts of the equipment were broken, which can be useful when users of the rental service rent a particular piece of photographic equipment.

[0158] Specifically, the terminal device 30 of the second user presents the following information on the dialog screen 1600: The area 1401 is an area for displaying an image relating to the photographic equipment. The image relating to the photographic equipment is, for example, an image of the photographic equipment itself, an enlarged image of a part of the photographic equipment, etc. Area 1402 is an area for displaying detailed information about the photographic equipment, such as the name of the item and information about the manufacturer of the item. A button 1403 is a button for accepting an application to rent photographic equipment from a second user. Area 1601 is an area that displays information about the repair history of an individual piece of photographic equipment with item ID #888. Area 1602 is an area that displays information about the repair history of the photographic equipment with the item ID #889. The photographic equipment with item ID #888 and the photographic equipment with item ID #889 are photographic equipment with the same model number.

[0159] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing, on a screen, information about images taken using photographic equipment with the same model number as the photographic equipment in question, when an application to rent photographic equipment is accepted from a second user.

[0160] When accepting an application to rent photographic equipment, the terminal device 30 of the second user displays on the screen information about images taken using photographic equipment with the same model number as the photographic equipment in question. Displaying information about images taken using photographic equipment with the same model number as the photographic equipment in question helps users of the rental service decide whether to rent the photographic equipment in question. Information on images taken using photographic equipment with the same model number as the photographic equipment in question may be presented by referring to information in the photographic image database 2027.

[0161] Specifically, the terminal device 30 of the second user presents the following information on the dialog screen 1700: The area 1401 is an area for displaying an image relating to the photographic equipment. The image relating to the photographic equipment is, for example, an image of the photographic equipment itself, an enlarged image of a part of the photographic equipment, etc. Area 1402 is an area for displaying detailed information about the photographic equipment, such as the name of the item and information about the manufacturer of the item. A button 1403 is a button for accepting an application to rent photographic equipment from a second user. Area 1701 displays information about images captured using photographic equipment with the same model number as the photographic equipment in question. Multiple images captured using photographic equipment with the same model number as the photographic equipment in question may be displayed. In addition, the server 20 may refer to the captured image database 2027 to transmit information about the photographer of the captured image to the terminal device 30 of the second user, thereby causing the terminal device 30 to display information about the captured image together with information about the photographer on the dialog screen 1700.

[0162] <Modification> (1) Even if the equipment is currently being rented, you can rent the same model of equipment. Even if the photographic equipment for which product registration has been accepted from the first user is currently being rented to a user of another rental service, the rental service system 1 can rent out photographic equipment of the same model number to the first user. This allows the first user to borrow and use photographic equipment of the same model number as the photographic equipment while registering the item. Also, in the rental service system 1, the first user can satisfy their desire to use the photographic equipment while registering the item, which is expected to have the effect of maintaining a certain number of photographic equipment available for rental. The following describes an example in which photographic equipment of the same model number is lent to a first user. It is assumed that the rental service system 1 has already accepted registration of photographic equipment from a first user, and that the photographic equipment for which registration has been accepted from the first user is currently being rented to another user of a rental service. First, the terminal device 10 of the first user presents a screen for accepting an application to rent photographic equipment. This photographic equipment shall have the same model number as the item for which the first user has accepted the registration of the photographic equipment. Next, the first user looks at the screen for accepting the application to rent photographic equipment and decides whether or not to rent the photographic equipment. Next, if the first user decides that he or she wishes to rent the photographic equipment, the screen shown in FIG. 14 is displayed and the application to rent the photographic equipment is accepted from the first user. Then, in response to accepting the application to rent the photographic equipment from the first user, the server 20 updates the rental service usage history database 2024 and the rental item database 2023. However, while the first user is renting photographic equipment from the rental service that has the same model number as the photographic equipment being lent to the rental service by the first user, the server 20 manages the remaining value of the photographic equipment that the first user owns so as not to deduct it. Specifically, the server 20 manages the remaining value of the photographic equipment that the first user owns, recorded in the rental item database 2023, so as not to deduct it. In this case, the server 20 first obtains model number information linked to the item ID in the rental item database from the item ID information in the rental service usage history database 2024. Then, it determines whether the model number is the same as that of the photographic equipment that the first user owns. If the model number is the same, the server 20 updates the value of the "item remaining value" item in the rental item database for the photographic equipment that the first user owns so as not to deduct it.

