Rental vehicle management system and program

Abstract

This invention provides a novel technology that enables a vehicle to be rented to a user by utilizing the user's mobile device 90. [Solution] The management server 50 communicates with the mobile terminal 90, enabling the mobile terminal to display a number of candidate stations located near its current location on its screen, to select one of the candidate stations in response to user operation, to lend out the vehicle (S257) when the mobile terminal communicates with the short-range wireless communication unit of one of the vehicles at the selected station (S155) and the user inputs a request to start using the vehicle (S162) from the user to the mobile terminal, to prohibit lending out the vehicle if the request is not input within the time limit, and to have the mobile terminal prompt the user to input a request until the request is input, as long as the time limit has not been exceeded (S165).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for managing a plurality of vehicles that can be rented to users, and particularly to a technique for managing those vehicles using a user's mobile terminal.

Background Art

[0002] There already exists a technique for managing a rental target, which is an example of movable property existing in a station that is real estate, using a mobile terminal carried by the user of the rental target.

[0003] An example of this is a service in which lending and returning of a rental target that is movable property is performed for a user at any location or station (or port) that is real estate. As the rental target, there are vehicles for moving people and luggage, and examples of the types of such vehicles include automobiles, bicycles, and motorcycles.

[0004] The vehicle rental service of lending and returning rental vehicles is classified into a round-trip method in which return must be made at the same station where lending was performed, and a one-way method in which return is permitted at a location different from the location where lending was performed.

[0005] By the way, as a nomenclature for rental vehicles, for example, in the case of a bicycle, it may be referred to as a "rental cycle" or a "share cycle", but there is no substantial difference in meaning between the two. In this specification, for convenience, a bicycle as a rental vehicle will be referred to as a "rental cycle" or a "rented bicycle".

[0006] Similarly, in the case of an automobile, it may be referred to as a "rental car" or a "share car", but there is no substantial difference in meaning between the two. In this specification, for convenience, a bicycle as a rental vehicle will be referred to as a "rental car".

[0007] Furthermore, one-way vehicle rental services are classified into station-based services, where both rental and return must take place at a designated station (or port), and free-floating services, where rental and return are permitted at any location.

[0008] By the way, if a vehicle rental service is implemented in a way that the rental vehicles are stored at one of the stations (whether it is a round-trip system or a one-way system), then the rented vehicle should, in principle, be returned to one of the stations by the user after use.

[0009] However, if a user forgets or fails to return a rented vehicle to a station for any reason, the rented vehicle may be left abandoned (left unattended) in a location other than a station.

[0010] Therefore, rental companies are required to perform the additional task of locating the abandoned rental vehicles and retrieving them to one of their stations.

[0011] In contrast, if the vehicle rental service is implemented using the aforementioned free-floating one-way system, the rented vehicle will not be returned by the user to any station, i.e., a fixed location.

[0012] Therefore, rental companies that operate a vehicle rental service using a free-floating one-way system need to locate the place where the user actually returned the rented vehicle (here, the act of "returning" does not constitute the act of collecting the rental vehicle at any station, so from the perspective of a station-type one-way system, it can also be expressed as the act of "abandoning" the vehicle).

[0013] Thanks to this exploration, rental companies operating a free-floating one-way vehicle rental service can direct multiple other potential users to the location where the vehicle was actually returned (the apparent return station) as a location where the returned rental vehicle can then be rented out to another user (the apparent rental station).

[0014] Given the circumstances described above, several technologies for locating abandoned rental vehicles have already been proposed.

[0015] For example, in the system described in Patent Document 1, an abandoned rental bicycle is searched for as an abandoned bicycle, and the location where the abandoned bicycle was left is assigned to a virtual station separate from the actual station. Another potential user is guided to the virtual station and use the abandoned bicycle as a rental bicycle. The virtual station is deleted from the computer once the abandoned bicycle is rented out to a user. The abandoned bicycle is then retrieved to one of the actual stations by a user other than the original user.

[0016] Furthermore, in the system described in Patent Document 1, a vehicle-mounted device is installed on the rental bicycle. This vehicle-mounted device has a position acquisition unit (GPS (Global Positioning System)) that acquires the position of the rental bicycle. The user uses a terminal device. This terminal device also has a position acquisition unit, similar to the rental bicycle.

