Equipment management device, equipment management system, equipment management method and program

Abstract

This allows for more efficient management of equipment involved with site managers, workers, and rental companies, both inside and outside the work site. [Solution] The system includes a storage unit that stores equipment information for multiple rental devices, site information for multiple sites, and reservation information for multiple rental devices; a processing unit that receives an order for rental devices to be used at a first site from the equipment manager of the first site, places an order with the rental company, receives an instruction from the equipment manager to accept the rental devices at the first site along with identification information of the rental devices, registers the rental devices as inventory in the site information of the first site; and receives a reservation from an equipment user participating in the first site for the rental devices registered as inventory in the site information of the first site, and registers the reservation information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an equipment management device, an equipment management system, an equipment management method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] At work sites such as large-scale construction projects, a large number of devices are operated over a long period of time and used by a large number of personnel. Currently, the management of these devices relies heavily on manual labor, increasing the burden on managers who oversee the site (such as the main contractor of a construction project).

[0003] In addition, equipment management operations cover a wide range of areas, such as operations for equipment rental companies (equipment borrowing, return, etc.), operations for equipment operators (equipment reservation management, lending, etc.), and operations for equipment (maintenance, repair, etc.). Manual work is time-consuming. At the same time, not only managers but also each person in charge at cooperating companies for on-site work who make reservations for the equipment to be used and conduct pre-operation inspections of the equipment, and each person in charge at rental companies who manage equipment inventory, etc. are also under load.

[0004] Note that Patent Document 1 describes a system for improving the delivery efficiency of construction equipment and materials.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Since the types and quantities of equipment used at large-scale construction sites are enormous, there is a demand to manage them more efficiently and reduce the labor of those involved with the equipment.

[0007] While Patent Document 1 describes a system that improves the efficiency of delivery of construction equipment and materials, it does not consider reducing human labor by efficiently managing the equipment. Therefore, it is considered difficult for the technology in Patent Document 1 to solve the above-mentioned problem of reducing human labor through efficient equipment management.

[0008] This invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to more efficiently manage equipment involving site managers, workers, and rental companies, both inside and outside the work site. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention includes several means for solving at least part of the above problems, but an example thereof is as follows. An equipment management device according to one aspect of the present invention that solves the above problems includes a storage unit that stores equipment information relating to a plurality of rental equipment, site information relating to a plurality of sites, and reservation information relating to a plurality of rental equipment; a processing unit that receives an order for rental equipment to be used at a first site from an equipment manager at a first site, places an order with a rental company, receives an instruction from the equipment manager to accept the rental equipment at the first site along with identification information of the rental equipment, registers the rental equipment as inventory in the site information of the first site, and receives a reservation from an equipment user participating in the first site for the rental equipment registered as inventory in the site information of the first site, and registers the reservation information.

[0010] Furthermore, when the processing unit receives an instruction from the equipment manager to allocate the rental equipment to the equipment users participating in the first site, it may register the rental equipment as inventory in the site information of the first site, and also register reservation information regarding the rental equipment.

[0011] Furthermore, the rental equipment may be equipped with a power supply control device that controls the supply of power. When the processing unit receives a start-up instruction from the user's terminal device along with the identification information of the rental equipment, it may obtain key information used for wireless connection with the power supply control device associated with the identification information of the rental equipment from the equipment information and transmit it to the terminal device.

[0012] Furthermore, when the processing unit receives a usage termination instruction along with the identification information of the rental equipment from the terminal device of the equipment user, it may obtain the key information associated with the identification information of the rental equipment from the equipment information and transmit it to the terminal device.

[0013] Furthermore, the processing unit may receive a shared reservation from the equipment manager for the rental equipment registered in the site information of the first site, allowing use by an unspecified equipment user, and the processing unit may also receive a start instruction from the terminal device of an unspecified equipment user, along with the identification information of the rental equipment.

[0014] Furthermore, when the processing unit receives a request from the equipment user for additional rental equipment, it may notify the equipment administrator.

[0015] Furthermore, the processing unit may receive a repair request from the equipment user along with the identification information of the rental equipment, register the repair information and notify the equipment administrator, record a completion status in the repair information when the equipment administrator reports the completion of the response to the repair request, and notify the rental company when the equipment administrator requests the rental company to respond to the repair request, and record a completion status in the repair information when the rental company reports the completion of the response to the repair request.

[0016] Furthermore, the processing unit may, before the user of the equipment uses the rental equipment, display inspection items corresponding to the rental equipment on the user's terminal device, and, upon obtaining inspection results related to the inspection items from the user, register inspection information that associates the rental equipment and the first site where the rental equipment is used with the inspection results.

[0017] Furthermore, when the processing unit receives a request from the equipment user to display the operating status of the rental equipment at the first site, it may identify the operating status of the rental equipment at the first site based on the reservation information and the repair information, and display it on the equipment user's terminal device.

[0018] Furthermore, an equipment management system according to another embodiment of the present invention is an equipment management system comprising: an equipment management device; a terminal device for an equipment manager; and a terminal device for an equipment user, wherein the equipment management device includes: a storage unit that stores equipment information relating to a plurality of rental equipment; site information relating to a plurality of sites; and reservation information relating to a plurality of rental equipment; and a processing unit that receives an order for rental equipment to be used at a first site from the terminal device of the equipment manager at the first site, places an order with the rental company, receives an instruction to accept the rental equipment at the first site along with identification information of the rental equipment from the terminal device of the equipment manager, registers the rental equipment as inventory in the site information of the first site, and receives a reservation for the rental equipment registered as inventory in the site information of the first site from the terminal device of an equipment user participating in the first site, and registers the reservation information.

[0019] Furthermore, another embodiment of the present invention relates to a device management method performed by a device management device, the device management device stores device information relating to a plurality of rental devices, site information relating to a plurality of sites, and reservation information relating to a plurality of rental devices, and performs the steps of: receiving an order for rental devices to be used at the first site from the device manager of the first site and placing an order with the rental company; receiving an instruction from the device manager to accept the rental devices at the first site along with identification information of the rental devices and registering the rental devices as inventory in the site information of the first site; and receiving a reservation from a device user participating in the first site for the rental devices registered as inventory in the site information of the first site and registering the reservation information.

[0020] Furthermore, a program according to another embodiment of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to function as an equipment management device, wherein the computer functions as a storage unit that stores equipment information relating to a plurality of rental equipment, site information relating to a plurality of sites, and reservation information relating to a plurality of rental equipment; a processing unit that receives an order for rental equipment to be used at a first site from the equipment manager of a first site, places an order with the rental company, receives an instruction from the equipment manager to accept the rental equipment at the first site along with identification information of the rental equipment, registers the rental equipment as inventory in the site information of the first site, and receives a reservation from an equipment user participating in the first site for the rental equipment registered as inventory in the site information of the first site, and registers the reservation information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the present invention, the management of equipment involving site managers, workers, and rental companies can be made more efficient, both inside and outside the work site.

[0022] Other issues, configurations, and effects not mentioned above will be clarified by the following description of the embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0023] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the equipment management system. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the equipment management device. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing an example of the detailed content of each piece of information in the storage unit. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing an example of the detailed content of each piece of information in the storage unit. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration when the terminal device is a PC or a tablet terminal. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration when the terminal device is a smartphone or a tablet terminal. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration when the terminal device is a smartphone or a tablet terminal. [Figure 8] This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the power supply control device. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing the details of the circuit configuration of the power supply control circuit corresponding to Input / Output 1 - 4 in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] This is a diagram showing the details of the circuit configuration corresponding to Input / Output 5 and 6 in FIG. 8. [Figure 11] This is a diagram showing an example of the on - site creation process. [Figure 12] FIG. 12(a) shows an example of the process when the applicant is an employee of the prime contractor company or a supervisor of a cooperating company. FIG. 12(b) shows an example of the process when the applicant is a worker of a cooperating company. FIG. 12(c) shows an example of the process when the applicant is an employee of the rental company. [Figure 13] This is a diagram showing an example of the ordering / accepting process of rental equipment. [Figure 14] This is a diagram showing an example of the receiving / allocation process. [Figure 15] This is a diagram showing an example of the reservation process of rental equipment. [Figure 16] This is a diagram showing an example of the start - of - use process of rental equipment. [Figure 17] This diagram shows an example of the process for ending the use of rental equipment. [Figure 18] This diagram shows an example of repair-related processing. [Figure 19] This diagram shows an example of the process for returning rental equipment. [Figure 20] This diagram shows an example of the hardware configuration of an equipment management device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0025] <Overall configuration of the device management system 1000> Figure 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of the equipment management system 1000. The equipment management system 1000 is a system designed to support the efficient management of rental equipment (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "equipment") 200 used at construction sites and other locations, both inside and outside the work site. Specifically, the equipment management system 1000 performs various management processes to efficiently manage equipment 200, such as ordering management, inventory management, reservation management, key management, location information management, inspection management, and repair management, among various companies including general contractors for construction work, subcontractors for on-site work, and rental companies.

[0026] In this embodiment, an example of the equipment 200 is a vehicle capable of self-propulsion using an engine or motor as a power source, such as an aerial work platform. Therefore, transport vehicles and forklifts used at construction sites, as well as other vehicles and devices other than vehicles powered by engines or motors, are also included in the scope of equipment 200.

[0027] The equipment management system 1000 acquires information from terminal devices 400 used by users of each company via network N (for example, a communication network such as the Internet, LAN (Local Area Network), or WAN (Wide Area Network)) and performs various management-related processing. Specifically, the equipment management system 1000 receives various information about the equipment 200 from each terminal device 400 used by managers and employees of general contractors undertaking construction work (hereinafter sometimes referred to as general contractor users), foremen and workers of subcontractors performing on-site work (hereinafter sometimes referred to as subcontractor users), employees of equipment rental companies (hereinafter sometimes referred to as rental company users), and employees of the system operating company (hereinafter sometimes referred to as operating company users), and performs processing related to the management of the equipment 200.

