Vehicle renting method and information processing device

Abstract

To achieve a sense of fairness between users while reducing the labor of a servicer in a vehicle rental service for renting a vehicle from the servicer to the user.SOLUTION: The rental method includes allocating a plurality of vehicles U1 to U4 that can be exchanged among a plurality of users U1 to U4 to a group Gr to which the plurality of users C1 to C4 belong, managing points held by each of the plurality of users U1 to U4, and determining use vehicles U1 to to be used by the plurality of users to based on the points of each of the plurality of users to. U4 C4 U1 C1 U4.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle rental method and an information processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a service providing server that provides a service that suggests rental vehicles available to users. In the service providing server, a memory unit stores user information that includes the remaining time until a predetermined period and the number of points owned by the user, and is updated each time the user uses points. A suggested vehicle determination unit determines a rental vehicle to suggest to the user based on the user information stored in the memory unit. An information output unit outputs information about the rental vehicle decided by the suggested vehicle determination unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-33440 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in a vehicle rental system such as that described in Patent Document 1, it is the servicer that provides the service that provides the vehicle to the user. Therefore, the servicer has to take the trouble of handing over the vehicle every time the vehicle is rented. If users could rent and borrow vehicles from each other, the servicer's troubles could be reduced, but this could leave users with a sense of unfairness.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a vehicle rental method and information processing device that can reduce the burden on servicers while ensuring a sense of fairness among users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A vehicle rental method according to one aspect of the present invention is executed by a computer that manages vehicles rented to users from a servicer that provides a vehicle rental service. The vehicle rental method includes assigning a plurality of vehicles that can be exchanged among a group of a plurality of users to the group, managing points held by each of the plurality of users, and determining which vehicles will be used by the plurality of users based on the points of each of the plurality of users. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the work of the servicer while ensuring a sense of fairness among users. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a vehicle rental system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the schedule management database. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the point management database. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the user terminal shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an outline of a vehicle rental service. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the exchange of vehicles between users. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0010] The configuration of a vehicle rental system 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The vehicle rental system 10 according to this embodiment is a system that manages a vehicle rental service in which vehicles are rented to users. In the vehicle rental service, the user pays a certain fee to the servicer, and the servicer rents a vehicle to the user. The user can freely use the rented vehicle for a predetermined period of time. In the vehicle rental service, the vehicle used by the user is called the "used vehicle."

[0011] The vehicle rental service is used by multiple users U1 to U4. The multiple users U1 to U4 are made up of friends, family, relatives, etc., and are classified into the same group Gr when using the vehicle rental service. In the example shown in FIG. 1, four users U1 to U4 are shown as users using the vehicle rental service, but the number of users constituting the group Gr is not limited to this. In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 1, one group Gr is shown, but the number of groups Gr handled by the vehicle rental system 10 is not limited to this. In this embodiment, a dealer 70 that sells vehicles is assumed as the servicer, but this is not limited thereto. The dealer 70 is equipped with a computer that functions as part of the vehicle rental system 10.

[0012] The vehicle rental system 10 is mainly composed of a server 20 and a user terminal 50. The server 20 and the user terminal 50 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via a network 30. The network 30 may be, for example, the Internet. The network 30 may use a mobile communication function such as 4G / LTE or 5G.

[0013] 2, the server 20 is a computer that manages the vehicles C1 to C4 used by the users U1 to U4. The server 20 includes a control device 21, a storage device 22, and a communication device .

[0014] The control device 21 is mainly composed of a CPU, memory, and an input / output interface (controller). The CPU reads various computer programs stored in the memory and executes various commands contained in the programs. By executing the programs, the CPU functions as multiple information processing circuits.

[0015] The control device 21 includes a schedule management unit 211, a points management unit 212, and a data processing unit 213 as one or more information processing circuits.

[0016] When starting to use the vehicle rental service, the schedule management unit 211 accepts registration of the vehicle (model) that each user U1 to U4 wishes to use. The schedule management unit 211 allocates four vehicles C1 to C4 to the group Gr in accordance with the wishes of each user U1 to U4. The four vehicles C1 to C4 are initially allocated in accordance with the wishes of each user U1 to U4, but can be exchanged between users U1 to U4 in the same group Gr. The schedule management unit 211 manages the schedule of the vehicles C1 to C4 allocated to the group Gr, taking into account the exchange of vehicles C1 to C4, which will be described later.

