Management device, and management program

Abstract

To improve the satisfaction of a user to a sharing service.SOLUTION: A management device 10 according to an embodiment is provided with a controller for managing time when a user uses a vehicle. The controller acquires information indicating that the user associated with the time of using the vehicle has used an object facility during the user time from a terminal 20, and extends the use time on the basis of the acquired information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a management device and a management program. [Background technology]

[0002] In conventional hourly car sharing and bicycle sharing services (hereinafter referred to as "sharing services"), rental fees are charged based on the time from the start to the end of the sharing period. In the following explanation, cars, bicycles, etc. are referred to as vehicles.

[0003] In such services, the rental time is reduced even if the user does not get into the vehicle but instead eats a meal or buys souvenirs at a shopping mall. Also, if the rental time is extended, an extension fee is incurred.

[0004] Rental fees are always incurred throughout the entire duration of the sharing service, even if the vehicle being shared is not in operation. This can make sharing services less popular, especially in tourist areas where users tend to spend long periods without using the vehicle.

[0005] In response to this, a system has been proposed that provides financial incentives to users of sharing services who use specific commercial facilities, etc. (See, for example, Patent Document 1.) Patent Document 1 describes discounts on the commercial facility and on the usage fees for the sharing service as incentives. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-128907 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, conventional technologies have the problem of not being able to improve user satisfaction with sharing services.

[0008] For example, a car sharing user may wish to secure extra time to compensate for the time lost by using a commercial facility, rather than receiving a monetary incentive. In such a case, the technology described in Patent Document 1 cannot meet the user's wishes.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide a management device and a management program that improve user satisfaction with a sharing service. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The management device according to the present invention includes a controller that manages the time a user uses a vehicle. The controller acquires information from an information processing device indicating that the user associated with the vehicle usage time has used a target facility during the usage time, and extends the usage time based on the acquired information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, when a user of a sharing service uses a commercial facility, etc., the user can be given an incentive of usage time rather than a monetary incentive such as a discount on fees, which can improve the satisfaction of users who prefer usage time over money with the sharing service. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a server according to the embodiment. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a usage time management table. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a facility management table. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the server according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the usage time. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a method for obtaining data from a receipt. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a method for acquiring data using a ticket. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of a management device and a management program disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0014] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a management system according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the management system 1 includes a server 10, a terminal 20, and a terminal 30. The server 10 is connected to the terminals 20 and 30 via a network N. The network N is, for example, the Internet. The server 10 is an example of a management device. The terminals 20 and 30 are examples of information processing devices.

[0015] The management system 1 is a system for providing a sharing service. The sharing service is a service in which vehicles are rented (lended) to users. Users pay a fee to the service provider according to the duration of vehicle use. The vehicles include not only so-called four-wheeled vehicles but also two-wheeled vehicles, bicycles, etc.

[0016] If a user uses a vehicle beyond the usage time, the user will be subject to measures such as charging an additional fee or a damage fee. Therefore, the user will be encouraged to finish using the vehicle within the usage time.

[0017] The usage time is managed by the server 10. The server 10 can extend or shorten the usage time. Furthermore, the server 10 can change the start and end points of the usage time, i.e., the usage start time and usage end time.

[0018] The server 10 acquires information required to perform processing related to the extension, shortening, and change of the usage time from the terminal 20 and the terminal 30. The server 10 also notifies the terminal 20 of the usage time.

[0019] Terminal 20 is a terminal used by a user of the sharing service. Terminal 20 and terminal 30 may be smartphones or in-vehicle devices provided in vehicle V1. Vehicle V1 is a vehicle rented through the sharing service.

[0020] The terminal 30 is a terminal used in the facility F1. The terminal 30 may be a smartphone or a device that constitutes a POS (Point of Sale) system installed in the facility F1.

[0021] The facilities in the embodiment include retail stores such as general stores and souvenir shops, and restaurants. However, the facilities are not limited to these and may be any facility that provides products or services to users and receives a fee in return.

[0022] The configuration of the server 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the server 10 includes a communication unit 11, a controller 12, and a memory 13.

[0023] The communication unit 11 is an interface for communicating data between the server 10 and other devices. For example, the communication unit 11 is a network interface card (NIC).

[0024] The controller 12 reads and executes a program stored in the memory 13. The controller 12 is a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a system on a chip (SoC), or the like.

[0025] The controller 12 may be a single processor, a multiprocessor configuration, or a multicore configuration having multiple cores in a single chip connected via a single socket.

[0026] The memory 13 is a storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or an embedded multi-media card (eMMC). The memory 13 functions as a read-only memory (ROM) or a random access memory (RAM). For example, the memory 13 stores a usage time management table and a facility management table.