[0163] (2) Secondary distribution of photography equipment Even after the ownership of the photographic equipment is transferred to another user, a first user who has registered the photographic equipment in the rental service system 1 may be given compensation in return for renting the photographic equipment to the first user who registered the photographic equipment. In addition, for the photographic equipment whose ownership has been transferred, regardless of which user owns the photographic equipment, compensation for the rental of the photographic equipment may be paid to the first user who registered the photographic equipment each time the photographic equipment is rented out. This allows users who register items to secure revenue, encouraging them to register their photographic equipment with the rental service system 1, increasing the options available to users who rent photographic equipment through the rental service system 1 and leading to an increase in the number of platform participants.

[0164] (3) When multiple users own the same model of photographic equipment. When a plurality of users own photographic equipment of the same model number, the photographic equipment of any of the users who owns the equipment is determined as the equipment to be rented in response to receiving an input operation to apply for renting the photographic equipment. The method for determining whether to lend may be as follows. - Based on remaining balance: Based on the remaining balance of each photographic equipment owned by each user who owns the same model number of photographic equipment, the photographic equipment owned by the user with the largest remaining balance is determined as the equipment to be rented. The remaining balance of each photographic equipment is specifically the value of the item's remaining value in the rental item database 2023. · Method based on number of loans: The photographic equipment to be rented is determined based on the history of the number of times each piece of photographic equipment has been rented out to each user who owns photographic equipment of the same model number, so that the number of times each piece of photographic equipment has been rented out is equalized. The history of the number of times each piece of photographic equipment has been rented out is based on information in the rental service usage history database 2024. · Method based on rental frequency: Based on the information on the rental frequency of each piece of photographic equipment of each user who owns the same model number, the photographic equipment to be rented is determined, with priority given to the least frequently rented piece. The rental frequency history of each piece of photographic equipment is based on the information in the rental service usage history database 2024. This makes it possible to equalize the rental frequency of each piece of photographic equipment, and to make the opportunities to earn compensation for renting comparable among users who register their photographic equipment.

[0165] (4) Exchange of ownership The rental service system 1 allows a user to exchange a piece of photographic equipment for another piece of photographic equipment of equivalent value based on the value of the ownership of the photographic equipment. An equivalent value is, for example, an equivalent value for the "contract plan" item in the rental item database 2023 of FIG. 6. For example, the server 20 presents the photographic equipment for which ownership is to be exchanged between multiple users, and receives consent from each user to exchange ownership, thereby managing the items as if the ownership had been exchanged. In this way, the rental service system 1 has the effect of encouraging rental service users to switch to other photographic equipment. (5) Rental Mode in Rental Service System 1 In the above example, a user selects one or more contract plans (for example, two contracts are possible) shown in Fig. 11, and then pays a usage fee (monthly fee) at fixed intervals to rent photographic equipment within the range specified in the contract plan while rotating it. For example, one contract plan allows one piece of photographic equipment to be rented, and the user can return the photographic equipment that can be rented under the contract plan each time and rent a different piece of photographic equipment. In addition, as a rental mode in the rental service system 1, the user may apply for rental after being presented with the period and fee for renting the item (for example, XXX yen for 8 days and 7 nights). In this case, when the item is rented for the above fee to a user who has registered the item, a certain percentage of the fee may be paid to the user, or the remaining value of the item may be deducted.

[0166] Although several embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, these embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications are intended to be included in the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims, as well as in the scope and spirit of the inventions.