[0017] The point management unit 212 manages the points held by each of the users U1 to U4 in the group.

[0018] The data processing unit 213 determines the vehicles C1 to C4 to be used by each of the users U1 to U4 based on the points of each of the users U1 to U4. The data processing unit 213 also performs processing associated with the implementation of the vehicle rental service. For example, in response to a request from the users U1 to U4, the data processing unit 213 notifies the user terminals 50 of the users U1 to U4 of information on the points held by all the users U1 to U4 belonging to the group Gr.

[0019] The storage device 22 is a storage unit that stores various databases necessary for the vehicle rental service. The storage device 22 includes a schedule management database (schedule management DB) 220, a point management database (point management DB) 221, and a vehicle status database (vehicle status DB) 222.

[0020] 3, the schedule management DB 220 stores the schedules of vehicles C1 to C4 to be used by each of users U1 to U4. The schedule management DB 220 records the vehicles C1 to C4 to be used from today onwards for each of users U1 to U4. The information held by the schedule management DB 220 is updated by the schedule management unit 211. To avoid sudden changes in the vehicles to be used by each of users U1 to U4, the schedule management unit 211 does not accept reservation changes (requests for exchanges, described below) within one week from today, but accepts changes from reservations from the following week onwards.

[0021] 4, the point management DB 221 stores the points held by each of the users U1 to U4. The information held in the point management DB 221 is updated by the point management unit 212. In the vehicle rental service, points are added to or subtracted from the users U1 to U4 in response to various events. The point management unit 212 manages the points of the users U1 to U4 in response to various events.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle status DB 222 stores the vehicle status of each of the vehicles C1 to C4 in use. The vehicle status includes the total mileage, the mileage per month, and the status of maintenance. If the vehicles C1 to C4 are electric vehicles, the vehicle status also includes the number of times they are charged per month and the battery's state of health (SOH). The information held in the vehicle status DB 222 is updated by the data processing unit 213. The data processing unit 213 can acquire the vehicle status of each of the vehicles C1 to C4 in use by periodically communicating with the vehicles C1 to C4 in use and with the dealer 70 (a computer provided in the dealer 70).

[0023] The communication device 23 communicates between the user terminal 50 and the dealer 70. The communication device 23 receives predetermined data from the user terminal 50 and transmits predetermined data to the user terminal 50. For example, the communication device 23 may be a device having a mobile communication function such as 4G / LTE or 5G, or may be a device having a Wi-Fi communication function.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 5, the user terminal 50 is a device used by each of the users U1 to U4. The user terminal 50 is an information terminal such as a smartphone or a personal digital assistant (PDA) used by the users U1 to U4. The user terminal 50 may also be an IVI (in-vehicle infotainment) system installed in the vehicles C1 to C4 to be used. By using the user terminal 50, each of the users U1 to U4 can enjoy various services provided by the vehicle rental service.

[0025] The user terminal 50 includes a control device 51, an input device 52, a display device 53, and a communication device .

[0026] The control device 51 can be a microcomputer mainly composed of a CPU, memory, and input / output interface. An application program for using the vehicle rental service is installed in the memory. By executing the application program, the control device 51 can use the services provided by the vehicle rental service.

[0027] The control device 51 includes a request processing unit 511 as one or more information processing circuits.

[0028] The request processing unit 511 performs various processes in response to operations of the users U1 to U4 on the user terminal 50. For example, the request processing unit 511 can access the server 20 to make a request to exchange vehicles with other users U1 to U4 in the group Gr. The request processing unit 511 can access the server 20 to request viewing of points held by each user U1 to U4 in the group Gr. Furthermore, when the request processing unit 511 receives information transmitted from the server 20, it displays the information on the display device 53.

[0029] The input device 52 is a device for performing input operations. The display device 53 is controlled by the request processing unit 511 and displays necessary information. For example, the input device 52 can be a touch panel that allows input operations to be performed in accordance with information displayed on the display device 53.

[0030] The communication device 54 communicates with the server 20. The communication device 54 receives predetermined data from the server 20 and transmits predetermined data to the server 20. For example, the communication device 54 may be a device equipped with a mobile communication function such as 4G / LTE or 5G, or may be a device equipped with a Wi-Fi communication function.

[0031] An overview of the vehicle rental service provided in the vehicle rental system 10 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 6. In this vehicle rental service, points are awarded to users U1 to U4 who (a) perform an action that contributes to the maintenance of vehicles C1 to C4 in use, or (b) perform an action that contributes to the vehicle rental service or contributes to reducing the burden on the dealer 70.