[0027] The usage time management table will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the usage time management table. As shown in Fig. 3, the usage time management table has columns for user ID, vehicle ID, basic rental start date and time, basic rental end date and time, additional rental start date and time, additional rental end date and time, and status.

[0028] The user ID is information for identifying a user. The vehicle ID is information for identifying a vehicle.

[0029] The basic rental start date and time is the date and time when the rental starts. The basic rental end date and time is the date and time when the rental ends. The difference between the basic rental end date and time and the basic rental start date and time is the usage time determined at the time of rental. The status is information that indicates the rental status of the corresponding record, such as whether it is currently being rented, waiting, or has been returned.

[0030] The additional rental start date and time is the start date and time of the extended usage time. The additional rental end date and time is the end date and time of the extended usage time. The difference between the additional rental end date and time and the additional rental start date and time is the extended usage time.

[0031] The difference between the basic rental end date and time and the basic rental start date and time may be called the basic usage time, and the difference between the additional rental end date and time and the additional rental start date and time may be called the extended usage time.

[0032] For example, FIG. 3 shows that a user with user ID "U1" (hereinafter referred to as user U1) will start renting a vehicle with vehicle ID "V1" (hereinafter referred to as vehicle V1) from "2024 / 3 / 24 10:00." FIG. 3 also shows that user U1's rental of vehicle V1 was scheduled to end at "2024 / 3 / 24 16:00." FIG. 3 also shows that the usage time for user U1's rental of vehicle V1 has been extended from "2024 / 3 / 24 16:00" to "2024 / 3 / 24 19:00."

[0033] The facility management table will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the facility management table. As shown in Fig. 4, the facility management table has columns for facility ID, facility type, extension conditions, and reward.

[0034] The facility ID is information that identifies the facility. The facility type is information that indicates the type of facility. The extension condition is the condition under which the usage time is extended. The reward is the length of the usage time that is extended when the extension condition is met.

[0035] For example, Figure 4 shows that at a facility whose facility type is "general store" and whose facility ID is "F1" (hereinafter referred to as facility F1), if the condition of "spending 300 yen or more" is met, the usage time will be extended by "10 minutes."

[0036] The controller 12 acquires information indicating that a user associated with the vehicle usage time has used the facility during the usage time from an information processing device such as the terminal 20. Then, the controller 12 extends the usage time based on the acquired information.

[0037] Specifically, the controller 12 manages the sharing service by updating the usage time management table. For example, the controller 12 adds records to the usage time management table, updates record values, and deletes records. In particular, the server 10 extends the usage time by updating the additional rental start date and time in the usage time management table based on the information acquired from the terminals 20 and 30 and the facility management table.

[0038] The configuration of the terminal 20 will be described using Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a server according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, the terminal 20 has a communication unit 21, a controller 22, a memory 23, a camera 24, and an input / output unit 25. Note that the terminal 30 may have the same configuration as the terminal 20. In addition, the input / output unit 25 is a touch panel display.

[0039] The communication unit 21 is an interface for communicating data between the server 10 and other devices. For example, the communication unit 21 is a NIC.

[0040] The controller 22 reads and executes a program stored in the memory 23. The controller 22 is a CPU, a DSP, an FPGA, a GPU, an SoC, or the like.

[0041] The controller 22 may be a single processor, a multiprocessor configuration, or a multicore configuration having multiple cores in a single chip connected via a single socket.

[0042] The memory 23 is a storage medium such as an HDD, an SSD, an eMMC, etc. The memory 23 functions as a ROM or a RAM.

[0043] The flow of processing by the server 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the server according to the embodiment. The processing shown in Fig. 6 is executed by the controller 12.

[0044] Here, the flowchart of Fig. 6 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram for explaining the usage time. As a specific example, the description will be given assuming that user U1 rents vehicle V1.

[0045] As shown in Figures 3 and 7, the basic usage time is set to six hours from "2024 / 3 / 24 10:00" to "2024 / 3 / 24 16:00" (hereinafter, the date portion "2024 / 3 / 24" will be omitted).

[0046] As shown in FIG. 7, user U1 traveled in vehicle V1 from 10:00 to 12:00. User U1 also ate at a facility from 12:00 to 13:00 without riding in vehicle V1. User U1 also shopped at a facility from 13:00 to 15:00 without riding in vehicle V1.

[0047] 6, first, the controller 12 receives data on the trail of facility usage by the user U1 who is renting the vehicle V1 from the terminal (step S101). A method for acquiring the data on the trail of facility usage will be described later.