[0167] <Additional Notes> The following description adds to the matters described in the above embodiments. (Appendix 1) A program for operating a computer, the computer being for providing a service of renting photographic equipment to a user, the program causing a processor of the computer to: receive registration of information on photographic equipment that can be rented to a second user from a first user who wishes to rent the photographic equipment, while the ownership of the photographic equipment remains with the first user (S12011); and present a screen for renting the photographic equipment to a second user who uses the service, and cause the second user to perform an input operation to apply for renting the photographic equipment. a step of receiving an application from a second user (S12032); a step of managing the photographic equipment as being on loan by the second user in response to an input operation from the second user to apply for rental (S12022), and providing a fee for the rental to the first user who has ownership of the photographic equipment for which rental has been requested; and a step of managing the photographic equipment owned by the first user so that information on the residual value to be paid by the first user when purchasing the photographic equipment is updated in accordance with the fact that the photographic equipment is being rented (S12024).

[0168] (Appendix 2) A program as described in (Appendix 1), in which, in a step of accepting an input operation to apply for the rental of photographic equipment, even if a first user who is lending photographic equipment to a service has also lent the photographic equipment to another user, the program can accept the rental of photographic equipment from the first user if the service that rents out photographic equipment has photographic equipment with the same model number.

[0169] (Appendix 3) In the management step, the program described in (Appendix 2) manages the residual value of a user who has lent photographic equipment to the service so that it does not decrease while the user is borrowing photographic equipment from the service that has the same model number as the photographic equipment that the user is lent to the service.

[0170] (Appendix 4) A program described in (Appendix 1), in which, in the step of accepting registration of information about photographic equipment, it is possible to transfer ownership of the photographic equipment to other users, and the program manages the history of transfers of ownership of photographic equipment between users.

[0171] (Appendix 5) A program as described in (Appendix 4), in which, in the step of providing compensation, a user who purchases photographic equipment and registers the purchased photographic equipment to make it available for rental in the service is provided with compensation in response to the rental of the photographic equipment, even if the ownership of the photographic equipment is transferred to another user.

[0172] (Appendix 6) A program as described in (Appendix 5), in which, in the step of accepting registration, the user to whom ownership of the photographic equipment has been transferred can further transfer ownership to another user, and in response to the operation of transferring ownership, information about the user who owns the photographic equipment is updated, and in the step of granting compensation, compensation is granted to the user who registered in response to the rental of the photographic equipment, regardless of which user owns the transferred photographic equipment.

[0173] (Appendix 7) A program as described in (Appendix 6), in which, in a step of receiving an input operation to apply for the rental of photographic equipment, in response to the input operation to apply for the rental of photographic equipment, the photographic equipment is stored in a memory unit as having been rented by the user who performed the input operation, and information about the photographic equipment is displayed on a screen for renting photographic equipment together with a history (1501) of users who have rented the photographic equipment by referring to information in the memory unit.

[0174] (Appendix 8) The program described in (Appendix 7) in which, in the step of accepting registration, input of at least one of a history of repairs to the photographic equipment and a history of images taken using the photographic equipment is accepted and stored in a memory unit in association with information about the photographic equipment, and in the step of accepting an input operation to apply to rent the photographic equipment, at least one of the history of repairs to the photographic equipment (1601) or the history of images taken (1701) is presented to the user in a referenceable manner on a screen for renting the photographic equipment by referring to the information in the memory unit.

[0175] (Appendix 9) A program as described in (Appendix 1), which further executes a step of determining the photographic equipment of one of the users who owns the equipment as the item to be loaned in response to receiving an input operation to apply to borrow the photographic equipment when multiple users own the same model number of photographic equipment.

[0176] (Appendix 10) The program described in (Appendix 9) determines in the determining step by one of the following: determining the photographic equipment owned by a user with a larger remaining payment balance as the item to be rented out based on information on the remaining payment balance for each piece of photographic equipment of each user who owns photographic equipment of the same model number; determining the photographic equipment to be rented out so that the number of times it has been rented out is equalized based on the history of the number of times each piece of photographic equipment has been rented out by each user who owns photographic equipment of the same model number; and determining the photographic equipment to be rented out by prioritizing the equipment that has been rented out less frequently based on information on the frequency of rental of each piece of photographic equipment of each user who owns photographic equipment of the same model number.