[0032] "An act of contributing to the maintenance of the vehicles C1 to C4" refers to an act of contributing to the long life of the vehicles C1 to C4, and an example is an act of replacing or inspecting parts of the vehicles C1 to C4. Below, the act of replacing or inspecting parts of the vehicle C1 will be explained using the first user U1 as an example.

[0033] The first user U1 of the vehicle C1 operates the user terminal 50 to send a transmission request for information regarding the vehicle status of the vehicle C1 to the server 20. When the server 20 receives the transmission request, it obtains the vehicle status of the vehicle C1, which is the target of the transmission request, from the vehicle status DB 222. The server 20 transmits the information regarding the vehicle status of the vehicle C1 to the user terminal 50 of the first user U1. The user terminal 50, which has received the information, displays the information regarding the vehicle status of the vehicle C1 on the display device 53. By referring to the information regarding the vehicle status of the vehicle C1 displayed on the display device 53, the first user U1 can understand whether an inspection has been performed, the history of part replacement, etc. When the first user U1 operates the user terminal 50 to agree to the part replacement or inspection of the vehicle C1, a notification that the first user U1 has agreed is transmitted from the user terminal 50 to the server 20. When the server 20 receives the notification of acceptance from the first user U1, the server 20 records in the point management DB 221 that the first condition for awarding points has been met.

[0034] When the first user U1 brings the vehicle C1 to the dealer 70's store (service center), a staff member at the dealer 70 replaces or inspects the vehicle C1. After the part replacement or inspection is completed, the first user U1 operates the user terminal 50 to display a two-dimensional code on the display device 53. The two-dimensional code is read by the dealer 70's computer, which then associates work information, such as the work content and work date, with the vehicle C1 and transmits it to the server 20. Upon receiving the work information, the server 20 records the work information about the vehicle C1 in the vehicle status DB 222 and determines that the second condition for point awarding has been met. The server 20 references the point management DB 221 and, upon confirming that the first condition for point awarding has already been recorded, determines that both the first and second conditions have been met. The server 20 adds a predetermined number of points to the first user U1, provided that both the first and second conditions have been met, and updates the point management DB 221. As described above, points are added to the first user U1 by replacing or inspecting parts of the vehicle C1, which encourages the first user U1 to voluntarily replace or inspect parts of the vehicle C1.

[0035] The above description assumes that the first user U1 independently performs a part replacement or inspection of the vehicle C1. However, the server 20 may also inform the first user U1 of the need to bring the vehicle C1 to the dealership 70. For example, the server 20 references the vehicle condition DB 222 to determine whether the vehicle C1 requires a part replacement or inspection. The determination of whether the vehicle C1 requires a part replacement or inspection is based on the total mileage of the vehicle C1, whether a part has been replaced in the past, the time elapsed since the previous part replacement, the time elapsed since the previous inspection, the legal inspection period, and the like. If it is determined that a part replacement or inspection is necessary, the server 20 transmits warehousing information to the user terminal 50 of the first user U1, instructing the first user U1 to bring the vehicle C1 to the dealership 70. The user terminal 50, upon receiving the information, displays the warehousing information on the display device 53. The first user U1 can understand that the vehicle C1 requires warehousing by referring to the warehousing information displayed on the display device 53. When the first user U1 operates the user terminal 50 to store the vehicle C1, a notification that the first user U1 has agreed to store the vehicle is sent from the user terminal 50 to the server 20. Upon receiving the notice of agreement from the first user U1, the server 20 records in the point management DB 221 that the first condition for awarding points has been met. Then, when the first user U1 brings the vehicle C1 to the dealer 70 and performs the specified work, points are added to the first user U1 as described above.

[0036] "An act of contributing to the maintenance of vehicles C1 to C4" includes the act of exchanging vehicle C1 for a vehicle that is used less frequently among other vehicles C2 to C4 in group Gr. By exchanging vehicles C1 to C4, the frequency of use of vehicles C1 to C4 in group Gr is equalized, and therefore this is an act of contributing to the maintenance of vehicles C1 to C4.