[0017] In the system described in Patent Document 2, an IC chip (an example of a transmitter) is mounted on the bicycle. Data from the IC chip is read by a terminal (an example of a mobile terminal, but not a user's mobile terminal) held by the administrator.

[0018] The terminal has GPS. The terminal acquires location information via its GPS at the time it reads data from the IC chip. The terminal communicates with the bicycle parking management device (an example of a management server) via a terminal installed in the manager's office.

[0019] According to the system described in Patent Document 2, if the location information transmitted from the terminal to the bicycle parking management device indicates the same location over a long period of time, the manager can confirm that the bicycle is an abandoned bicycle.

[0020] In the system described in Patent Document 3, a location acquisition unit (PHS or GPS) is mounted on the bicycle, and the bicycle's location acquired by the location acquisition unit is transmitted directly to the server without going through the user's mobile terminal.

[0021] In the system described in Patent Document 4, in the field of car sharing where automobiles, rather than bicycles, are shared among multiple users, a first transmitter that emits a unique identification signal is installed at the station where automobiles are lent to and / or returned to users, and a second transmitter that emits a unique identification signal is installed in the automobile. In this system, the user is authorized to lend and / or return the automobile based on the signals received by the user's mobile terminal from the first transmitter and the signals received from the second transmitter.

[0022] Furthermore, in the system described in Patent Document 4, when the user's mobile terminal receives a signal from the second transmitter but not from the first transmitter, it is determined that the user is about to get out of the car midway. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0023] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-181773

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0024] According to the system described in Patent Document 1, the existence and location of abandoned rental vehicles are detected, and the detected abandoned rental vehicles are rented out to other users, so that the abandoned rental vehicles are recovered without bothering the rental company.

[0025] However, in the system described in this Patent Document 1, in order to detect the location of an abandoned rental vehicle, it is necessary to install a GPS on the rental vehicle. In this system, although a GPS is also installed in the user's terminal device, in this system, the GPS installed in the terminal device cannot be used to detect the abandonment position of the rental vehicle.

[0026] Similarly, in the system described in Patent Document 3, the GPS installed in the user's mobile terminal cannot be used to detect the position of the bicycle.

[0027] In contrast, according to the system described in Patent Document 2, in order to detect the location of an abandoned rental vehicle, the GPS installed in the terminal held by the administrator is used. As a result, it is not necessary to install a GPS on the rental vehicle.

[0028] However, the system described in Patent Document 2 cannot use the user's mobile device or the GPS of that mobile device to detect the location of an abandoned rental vehicle. Therefore, with this system, even if an abandoned rental vehicle appears, the manager will not be aware of its presence until they approach the vehicle, rather than the user.

[0029] Furthermore, in the system described in Patent Document 4, the management server can detect the possibility that the vehicle may be abandoned, i.e., left unattended, based on the state of the signals received by the user's mobile terminal from the two aforementioned transmitters. However, in this system, if the management server detects that there is a possibility that the vehicle may be abandoned, the management server remotely forcibly locks the vehicle's doors to prevent the user from unlocking them, thereby preventing the user from abandoning the vehicle.

[0030] Therefore, since Patent Document 4 employs technology to prevent cars from being abandoned in the first place, it does not even mention the necessity of detecting the location of abandoned cars. In other words, this document does not mention or suggest using the GPS of the user's mobile device to measure the location of abandoned cars.

[0031] On the other hand, if the location of the rental vehicle can be detected using the user's mobile device, then, for example, in a free-floating one-way rental business, it becomes possible to detect the location where the user rents a vehicle at any location, and the location where the user returns the rental vehicle at any location, using the user's mobile device.

[0032] Based on the above findings, the present invention aims to provide a novel technology that enables a vehicle to be rented to a user using the user's mobile terminal and a short-range wireless communication unit installed in that vehicle, or using the user's mobile terminal to rent out the vehicle to the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0033] To solve this problem, according to the first aspect of the present invention, A system for managing multiple vehicles available for loan to users and stored at multiple stations, Includes a management server that can communicate with the user's mobile device, The management server is The mobile terminal includes a station display unit that enables it to display on its screen, as a plurality of candidate stations, those stations located near the current location determined by the mobile terminal's positioning unit, among the plurality of stations. The mobile terminal includes a station selection unit that enables the user to select one of the multiple candidate stations as the selected station in response to user operations, A lending authorization unit that enables the lending of one of the vehicles to the user when the user approaches one of the vehicles at the selected station, the mobile terminal communicates with a short-range wireless communication unit installed in one of the vehicles, and the user inputs a start request to the mobile terminal to borrow or start using one of the vehicles. A lending prohibition unit that prevents lending any of the vehicles to the user if the start request is not entered by the user into the mobile device within the time limit, Until the aforementioned time limit is exceeded, the mobile terminal enables the mobile terminal to visually, audibly, or tactilely prompt the user to input the start request into the mobile terminal, until the start request is input by the user into the mobile terminal. Rental vehicle management system including It will be provided.

