Car loan transfer management program and methods

Abstract

We provide a car rental management program and method that minimizes the burden on users when renting out cars. [Solution] In the car rental management system S, the car rental management program causes the administrator terminal M to execute the steps of recording user data, recording rental vehicle data corresponding to the user data, and recording key data corresponding to the rental vehicle data. The car rental management method includes the steps of recording user data, recording rental vehicle data corresponding to the user data, and recording key data corresponding to the rental vehicle data. The personal authentication program has the steps of recording user data including pre-facial image data on the management terminal M, recording key data corresponding to the rental item, recording facial image data at the time of rental, and performing personal authentication by comparing the pre-facial image data and the facial image data at the time of rental, and making the key data available for use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle rental management program and a vehicle rental management method.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the market for vehicle rental services, in which corporations and the like own multiple vehicles and lend these owned vehicles to customers at specified times, so-called car rental businesses, has been expanding. In particular, recently in Japan, the number of foreign tourists (hereinafter referred to as "foreign tourists") has been increasing, and the proportion of car rentals used by foreign tourists is remarkable.

[0003] Generally, in the car rental business, at major facilities such as airports and train stations, car rental companies have business offices, and those who want to rent a car (hereinafter referred to as "users") need to go to these business offices and perform prescribed procedures to rent a car. For example, Non-Patent Document 1 below describes the services of general car rental companies.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0004]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the above services, there is a problem that users have to go to the business offices of car rental companies and perform prescribed procedures on the spot, which takes a great deal of time and effort to rent a car. According to the investigation by the inventor of the present application, for example, it was confirmed that it takes an average of 50 minutes for a user arriving at an airport to go to a business office near the airport and rent a car. This time is a very heavy burden on users, and it is even more so for foreigners with different languages.

[0006] Therefore, in view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a car rental management program and a car rental management method that enable car rentals with less burden on the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A car rental management program according to one aspect of the present invention, which solves the above problems, causes a computer to perform the steps of recording user data, recording rental vehicle data corresponding to the user data, and recording key data corresponding to the rental vehicle data.

[0008] Furthermore, although not limited to this perspective, it is preferable that the rental vehicle data includes rental vehicle type data, rental date and time data, and rental location data.

[0009] Furthermore, although not limited to this perspective, it is preferable that the rental vehicle data include vehicle return location data.

[0010] Furthermore, although not limited to this perspective, it is preferable that the process also includes the step of sending key data to the user terminal.

[0011] Furthermore, while not limited to this perspective, it is preferable that the system also includes a step for recording inventory vehicle data.

[0012] Furthermore, although not limited to this perspective, it is preferable that the inventory vehicle data include vehicle type data and management status data.

[0013] Furthermore, although not limited to this perspective, the management status data for inventory vehicle data preferably includes at least one of the states of rental status and standby status, and if the management status data is standby status, the inventory vehicle data preferably includes storage location data.

[0014] Furthermore, although not limited to this perspective, it is preferable to calculate the transport distance data based on the storage location data and vehicle rental location data in the inventory vehicle data.

[0015] Furthermore, although not limited to this perspective, it is preferable that the rental vehicle data include waiting fee data.

[0016] Furthermore, while not limited to this perspective, it is preferable to record user help data.

[0017] Furthermore, although not limited to this perspective, it is preferable that the rental vehicle data include movement log data.

[0018] Furthermore, although not limited to this perspective, it is preferable that user help data include language type data.

[0019] Furthermore, although not limited to this perspective, it is preferable that the system also perform the steps of recording the current location data of the rental vehicle, recording the alert area data, and recording the alert data based on the current location data and the alert area data.

[0020] Furthermore, a car rental management method according to another aspect of the present invention includes the steps of recording user data, recording rental vehicle data corresponding to the user data, and recording key data corresponding to the rental vehicle data.

[0021] Furthermore, an identity authentication program according to one aspect of the present invention includes the steps of: recording user data including pre-existing facial image data on a computer; recording key data corresponding to the item to be borrowed; recording facial image data at the time of borrowing; and performing identity authentication by comparing the pre-existing facial image data with the facial image data at the time of borrowing, and making the key data available for use. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] The above aims to provide a car rental management program and a car rental management method for renting cars with less burden on users according to the present invention.