[0037] For example, the first user U1 can voluntarily request the exchange of the vehicles C1 to C4 with other users U2 to U4 in the group Gr in order to maintain the vehicle C1. Specifically, the first user U1 operates the user terminal 50 to send a transmission request for information regarding the vehicle status of the other vehicles C2 to C4 to the server 20. Upon receiving the transmission request, the server 20 acquires the vehicle status of the vehicles C2 to C4 that are the subject of the transmission request from the vehicle status DB 222. The server 20 transmits the information regarding the vehicle status of the vehicles C2 to C4 to the user terminal 50 of the first user U1. The user terminal 50 that has received the information displays the information regarding the vehicle status of the vehicles C2 to C4 on the display device 53. The first user U1 can identify the vehicle C2 to C4 that he wishes to exchange with by referring to the information regarding the vehicle status of the vehicles C2 to C4 displayed on the display device 53 (for example, the vehicle C2 of the second user U2).

[0038] Alternatively, the server 20 may advise the first user U1 to exchange their vehicle for another vehicle C2 to C4 in the group Gr. Specifically, the server 20 refers to the vehicle status DB 222 to identify a vehicle that is used less frequently than the vehicle C1 (e.g., the vehicle C2 of the second user U2). The frequency of use is determined based on the total mileage, mileage per month, number of charges per month, battery state of health (SOH), etc. The server 20 transmits exchange guidance information to the user terminal 50 of the first user U1, informing the user of the exchange for the vehicle C2 used by the second user U2. The user terminal 50, having received the information, displays the exchange guidance information on the display device 53. The first user U1 can identify the vehicle C2 to be exchanged by referring to the exchange guidance information displayed on the display device 53.

[0039] A first user U1 of the vehicle C1 operates the user terminal 50 to send an exchange request for the vehicles C1 and C2 to a second user U2 via the server 20. Upon receiving the exchange request for the vehicles C1 and C2, the user terminal 50 of the second user U2 displays the exchange request from the first user U1 on the display device 53. When the second user U2 operates the user terminal 50 to accept the exchange request, a notification that the exchange has been accepted is sent from the user terminal 50 of the second user U2 to the user terminal 50 of the first user U1 via the server 20. Upon determining that the second user U2 has accepted the exchange, the server 20 records in the point management DB 221 that the first condition for awarding points has been met.

[0040] When the first and second users U1 and U2 exchange the vehicles C1 and C2, they operate the user terminal 50 to send information to the server 20 indicating that the exchange of the vehicles C1 and C2 has been completed. Upon receiving the information indicating the completion of the exchange of the vehicles C1 and C2, the server 20 determines that the second condition for point awarding has been met. The server 20 references the point management DB 221 and, upon confirming that the first condition for point awarding has already been recorded, determines that both the first and second conditions have been met. The server 20 adds a predetermined number of points to the second user U2 who agreed to the exchange of the vehicle C2, provided that both the first and second conditions have been met, and updates the point management DB 221. As described above, points are added to the second user U2 who agreed to the exchange of the vehicle C2 by contributing to the maintenance of the vehicle C1.

[0041] In the above description, the vehicles C2 to C4 of other users U2 to U4 belonging to the same group Gr are used as the vehicle for which the second user U1 can exchange his / her vehicle C1. However, the vehicle for which the user U1 can exchange his / her vehicle C1 may also be a vehicle owned by the dealer 70. In this case, the server 20 may guide the first user U1 to exchange his / her vehicle for a vehicle that suits his / her preferences and to bring the vehicle C1 into the dealer's 70 store, based on information about the preferences of the first user U1. The flow of awarding points for bringing the vehicle C1 into the dealer's 70 store is as described above.

[0042] Next, "an act that contributes to the vehicle rental service" refers to an act that provides benefits to users U1 to U4 who use the vehicle rental service by using the service. Furthermore, "an act that contributes to reducing the burden on dealer 70" refers to an act that reduces the burden on dealer 70 in providing the vehicle rental service. Specifically, this refers to an act of exchanging vehicles C1 to C4 between users, or exchanging for a vehicle owned by dealer 70. The concept of adding points when exchanging vehicles C1 to C4 is as described above.

[0043] 7, the flow of exchanging vehicles C1 to C4 in the vehicle rental system 10 will be described. In the following description, it is assumed that a first user U1 requests a second user U2 to exchange vehicles C1 and C2. A user other than the first and second users U1 and U2 is referred to as a third user U3.