[0028] Furthermore, multiple prime contractors, subcontractors, and rental companies can participate in (connect to) the equipment management system 1000, and services related to the management of equipment 200 are provided to each company through mutual communication between the equipment management device 100 and each terminal device 400 used by users of each prime contractor, subcontractor, and rental company. The number of users and terminal devices 400 belonging to each prime contractor, subcontractor, and rental company may be one or more per company.

[0029] <Functional configuration of the equipment management device 100> The equipment management device 100 is a device that supports the efficient management of rental equipment 200, and is, for example, a computer such as a cloud server.

[0030] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the equipment management device 100. As shown in the figure, the equipment management device 100 includes a storage unit 110, a processing unit 120, and a communication unit 130.

[0031] The storage unit 110 is a functional unit that stores various types of information used in the processing performed by the equipment management device 100. Specifically, the storage unit 110 contains company information 111, user information 112, equipment information 113, site information 114, additional request information 115, reservation information 116, inspection information 117, repair information 118, and return information 119.

[0032] Figures 3 and 4 are diagrams showing an example of the detailed contents of each piece of information in the storage unit 110. As shown in the diagrams, the company information 111 includes a company ID, basic data, and a type. The company ID is identification information for the prime contractor, subcontractors, and rental companies. The basic data is information such as the name, address, and contact information (e.g., telephone number and the telephone number of the contact person) of each company identified by the company ID. The type is information that identifies the type of each company, i.e., a prime contractor, a subcontractor (or a group of these collectively called on-site personnel), or a rental company.

[0033] User information 112 is information about individuals (users) belonging to each company. Specifically, user information 112 includes a user ID, a company ID, basic data, and authentication data. The user ID is the identification information for each user. The company ID is the identification information for the company to which the user belongs, i.e., the main contractor, cooperating companies, and rental companies, and corresponds to the company ID in company information 111. Basic data includes information such as the user's name, contact information (e.g., the phone number and email address of the smartphone or mobile phone owned by the user), and position (e.g., administrator, employee without a managerial position, foreman, worker without a managerial position). Authentication data is information required when a user logs in to the management screen for using the services provided by the equipment management system 1000, and consists of an account (e.g., user ID) and password that are pre-assigned to each user.

[0034] Equipment information 113 is information about equipment 200 rented to construction sites, etc. Specifically, equipment information 113 includes equipment ID, company ID, equipment number, status, basic data, MAC address, and site ID. Equipment ID is the identification information for each piece of equipment 200 being rented. Company ID is the identification information of the rental company that owns the equipment and corresponds to the company ID in company information 111. Equipment number is the identification information assigned to each piece of equipment 200, for example, the license plate number. Status is information indicating the state (status) of each piece of equipment 200, such as in stock, scheduled for dispatch, or in operation at the site. Usage period is information indicating the planned usage period accepted at the time of order for equipment 200 that has been ordered for rental. Basic data is information regarding the type of equipment 200 (for example, aerial work platform, transport vehicle, or forklift) and the specifications of equipment 200. The MAC address is the MAC address of the communication module (for example, a communication module for short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth®) installed in the power control device 300 implemented in the device 200. The site ID is identification information of the work site where the device 200 is used, and corresponds to the site ID in the site information 114 described later.

[0035] Site information 114 is information about the work site where the equipment 200 is used, such as a construction site. Specifically, site information 114 includes a site ID, a company ID, basic data, site equipment data, and site user data. The site ID is identification information for the work site, such as **work site in front of the station** or **work site in a building**, and is assigned on a site-by-site basis. The company ID is identification information for the general contractor that manages each work site, and corresponds to the company ID in company information 111. The basic data is information such as the address, area, and number of floors of the work site. The site equipment data is information about the equipment 200 that has been received at the work site, such as the equipment ID, usage period (rental period for equipment 200), and storage location (information indicating which section or floor within the work site it is located in). The site user data is information about the managers, employees, foremen, and workers of the general contractor, subcontractor, or rental company who are allowed to enter the work site, such as the user ID and type (type of company to which the user belongs).

[0036] Additional request information 115 is information regarding additional requests made when a foreman or other person from a cooperating company requests an additional order for rental equipment 200 as needed. Specifically, additional request information 115 includes equipment ID, usage period, cooperating company ID, site ID, and foreman's user ID. The equipment ID is the identification information of the equipment 200 for which an additional order has been requested. The usage period is information indicating the planned period of use of the equipment 200 related to the additional request. The cooperating company ID is the identification information of the cooperating company and corresponds to the company ID in company information 111. The site ID is the identification information of the work site and corresponds to the site ID in site information 114. The foreman's user ID is the identification information of the foreman who made the additional request and corresponds to the user ID in user information 112.

[0037] Reservation information 116 is information regarding the reservation of rented equipment 200. Specifically, reservation information 116 includes a reservation ID, equipment ID, company ID, user ID, reservation data, and type. The reservation ID is the identification information for each reservation. The equipment ID is the equipment ID of the equipment 200 that has been received at the work site and for which a reservation for use has been made (corresponding to the equipment ID in equipment information 113). The company ID is the company ID of the company to which the person using equipment 200 belongs (corresponding to the company ID in company information 111). The user ID is the user ID of the person using equipment 200 (for example, the person who made the reservation) (corresponding to the user ID in user information 112). The reservation data is information indicating the reservation details, such as the start date of use of equipment 200, the time of use (AM or PM), the end date of use of equipment 200, and the time of end of use (AM or PM). The type is information indicating whether the use is exclusive to the company to which the user belongs, or whether it is shared and can be used by anyone from any company.

[0038] Inspection information 117 is information relating to the inspection of equipment 200. Specifically, inspection information 117 includes an inspection ID, equipment ID, site ID, user ID, inspection date and time, and inspection result data. The inspection ID is information that identifies the content of the inspection of equipment 200 performed by the user. The equipment ID is identification information of the equipment 200 to be inspected and corresponds to the equipment ID in equipment information 113. The site ID is identification information of the work site where the equipment 200 that was inspected is located and corresponds to the site ID in site information 114. The user ID is identification information of the user who performed the inspection of equipment 200 and corresponds to the user ID in user information 112. The inspection date and time is information indicating the date and time the user performed the inspection. The inspection result data is information indicating the results of the inspection, and may include, for example, text data describing the check results for multiple inspection items, or damage or defects found in equipment 200 during the inspection. Furthermore, inspection information 117 also includes pre-work and post-work inspection items that are displayed as a checklist on the user's terminal device 400.

[0039] Repair information 118 is information relating to the repair of equipment 200. Specifically, repair information 118 includes a repair ID, equipment ID, site ID, status, user ID (requester), user ID (repair performer), repair request date and time, repair request data, repair report date and time, and repair report data. The repair ID is information that identifies the equipment 200 to be repaired and the details of the repair. The equipment ID is identification information for the equipment 200 to be repaired and corresponds to the equipment ID in equipment information 113. The site ID is identification information for the work site where the equipment 200 that was repaired is located (or was located) and corresponds to the site ID in site information 114. The status is information that indicates the status of the repair, such as repair in progress or repair completed. The user ID (requester) is identification information for the person (user) requesting the repair and corresponds to the user ID in user information 112. The User ID (Repair Performer) is the identification information of the user who repaired equipment 200, and corresponds to the User ID in User Information 112. The Repair Request Date and Time indicates the date and time when the repair of equipment 200 was requested. The Repair Request Data is text data describing the details of the malfunction, etc. The Repair Report Date and Time indicates the date and time when the repair report data describing the details of the repair was created. The Repair Report Data is text data describing the details of the completed repair.

[0040] Return information 119 is information regarding the return of equipment 200. Specifically, return information 119 includes equipment ID, end-of-use date, scheduled removal date, and removal time slot. Equipment ID is identification information for equipment 200 to be returned and corresponds to the equipment ID in equipment information 113. End-of-use date is information indicating the end-of-use date for equipment 200 to be returned. Scheduled removal date is information indicating the date on which equipment 200 to be returned can be removed. Removal time slot is information indicating the time slot on which equipment 200 to be returned can be removed.

[0041] The company information 111, user information 112, and equipment information 113 are pre-registered, while other information is updated as needed based on the execution of each process described below.

[0042] Next, the processing unit 120 of the equipment management device 100 will be described. The processing unit 120 is a functional unit that performs various processing tasks executed by the equipment management device 100. Specifically, the processing unit 120 has individual functional units according to the processing content, including an input information acquisition unit 121, an information management unit 122, and a display information generation unit 123.

[0043] The input information acquisition unit 121 is a functional unit that acquires input information related to the management of the device 200 from an external device (for example, a terminal device 400 used by users of each company).

[0044] The information management unit 122 is a functional unit that manages (updates, etc.) each piece of information in the storage unit 110 based on the input information acquired by the input information acquisition unit 121.

[0045] The display information generation unit 123 is a functional unit that generates menu screens (management screens) and operation screens for using each function of the device management system 1000, and displays them on terminal devices 400 used by users of each company. Specifically, if the terminal device 400 is a computer such as a PC (Personal Computer), the display information generation unit 123 generates screen information such as the operation screen (including web pages) displayed in the browser of the terminal device 400. Furthermore, if the terminal device 400 is a mobile device such as a smartphone, the display information generation unit 123 generates screen information to be displayed on the operation screen of a dedicated application program (hereinafter referred to as "app"). The display information generation unit 123 generates display information according to the type of terminal to which it is displayed and displays it on each terminal device 400 that has requested display.