[0034] Furthermore, according to a second aspect of the present invention, A program that runs on the computer of a user's mobile device in order for the user to use one of several vehicles available for loan to the user, The aforementioned mobile device has several functions, A station display function that displays on the screen as multiple candidate stations those stations located near the current location determined by the positioning unit of the mobile terminal, among the multiple stations mentioned above. A station selection function that selects one of the multiple candidate stations as the selected station in response to the user's operation, A lending permission function that allows lending one of the vehicles to the user when the user approaches one of the vehicles at the selected station, the mobile terminal communicates with the short-range wireless communication unit installed in one of the vehicles, and the user enters a start request into the mobile terminal to borrow or start using one of the vehicles. A lending prohibition function that prohibits lending any of the vehicles to the user if the aforementioned start request is not entered by the user on the mobile device within the time limit, Until the aforementioned time limit is exceeded, the mobile device will have a prompting function that visually, audibly, or tactilely urges the user to input the start request into the mobile device until the start request is input by the user into the mobile device. Includes, Programs executed by the computer to realize the aforementioned multiple functions It will be provided.

[0035] The present invention provides the following embodiments. Each embodiment is divided into sections, each section numbered, and the numbers of other sections are referenced as necessary. This is to facilitate understanding of some of the technical features and combinations thereof that the present invention may employ, and it should not be interpreted that the technical features and combinations thereof that the present invention may employ are limited to the embodiments below. In other words, it should be interpreted that there is no preclude from appropriately extracting and adopting technical features described in this specification that are not described in the embodiments below as technical features of the present invention.

[0036] Furthermore, the fact that each section is written in a format that references the numbering of other sections does not necessarily mean that it prevents the technical features described in each section from being separated and made independent from those described in other sections. Rather, it should be interpreted that it is possible to make the technical features described in each section independent as appropriate according to their nature.

[0037] (1) A rental vehicle management method in which, when a user's mobile terminal transitions from a receiving state in which it is effectively receiving a signal specific to a transmitter installed in a rented vehicle via short-range communication to a non-receiving state in which it is not effectively receiving the signal, the current location measured by the mobile terminal at the start time of the non-receiving state is recognized as the abandoned location of the rental vehicle.

[0038] In one example, before the transition, the mobile terminal recognizes the rental vehicle identified by the signal received from the transmitter as an abandoned vehicle, and recognizes the measured current location as the abandoned location of the abandoned vehicle.

[0039] The invention described in item (1) above is particularly useful when conducting a vehicle rental business using a station-type one-way system, which makes it significantly easier to recognize the concept of abandoned rental vehicles compared to a free-floating type.

[0040] (2) A method for managing rental vehicles, The user who rented the aforementioned rental vehicle must carry their own mobile device while using the rental vehicle. The aforementioned rental vehicle is equipped with a transmitter that emits a signal capable of identifying a unique vehicle identification code. The aforementioned mobile terminal is capable of receiving the transmitter using a short-range communication method and has a positioning function that continuously measures its own current location. This method is A vehicle identification step involves the mobile terminal and / or a management server capable of communicating with the mobile terminal obtaining a vehicle identification code identified by a signal received by the mobile terminal from the transmitter, thereby identifying the rental vehicle. The aforementioned mobile terminal and / or management server, when the mobile terminal transitions from a receiving state in which it is effectively receiving a signal from the transmitter to a non-receiving state in which it is not effectively receiving a signal, stores its current location measured by the mobile terminal at the start time of the non-receiving state as the temporary parking location of the identified rental vehicle in memory, and when the duration of the non-receiving state exceeds a predetermined time, recognizes the temporary parking location stored in memory as the final parking location of the identified rental vehicle in a parking location recognition step. Rental vehicle management methods, including those mentioned above.