[0044] First, the first user U1 of the vehicle C1 operates the user terminal 50 to send a request to exchange the vehicles C1 and C2 to the user terminal 50 of the second user U2 via the server 20 (S10). A predetermined period can be specified in this exchange request. The server 20 determines whether the second user U2 has accepted the exchange request (S11). If the second user U2 does not accept the exchange request, the server 20 does not receive a notification that the second user U2 has accepted the exchange. In this case, the server 20 determines that the second user U2 has not accepted the exchange request (S11: No). The server 20 then sends a vehicle allocation request to the computer of the dealer 70 for a vehicle of the same model as the vehicle C2 of the second user U2 (S12). The dealer 70 then allocates the requested vehicle to the first user (S13). When the exchange of the used vehicle C1 with the requested vehicle dispatched from the dealer 70 is completed, the computer of the dealer 70 transmits information indicating that the exchange with the requested vehicle has been completed to the server 20. When the server 20 determines that the exchange with the requested vehicle has been completed, it subtracts a predetermined number of points (for example, 10 points) from the first user U1 and updates the point management DB 221.

[0045] When the second user U2 performs an operation on the user terminal 50 to accept the exchange request, the server 20 receives a notification from the user terminal 50 of the second user U2 that the second user U2 has accepted the exchange request. As a result, the server 20 determines that the second user U2 has accepted the exchange request (S11: YES (first condition is met)).

[0046] Next, the server 20 determines whether there is an overlap with the third user U3, i.e., whether the first and third users U1 and U3 have made duplicate exchange requests to the second user U2 (S15). If there is no overlap with the third user U3 (S15: NO), the server 20 transmits a notification to the user terminals 50 of the first and second users U1 and U2 informing them of the exchange of the vehicles C1 and C2 (S16). Once the first and second users U1 and U2 have exchanged the vehicles C1 and C2, the first and second users U1 and U2 operate their user terminals 50 to transmit information to the server 20 indicating that the exchange of the vehicles C1 and C2 has been completed. The server 20 receives information about the exchange of the vehicles C1 and C2 from the user terminals 50 of the first and second users U1 and U2 (determines whether the second condition is met). The server 20 adds a predetermined point (1 point) to the second user U2 who has agreed to the exchange of the vehicle C2, and then updates the point management DB221.

[0047] If there is an overlap with the third user U3 (S15: YES), the server 20 determines whether the points held by the first user U1 are higher than the points held by the third user U3 (S19). If the points held by the first user U1 are lower than the points held by the third user U3 (S19: NO), the server 20 transmits a vehicle dispatch request for a vehicle of the same model as the used vehicle C2 of the second user U2 to the computer of the dealer 70 (S20). The dealer 70 dispatches the requested vehicle to the first user U1 (S21). When the exchange of the used vehicle C1 for the requested vehicle of the dealer 70 is completed, the computer of the dealer 70 transmits information to the server 20 indicating that the exchange with the requested vehicle has been completed. The server 20 subtracts a predetermined number of points (e.g., 10 points) from the first user U1, on the condition that the exchange with the requested vehicle has been completed, and updates the point management DB 221.

[0048] If the points held by the first user U1 are higher than the points held by the second user U2 (S19: YES), the server 20 transmits a notification to the user terminals 50 of the first and second users U1 and U2 informing them of the exchange of the vehicles C1 and C2 (S23). After the first and second users U1 and U2 exchange the vehicles C1 and C2, the first and second users U1 and U2 operate the user terminals 50 to transmit information to the server 20 indicating that the exchange of the vehicles C1 and C2 has been completed. The server 20 receives information about the exchange of the vehicles C1 and C2 from the user terminals 50 of the first and second users U1 and U2 (determines that the second condition is met). The server 20 adds a predetermined number of points (1 pt) to the second user U2 who agreed to the exchange of the vehicle C2, and updates the point management DB 221. The server 20 also subtracts a predetermined number of points (5 points) from the first user U1 who has requested the exchange, and updates the point management DB 221.

[0049] Through this series of processes, the vehicles C1 and C2 are exchanged between the first and second users U1 and U2.

[0050] Thus, the vehicle rental method of this embodiment includes allocating multiple vehicles C1 to C4 that can be exchanged between users to a group Gr to which multiple users U1 to U4 belong, managing the points held by each of the multiple users U1 to U4, and determining the vehicles to be used by the multiple users U1 to U4 based on the points of each of the multiple users U1 to U4.