Brief Explanation of Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing an outline of the connection relationship in the car rental management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a user terminal when user data is input in the car rental management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an example of a screen on which an example of rental car data is displayed on the display device of the administrator terminal in the car rental management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an example of a screen on the display device of the user terminal showing the car rental location and its waiting fee, etc. in the car rental management system according to the embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited only to the specific examples shown in the following embodiments and examples.

[0025] The car rental management program according to this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as "this program") is for causing a computer to execute steps of (S1) recording user data, (S2) recording rental car data corresponding to the user data, and (S3) recording key data corresponding to the rental car data. <Furthermore, as described above, this program is executed by an information processing device, i.e., a computer. Specifically, it is stored on a recording medium such as the computer's hard disk, and is loaded onto a volatile recording medium such as RAM as needed and executed. In other words, by being executed on a computer, this program makes it possible to realize a car rental management method (hereinafter referred to as "this method") that performs the steps of (S1) recording user data, (S2) recording rental vehicle data corresponding to the user data, and (S3) recording key data corresponding to the rental vehicle data.

[0027] The computer used to run this program is not limited to those having the above-mentioned functions, but includes, but is not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), non-volatile recording media such as hard disks, volatile recording media such as memory, buses connecting these, input devices such as keyboards and mice, display devices such as monitors, etc.

[0028] The computer mentioned above may be a laptop or desktop computer, but it may also be a personal digital assistant (PDTA), specifically a smartphone or tablet, which have become increasingly popular in recent years. A typical PDTA integrates the CPU, display device, and other components into a single cover, and by placing a sensor on the display device to create a touch panel, it can also function as an input device, making it very easy to use and therefore preferable. In the case of a PDTA, the program that executes this method can be recorded and displayed as an application on the PDTA, and the method can be easily executed by launching this application.

[0029] Furthermore, as is clear from the above description, the vehicle rental management system (hereinafter referred to as "this system") S for implementing this method can be implemented via telecommunication lines such as the Internet. Specifically, it is possible to connect multiple computers (terminals, etc.) via telecommunication lines and have these multiple computers execute the steps of this method. Figure 1 shows an illustrative diagram of the computer connection relationships in this system S.

[0030] As shown in this diagram, this system S can be implemented by connecting user terminals U, administrator terminals M, and staff terminals E via telecommunications lines N. User terminal U is a terminal owned by a user of the vehicle rental management system implemented by this system S, administrator terminal M is a terminal owned by the administrator of the vehicle rental management system implemented by this system S, and staff terminal U is a terminal owned by staff acting under the administrator of the vehicle rental management system implemented by this system S. Furthermore, as will become clear from the description below, it is also preferable to provide a separate key generation terminal K as needed. For security reasons, it is preferable for the administrator terminal M to handle the key generation terminal K, but it is also possible for a key generation management company other than the administrator to handle it.

[0031] Next, we will explain in detail each step of this method performed by this program. As described above, this method is a method for managing vehicle rentals, and more specifically, a method for managing vehicle rentals for businesses such as so-called car rentals. In this method, the subject of rental is a car, and the "car" subject to this method is a vehicle equipped with wheels and power, which is typically a passenger car, but may also be a motorcycle.

[0032] Furthermore, while this method is preferable for managing vehicle rentals, it can also be applied to managing rentals of items other than vehicles.

[0033] First, this method includes the step of (S1) recording user data. Recording user data makes it possible to identify which user the car rental is to be made to.

[0034] User data is typically entered from a user terminal U owned by the user, transmitted to and recorded on an administrator terminal M via a telecommunications line N, or the administrator terminal M may obtain the necessary information from the user and enter and record it itself. Figure 2 shows an example of the screen on the user terminal U when the user enters user data.

[0035] Here, "user data" refers to data containing user information that can be used to identify an individual user, and is not particularly limited. However, it is preferable, but not limited, to include at least one of the following: name data containing information about the user's name, age data containing information about their age and date of birth, nationality data containing information about their nationality, gender data containing information about their gender, address data containing information about their address, contact data containing information about their contact information, driver's license data containing information about their driver's license, passport data containing information about their passport, pre-registered facial image data containing information about the user's face, and identification number data containing information about their identification number. It is preferable that the contact data includes, for example, telephone number data containing information about the user's telephone number and email address data containing information about their email address. Pre-registered facial image data may be extracted from driver's license data or passport data if they contain facial images. The term "pre-registered" here is used to distinguish it from facial image data acquired by the terminal device at the time of lending (facial image data at the time of lending), in cases where facial image data may be acquired later when performing identity verification. Furthermore, regarding identification number data, if an individual can be identified by any of the above information, it is not necessary to create it specifically. The administrator may create it (create and record it using administrator terminal M) and then contact the user (send it to user terminal U).