[0041] (3) A method for managing rental vehicles that are rented out to and returned to users at the same station or at multiple different stations, The user who rented the aforementioned rental vehicle must carry their own mobile device while using the rental vehicle. The station is equipped with a first transmitter that emits a signal capable of identifying a unique station identification code. The aforementioned rental vehicle is equipped with a second transmitter that emits a signal capable of identifying a unique vehicle identification code. The aforementioned mobile terminal is capable of receiving signals from the first and second transmitters using a short-range communication method and has a positioning function that continuously measures its own current location. This method is The mobile terminal and / or a management server capable of communicating with the mobile terminal perform a vehicle identification step in which the mobile terminal receives a signal from the second transmitter and obtains a vehicle identification code identified by the received signal, thereby identifying the rental vehicle. The mobile terminal and / or the management server, when the mobile terminal is not effectively receiving a signal from the first transmitter, and the mobile terminal transitions from a receiving state where it is effectively receiving a signal from the second transmitter to a non-receiving state where it is not effectively receiving a signal, stores its current location measured by the mobile terminal at the start time of the non-receiving state as the temporary parking location of the identified rental vehicle in memory, and when the duration of the non-receiving state exceeds a predetermined time, recognizes the temporary parking location stored in memory as the final parking location of the identified rental vehicle in a parking location recognition step. Rental vehicle management methods, including those mentioned above.

[0042] (4) Furthermore, When the mobile terminal and / or the management server transitions from the receiving state to the non-receiving state, the process includes an abandoned vehicle recognition step in which the identified rental vehicle is recognized as an abandoned vehicle. The abandoned vehicle recognition process is as follows: If the elapsed time from the start time of the non-receiving state exceeds a predetermined time, the rental vehicle is recognized as an abandoned vehicle. If the rental vehicle is not returned to any station even after the permitted rental time for the rental vehicle authorized by the user has elapsed, the rental vehicle is recognized as an abandoned vehicle. After the aforementioned non-reception state begins, the mobile terminal prompts the user to return the rental vehicle to one of the stations by visually, audibly, or tactilely stimulating the user, and if the user does not respond to the prompt on the mobile terminal, the rental vehicle is recognized as an abandoned vehicle. A rental vehicle management method as described in item (3), which includes at least one of the following.

[0043] (5) Furthermore, The rental vehicle management method according to paragraph (3) or (4), which includes a recovery acceleration step in which the mobile terminal and / or the management server simultaneously sends requests to the mobile terminals of multiple other potential users asking them to go to the abandoned location, borrow the abandoned vehicle, and return the abandoned vehicle to any station, thereby facilitating the recovery of the abandoned vehicle.

[0044] (6) A rental vehicle management method in which, when a user's mobile terminal transitions from a non-receiving state, where it does not effectively receive a signal specific to a transmitter installed in the rental vehicle before borrowing, to a receiving state, the current location measured by the mobile terminal at the start of the receiving state is recognized as the rental location of the rental vehicle.

[0045] This method enables vehicle rental businesses that allow users to rent vehicles at any station, or vehicles that allow users to rent vehicles at any location.

[0046] In one example of this method, the receiving range of the transmitter is set to the short range described later, and as a result, when the user holds their mobile device over the transmitter, the transition from the non-receiving state to the receiving state occurs.

[0047] In another example, the receiving range of the transmitter is set to the medium range described later (a range in which the mobile device can receive the transmitter without the user having to hold the mobile device up to the transmitter, as long as the user is in the rental vehicle), and as a result, the transition from the non-receiving state to the receiving state occurs when the user approaches the rental vehicle and the transmitter together with the mobile device.

[0048] (7) A rental vehicle management method in which, when a user's mobile terminal transitions from a receiving state in which it is effectively receiving a signal specific to a transmitter installed in a rented vehicle via short-range communication to a non-receiving state in which it is not effectively receiving, the current location measured by the mobile terminal at the start time of the non-receiving state is recognized as the return location of the rental vehicle.

[0049] This method enables vehicle rental businesses that allow users to return rental vehicles to any station, or to any location of their choosing.

[0050] In one example of this method, the receiving range of the transmitter is set to the medium range, and as a result, the user moves away from or takes refuge from the rental vehicle and the transmitter together with the mobile terminal, thereby transitioning from the receiving state to the non-receiving state.

[0051] (8) A rental vehicle management method in which, when a user's mobile terminal transitions from a non-receiving state to a receiving state in which it receives a signal specific to a transmitter installed in a rented vehicle via short-range communication, the current location measured by the mobile terminal within a reference time from the transition is recognized as the return location of the rental vehicle.