[0051] According to this method, users U1 to U4 can exchange their own vehicles C1 to C4 with vehicles C1 to C4 in the same group Gr. This allows them to use the desired vehicles (models) C1 to C4 depending on the use case, such as weekdays or weekends. Furthermore, the vehicles used by users U1 to U4 are determined based on their points, allowing for smooth vehicle exchanges between users. This reduces the burden on dealer 70 associated with vehicle exchanges. In addition, since the vehicles to be used are determined based on the points held by users U1 to U4, it is possible to reduce any sense of unfairness between users. In this way, it is possible to ensure a sense of fairness among users U1 to U4 while reducing the burden on dealer 70.

[0052] The vehicle rental method according to this embodiment includes adding points to the users U1 to U4 of the vehicles C1 to C4 when maintenance is performed on the vehicles C1 to C4. This method encourages the users to proactively perform maintenance on the vehicles C1 to C4. This allows the vehicles C1 to C4 to have a longer life, thereby improving the vehicle operation efficiency of the dealer 70.

[0053] The vehicle rental method according to this embodiment includes sending a notification to users U1-U4 to encourage maintenance of their vehicles C1-C4. Specifically, the notification includes information informing users U1-U4 of the arrival of their vehicles C1-C4 at the dealer's store. This method encourages users U1-U4 to bring their vehicles C1-C4 to the dealer's store, allowing them to replace parts or perform inspections on their vehicle C1. Alternatively, the notification includes information informing users of the exchange of their vehicles C1-C4 with vehicles owned by the dealer, or of the exchange of their vehicles C1-C4 between users within a group Gr. This method contributes to the maintenance of their vehicles C1-C4 by equalizing the frequency of use of their vehicles C1-C4 within the group Gr through the exchange of their vehicles.

[0054] The vehicle rental method according to this embodiment includes adding points to users who perform maintenance on their vehicles C1 to C4 in accordance with the notification. According to this method, points are awarded to users U1 to U4 who have contributed to the maintenance of their vehicles C1 to C4, which can actively encourage maintenance of their vehicles C1 to C4.

[0055] In the vehicle rental method according to this embodiment, when a second user U2 accepts an offer from a first user U1 to exchange their vehicle C1 for a vehicle C2, points are awarded to the second user U2. This method actively encourages the second user U2 to exchange their vehicle C2, since points are awarded to the second user U2 who has exchanged their vehicle C2. Furthermore, since points are awarded to the second user U2 who has exchanged their vehicle C2, it is possible to reduce the sense of unfairness felt by the second user U2 when their vehicle C2 is exchanged.

[0056] In the vehicle rental method according to this embodiment, when a request for exchanging vehicles C1 and C3 is received from first and third users U1 and U3 to second user U2, the first or third user U1 or U3 with the higher points is invited to exchange the vehicle C2 with second user U2. Meanwhile, the first or third user U1 or U3 with the lower points is invited to exchange the vehicle C2 with a vehicle owned by the dealer 70. According to this method, when there are multiple vehicle exchange requests, the user to be exchanged is determined based on points, allowing for smooth vehicle exchanges between users. This reduces the burden on the dealer 70 associated with vehicle exchanges. Additionally, since the vehicle to be used is determined based on the points owned by users U1 to U4, a sense of unfairness among users can be alleviated.

[0057] The vehicle rental method according to this embodiment includes deducting first points from a user who exchanges a vehicle C1 with a second user U2, and deducting second points, which are greater than the first points, from a user who exchanges a vehicle owned by a dealer 70. According to this method, vehicle exchanges within a group Gr are given great value, and vehicle exchanges within the group Gr can be actively encouraged.

[0058] The vehicle rental method according to this embodiment includes notifying, upon request from a user, information on points held by all users belonging to a group Gr. This method allows users U1 to U4 to grasp the points of other users U1 to U4 in the group Gr. This allows them to predict whether a vehicle exchange will be realized, allowing for strategic vehicle exchange.

[0059] The vehicle exchange method described above can be modified in various ways. For example, in the process of step S11, the server 20 determines whether the second user U2 has accepted the exchange request. However, the second user U2's consent may be required only if the points held by the first user U1 are lower than the points held by the second user U2. In other words, if the points held by the first user U1 are higher than the points held by the second user U2, the server 20 may transmit a notification to the user terminals 50 of the first and second users U1 and U2 informing them of the exchange of the vehicles C1 and C2 to be used without obtaining the second user U2's consent.