[0048] The controller 12 determines whether the extension condition for the facility is satisfied based on the received data (step S102). For example, the controller 12 refers to the facility management table and determines whether the usage fee indicated in the received data satisfies the extension condition.

[0049] If the extension condition is not satisfied (No at step S103), the controller 12 notifies the user U1 that the extension condition is not satisfied (step S104). For example, the controller 12 notifies the terminal 20 of the user U1 of a message indicating that the extension condition is not satisfied.

[0050] The message from the controller 12 to the terminal 20 may be sent via email, an SNS that allows sending and receiving messages, or a dedicated application for a sharing service installed on the terminal 20.

[0051] If the extension condition is satisfied (Yes at step S103), the controller 12 confirms with the next user whether or not the next user can delay the session (step S105). For example, the controller 12 transmits a message or a web form with a response field for whether or not the next user can delay the session to the terminal 20 of the next user.

[0052] For example, the controller 12 transmits a message when the extended usage time of the vehicle V1 of the user U1 overlaps with the usage time of the vehicle V1 of the next user as a result of extending the usage time of the vehicle V1 of the user U1. The controller 12 transmits a message to the terminal 20 associated with the user U2 to inquire whether the usage of the vehicle V2 can be delayed.

[0053] This allows the controller 12 to avoid inconsistencies such as overlapping use times among multiple users as a result of extending the use time.

[0054] If the extension of the next user is not possible (No at step S106), the controller 12 performs a discount process (step S107).

[0055] For example, when the controller 12 receives a message from the terminal 20 associated with the next user indicating that the use of the vehicle V1 is not permitted to be delayed, the controller 12 reduces the usage fee for the vehicle V1 of the user U1.

[0056] When the controller 12 receives a message from the terminal 20 associated with the next user indicating that the use of the vehicle V1 is not permitted to be delayed, the controller 12 grants the user U1 the right to reduce the usage fee when using the vehicle V1.

[0057] The right to reduce the usage fee may be referred to as a discount coupon. The controller 12 associates the discount coupon with the user U1 and stores it in the memory 13. If the user U1 requests it the next time he or she uses the sharing service, the controller 12 will cancel the discount coupon and reduce the fee.

[0058] As a result, even if the usage time cannot be extended, the controller 12 can provide a reward to the user and prevent a decrease in satisfaction.

[0059] If the extension of the next user's usage time is possible (step S106, Yes), the controller 12 extends the usage time according to the extension conditions (step S108). For example, if the controller 12 receives a message from the terminal 20 associated with the next user indicating that the use of the vehicle V1 is permitted to be delayed, the controller 12 proceeds to step S108.

[0060] Then, the controller 12 performs the discount process for the next user (step S109). That is, the controller 12 grants the discount right to the next user.

[0061] This allows the controller 12 to compensate for the damage to the next user caused by the extension of the usage time, and to avoid a decrease in satisfaction.

[0062] The controller 12 notifies the user U1 that the usage time has been extended (step S110). For example, the controller 12 notifies the user U1's terminal 20 via email, an SNS that allows sending and receiving messages, or a dedicated application for the sharing service installed on the terminal 20.

[0063] In addition, when there is no user next to the user U1 for the vehicle V1, the time extension can be freely performed for the user U1. In this case, the controller 12 does not perform the process of step S105, and determines Yes in step S106.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 7, the usage time of user U1 is extended by three hours, and the final total usage time becomes "10:00" to "19:00".

[0065] (Method of obtaining data on facility usage trails) 8 and 9, a method for the controller 12 to acquire data relating to facility usage will be described.

[0066] Fig. 8 is a diagram explaining how data is obtained from a receipt. A facility issues a receipt 51 as shown in Fig. 8. User U1 takes a photo of the received receipt 51 using the camera 24 provided on the terminal 20.

[0067] The controller 22 of the terminal 20 transmits the photographed image of the receipt 51 or information read from the image using an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) function to the server 10. The controller 22 transmits information identifying the facility (e.g., the facility ID) and the amount paid by the user U1 to the server 10.

[0068] A two-dimensional code (for example, a QR code (registered trademark)) containing necessary information may also be displayed on the receipt 51. The terminal 20 can read the two-dimensional code and transmit the contents to the server 10.

[0069] The terminal 20 can transmit data to the server 10 via an SNS or the like that allows sending and receiving emails and messages, or via a dedicated application for a sharing service that is installed on the terminal 20.

[0070] The server 10 may store in advance an email address associated with a user. In this case, when the controller 12 receives information such as an amount via email, the controller 12 can associate the received information with the user based on the email address.

[0071] The controller 12 of the server 10 acquires data of the receipt 51 issued at the facility and information identifying the user (e.g., a user ID) from the terminal 20. Based on the acquired information, the controller 12 detects the amount paid by the user at the facility. The controller 12 refers to the facility management table and extends the usage time according to the amount.