[0046] Next, the communication unit 130 of the equipment management device 100 will be described. The communication unit 130 is a functional unit that performs information communication with external devices (for example, terminal devices 400 used by users of each company). Specifically, the communication unit 130 acquires information from the terminal devices 400 of the main contractor, cooperating companies, rental companies, and operating companies, and passes this information to the processing unit 120. The communication unit 130 also transmits screen information of the equipment management system 100 generated by the equipment management device 100 to the terminal devices 400 of the main contractor, cooperating companies, rental companies, and operating companies.

[0047] Furthermore, each of the processes described later will be executed by these functional units working in cooperation with each other, and for the purposes of this explanation, the main entity performing these processes will be the equipment management device 100.

[0048] The above describes an example of the functional configuration of the equipment management device 100.

[0049] <Functional configuration of terminal device 400> The terminal device 400 is a computer such as a PC, or a mobile device such as a tablet or smartphone.

[0050] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration when the terminal device 400 is a PC or a tablet device. Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration when the terminal device 400 is a smartphone or a tablet device. Note that the tablet device may have the configuration shown in Figure 4 or the configuration shown in Figure 5.

[0051] The terminal device (PC, etc.) 400 will be explained using Figure 5. The terminal device 400 displays operation screens for various functions provided by the equipment management system 1000 (for example, ordering and reserving equipment 200) on its display via a browser and accepts input information from the user. The terminal device 400 also transmits the information received from the user to the equipment management device 100.

[0052] Specifically, the terminal device 400 includes a processing unit, a storage unit, a display unit, an input unit, and a communication unit.

[0053] The processing unit is a functional unit that performs various processes executed by the terminal device 400, and is, for example, a computing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), which executes processing according to the program stored in the memory unit. The processing unit, for example, displays screen information of the operation screen obtained from the device management device 100 on the display via a browser. The memory unit is a functional unit that stores various programs and predetermined information executed by the terminal device 400, and is a storage device such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), SSD (Solid State Drive), or HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0054] The display unit is a display device that shows screen information, for example, outputs browser display information. The input unit is an input device such as a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel that accepts instructions and information input from the user. The communication unit is a communication device that communicates information with an external device (for example, a device management device 100) via a network N.

[0055] The terminal devices (PCs, etc.) 400 are installed, for example, in the main contractor, work sites, rental companies, and operating companies, and are available for use by all users belonging to each company. Typical users include managers and employees of the main contractor, foremen of cooperating companies at work sites, and employees of rental companies and operating companies.

[0056] Next, the terminal device (mobile terminal) 400 will be described using Figure 6. The terminal device 400 displays operation screens for various functions provided by the equipment management system 1000 (for example, reserving equipment 200, controlling power supply when using equipment 200, pre-use checks of equipment 200, etc.) on its display via a pre-installed dedicated application, and accepts input information from the user. The terminal device 400 also transmits the information received from the user to the equipment management device 100.

[0057] Specifically, the terminal device 400 includes a processing unit, a storage unit, a display unit, an input unit, an imaging unit, a first communication unit, and a second communication unit.

[0058] The processing unit is a functional unit that performs various processes executed by the terminal device 400, such as a CPU. The processing unit displays the operation screen of the device management system 1000, acquired from the device management device 100, on the display via an application. The storage unit is a functional unit that stores various programs and predetermined information executed by the terminal device 400, such as a storage device like RAM, ROM, or a microSD card.

[0059] The display unit is a display that shows screen information, for example, it outputs display information from an application. The input unit is, for example, a touch panel or hardware keys that accept instructions or information input from the user. The imaging unit is a camera (such as a CCD camera) mounted on the terminal device 400.

[0060] The first communication unit is a communication device that communicates information with an external device (e.g., a device management device 100) via a network N, and is a communication module that performs, for example, Wi-Fi® or mobile communication (e.g., 5G: 5th Generation). The second communication unit is a communication module that performs short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth® with equipment 200 that has been brought into the work site.

[0061] The first communication unit is a functional unit that communicates with the equipment management device 100, and for example, when a user starts using equipment 200, it communicates to obtain key information (MAC address of power control device 300) from the equipment management device 100. The second communication unit performs short-range wireless communication with the power control device 300 of the rental equipment 200 reserved by the user, establishes a connection (for example, a connection using BLE: Bluetooth Low Energy), and performs power control using key information (for example, control from OFF state to ON state or control from ON state to OFF state).

[0062] The terminal device 400 (mobile terminal) can be used by all users belonging to, for example, the main contractor, the work site, the rental company, and the operating company. Typical users include employees of the main contractor, foremen and workers of subcontractors at the work site, and employees of the rental company.

[0063] Furthermore, the processes described later are executed by these functional units working in cooperation with each other, and for the purposes of this explanation, the terminal device 400 will be considered the main processor.

[0064] <Configuration of rental equipment 200> Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of rental equipment 200. As shown in the figure, equipment 200 has a main power supply (battery) 210, a drive unit 220, an equipment control unit 230, and a power supply control device 300. The main power supply 210 is a battery (generally, for example, 12V or 24V) that supplies power to the drive unit 220 and the equipment control unit 230. The drive unit 220 is, for example, a motor if the equipment (vehicle) 200 is an electric vehicle, and an engine if it is a normal vehicle, and it operates the wheels of the equipment (vehicle) 200, the deck on which the worker stands, etc. The equipment control unit 230 consists of various ECUs and ignition controls that control the operation of the vehicle. For example, when the equipment control unit 230 detects the operation of the ignition switch, it controls the drive unit 220 to start.

[0065] The power supply control device 300 is a device that controls (enables or disconnects) the power supply from the main power supply 210 to the drive unit 220 and the equipment control unit 230, and is positioned between the main power supply 210 and the drive unit 220 and the equipment control unit 230. Specifically, the power supply control device 300 is electrically inserted and connected to the power line connecting the positive terminal of the main power supply 210 to the drive unit 220 and the equipment control unit 230. As described later, when the user's terminal device 400 obtains key information (for example, the MAC address of the power supply control device 300) from the equipment management device 100 and the MAC address of the rental equipment 200 matches, the power supply control device 300 controls the power supply state of the equipment 200 based on an ON command or OFF command sent from the terminal device 400.

[0066] <<Functional Configuration of the Power Supply Control Device 300>> Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the power supply control device 300. As shown in the figure, the power supply control device 300 includes a power supply control unit 310, a power supply unit 320, and a power supply control circuit 330. The power supply control unit 310 is a control board equipped with a processor (e.g., a microcontroller) that controls the operation of the power supply control circuit and other components. Specifically, the power supply control unit 310 includes a processor, memory, a first communication unit, and a second communication unit.

[0067] The processor is a functional unit that controls the operation of the power supply control circuit 330 (such as switching operations and remote status monitoring). Specifically, the processor controls the switching of contacts in the latch relay circuit 331 to control the power supply between the main power supply 210 and the drive unit 220, etc. The processor also controls the lighting of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) and the power switch (neither of which are shown) mounted on the power supply control device 300. The memory is a functional unit that stores information such as the MAC address of the power supply control device 300. Note that the MAC address is not limited to being stored in memory; for example, it may be stored in the memory of the second communication unit (communication module).

[0068] The first communication unit is a communication module that performs wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) with external devices. The second communication unit is a communication module that performs short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) with terminal devices 400 used by users of partner companies, for example.

[0069] The first communication unit obtains information from external devices, such as updates to the power control device 300 and requests for remote instructions. The second communication unit, for example, establishes a connection (BLE connection) with the user's terminal device 400 via short-range wireless communication, transmits the MAC address of the power control device 300, and obtains ON or OFF commands for power supply.

[0070] The power supply unit 320 is a transformer that supplies power to the power supply control circuit 330. The power supply unit 320 receives power from the main power supply 210 via a predetermined path different from the electrical path connecting the main power supply 210 and the drive unit 220, etc., and transforms the 12V or 24V battery voltage to a voltage usable by the power supply control circuit 330 (for example, 5.0V or 3.3V) and supplies it to the power supply control unit 310 and the power supply control circuit 330, etc.

[0071] Figure 9 is a diagram showing the detailed circuit configuration of the power supply control circuit 330 corresponding to inputs and outputs 1 to 4 in Figure 8. The power supply control circuit 330 has inputs and outputs 1 to 4, which are input and output terminals on the control board, switch elements 1 and 2 connected to input and output 1, switch elements 3 and 4 connected to input and output 2, switch elements 5 and 6 (not shown) connected to input and output 3, and a latch relay circuit 331. Note that in Figure 9, the configuration around switch elements 5 and 6 connected to input and output 3 is the same as that of switch elements 3 and 4 connected to input and output 2, so it is not shown. For example, switch elements 1, 3 and 5 are NPN type transistors, and switch elements 2, 4 and 6 are P-channel MOSFETs.

[0072] The power supply control circuit 330 controls the power supply between the main power supply 210, which is the destination of the control input line, and the drive unit 220, etc., which is the destination of the control output line, by mechanically switching the contacts of the latch relay circuit 331 based on the output of the signal from the power supply control unit 310.

[0073] As is well known, in the latch relay circuit 331, the switch is controlled based on the voltage applied to the set coil 332 and the reset coil 333, such that when one contact (for example, contact 1) is connected, the other contact (for example, contact 2) is disconnected. By using such a latch relay, the state of the contacts can be maintained without supplying power except when the switch is being controlled, thus enabling fail-safe operation and reducing power consumption.

[0074] In the illustrated power supply control circuit 330, when the power supply control unit 310 outputs a relay set pulse signal to input / output 2, switch elements 3 and 4 turn ON due to the application of voltage, contact 1 of the latch relay circuit 331 turns ON and contact 2 turns OFF. Also, when the power supply control unit 310 outputs a relay reset pulse signal to input / output 3, contact 1 of the latch relay circuit 331 turns OFF and contact 2 turns ON. In this way, the power supply state between the control input line on the main power supply 210 side and the control output line on the drive unit 220 side is controlled by mechanically switching contact 1, which connects the control input line and the control output line, based on the output of the set pulse signal or reset pulse signal from the power supply control unit 310.