[0052] This method enables vehicle rental businesses that allow users to return rental vehicles to any station, or to any location of their choosing.

[0053] In one example of this method, the receiving range of the transmitter is set to the short range, and as a result, the user approaches the rental vehicle and the transmitter together with their mobile device, thereby transitioning from the non-receiving state to the receiving state.

[0054] (9) The rental vehicle management method described in any of paragraphs (1) to (7), wherein the rental vehicle includes at least one of bicycles, automobiles, and motorcycles.

[0055] (10) A program that is executed by the computer of a mobile device in order to implement any of the mobile devices described in paragraphs (1) through (9).

[0056] The program relating to this section and other sections can be interpreted, for example, as meaning a combination of instructions executed by a computer to perform its function, or it can be interpreted as including not only such combination of instructions but also files and data processed in accordance with each instruction, but is not limited to these interpretations.

[0057] Furthermore, this program may achieve its intended purpose by being executed on a computer alone, or by being executed on a computer together with other programs, but is not limited to these two methods. In the latter case, the program relating to this section may be primarily data-based, but is not limited to that.

[0058] (11) A program executed by the computer of the management server in order to implement the management server described in any of paragraphs (2) through (5).

[0059] (12) A recording medium on which the program described in item (10) or (11) is recorded in a computer-readable format.

[0060] This recording medium can employ various formats, including, but is not limited to, magnetic recording media such as flexible disks, optical recording media such as CDs and CD-ROMs, magneto-optical recording media such as MOs, and unremovable storage such as ROMs.

[0061] (13) A system for managing rental items, A transmitter installed in the aforementioned rental item, which emits a unique signal, The user of the rented item carries a portable terminal while using the rented item, which is capable of measuring its current location and is capable of receiving the signal from the transmitter using a short-range communication method. Includes, The aforementioned mobile terminal and / or a management server capable of communicating with that mobile terminal, A rental item management system including an abandoned location recognition unit that, when the mobile terminal transitions from a receiving state, in which it effectively receives a signal from the transmitter because the user is approaching the rental item, to a non-receiving state, in which the mobile terminal does not effectively receive a signal from the transmitter because the user has moved away from the rental item, recognizes the current location measured by the mobile terminal at the start time of the non-receiving state as the abandoned location of the rental item.

[0062] In one example, the mobile terminal further includes an abandoned item recognition unit that recognizes the rental item identified by the signal received from the transmitter by the mobile terminal before the transition as an abandoned item.

[0063] (14) A system for managing rental items, A transmitter installed in the aforementioned rental item, which emits a unique signal, The user of the rented item carries a portable terminal while using the rented item, which is capable of measuring its current location and is capable of receiving the signal from the transmitter using a short-range communication method. Includes, The aforementioned mobile terminal and / or a management server capable of communicating with that mobile terminal, When the mobile terminal transitions from a non-receiving state, where it does not effectively receive a signal from the transmitter because the user is far away from the rental item that is waiting to be rented, to a receiving state, where the mobile terminal effectively receives a signal from the transmitter because the user has approached the rental item, the rental item recognition unit recognizes the rental item identified by the signal received from the transmitter as the rental item that should be rented to the user. A rental location recognition unit recognizes the current location measured by the mobile terminal at the start time of the reception state as the rental location of the rental item. Rental management system including

[0064] (15) Furthermore, A lending authorization unit that permits lending the aforementioned rental items to a user, provided that certain conditions are met, When the rental is permitted, an unlocking command unit sends an unlocking signal to a locking device that is in a locked state prohibiting the user from using the rented item, thereby automatically switching the locking device to an authorized state that permits the use of the rented item. Rental management systems as described in item (14), including the rental management systems described in item (14).