[0072] In this way, by using receipts issued in the normal course of business at the facility, information can be easily transmitted to the server 10.

[0073] The controller 12 stores in the memory 13 the number of times the usage time has been extended based on receipts for each facility and user. If the number of times the usage time has been extended based on receipts issued at the facility is equal to or less than a threshold, the controller 12 extends the usage time based on the amount of money. On the other hand, if the number of times exceeds the threshold, the controller 12 does not extend the usage time. For example, by setting the threshold to 1, the controller 12 limits the number of times a user can extend their usage time at a facility to once per day.

[0074] This prevents fraudulent use of someone else's receipt to extend the usage time.

[0075] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating a method for acquiring data using a ticket. The terminal 30 issues a ticket 52 as shown in Fig. 9. The ticket 52 may be printed on paper or displayed on a screen.

[0076] A two-dimensional code (for example, a QR code (registered trademark)) is displayed on the ticket 52. The two-dimensional code includes a facility ID, a user ID, a usage amount, etc. The terminal 20 can read the two-dimensional code and transmit the contents to the server 10.

[0077] The controller 12 acquires the information written on the ticket 52 issued at the facility in question and the information identifying the user from the terminal 20. The controller 12 refers to the facility management table and extends the usage time according to the information written on the ticket.

[0078] Furthermore, by inputting the user ID into the terminal 30 in advance at the facility, the user ID can be displayed on the receipt 51 or ticket 52. Furthermore, the user ID and the amount used by the user at the facility may be transmitted directly from the terminal 30 to the server 10 without going through the terminal 20.

[0079] In this way, by issuing a ticket at the facility, it becomes possible to transmit necessary information to the server 10.

[0080] (Effects of the embodiment) This embodiment makes it possible to improve user satisfaction with the sharing service.

[0081] Users can extend their usage time without wasting time eating or shopping at the facility, making it easier to use the facility and improving satisfaction with the sharing service itself.

[0082] Facilities can expect an increase in customers, and sharing service providers can expect an increase in customers and repeat business as a result of improved customer satisfaction.

[0083] In addition, any indirect losses incurred by the sharing service provider due to the extension of usage time may be borne by the sharing service provider or the facility.

[0084] In addition, if the facility bears the cost, for example, a portion of the amount paid by the user of the sharing service may be paid by the facility to the sharing service provider. Furthermore, during the trial period, the facility may be exempt from paying the sharing service provider.

[0085] Further advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] F1 Facilities U1, U2 users V1 vehicle 1 Management System 10 Servers 20, 30 terminals 11, 21 Communications Department 12, 22 Controller 13, 23 memory 24 Camera 25 Input / output section 51 receipt 52 tickets

Claims

1. A controller for managing the time when a user uses a vehicle is provided, The controller acquiring, from an information processing device, information indicating that a user associated with the vehicle usage time has used a target facility during the usage time; Extend the usage time based on the acquired information Management device.

2. The controller Acquiring data of a receipt issued at the target facility and information identifying the user from the information processing device; Detecting the amount paid by the user at the target facility based on the acquired information; Extending the usage time according to the amount The management device according to claim 1 .

3. The controller If the number of times the usage time has been extended according to receipts issued at the target facility is equal to or less than a threshold, extend the usage time according to the amount, and if the number of times exceeds the threshold, do not extend the usage time. The management device according to claim 2 .

4. The controller Acquires from the information processing device information written on a ticket issued at the facility and information identifying the user; Extending the usage time according to the information written on the ticket The management device according to claim 1 .

5. The controller If the extension of the vehicle usage time of a first user overlaps with the vehicle usage time of a second user, a message inquiring whether or not the vehicle usage can be delayed is transmitted to the terminal associated with the second user. The management device according to claim 1 .

6. The controller When a message indicating that the use of the vehicle is permitted to be delayed is received from the terminal associated with the second user, the vehicle use fee of the second user is reduced. The management device according to claim 5 .

7. The controller When a message indicating that the use of the vehicle is not permitted to be delayed is received from the terminal associated with the second user, the first user's fee for using the vehicle is reduced. The management device according to claim 5 .

8. The controller When a message indicating that the use of the vehicle is not permitted to be delayed is received from the terminal associated with the second user, the first user is granted the right to reduce the usage fee for using the vehicle. The management device according to claim 5 .

9. The computer that manages the time users use the vehicle acquiring, from an information processing device, information indicating that a user associated with the vehicle usage time has used a target facility during the usage time; Extend the usage time based on the acquired information A management program that executes processing.

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