[0075] Furthermore, the power supply control circuit 330 can monitor (check) the relay status. Specifically, when the power supply control unit 310 applies (outputs) a constant voltage (current) for relay status check to input / output 1, switch element 1 and switch element 2 turn ON due to the applied voltage, and if contact 2 is ON, the applied (outputted) constant voltage (current) is input to input / output 4 via contact 2. In this way, by checking the input at input / output 4 when voltage is applied to input / output 1, it is possible to check (monitor) whether contact 2 is ON or OFF. The power supply control unit 310 transmits such confirmation results to an external device (for example, a terminal device 400 of a rental company that monitors the status of equipment) via the first communication unit in response to a confirmation request from the terminal device 400.

[0076] As described above, the power control device 300 can monitor (check) the relay status. For example, if a user who has access to the reserved rental equipment 200 obtains key information from the equipment management device 100 and the MAC address verification is successful, but the power does not turn ON, the status of the latch relay can be checked remotely from an external device.

[0077] Figure 10 shows the detailed circuit configuration corresponding to inputs 5 and 6 in Figure 8. As shown in the figure, inputs 5 and 6 are connected to the control input line and the control output line, respectively, via switch elements 7 and 8, and a transformer 340. Note that in Figure 10, the configuration around switch element 8 connected to input 6 is the same as that of switch element 7 connected to input 5, so it is not shown. For example, switch elements 7 and 8 are NPN transistors.

[0078] Furthermore, the transformer 340 transforms the voltage (12V or 24V) of the main power supply 210, which is connected via the control input line, to a voltage (for example, 3.3V) that can be used by the power supply control unit 310 and the power supply control circuit 330, and applies the transformed voltage to the switch element 7 and the switch element 8.

[0079] When the main power supply (battery) 210 is functioning correctly, base current flows, the switch element 7 turns ON, and the voltage of input / output 5 becomes 0 (Low), indicating that the destination of the control input line (in this case, the main power supply 210) is functioning correctly. Similarly, when the drive unit, etc., is functioning correctly, base current flows, the switch element 8 turns ON, and the voltage of input / output 6 becomes 0 (Low), indicating that the destination of the control output (in this case, the drive unit 220, etc.) is functioning correctly. On the other hand, if the voltages of input / output 5 or input / output 6 are high (greater than approximately 0V), it is likely that there is an abnormality in the main power supply (battery) 210 or the drive unit 220, etc.

[0080] In this way, by checking the voltage status of inputs and outputs 5 and 6, it is possible to confirm whether the main power supply 210 and drive unit 220, etc., to which the control input line and control output line are connected are functioning normally or abnormally. Furthermore, in response to a request for confirmation from an external device (for example, a terminal device 400 of a rental company that monitors the status of the equipment), the power supply control unit 310 transmits the confirmation result to the terminal device 400 via the first communication unit.

[0081] In this way, the power supply control device 300 can monitor (check) the control input lines and control output lines connected to the main power supply 210 and the drive unit 220, etc. For example, if a user who has access to the reserved rental equipment 200 obtains key information from the equipment management device 100 and the MAC address verification is successful, but the power does not turn ON, it is possible to remotely check whether there is an abnormality on the control input side or the control output side.

[0082] The following describes the details of each process performed by the equipment management system 1000. It is assumed that, when executing these processes, the users of the main contractor, cooperating companies, rental companies, and operating companies have already logged into the equipment management system 100 before operating each terminal device 400, and that the equipment management system 100 has already identified the user information and company information of each user performing the operation.

[0083] <On-site creation process> In the equipment management system 1000, the user of the main contractor first creates information (site information 114) about the work site where work will be carried out within a predetermined timeframe. Therefore, the equipment management system 1000 performs processing to support the efficient creation and management of site information 114.

[0084] Figure 11 shows an example of the site creation process. As shown in the figure, the user of the general contractor creates the site via a terminal device (PC, etc.) 400 (step S001). Specifically, the equipment management device 100 displays the operation screen of the equipment management system 1000 on the general contractor's terminal device 400, and the terminal device 400 receives instructions for site creation and input of information about the work site from the user. More specifically, the general contractor's terminal device 400 receives the site ID, the general contractor's company ID, and basic data (address, section, number of floors, etc. of the work site) from the user and transmits this information to the equipment management device 100. Note that the site ID may be automatically assigned by the equipment management device 100.

[0085] When the equipment management device 100 receives information from the main contractor's terminal device 400, it notifies the operating company's terminal device 400 by email or other prescribed means that it has received instructions regarding on-site creation (step S002).

[0086] The user of the operating company who receives the notification checks the information (site ID, etc.) entered on the main contractor's terminal device 400 and approves it (step S003). Specifically, the equipment management device 100 displays the information entered on the main contractor's terminal device 400 on the operating company's terminal device (PC, etc.) 400, and the operating company's terminal device 400 receives approval instructions from the user, such as pressing the approval button, and transmits this to the equipment management device 100.

[0087] When the equipment management device 100 receives an approval instruction from the operating company's terminal device 400, it registers the input information obtained from the general contractor's terminal device 400 into the site information 114 and updates the information (step S004). Specifically, the equipment management device 100 registers the site ID, the general contractor's company ID, and basic data into the site information 114.

[0088] This site creation process allows for the management of equipment and users belonging to each site, even when multiple sites exist, enabling more efficient management.

[0089] <Processing of on-site use application> At work sites (especially large-scale construction sites), access is usually restricted to authorized personnel only. Therefore, the equipment management system 1000 processes requests for site use and the approval of those requests to be processed efficiently.

[0090] Figure 12 shows an example of the processing of on-site use applications. Specifically, Figure 12(a) shows an example of processing when the applicant is an employee of the main contractor or a foreman of a subcontractor. In this case, the manager of the main contractor approves the application. Figure 12(b) shows an example of processing when the applicant is a worker of a subcontractor. In this case, the foreman of the subcontractor approves the application. Figure 12(c) shows an example of processing when the applicant is an employee of a rental company. In this case, an employee of the main contractor approves the application.

[0091] As shown in Figure 12(a), employees of the main contractor and foremen of subcontractors submit site usage requests via terminal devices (mobile terminals) 400 (step S010). Specifically, these users use the camera of the terminal device 400 to read a two-dimensional code (e.g., a QR (Quick Response) code (registered trademark) or barcode) installed at the work site for site usage requests. Note that two-dimensional codes are issued for each main contractor and subcontractor, and users read the two-dimensional code corresponding to the company they are applying to using the camera of the terminal device 400. At this time, the terminal device 400 identifies the site ID and the company ID of the company to which the application is being submitted from the two-dimensional code, and sends a site usage request to the equipment management device 100, along with, for example, the user ID of each user linked to the application.

[0092] When the equipment management device 100 receives a request for use from the terminal device 400, it notifies the main contractor's terminal device 400 that it has received the request for use via email or other means (step S011). Specifically, the equipment management device 100 uses the information stored in the storage unit 110 (in particular, company information 111, user information 112, and site information 114) to identify a user with a specific position (for example, a manager at the main contractor or a foreman at a cooperating company) from among the users associated with the requested company ID and site ID, and sends a notification to the terminal device 400 of that user. The equipment management device 100 also identifies the email address of the identified user from the basic data of the user information and sends a notification to the identified contact.

[0093] The administrator of the main contractor who receives the notification approves the application for use via terminal device (PC, etc.) 400 (step S012). At this time, the equipment management device 100 extracts predetermined information (for example, basic data of the site information 114) about the user, the company to which the user belongs, and the work site from the corresponding user information 112, company information 111, and site information 114 based on the user ID, company ID, and site ID of the user who applied for use, and displays it on the main contractor's terminal device 400. The main contractor's terminal device 400 also receives approval instructions from the user, such as pressing the approval button, and transmits this to the equipment management device 100.

[0094] When the equipment management device 100 receives an approval instruction from the main contractor's terminal device 400, it registers the user ID of the user who submitted the application for use and the type identified from the company ID (main contractor, subcontractor, rental company, or on-site personnel) in the on-site information 114 and updates the information (step S013).

[0095] If the foreman of a cooperating company has already obtained approval for the site use application, the processing of the application by a worker from the same cooperating company (a worker under the foreman) will be as shown in Figure 12(b). Also, if an employee of the rental company comes to the work site, a site use application is required, and the processing of the application in this case will be as shown in Figure 12(c).

[0096] The processes shown in Figures 12(b) and 12(c), namely the processing by terminal devices 400 (workers of cooperating companies and employees of rental companies) regarding the application for use (steps S020 and S030), the processing by terminal devices 400 regarding approval (steps S022 and S032), and the processing by the equipment management device 100 regarding notification and updating of on-site information 114 (steps S021, S031, S023, and S033), are the same as those described in Figure 12(a), so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0097] Furthermore, approval of on-site usage applications is not limited to approval by a user such as the general contractor's manager. For example, the equipment management device 100 may use the information in the storage unit 110 (particularly company information 111, user information 112, and site information 114) to confirm that the application is from a cooperating company already participating in the requested site and a user belonging to that cooperating company, and may perform automatic approval immediately or at a fixed time each day. This would reduce the burden of approval procedures for the general contractor's manager and other users.

[0098] This on-site usage application processing method allows not only managers of the main contractor but also foremen of subcontracting companies to perform the approval procedure, thus distributing and reducing the workload of the approval process. Furthermore, it allows for restrictions to be placed so that only approved individuals can perform procedures (such as reservations and use) related to the rental equipment 200 belonging to that site.