[0065] (16) A system for managing rental items, A transmitter installed in the aforementioned rental item, which emits a unique signal, The user of the rented item carries a portable terminal while using the rented item, which is capable of measuring its current location and is capable of receiving the signal from the transmitter using a short-range communication method. Includes, The aforementioned mobile terminal and / or a management server capable of communicating with that mobile terminal, When the mobile terminal transitions from a receiving state, in which it effectively receives a signal from the transmitter because the user is approaching the rented item, to a non-receiving state, in which the mobile terminal does not effectively receive a signal from the transmitter because the user has moved away from the rented item, the mobile terminal recognizes the rented item identified by the identification signal received from the transmitter as a rented item to be returned by the user. A return location recognition unit recognizes the current location measured by the mobile terminal at the start time of the non-reception state as the return location of the rented item. Rental management system including

[0066] (17) Furthermore, A return authorization unit that permits the user to return the rented item, provided that certain conditions are met, A lock confirmation unit that confirms that the user has manually switched the locking device, which is in a state that allows the use of the rented item, to a locked state that prohibits its use. Rental management systems as described in item (16), including the rental management systems described in item (16).

[0067] (18) The rental item management system described in any of paragraphs (13) to (17), including movable or immovable property.

[0068] (19) The movable property includes the rental management system described in paragraph (18), including the mobile unit.

[0069] (20) The rental management system described in paragraph (19), which includes bicycles, automobiles, motorcycles, recreational or competitive go-karts, shopping carts, strollers, pushcarts, wheelchairs or golf carts.

[0070] (21) The rental management system described in paragraph (18), which includes furniture, clothing, electrical appliances, accessories that can be detachably attached to electrical appliances (e.g., batteries or chargers), or recording media on which audiovisual content is recorded and playable by the user.

[0071] (22) The rental management system described in paragraph (18), which includes, as such, rooms in accommodations where users can stay for a short period (e.g., hotels), rooms in accommodations where users can stay for a long period (e.g., apartments), rooms in accommodations where individuals reside permanently (e.g., detached houses, apartment buildings, etc.) that are temporarily rented out to others (e.g., rooms for short-term rentals), coin lockers, public or private parking lots, or parking lots at private residences that are temporarily rented out to others (parking lots where privately owned parking lots can be temporarily shared with others, such as subletting of privately owned parking lots or parking lots where privately owned parking lots can be temporarily shared with others).

[0072] (23) A rental item management method comprising: installing a first transmitter that emits a unique identification signal at a station; installing a second transmitter that emits a unique identification signal at the station on rental items that are lent out and / or returned to users; and allowing the user to lend out and / or return the rental items based on the signals received by the user's mobile terminal from the first transmitter and the signals received from the second transmitter.

[0073] (24) The rental item management method described in paragraph (23), which permits the user to lend and / or return the rental item, provided that the user's mobile terminal detects that it is receiving both the signal from the first transmitter and the signal from the second transmitter.

[0074] (25) The rental item management method described in section (23) or (24), wherein the effective receiving radius of the effective receiving area of ​​the second transmitter is variably controlled according to the user's behavior.

[0075] (26) A rental item management method that allows a user to borrow and / or return a rental item based on a signal received by the user's mobile terminal from a transmitter installed on the rental item that emits a unique identification signal, and controls the receiving range of the transmitter variably according to the user's behavior.

[0076] (27) The rental item management method described in item (26), wherein the receiving range is controlled to become longer when the user's rental process is completed.

[0077] (28) The rental item management method described in item (26) or (27), which controls the receiving range to shorten when the user's return process is completed.

[0078] (29) A rental vehicle management method comprising: (29) In a receiving state in which the user's mobile terminal is effectively receiving a signal specific to the transmitter from a transmitter installed in the rented vehicle using a short-range communication method, if the absolute value of the speed and / or acceleration measured by the mobile terminal is equal to or greater than a reference value, it is determined that the user is riding in the rental vehicle and moving; if the mobile terminal transitions from the receiving state to a non-receiving state in which it does not effectively receive a signal from the transmitter, it is determined that the user has gotten out of the rental vehicle; and in that state, if the absolute value of the speed and / or acceleration measured by the mobile terminal is equal to or greater than a reference value, it is determined that the user has moved away from the rental vehicle.

[0079] This method makes it relatively easy and accurate to determine whether a user is currently in or away from a rental vehicle, and to manage the rental vehicle accordingly.