[0177] (Appendix 11) A method for operating a computer, the computer being for providing a service of renting photographic equipment to a user, the method including a step (S12011) of accepting, from a first user who wishes to rent photographic equipment, registration of information on photographic equipment that can be rented to a second user while the ownership of the photographic equipment remains with the first user, and a step of presenting a screen for renting photographic equipment to a second user who uses the service and receiving an input operation from the second user to apply to rent the photographic equipment. a step of receiving an application from a second user (S12032); a step of managing the photographic equipment as being on loan by the second user in response to an input operation from the second user (S12022) and providing a fee for the loan to the first user who has ownership of the photographic equipment to which the application for loan has been made; and a step of managing the photographic equipment owned by the first user so that information on the residual value to be paid by the first user when purchasing the photographic equipment is updated in accordance with the fact that the photographic equipment is being loaned (S12024).

[0178] (Appendix 12) An information processing device including a control unit, the information processing device for providing a service of renting photographic equipment to users, includes a step of accepting registration of information on photographic equipment that can be rented to a second user from a first user who wishes to rent the photographic equipment while the ownership of the photographic equipment remains with the first user (S12011); and a step of presenting a screen for renting the photographic equipment to a second user who uses the service and accepting an input operation for applying to rent the photographic equipment from the second user (S12012). 2032), in response to an input operation of a request from a second user, the second user manages the photographic equipment as being on loan (S12022), and grants compensation for the loan to the first user who has ownership of the photographic equipment related to the request for loan, and a management step (S12024) of updating information on the residual value to be paid by the first user when purchasing the photographic equipment owned by the first user in accordance with the fact that the photographic equipment is being loaned. [Explanation of symbols]

[0179] 1: rental service system, 10: first user's terminal device, 12: communication IF, 13: input device, 14: output device, 15: memory, 16: storage unit, 19: processor, 20: server, 22: communication IF, 23: input / output IF, 25: memory, 26: storage, 29: processor, 30: second user's terminal device, 32: communication IF, 33: input device, 34: output device, 35: memory, 36: storage unit, 39: processor, 80: network, 111: antenna, 121: first wireless communication unit, 130: operation reception unit, 132: display, 140: audio processing unit, 141: microphone, 142: speaker, 161: user information, 162: rental service usage history information, 163: ownership information Information, 191: input operation reception unit, 192: transmission / reception unit, 193: data processing unit, 194: notification control unit, 201: communication unit, 202: storage unit, 203: control unit, 2021: user database, 2022: item registration database, 2023: rental item database, 2024: rental service usage history database, 2025: ownership transfer database, 2026: item repair database, 2027: photographed image database, 2028: contract plan database, 2031: reception control module, 2032: transmission control module, 2033: user information acquisition module, 2034: rental item information acquisition module, 2035: rental service usage history information acquisition module

Claims

1. A program for operating a computer, the computer is for providing a service of renting photographic equipment to a user, The program causes the processor of the computer to: receiving registration of information on photographic equipment available for loan to a second user from a first user who wishes to loan said photographic equipment, while the ownership of said photographic equipment remains with said first user; presenting a screen for renting photographic equipment to the second user who uses the service, and receiving an input operation for applying to rent photographic equipment from the second user; a step of managing the photographic equipment as being on loan by the second user in response to the input operation of the application from the second user, and providing a fee for the rental to the first user who has ownership of the photographic equipment for which the rental application has been made; and a step of managing information on the residual value to be paid by the first user when purchasing the photographic equipment owned by the first user so as to update the information in accordance with the fact that the photographic equipment is being rented.

2. In the step of receiving an input operation for applying to rent the photographic equipment, The program according to claim 1, wherein even if the first user who is lending photographic equipment to a service is also lending the photographic equipment to another user, the service that lends out photographic equipment can accept the loan of photographic equipment from the first user if the service has photographic equipment of the same model number.

3. 3. The program according to claim 2, wherein in the managing step, for a user who has lent photographic equipment to the service, the residual value is managed so as not to be reduced while the user is borrowing photographic equipment from the service that has the same model number as the photographic equipment that the user is lent to the service.

4. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein in the step of accepting registration of information about the photographic equipment, ownership of the photographic equipment can be transferred to another user, and a history of transfers of ownership of the photographic equipment between users is managed.

5. In the step of providing the compensation, The program of claim 4, wherein a user who purchases photographic equipment and registers the purchased photographic equipment to be available for rental on the service is paid compensation for the rental of the photographic equipment even if ownership of the photographic equipment is transferred to another user.

6. In the step of accepting the registration, The ownership of the photographic equipment can be transferred from the user to whom the ownership has been transferred to another user, and information on the user who has the ownership of the photographic equipment is updated in response to an operation to transfer the ownership; In the step of providing the compensation, 6. The program according to claim 5, wherein compensation is given to the user who registered the photographic equipment in response to the rental of the photographic equipment, regardless of which user owns the transferred photographic equipment.

7. In the step of accepting an input operation for applying to rent the photographic equipment, in response to the input operation for applying to rent the photographic equipment, the photographic equipment is stored in a storage unit as having been rented by the user who performed the input operation; The program according to claim 6, wherein, on a screen for renting the photographic equipment, information about the photographic equipment is displayed together with a history of users who have rented the photographic equipment by referring to information in the storage unit.

8. In the step of accepting registration, an input of at least one of a repair history of the photographic equipment and a history of images taken using the photographic equipment is accepted and stored in the storage unit in association with information about the photographic equipment, 8. The program according to claim 7, wherein, in the step of accepting an input operation to apply for rental of the photographic equipment, at least one of a repair history of the photographic equipment and a history of the photographed images is presented to the user in a referable manner on a screen for renting the photographic equipment by referring to information in the storage unit.

9. The program of claim 1, further comprising: when multiple users own photographic equipment of the same model number, in response to receiving an input operation to apply to borrow the photographic equipment, determining that the photographic equipment of any of the users who own the equipment is to be loaned.

10. In the determining step, determining, based on information on the remaining balance of the photographic equipment of each user who owns the photographic equipment of the same model number, the photographic equipment owned by the user with the largest remaining balance as the equipment to be rented; determining the photographic equipment to be rented out based on the history of the number of times each photographic equipment has been rented out by each user who owns the photographic equipment of the same model number, so as to equalize the number of times the photographic equipment has been rented out; and determining the photographic equipment to be loaned out based on information on the frequency of loaning of each piece of photographic equipment by each user who owns the photographic equipment of the same model number, giving priority to the equipment that has been loaned out less frequently.

11. 1. A method for operating a computer, comprising: the computer is for providing a service of renting photographic equipment to a user, The method includes causing a processor of the computer to: receiving registration of information on photographic equipment available for loan to a second user from a first user who wishes to loan said photographic equipment, while the ownership of said photographic equipment remains with said first user; presenting a screen for renting photographic equipment to the second user who uses the service, and receiving an input operation for applying to rent photographic equipment from the second user; a step of managing the photographic equipment as being on loan by the second user in response to the input operation of the application from the second user, and providing a fee for the rental to the first user who has ownership of the photographic equipment for which the rental application has been made; and managing information on the residual value of photographic equipment owned by the first user that the first user will pay when purchasing the photographic equipment so as to update the information in accordance with the fact that the photographic equipment is being rented.

12. An information processing device including a control unit, the information processing device is for providing a service of renting photographic equipment to a user, receiving registration of information on photographic equipment available for loan to a second user from a first user who wishes to loan said photographic equipment, while the ownership of said photographic equipment remains with said first user; presenting a screen for renting photographic equipment to the second user who uses the service, and receiving an input operation for applying to rent photographic equipment from the second user; a step of managing the photographic equipment as being on loan by the second user in response to the input operation of the application from the second user, and providing a fee for the rental to the first user who has ownership of the photographic equipment for which the rental application has been made; and managing information on the residual value to be paid by the first user when purchasing the photographic equipment owned by the first user so as to update the information in accordance with the fact that the photographic equipment is being rented.

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