[0099] <Order / Order Processing for Rental Equipment 200> At construction sites (especially large-scale construction sites), the general contractor, who is typically the equipment manager, orders rental equipment 200, and may also place additional orders if there are additional requests from subcontractors. Furthermore, the rental company needs to update the equipment information 113 for the equipment 200 that has been ordered. Therefore, the equipment management system 1000 performs processing to support the efficient ordering, acceptance, and additional requests for rental equipment 200. Previously, due to inaccurate management of equipment operating status, the appropriate number of equipment 200 needed was unknown, and general contractor users often rented a larger number than necessary to deploy on-site. However, this results in wasted rental costs (from the general contractor's perspective) and wasted resources, leading to lost opportunities (from the rental company's perspective). Therefore, the equipment management system 1000 performs processing to support the efficient verification of the operating status of rental equipment 200.

[0100] Figure 13 shows an example of the ordering / receiving process for rental equipment 200. The user of the main contractor places an order for rental equipment 200 via a terminal device (PC, etc.) 400 (step S042). Specifically, the user places an order via the terminal device 400 for the type and quantity of rental equipment 200 expected to be used at the work site. At this time, the equipment management device 100 uses equipment information 113 to display information about each piece of equipment 200 (e.g., basic data including equipment ID, type of equipment 200, and specifications) on the main contractor's terminal device 400, categorized by status such as inventory, scheduled for dispatch, and in operation at the site. The main contractor's terminal device 400 receives information from the user, such as the equipment ID of the rental equipment 200, the usage period, and the site ID of the site where the equipment 200 will be used, and transmits it to the equipment management device 100 as order information.

[0101] Upon receiving order information, the equipment management device 100 notifies the rental company that owns the equipment subject to the order via email or other means (step S043).

[0102] Upon receiving a notification from the equipment management device 100, the rental company's user confirms the order details via a terminal device (PC, etc.) 400 and performs the operation to accept the order (step S044). At this time, the equipment management device 100 displays the contents of the order information on the rental company's terminal device 400, and the rental company's terminal device 400 receives order acceptance instructions from the user corresponding to each order and transmits them to the equipment management device 100.

[0103] Upon receiving an order instruction, the equipment management device 100 updates the equipment information 113 (step S045). Specifically, the equipment management device 100 changes the status of the equipment information 113 corresponding to the ordered equipment ID from inventory to scheduled for shipment, registers the usage period and site ID, and updates the information.

[0104] Furthermore, if the foreman of a cooperating company wishes to use equipment 200 other than the ordered equipment 200, he or she will submit an additional request via the cooperating company's terminal device 400 (step S040). In this case, the equipment management device 100 displays information about each piece of equipment 200 by status using the equipment information 113, as described above, on the cooperating company's terminal device 400. The cooperating company's terminal device 400 receives information such as the rental equipment ID, usage period, cooperating company ID, site ID, and foreman's user ID, and sends this information to the equipment management device 100 as an additional request.

[0105] Alternatively, instead of the foreman of the cooperating company specifying the specific equipment IDs, etc., that they wish to add, they may input the type and specifications of the equipment they wish to add. The manager of the main contractor, who receives such a notification of the request for additional equipment from the equipment management device 100, may then select the equipment based on the notification (request for additional equipment) and place an order via the terminal device 400.

[0106] When an additional request is received, the equipment management device 100 notifies the terminal device 400 of the general contractor managing the site of the additional request by means of email or other means (step S041). In this case, the equipment management device 100 identifies the company ID of the general contractor managing the site from the site information 114 based on the site ID included in the additional request, and sends a notification to the terminal device 400 of the general contractor corresponding to that company ID. The equipment management device 100 also stores the information received from the terminal device 400 of the cooperating company regarding the additional request, such as the equipment ID, usage period, and the cooperating company's company ID, as additional request information 115 in the storage unit 110.

[0107] Upon receiving notification regarding an additional request, the user of the prime contractor confirms the details of the additional request via the terminal device 400 and places an order (step S042). At this time, the equipment management device 100 displays the details of the equipment 200 related to the additional request on the prime contractor's terminal device 400, and the prime contractor's terminal device 400 receives information from the user such as the equipment ID of the rental equipment 200 related to the additional request, the usage period, and the site ID of the site where the equipment 200 will be used, and transmits this information to the equipment management device 100 as order information. Note that the processing of the terminal device 400 regarding the order (step S044), and the processing of the equipment management device 100 regarding notifications and updates of equipment information 113 (steps S043, S045) are the same as described above, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0108] Furthermore, a user of the main contractor (for example, an administrator) can check the operating status of equipment 200 that has been received at the site via the terminal device 400, for example, when ordering equipment 200 or at any desired time. Specifically, the user of the main contractor enters the site ID of the site where they want to check the operating status of equipment 200 via the terminal device 400 and sends a request to the equipment management device 100 to display the operating status.

[0109] When the equipment management device 100 receives a request to display the operating status, it uses various information stored in the storage unit 110 to identify the operating status of the equipment and displays it on the terminal device 400 that made the request. Specifically, the equipment management device 100 extracts the site ID from the display request and identifies the equipment ID of the equipment received at the site of that site ID from the site equipment data in the site information 114. The equipment management device 100 also identifies the reservation status (reserved schedule, available schedule) and repair status (under repair, etc.) of the identified equipment ID from the reservation information 116 and repair information 118. The equipment management device 100 may also calculate the utilization rate based on the usage period (rental period) and reservation status of the equipment. The equipment management device 100 then displays screen information of the operating status, including the reservation status, repair status, and utilization rate of the identified equipment 200, on the terminal device 400 that made the request.

[0110] This type of rental equipment ordering / receiving process and additional request processing not only allows for efficient management of equipment orders and deliveries at each site, but also enables flexible responses to requests from equipment users such as on-site subcontractors. Furthermore, this type of rental equipment ordering / receiving process allows the main contractor's manager to check the equipment's operating status (availability schedules, utilization rates, etc.) as needed and in a timely manner. As a result, users can consider the appropriate number of rental equipment they need as needed, and reduce rental costs by reducing the rental of unnecessary equipment. In addition, rental companies can secure resources (equipment) by reducing unnecessary rentals, allowing them to rent equipment to sites where it will be effectively utilized, thus avoiding lost opportunities.

[0111] <Receiving / allocating 200 rental devices> The general contractor who ordered the rental equipment 200 needs to manage when and at what work site the rental equipment 200 was received (delivered). Furthermore, if additional rental equipment 200 is received due to a request, the general contractor needs to either allocate it to the cooperating company that made the additional request, or manage it as inventory at the work site without allocation. Therefore, the equipment management system 1000 performs processing to support the efficient receipt and allocation of rental equipment 200.

[0112] Figure 14 shows an example of the receiving / allocation process. When the rental equipment 200 arrives at the work site, the user of the main contractor receives the equipment and manages the equipment 200. Specifically, the user of the main contractor takes a picture of the equipment number of the rental equipment 200 with the camera of the terminal device (mobile terminal) 400. At this time, the terminal device 400 acquires the captured equipment number (step S050), converts the equipment number into text data based on image recognition, and transmits it to the equipment management device 100. Alternatively, the terminal device 400 may transmit image data of the captured equipment number to the equipment management device 100, and the equipment management device 100 may convert the equipment number into text data using image recognition.

[0113] Upon obtaining the equipment number, the equipment management device 100 extracts information such as basic data and usage period from the equipment information 113 of the equipment 200 that matches the obtained equipment number. The equipment management device 100 also refers to the additional request information 115 to confirm (determine) whether or not an additional request has been made (step S051). If an additional request has been made, i.e., if the additional request information 115 is stored in the storage unit 110, the equipment management device 100 extracts the information registered in the additional request information 115 (for example, the name and specifications of the equipment).

[0114] Furthermore, the equipment management device 100 displays an allocation acceptance screen on the prime contractor's terminal device 400 that includes information on the received equipment 200 and information on the additional equipment 200 (a list of which is included if there are multiple) (step S052). Also, if the additional request information 115 is not stored in the storage unit 110, the equipment management device 100 displays an allocation acceptance screen including information on the received equipment 200 on the prime contractor's terminal device 400. On the prime contractor's terminal device 400, for example, the information on the received equipment 200 is displayed at the top, and below that, a list of information on the additional equipment 200 is displayed.

[0115] Next, the user of the main contractor assigns (or does not assign) the received equipment 200 via the assignment acceptance screen displayed on the terminal device 400 (step S053). For example, the user of the main contractor considers whether the type and specifications of the received equipment satisfy the type and specifications of the request, and if it is determined that they do, it designates the cooperating company that made the additional request as the assignment destination. Also, for example, if the received equipment 200 is displayed and the equipment related to the additional request is not displayed, the user of the main contractor selects the received equipment 200 and either does not assign it, or designates a cooperating company that the user wishes to assign it to.

[0116] At this time, the main contractor's terminal device 400 obtains information from the user about the received equipment 200 (equipment 200 related to the additional request) and the assigned cooperating company, and transmits it to the equipment management device 100.

[0117] Next, the user of the main contractor registers the location information of the received equipment 200 (step S054). Specifically, when the equipment management device 100 obtains information about the received equipment 200 and its allocation, it identifies information about the site's section and floor from the basic data of the site information 114 corresponding to the site ID registered in the equipment information 113 of the equipment, and displays screen information on the main contractor's terminal device 400 that accepts registration of the location information of the rental equipment 200 as options. The main contractor's terminal device 400 also accepts the user's selection input of the location information of the received equipment 200 from the options and transmits this to the equipment management device 100.

[0118] Next, the equipment management device 100 updates the equipment information 113 (step S055). Specifically, the equipment management device 100 updates the equipment information 113 corresponding to the received equipment 200 by changing the status from scheduled to be shipped out to in operation at the site.

[0119] Furthermore, the equipment management device 100 updates the site information 114 (step S056). Specifically, the equipment management device 100 updates the equipment ID, usage period, and storage location of the site equipment data in the site information 114 using the equipment information 113 corresponding to the received equipment 200 and the entered location information. In other words, the equipment management device 100 registers the received rental equipment 200 as site inventory in the site information 114.