[0036] Furthermore, this method preferably includes a step of recording inventory vehicle data in addition to recording the user data mentioned above. The inventory vehicle data recorded in this step may be recorded at any time in this method, but it is important to do so before receiving user data from the user. The user will then be able to select their desired vehicle from the inventory vehicle data as a rental vehicle. Figure 3 shows an example of a screen displaying rental vehicle data on the administrator terminal M.

[0037] Here, "inventory vehicle data," as is clear from the above description, is data that includes information about inventory vehicles, and it is preferable, but not limited to, that each inventory vehicle data includes at least one of the following: management status data including information about the management status, mileage data including information about the mileage, usage period data including information about the period of use since purchase, accident data including information about accidents that have occurred in the past, damage data including information about scratches on the vehicle body, rental count data including information about the number of times the vehicle has been rented out, and defect data including information about other defects.

[0038] Furthermore, in this method, the management status data for inventory vehicles preferably includes information about at least one of the states: the rental status and the standby status. If the management status data is in the standby status, the inventory vehicle data preferably includes storage location data. Here, "rental status" means the state in which the inventory vehicle is rented out to a user, and "standby status" means the state in which it is available for rental to a user. The management status data may also include the state in which the vehicle is unavailable for rental due to repairs, malfunction, etc., i.e., the "rental suspension status," and may also include the state in which the vehicle is being transported to or from a vehicle rental location designated by the user, i.e., the "transportation status." "Storage location data" is data that includes information about the location in which the inventory vehicle is stored. By recording the storage location data, it becomes possible to calculate data related to the transport distance, i.e., transport distance data, based on the storage location data and the vehicle rental location data.

[0039] Furthermore, it is preferable to include current location data, including the current location information, in the inventory vehicle data. This makes it possible to always identify the location of each inventory vehicle.

[0040] Furthermore, in addition to the above data, this method preferably includes overall management data that includes information necessary for managing the entire inventory of vehicles. This overall management data preferably includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: inventory data including information on the number of vehicles in stock; rental vehicle data including information on the number of vehicles available for rental; tourist information data including tourist information; restricted area data including information on restricted areas; and caution information data including information on other cautionary information.

[0041] Furthermore, this method includes a step (S2) of recording rental vehicle data in correspondence with user data. Specifically, the user selects a desired vehicle from the available vehicles in a waiting state. In this case, the vehicle selected by the user becomes the rental vehicle and is recorded as rental vehicle data in correspondence with the user data.

[0042] Furthermore, in this method, it is preferable that the rental vehicle data includes rental vehicle type data, rental date and time data, and rental location data. When a user selects a rental vehicle, they specify the vehicle type, rental date and time, and rental location. In this case, it is also preferable to include vehicle return date and time data. Based on the vehicle rental date and time data and vehicle return date and time data, it becomes possible to calculate rental fee data. In this case, it is also preferable to include the rental unit price, as it may differ depending on the rental vehicle type.

[0043] In this method, the vehicle rental location data is a distinctive feature. In typical rental car businesses, the vehicle rental location is fixed, but in this method, the vehicle rental location data can be arbitrarily selected by the user. Specifically, for example, by providing map information to the user, the user can arbitrarily select the location where they wish to rent a vehicle, and that selected location can be set as the vehicle rental location. From a data perspective, it is conceivable that the administrator terminal transmits map information data to the user terminal U, displays the map information on the display screen of the user terminal U, records the location information data related to the location identified by the user as vehicle rental location data, and transmits it to the administrator terminal. In this method, the administrator provides the service by transporting the vehicle to the set vehicle rental location.

[0044] Furthermore, in this method, if the above-mentioned vehicle rental location data is recorded, it is preferable to calculate the transport distance data based on the storage location data and vehicle rental location data in the inventory vehicle data. By calculating this transport distance data, it is possible to calculate the costs to be borne by the user, specifically the waiting fee data.

[0045] Furthermore, in this method, it is preferable that the rental vehicle data includes waiting fee data. Waiting fee data is data that includes information about waiting fees, and specifically, the waiting fee is calculated based on the distance the rental vehicle has traveled, the parking fee for waiting at the rental location, etc. For example, Figure 4 shows an example of a screen on the display device of the user terminal U that shows the rental location and its waiting fee, etc.