[0060] In this way, the vehicle rental method of this embodiment may include, when a request is made to exchange a vehicle C1 used by a first user U1 with a vehicle C2 used by a second user U2, determining whether or not to exchange the vehicles C1 and C2 based on the points of the first and second users U1 and U2.

[0061] According to this method, whether or not users can exchange their vehicles C1 and C2 is determined based on points, allowing users to smoothly exchange vehicles. This reduces the burden on the dealer 70 associated with vehicle exchanges. In addition, since the vehicle to be used is determined based on the points held by users U1 to U4, it is possible to reduce the sense of unfairness among users. In this way, it is possible to ensure a sense of fairness among users U1 to U4 while reducing the burden on the dealer 70.

[0062] In addition, in this embodiment, the use of points when exchanging vehicles has been described. For example, the vehicle rental service may periodically change the allocation of vehicles C1 to C4 to be used within the group Gr. In this case, when allocating vehicles C1 to C4 to be used, the server 20 may allocate the desired vehicles C1 to C4 to the users U1 to U4 in order of the users U1 to U4 having the highest points within the group Gr. In this way, the server 20 may determine the vehicles to be used by the multiple users U1 to U4 based on the points of each of the multiple users U1 to U4.

[0063] As described above, the server 20 (information processing device) that executes the information processing method according to this embodiment and the computer program that operates the server 20 also function as part of the present invention. Also, the vehicle rental system including the server 20 and the user terminal 50 also functions as part of the present invention. The server 20, the computer program, and the vehicle rental system can also achieve the effects described above.

[0064] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the descriptions and drawings that form part of this disclosure should not be understood to limit the present invention. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and operating techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 10 Vehicle rental system 20 Server (information processing device) 21 Control device (controller) 22 Storage device 23 Communication equipment 50 User Terminals 51 Control device (controller) 52 Input Device 53 Display device 54 Communication equipment

Claims

1. A vehicle rental method executed by a computer that manages vehicles rented to users from a servicer that performs a vehicle rental service, comprising: Allocating a plurality of vehicles that can be exchanged between a plurality of users to a group to which the users belong, Manage points held by each of the plurality of users; determining a vehicle to be used by the plurality of users based on the points of each of the plurality of users; A vehicle rental method including:

2. the plurality of users includes a first user and a second user; When there is a request to exchange the vehicle used by the first user with the vehicle used by the second user, determining whether or not to exchange the vehicles based on the points of the first and second users. The vehicle rental method according to claim 1.

3. When maintenance is performed on the vehicle, points are added to the user of the vehicle. The vehicle rental method according to claim 1.

4. Sending a notification to the user of the vehicle to prompt maintenance of the vehicle; The vehicle rental method according to claim 1.

5. The notification includes information informing the servicer of the arrival of the vehicle at the servicer's store. The vehicle rental method according to claim 4.

6. The notification includes details of the exchange of the vehicle to be used with a vehicle owned by the servicer, or details of the exchange of the vehicle to be used with a vehicle to be used by another user in the group. The vehicle rental method according to claim 4.

7. adding points to a user who has performed maintenance on the vehicle in accordance with the notification; The vehicle rental method according to any one of claims 4 to 6.

8. the plurality of users includes a first user and a second user; When the second user agrees to the exchange of the vehicle in response to the offer of the exchange of the vehicle from the first user, points are added to the second user. The vehicle rental method according to claim 1.

9. the plurality of users further includes a third user; When both the first and third users request an exchange of vehicles to the second user, informing the one of the first and third users with the higher points of exchanging the vehicle with the second user; informing the first or third user, whoever has the lower points, of an exchange for a vehicle owned by the servicer; The vehicle rental method according to claim 8.

10. subtracting first points from the user who exchanged the vehicle for the second user; subtracting second points, which are greater than the first points, from the user who exchanged the vehicle for a vehicle owned by the servicer; The vehicle rental method according to claim 9.

11. notifying the user of information on points held by all users belonging to the group in response to a request from the user; The vehicle rental method according to claim 1.

12. An information processing device that manages vehicles rented to users from a servicer that provides a vehicle rental service, a storage device for recording points held by multiple users belonging to the same group; a controller; The controller Allocating a plurality of vehicles to the group that can be exchanged between the users; updating information in the storage device and managing points held by each of the plurality of users; determining a vehicle to be used by the plurality of users based on the points of each of the plurality of users; An information processing device that performs the above.

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