[0120] Next, the equipment management device 100 registers reservation information 116 (step S057). Specifically, the equipment management device 100 extracts the usage period from the equipment information 113 of the equipment 200 to which the allocation destination has been specified, and registers the reservation for use during that period in the reservation information 116. More specifically, the equipment management device 100 uses the information in the storage unit 110 to register an arbitrary reservation ID, the equipment ID of the equipment 200, the company ID of the cooperating company to which it is allocated, the user ID of the user who made the reservation (in this case, the user ID of the foreman who made the additional request), reservation data regarding the start and end dates of use, and the type (in this case, exclusive use) in the reservation information 116.

[0121] This rental equipment receiving / allocation process allows equipment to be received at each site and registered as inventory (reservable equipment). Furthermore, for those who request additional equipment, it can be allocated and reserved at the time of receipt, allowing for priority use.

[0122] <Reservation processing for rental equipment 200> The foreman of a cooperating company needs to reserve the rental equipment 200 in advance if he or his subordinate workers will be using it. In addition, employees of the main contractor may reserve the rental equipment 200 for use by the cooperating company. Therefore, the equipment management system 1000 performs processing to support the efficient reservation of rental equipment 200.

[0123] Figure 15 shows an example of the reservation process for rental equipment 200. As shown in the figure, the equipment management device 100 displays a reservation acceptance screen, including a list of equipment 200, on the terminal device 400 of the user of the main contractor or the foreman of the cooperating company who made the reservation request (step S060). Specifically, the equipment management device 100 extracts the information to be displayed on the reservation acceptance screen using the information in the storage unit 110. More specifically, the equipment management device 100 identifies the site to which the user who made the reservation request belongs from the site user data in the site information 114, and identifies the rental equipment 200 that has been received at that site from the site equipment data in the site information 114. The equipment management device 100 also refers to the reservation information 116 to identify the reservation status of the identified rental equipment 200 (for example, reserved dates and available dates during the usage period of the site equipment data). The equipment management device 100 may also identify the repair status from the repair information.

[0124] Furthermore, the equipment management device 100 generates a list of identified equipment and their reservation status, and displays the reservation acceptance screen information on the terminal device 400. Note that equipment 200 with scheduled repairs or currently undergoing repairs may be displayed as unavailable for reservations from the present onward.

[0125] Furthermore, the terminal device 400 of the main contractor or subcontractor receives information from the user, including the type or ID of the equipment 200 to be reserved, the reservation period which is the planned usage period of the equipment 200 (for example, the start date and whether it is in the morning or afternoon, or the end date and whether it is in the morning or afternoon), the name or company ID of the subcontractor using the equipment, and the name or user ID of the subcontractor's foreman, and transmits this information to the equipment management device 100 as reservation request information.

[0126] When the equipment management device 100 obtains the reservation request information, it registers it in the reservation information 116 (step S062). Specifically, the equipment management device 100 uses the reservation request information and the information in the storage unit 110 to register an arbitrary reservation ID, equipment ID, the cooperating company making the reservation (i.e., the company ID that will use the equipment 200), the user ID of the user who made the reservation, the reservation data (reservation start date and AM / PM, end date and AM / PM), and the type (in this case, exclusive use) in the reservation information 116.

[0127] Furthermore, a user of the main contractor can make a reservation with the designation of shared use, allowing any user of a subcontractor (an unspecified user whose on-site use application has been approved) to use the rental equipment 200. Specifically, when a user of the main contractor makes a reservation via the terminal device 400, they specify shared use without specifying a subcontractor that will use the rental equipment 200. When such input is received, the equipment management device 100 registers shared use as the type of reservation information 116. In this case, the company ID in the reservation information 116 is set to an ID indicating unspecified use.

[0128] This type of rental equipment reservation process allows users participating on-site to easily reserve the use of equipment registered as inventory at that site. Furthermore, by designating a shared reservation, any user can use the equipment.

[0129] <Processing to initiate use of rental equipment 200> The rental equipment 200 is controlled by a power control device 300 to prevent theft and to ensure that it cannot be used by anyone other than specific users (for example, the foreman of the cooperating company who made the reservation and the workers under the foreman's supervision). When not in use, the power must be turned ON using key information. Therefore, the equipment management system 1000 performs processing to support the efficient control of the power status when a user starts using the rental equipment 200. In addition, conventionally, before work, users of cooperating companies have to fill out and store a paper inspection checklist as part of a pre-work inspection, which is time-consuming. Therefore, the equipment management system 1000 performs processing to support the efficient implementation of pre-work inspections by users of equipment 200.

[0130] Figure 16 shows an example of the process for starting use of rental equipment 200. When starting use of rental equipment 200, which is in the OFF state due to the power supply control device 300, the user of the cooperating company obtains the equipment number of rental equipment 200 using the camera of the terminal device (mobile terminal) 400 (step S070). The user of the cooperating company also sends a request to start use of rental equipment 200 to the equipment management device 100 via the terminal device 400, along with the obtained equipment number (step S071). At this time, the terminal device 400 converts the equipment number into text data based on image recognition, for example. When the terminal device 400 receives the request to start use from the user, it sends a request to start use of rental equipment 200 to the equipment management device 100, which includes the text data of the equipment number and the user ID associated with the application of the terminal device 400.

[0131] When the equipment management device 100 receives a request to start using the rental equipment 200, it uses the acquired equipment number and user ID, along with the equipment information 113 and reservation information 116 in the storage unit 110, to check (determine) whether the user of the cooperating company can use the rental equipment 200 (step S072). Specifically, the equipment management device 100 checks whether reservation information 116 for the rental equipment 200 of the acquired equipment number is registered in the storage unit 110, where the time the request was acquired falls within the usage period specified from the reservation data, and where the company ID of the company to which the user belongs (specified by the user ID) and the user ID of the foreman to which the user belongs (specified based on the user ID) are registered. Note that the affiliation relationship of the user (worker), that is, the relationship between the user and the foreman to which the user belongs, may be pre-registered in the basic data of the user information 112, for example. If reservation information 116 related to the request is registered, the equipment management device 100 sends the MAC address of the power control device 300 installed in the rental equipment 200 to be used as key information to the terminal device 400. If the type of reservation information 116 for the rental equipment 200 of the acquired equipment number is registered as shared, the equipment management device 100 sends the key information to the user if the time the request was acquired falls within the usage period identified from the reservation data of the reservation information 116, and the user ID of the acquired request is registered in the field user data of the field information 114 identified from the equipment ID of the reservation information 116.

[0132] Upon obtaining key information from the equipment management device 100, the terminal device 400 establishes a connection between itself and the rental equipment 200 to be used (in this case, the power control device 300) (step S073). At this time, the terminal device 400 establishes a short-range wireless connection with the power control device 300 to be used. Once the connection is established, the power control device 300 reads the MAC address from its memory and transmits it to the terminal device 400.

[0133] Furthermore, the cooperating company's terminal device 400 compares the MAC address obtained from the power control device 300 with the MAC address in the key information (step S074). If the MAC addresses match, the terminal device 400 sends a command (ON command) to the power control device 300 to switch the power from the OFF state to the ON state (step S075).

[0134] Furthermore, when the power control device 300 receives an ON command from the terminal device 400, it outputs a control signal to the latch relay circuit 331, thereby changing the power supply state from OFF to ON (step S076). This series of processes is performed automatically from the time of the request to start use until the power supply state is turned ON. As a result, the power supply state from the main power supply 210 to the drive unit 220 of the rental equipment 200 is turned ON, and the user can operate the engine or motor by operating the physical key.

[0135] Next, the user from the cooperating company performs a pre-work inspection via the terminal device 400 (step S077). Specifically, the user from the cooperating company performs the pre-work inspection by operating the checklist of inspection items displayed on the operation screen of the terminal device 400. At this time, the equipment management device 100 extracts the checklist of inspection items from the inspection information 117 in which the equipment ID to be used is registered, and displays it on the terminal device 400. Furthermore, when the terminal device 400 receives input from the user into the checklist, it sends the input information, including the user ID linked to the application, to the equipment management device 100.

[0136] When the device management device 100 obtains the input information for the checklist, it uses the input information and the information stored in the storage unit 110 to register it in the inspection information 117 (step S078). Specifically, the device management device 100 registers an arbitrary inspection ID, the ID of the equipment to be used, the site ID of the site where the rental equipment 200 to be used is used, the user ID of the inspector, the date and time of the inspection, and the inspection result data, which is the result of inputting into the checklist, in the inspection information 117.

[0137] If the rental equipment 200 is not equipped with a power control device 300, after the equipment management device 100 completes the verification (step S072), steps S073 to S076 are omitted, and the user starts the rental equipment 200 by operating a physical key and performs a pre-operation check (step S077).

[0138] This rental equipment activation process prevents unauthorized use and theft because users other than the designated user (for example, the foreman of the cooperating company who made the reservation and the workers under the foreman's supervision) or outsiders cannot turn on the equipment. Furthermore, since a physical key is required after turning on the power, security can be enhanced by combining this with the rental of a physical key. In addition, pre-work inspections are encouraged and the inspection results are recorded, thereby improving the traceability of equipment operation. Moreover, this rental equipment activation process allows equipment users to efficiently perform pre-work inspections via a terminal device, eliminating the need to fill out checklists on paper or other materials.

[0139] <Processing for ending the use of rental equipment 200> The rental equipment 200 needs to be controlled so that it is not powered on after use to prevent theft and to prevent use by anyone other than specific users (for example, the foreman of the cooperating company who made the reservation and the workers under the foreman's supervision). Therefore, the equipment management system 1000 performs processing to support the efficient power control of the rental equipment 200 after use.

[0140] Figure 17 shows an example of the process for ending the use of rental equipment 200. When ending the use of rental equipment 200, which is powered ON during use, the user of the cooperating company obtains the equipment number of rental equipment 200 using a terminal device (mobile terminal) 400 (step S080). At this time, the terminal device 400 converts the equipment number into text data based on, for example, image recognition.