[0046] Furthermore, although not limited to this method, it is preferable that the rental vehicle data includes vehicle return location data. Vehicle return location data is data relating to the location where the rental vehicle will be returned, and like the vehicle rental location data mentioned above, it can be set arbitrarily by the user. If the vehicle return location is predetermined, i.e., vehicle return location data is predetermined, it is also possible to calculate the transportation distance from the vehicle return location to the planned storage location of the rental vehicle, i.e., storage location data, and include it in the fee. In addition, in this method, the vehicle return location data may not be recorded at the time of rental, and the user may select and decide on the vehicle return location at the time they wish to return the vehicle during the rental period. This can improve convenience for the user.

[0047] Furthermore, this method includes a step of recording key data corresponding to (S3) rental vehicle data. Here, "key data" refers to data containing information about the keys that enable the use of the vehicle, i.e., the rental vehicle, when the administrator lends the vehicle to a user. Specifically, this refers to information about the keys to the doors locked on the vehicle, the keys to start the vehicle's power (engine or motor), etc. By recording and possessing this key data, as will be shown later, it becomes possible to send it to users and allow only specific users to use the rental vehicle. Here, the type of key data is not particularly limited; it may be data in file format, or it may be text data containing information about a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) for connecting a user terminal connected via a telecommunications line to a terminal on the network (key generation terminal).

[0048] Furthermore, it is preferable that this method includes the step of (S4) transmitting key data to the user terminal. By transmitting key data to the user terminal as in this step, the user becomes able to use the recorded key data.

[0049] Furthermore, in this method, it is preferable to have an identity verification step (S5) after this step when the user attempts to use the rental vehicle, in which case the user's identity is verified. Since the rental vehicle can only be used by the user who made the application, it is important to identify that the person using the key data is the user themselves. For this reason, it is preferable to perform identity verification before authorizing the use of the key data.

[0050] This identity verification step is not limited to this, but it is preferable to verify the identity of the user by, for example, comparing pre-recorded facial image data included in the user data with facial image data acquired at the time of rental by a rental vehicle terminal installed in the rental vehicle. Specifically, if the rental vehicle is equipped with an in-vehicle camera, the facial image data at the time of rental can be captured by the in-vehicle camera. This provides a high level of reliability for identity verification. However, if the rental vehicle terminal does not have the function to acquire such data, for example, the user terminal U may independently acquire facial image data when renting the vehicle again and send it to the administrator terminal M to verify identity.

[0051] By the way, once the user has completed all the necessary procedures, such as identifying the rental vehicle, and is ready to actually rent it out, it is important to transport the rental vehicle to the designated rental date, time, and location. In this case, it is preferable to instruct the operating staff on the rental date, time, and location to transport the vehicle. Specifically, it is preferable to send the rental date, time data and rental location data from the administrator terminal to the staff terminal. This makes it possible for staff to transport the rental vehicle. However, even in this case, as described above, it is preferable to send key data and arrange for the staff to be able to drive the rental vehicle using this key, and it is also preferable for the staff to perform the same identity verification as described above.

[0052] Furthermore, it is preferable to record user help data in this method. By recording user help data, if a user encounters any inconvenience or questions while using the vehicle, it becomes possible to provide the user with the necessary support based on this user help data.

[0053] Furthermore, in this method, it is preferable that the user help data includes language type data. It is assumed that the user may be a foreign national, and by identifying the type of language used by such a foreign national, it becomes possible to provide appropriate support tailored to that user. In this case, there are no particular limitations on the type of language, but examples include Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, French, etc.

[0054] Furthermore, in this method, it is preferable that the rental vehicle data includes travel log data. By confirming where the user traveled and by what route during the rental period, this data can be used as statistical data, which can then be used to discover local tourism resources.

[0055] Furthermore, it is preferable that this method also includes steps of recording the current location data of the rental vehicle, recording the alert area data, and recording warning data based on the current location data and the alert area data.

[0056] Furthermore, the current location data here refers to the same data as the inventory vehicle data mentioned above, and includes data that includes the current location information. This makes it possible to always pinpoint the location of each rental vehicle.

[0057] Furthermore, the warning zone data includes information about areas that require caution. For example, by pre-recording areas where vehicle access is restricted or areas where accidents frequently occur, it becomes possible to alert users at an appropriate time.

[0058] As described above, by recording current location data and restricted area data, it is possible to send warnings to users based on this data. Specifically, by recording warning data and sending this warning data to the user's terminal or rental vehicle terminal, it becomes possible to alert users at an appropriate time.

[0059] Furthermore, it is preferable that this method includes a vehicle return processing step. The series of services is completed when the vehicle is returned. Specifically, it is preferable to perform the steps of recording vehicle return request data, recording vehicle return location data, and recording vehicle return confirmation data.

[0060] First, the vehicle return request data contains information about the user's intention to return the vehicle, and recording this data makes it possible to start the return process.

[0061] Furthermore, while the vehicle return location data may be recorded in advance in accordance with the rental vehicle data, as mentioned above, if the user wishes to return the vehicle at a location other than the predetermined one during the rental period, they may be allowed to record the location at that time. This has the advantage of enabling a more flexible service.

[0062] Furthermore, it is preferable to record vehicle return confirmation data in order to confirm the above intention. This will confirm the return of the vehicle. Vehicle return confirmation data is data that includes information regarding the declaration of intent to complete the vehicle return procedure.

[0063] Furthermore, in this car return processing step, it is preferable to include an additional charge calculation step between the step of recording the car return location data and the step of recording the car return confirmation data. If the return location is determined in advance, the fee can be determined in advance, but if the car is returned on the spot, unexpected costs may be incurred. Therefore, calculating the additional costs required for the return separately has the advantage of preventing users from incurring unexpected charges.

[0064] In summary, this method makes it possible to rent out cars with less burden on the user.

[0065] Incidentally, the user authentication step in this method can be used not only for car rentals but also as a highly versatile, independent method. Specifically, it can be applied as a user authentication program. That is, it has the potential to be a user authentication program that causes a computer to execute the following steps: recording user data including pre-existing facial image data, recording key data corresponding to the item to be rented, recording facial image data at the time of rental, and performing user authentication by comparing the pre-existing facial image data with the facial image data at the time of rental, and making the key data usable. [Industrial applicability]

[0066] The present invention has industrial applicability as a vehicle rental management program and vehicle rental management method. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0067] S... Vehicle rental management system U... User terminal M...Administrator terminal E... Staff terminal K...Key generation terminal N... Telecommunication line

Claims

1. On the computer, Steps to record user data, A step of recording rental vehicle data in correspondence with the user data, A car rental management program for executing the step of recording key data corresponding to the aforementioned rental car data.

2. The car rental management program according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned rental car data includes rental vehicle type data, rental date and time data, and rental location data.

3. The car rental management program according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned rental car data includes car return location data.

4. The car rental management program according to claim 1, which also performs the step of transmitting the key data to a user terminal.

5. The vehicle rental management program according to claim 1, which also performs the step of recording inventory vehicle data.

6. The vehicle rental management program according to claim 5, which includes vehicle type data and management status data for the aforementioned inventory vehicle data.

7. The management status data of the aforementioned inventory vehicle data includes at least one of the states of rental status and standby status. The vehicle rental management program according to claim 6, wherein the management status data is in the standby state, and the inventory vehicle data includes storage location data.

8. A vehicle rental management program according to claim 7, which calculates transport distance data based on the storage location data and vehicle rental location data in the aforementioned inventory vehicle data.

9. The car rental management program according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned rental car data includes waiting fee data.

10. A car rental management program according to claim 1, which records user help data.

11. The car rental management program according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned rental car data includes movement log data.

12. The car rental management program according to claim 10, wherein the user help data includes language type data.

13. A step of recording the current location data of the aforementioned rental vehicle data, Steps to record restricted area data, The car rental management program according to claim 1, which also performs the step of recording alarm data based on the current location data and the warning area data.

14. Steps to record user data, A step of recording rental vehicle data in correspondence with the user data, A car rental management method, comprising the step of recording key data corresponding to the aforementioned rental car data.

15. On the computer, A step of recording user data, including pre-existing facial image data, A step to record key data corresponding to the item being borrowed. Steps to record facial image data at the time of lending, A personal authentication program comprising: a personal authentication step of verifying the identity of the user by comparing the aforementioned pre-existing facial image data with the aforementioned facial image data at the time of lending, and making the key data available for use.

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