[0141] Furthermore, the user of the cooperating company registers location information via the terminal device 400 (step S081). At this time, the equipment management device 100 identifies information regarding the site's section and floor from the basic data of the site information 114, and displays screen information on the cooperating company's terminal device 400 that accepts registration of location information when the rental equipment 200 is finished being used, using these as options. The cooperating company's terminal device 400 also accepts input from the user to select the location information to be used when the rental equipment is finished being used from the options.

[0142] Furthermore, a user of a cooperating company sends a request to terminate the use of the rental equipment 200 to the equipment management device 100 via the terminal device 400 (step S082). When the terminal device 400 receives the termination request from the user, it sends a request to terminate the use of the rental equipment 200 to the equipment management device 100, which includes the text data of the equipment number, the location information of the rental equipment 200 at the time of termination of use, and the user ID associated with the application of the terminal device 400.

[0143] When the equipment management device 100 receives a request to terminate the use of the rental equipment 200, it updates the site information 114 (step S083). Specifically, the equipment management device 100 updates the storage location in the site equipment data of the site information 114 based on the acquired location information.

[0144] Furthermore, the equipment management device 100 uses the acquired equipment number, location information, and user ID, along with the equipment information 113 and reservation information 116 stored in the storage unit 110, to confirm (determine) whether the request to terminate the use of the rental equipment 200 is from a user who is the user of the equipment 200 (a worker or foreman of a cooperating company) (step S084). Specifically, the equipment management device 100 confirms (determines) that the request to terminate the use of the equipment 200 is from a user who is the user of the equipment 200 if the reservation information 116, which contains the equipment ID identified from the acquired equipment number and the user ID identified from the request or the user ID of the foreman to whom the user identified by that user ID belongs, is stored in the storage unit 110. Furthermore, the equipment management device 100 may confirm (determine) that the request is from a user of the equipment 200 to end use if such reservation information 116 is stored in the storage unit 110 and the time the request was received falls within the usage period identified from the reservation data of the reservation information 116, or within a predetermined time (for example, within 1 hour) from the end time of the usage period. If the equipment management device 100 confirms that the request is from the user who was using the rental equipment 200, it sends the MAC address of the power control device 300 installed in the rental equipment 200 as key information to the terminal device 400.

[0145] Upon obtaining key information from the equipment management device 100, the terminal device 400 establishes a connection (BLE connection) between the terminal device 400 and the power control device 300 of the target rental equipment 200 (step S085). Once the connection is established, the power control device 300 reads the MAC address from memory and transmits it to the terminal device 400.

[0146] Furthermore, the cooperating company's terminal device 400 compares the MAC address obtained from the power control device 300 with the MAC address in the key information (step S086). If the MAC addresses match, the terminal device 400 sends a command (OFF command) to the power control device 300 of the target rental equipment 200 to change it from the ON state to the OFF state (step S087).

[0147] Furthermore, when the power control device 300 receives an OFF command from the terminal device 400, it controls the power supply from the main power supply 210, which is currently ON, to the drive unit 220 so that it is OFF (step S088). This turns off the power supply from the main power supply 210 to the drive unit 220 of the rental equipment 200, allowing the rental equipment 200 to be managed so that the engine or motor does not start even if the user operates a physical key. It is desirable for the user to stop the engine or motor by operating a physical key before requesting termination of use in step S082.

[0148] If the rental equipment 200 is not equipped with a power control device 300, after the equipment management device 100 completes its verification (step S084), steps S085 to S088 are omitted, and the user stops the rental equipment 200 by operating a physical key.

[0149] This type of termination process for rental equipment prevents users other than the designated user (for example, the foreman of the cooperating company who made the reservation and the workers under the foreman's supervision) or outsiders from turning off the power to the equipment. Furthermore, since location information is registered and recorded at the time of termination, the traceability of equipment operation can be enhanced.

[0150] <Repair-related processing for rental equipment 200> If a malfunction or defect is found in the rental equipment 200, management such as requesting repairs and reporting the details of the repairs will be necessary. Therefore, the equipment management system 1000 performs processing to support the efficient management of repair responses.

[0151] Figure 18 shows an example of repair-related processing. When a user of a cooperating company who is a user of the rental equipment 200 discovers a malfunction or defect in the equipment 200, or when a user (prime contractor or cooperating company user) who is patrolling the site discovers a malfunction or damage to the equipment 200, these users obtain the equipment number of the rental equipment 200 using a terminal device (mobile terminal) 400 (step S090). At this time, the terminal device 400 converts the equipment number into text data based on image recognition, for example.

[0152] Furthermore, the user registers the details of the malfunction (defect) and the location information of the rental equipment 200 via the terminal device 400 (step S091). At this time, the equipment management device 100 displays screen information for receiving details of the malfunction or defect on the terminal device 400, and the terminal device 400 receives input from the user regarding the details of the malfunction, etc.

[0153] Furthermore, the equipment management device 100 uses the equipment information 113 and the site information 114 to display options for the location information (storage location) of the rental equipment 200 on the terminal device 400. The terminal device 400 receives input from the user to select the location information of the rental equipment 200 from the options and sends a repair request to the equipment management device 100, which includes text data of the equipment number, details of the malfunction, and location information (step S092).

[0154] When a repair request is received, the equipment management device 100 uses the received repair request and the information in the storage unit 110 to register repair information 118 (step S093). Specifically, the equipment management device 100 registers an arbitrary repair ID, the equipment ID of the equipment 200 to be repaired, the site ID, the status (in this case, before repair), the user ID of the user who made the repair request, the date and time of the repair request, and the repair request data (text data regarding the details of the malfunction, etc.) in the repair information 118.

[0155] Next, the equipment management device 100 notifies the terminal device (PC) 400 used by the administrator of the main contractor that it has received a repair request, via email or other prescribed means (step S094). For simple repairs, the main contractor can handle the repair, while for complex repairs, the rental company will be responsible.

[0156] Upon receiving notification of a repair request, the user (especially the administrator) of the main contractor company checks the details of the repair request via the terminal device 400. At this time, the equipment management device 100 displays information related to the repair request on the terminal device 400, such as the equipment ID of the equipment 200 subject to the repair request and text data indicating the details of the malfunction, etc. The user then understands the details of the malfunction, etc. via the terminal device 400 and carries out the repair of the rental equipment 200.

[0157] Furthermore, if the user of the main contractor company cannot resolve the issue themselves, they should request repairs from the rental company. The procedure for this will be described later.

[0158] Next, the user of the main contractor registers the repair report and the location information of the rental equipment 200 after the repair is completed (step S095). At this time, the equipment management device 100 displays screen information for receiving the repair details on the main contractor's terminal device 400, and the main contractor's terminal device 400 receives input from the user in the form of text data (or image data) indicating the repair details.

[0159] Furthermore, the main contractor's terminal device 400 accepts registration of location information. In this case, the location information refers to the location where the repaired rental equipment 200 is stored on-site. Since the equipment may be moved during repairs, location information is registered to manage its location after repairs.

[0160] At this time, the equipment management device 100 uses the information in the storage unit 110 to display options regarding the site area and floor on the terminal device 400, and the terminal device 400 accepts the user's selection input for the location information of the repaired rental equipment 200 from among the options. The terminal device 400 also transmits repair registration information to the equipment management device 100, which includes the repair report, location information, and predetermined information (for example, the equipment ID and user ID of the repaired equipment 200).

[0161] When the repair registration information is obtained, the equipment management device 100 updates the repair information 118 (step S096). Specifically, the equipment management device 100 uses the obtained repair registration information and the information in the storage unit 110 to register the status (in this case, repair completed), the user ID of the user who performed the repair, the repair report date and time, and the repair report data (text data related to the repair details, etc.) in the repair information 118, and updates the information.

[0162] Next, we will explain the case where the user of the main contractor is unable to handle malfunctions or other issues themselves. In this case, the user of the main contractor requests repairs from the rental company via the terminal device 400 (step S100). At this time, the terminal device 400 of the main contractor displays a predetermined operation screen and receives the repair request from the user to the rental company. Specifically, the terminal device 400 of the main contractor receives the necessary information for the repair request, including the details of the malfunction (for example, information included in the repair request), from the user and transmits this to the equipment management device 100.

[0163] When the equipment management device 100 receives a repair request from the main contractor's terminal device 400, it notifies the rental company's terminal device 400, which owns the equipment to be repaired, of the receipt of the repair request by email or other prescribed means (step S101).

[0164] When a repair request is received, the user of the rental company repairs the rental equipment 200 based on the request, and after the repair, registers the repair report and the location information of the rental equipment 200 via the rental company's terminal device 400 (step S102). Similarly, when the repair registration information is received, the equipment management device 100 updates the repair information 118 (step S103). Note that the processes for registering the repair report and location information and updating the repair information 118 are the same as in steps S095 and S096, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0165] This type of repair-related processing for rental equipment makes it easy to request and confirm repairs. Furthermore, if the main contractor determines they cannot handle the repair, they can easily request it from the rental company.

[0166] <Return processing for rental equipment 200> When the rental period for equipment 200 ends, the user of the main contractor company must return the equipment 200 to the rental company. Therefore, the equipment management system 1000 performs processing to support the efficient management of equipment 200 returns.

[0167] Figure 19 shows an example of the return process for rental equipment 200. The user of the main contractor uses a terminal device (mobile terminal) 400 to photograph the equipment number of the rental equipment 200 to be returned. At this time, the main contractor's terminal device 400 acquires the equipment number (step S110) and converts the equipment number into text data based on image recognition, for example.

[0168] Furthermore, the user of the main contractor registers the return details via the terminal device 400 (step S111). At this time, the equipment management device 100 displays information of the rental equipment 200 corresponding to the acquired equipment number on the terminal device 400, and the terminal device 400 receives from the user the equipment ID of the equipment 200 to be returned, the end date of use, the scheduled removal date, and the removal time slot (for example, sometime on the same day, in the morning or afternoon, or specified time), and sends a return instruction including these return details to the equipment management device 100 (step S112).

[0169] Upon receiving a return instruction, the equipment management device 100 registers the scheduled return in the return information 119 (step S113). The equipment management device 100 also notifies the rental company's terminal device (PC) 400, which owns the equipment to be returned, of the acquisition of the return instruction via email or other prescribed means (step S114). The rental company's user then refers to the return information 119 registered in the equipment management device 100 and retrieves (removes) the rental equipment 200.

[0170] Furthermore, the equipment management device 100 updates the site information 114 and the equipment information 113 (steps S115, S116). Specifically, the equipment management device 100 deletes the information regarding the equipment 200 to be returned from the site equipment data in the site information 114. In addition, the equipment management device 100 changes the status of the equipment 200 to be returned from "in operation" to "in stock" in the equipment information 113 and deletes the site ID of the equipment 200.

[0171] Furthermore, the return process for rental equipment 200 can be carried out not only by the user of the main contractor, but also by someone with the authority to return it (for example, a foreman from a cooperating company who is in charge of management).

[0172] This rental equipment return process allows for easy instruction and confirmation of returns. Furthermore, returned equipment can be included in future rental orders.

[0173] The above describes the various processes performed by the equipment management system 1000. With such an equipment management system 1000, the management of equipment 200 involving site managers, workers, and rental companies can be carried out more efficiently, both inside and outside the work site.

[0174] In particular, the main contractor can enjoy the benefit of being able to efficiently carry out tasks that were previously time-consuming, such as on-site management, application management, equipment management, key management, inspection management, and repair management.

[0175] Furthermore, partner companies can enjoy the benefit of being able to efficiently handle additional requests for rental equipment, reservation management, inspection management, and repair management.

[0176] Furthermore, rental companies can enjoy the advantage of being able to efficiently manage rental equipment inventory, location information, and repairs.

[0177] Furthermore, the operating company can enjoy the benefit of being able to efficiently process approvals for on-site creations.

[0178] <Hardware configuration of the equipment management device 100> Figure 20 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the device management device 100. As shown in the figure, the device management device 100 includes an input device 510, a display device 520, a processing device 530, a main memory 540, an auxiliary memory 550, a communication device 560, and a bus 570 that electrically interconnects these devices.

[0179] The input device 510 is, for example, an input device such as a touch panel, keyboard, or mouse. The display device 520 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic display.

[0180] The processing unit 530 is, for example, a processor such as a CPU or GPU. The main memory 540 is a memory device (memory resource) such as RAM or ROM. The device management device 100 has at least one processor and memory resources.

[0181] The auxiliary storage device 550 is a non-volatile storage device such as an HDD, SSD, or flash memory that can store digital information.

[0182] The communication device 560 is a wired communication device that performs wired communication via a network cable, or a wireless communication device that performs wireless communication via an antenna.

[0183] The above describes an example of the hardware configuration of the equipment management device 100.

[0184] The processing unit 120 of such a device management device 100 is implemented by a program that causes the processing unit 530 to perform processing. This program is stored in the main memory 540 or auxiliary memory 550, and when the program is executed, it is loaded into the main memory 540 and executed by the processing unit 530.

[0185] Furthermore, the storage unit 110 is implemented by the main memory 540, the auxiliary memory 550, or a combination thereof. The communication unit 130 is implemented by the communication device 560.

[0186] Furthermore, some or all of the above configurations, functions, processing units, and processing means of the device management device 100 may be implemented in hardware, for example, by designing them as integrated circuits. Alternatively, the above configurations and functions may be implemented in software by having a processor interpret and execute programs that realize each function. Information such as programs, tables, and files that realize each function can be stored in memory, hard disks, SSDs, or other storage devices, or in recording media such as IC cards, SD cards, and DVDs. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0187] 1000... Equipment management system, 100... Equipment management device, 110... Memory unit, 111... Company information, 112... User information, 113... Equipment information, 114... Site information, 115... Additional request information, 116... Reservation information, 117... Inspection information, 118... Repair information, 119... Return information, 120... Processing unit, 121... Input information acquisition unit, 122... Information management unit, 123... Display information generation unit, 130... Communication unit, 200... Rental equipment, 300... Power control device, 400... Terminal device, 510... Input device, 520... Display device, 530... Processing device, 540... Main memory, 550... Auxiliary memory, 560... Communication device, 570... Bus

Claims

1. A storage unit that stores equipment information for multiple rental devices, site information for multiple sites, and reservation information for multiple rental devices. The equipment manager at the first site receives an order for rental equipment to be used at the first site, and places the order with the rental company. The equipment manager receives an instruction from the equipment manager to accept the rental equipment at the first site, along with the identification information of the rental equipment, and registers the rental equipment as inventory in the site information of the first site. The system includes a processing unit that receives reservations from equipment users participating in the first site for the rental equipment registered as inventory in the site information of the first site, and registers the reservation information. A device management system characterized by the following features.

2. The equipment management device according to claim 1, The aforementioned processing unit, When the equipment manager receives an instruction from the equipment manager to allocate the rental equipment to the equipment users participating in the first site, the rental equipment is registered as inventory in the site information of the first site, and reservation information for the rental equipment is also registered. A device management system characterized by the following features.

3. The equipment management device according to claim 1, The aforementioned processing unit, The equipment user submits an application to participate in the first site, and the equipment user is registered as a participant in the site information of the first site. If registered as a participant at the first site, the equipment user will make a reservation for the rental equipment that is registered as inventory in the site information of the first site. A device management system characterized by the following features.

4. The equipment management device according to claim 1, The aforementioned rental equipment is equipped with a power supply control device that controls the supply of power. The aforementioned processing unit, When a user of the equipment issues a command to start using the rental equipment, along with the identification information of the rental equipment, the system obtains key information used for wireless connection with the power control device associated with the identification information of the rental equipment from the equipment information and transmits it to the terminal device. A device management system characterized by the following features.

5. The equipment management device according to claim 4, When the processing unit receives a usage termination instruction along with the identification information of the rental equipment from the terminal device of the equipment user, it obtains the key information associated with the identification information of the rental equipment from the equipment information and transmits it to the terminal device. A device management system characterized by the following features.

6. The equipment management device according to claim 4, The processing unit receives a shared reservation from the equipment manager for the rental equipment registered in the site information of the first site, which allows use by an unspecified equipment user. The processing unit receives a start-up instruction from the terminal device of an unspecified device user, along with the identification information of the rental device. A device management system characterized by the following features.

7. The equipment management device according to claim 1, When the processing unit receives a request from the equipment user for additional rental equipment, it notifies the equipment administrator. A device management system characterized by the following features.

8. The equipment management device according to claim 1, The aforementioned processing unit, The system receives a repair request from the user of the equipment, along with the identification information of the rental equipment, registers the repair information, and notifies the equipment administrator. When the equipment administrator reports the completion of the response to the repair request, the completion status is recorded in the repair information. When the equipment manager submits a repair request to the rental company, the rental company is notified, and when the rental company reports the completion of the repair, the completion status is recorded in the repair information. A device management system characterized by the following features.

9. The equipment management device according to claim 1, The aforementioned processing unit, Before the user of the equipment uses the rental equipment, the inspection items corresponding to the rental equipment are displayed on the user's terminal device. When inspection results for the inspection items are obtained from the user of the equipment, inspection information is registered that associates the rental equipment and the first site where the rental equipment is used with the inspection results. A device management system characterized by the following features.

10. The equipment management device according to claim 8, The aforementioned processing unit, When the equipment user requests to display the operating status of the rental equipment at the first site, the operating status of the rental equipment at the first site is identified based on the reservation information and repair information, and displayed on the equipment user's terminal device. A device management system characterized by the following features.

11. A device management system comprising a device management device, a terminal device for the device administrator, and a terminal device for the device user, The aforementioned equipment management device is A storage unit that stores equipment information for multiple rental devices, site information for multiple sites, and reservation information for multiple rental devices. The terminal device of the equipment manager at the first site receives an order for rental equipment to be used at the first site and places the order with the rental company. The terminal device of the equipment manager receives an instruction to accept the rental equipment at the first site, along with the identification information of the rental equipment, and registers the rental equipment as inventory in the site information of the first site. The system includes a processing unit that receives a reservation for the rental equipment registered as inventory in the site information of the first site from the terminal device of the equipment user participating in the first site, and registers the reservation information. A device management system characterized by the following features.

12. A method of managing equipment performed by an equipment management device, The aforementioned equipment management device is It stores equipment information for multiple rental devices, site information for multiple sites, and reservation information for multiple rental devices. The first step involves receiving an order for rental equipment to be used at the first site from the equipment manager at the first site, and placing the order with the rental company. The steps include receiving an instruction from the equipment manager to accept the rental equipment at the first site, along with the identification information of the rental equipment, and registering the rental equipment as inventory in the site information of the first site, The process involves receiving a reservation from an equipment user participating in the first site for the rental equipment registered as inventory in the site information of the first site, and registering the reservation information. A method for managing equipment characterized by the following features.

13. A program that makes a computer function as a device management device, The aforementioned computer, A storage unit that stores equipment information for multiple rental devices, site information for multiple sites, and reservation information for multiple rental devices. The equipment manager at the first site receives an order for rental equipment to be used at the first site, and places the order with the rental company. The equipment manager receives an instruction from the equipment manager to accept the rental equipment at the first site, along with the identification information of the rental equipment, and registers the rental equipment as inventory in the site information of the first site. The processing unit is configured to receive reservations from equipment users participating in the first site for the rental equipment registered as inventory in the site information of the first site, and to register the reservation information. A program characterized by the following features.

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