[0080] (30) A method for managing rental vehicles that are lent out to and returned to users at the same or different stations, The user who rented the aforementioned rental vehicle must carry their own mobile device while using the rental vehicle. The aforementioned rental vehicle is equipped with a transmitter that emits a signal capable of identifying a unique vehicle identification code. The aforementioned mobile terminal is capable of receiving the transmitter using a short-range communication method and has a positioning function that continuously measures its own current location. This method is The mobile terminal and / or a management server capable of communicating with the mobile terminal perform a vehicle identification step in which the mobile terminal receives a signal from the transmitter and obtains a vehicle identification code identified by the received signal, thereby identifying the rental vehicle. The aforementioned mobile terminal and / or management server, when the user, the mobile terminal and the rental vehicle are not present at any station, and the mobile terminal transitions from a receiving state in which it is effectively receiving a signal from the transmitter to a non-receiving state in which it is not effectively receiving a signal, recognizes the current location measured by the mobile terminal within a reference time from that transition as the abandoned location of the identified rental vehicle in the abandoned location step. Rental vehicle management methods, including those mentioned above. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0081] [Figure 1] Figure 1(a) is a perspective view showing equipment installed at a station in a bicycle rental system according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 1(b) is a side view showing an enlarged portion of the rental bicycles shown in Figure 1(a).

[0082] [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example of how a first transmitter installed at a station, a second transmitter installed on a bicycle at the same station, a user's mobile terminal at the same station, and a management server operated by a remote management center communicate with each other in the bicycle rental system shown in Figure 1(a).

[0083] [Figure 3] Figure 3 conceptually represents short-range unidirectional communication between the first and second transmitters shown in Figure 2 and the mobile terminal, and long-range bidirectional communication between the mobile terminal and the management server shown in the same figure.

[0084] [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram conceptually representing the first and second transmitters shown in Figure 2.

[0085] [Figure 5]Figure 5 is a flowchart that conceptually represents an example of a program (hereinafter also referred to as "application"; the same applies to other programs) executed by the computers of the first and second transmitters shown in Figure 4.

[0086] [Figure 6] Figure 6(a) is a plan view showing the first and second transmitters shown in Figure 1(a) in an enlarged view, along with the station in which they are installed. This plan view also conceptually represents examples of the first and second effective receiving areas assigned to the first and second transmitters, respectively. Figure 6(b) is a plan view conceptually representing a first modified example of the first effective receiving area, and Figure 6(c) is a plan view conceptually representing a second modified example of the first effective receiving area.

[0087] [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a functional block diagram conceptually representing the mobile device shown in Figure 2.

[0088] [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a diagram that conceptually represents, in tabular form, the station data files stored in the station data memory shown in Figure 7.

[0089] [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a diagram that conceptually represents the bicycle data files stored in the bicycle data memory in Figure 7 in tabular form.

[0090] [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a functional block diagram conceptually representing the management server shown in Figure 2.

[0091] [Figure 11]Figure 11(a) shows a list of multiple modules of the bicycle rental program executed by the computer of the mobile terminal shown in Figure 7, and Figure 11(b) shows a list of multiple modules of the bicycle rental program executed by the computer of the management server shown in Figure 10.

[0092] [Figure 12] Figure 12(a) is an illustrative diagram showing a reservation status table used in the reservation sequence, which is one of the bicycle rental methods performed in the bicycle rental system, and Figure 12(b) is an illustrative diagram showing a user-specific reservation file used in the reservation sequence.

[0093] [Figure 13] Figure 13(a) is a series of time charts illustrating the main sequence of events that occur when a reservation is made in the bicycle rental method, and Figure 13(b) is a series of time charts illustrating the main sequence of events that occur when a reservation is not made in the bicycle rental method.

[0094] [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows the reservation sequence flow achieved by the execution of the reservation module shown in Figure 11(a) by a mobile terminal and the execution of the reservation module shown in Figure 11(b) by a management server.

[0095] [Figure 15] Figures 15(a), (b), and (c) are reservation sequence diagrams that illustrate the reservation sequence flow shown in Figure 14 in chronological order.

[0096] [Figure 16] Figure 16 shows the reserved loan sequence flow achieved by the execution of the reserved loan processing module shown in Figure 11(a) by a mobile terminal and the execution of the reserved loan processing module shown in Figure 10(b) by a management server.

[0097] [Figure 17] Figure 17 shows the sequence flow for loan processing without a reservation, achieved through the execution of the loan processing module without a reservation by a mobile terminal (as shown in Figure 11(a)) and the execution of the loan processing module without a reservation by a management server (as shown in Figure 11(b)).

[0098] [Figure 18] Figure 18 shows the return processing sequence flow achieved by the execution of the return processing module shown in Figure 11(a) by a mobile terminal and by the execution of the return processing module shown in Figure 11(b) by a management server.

[0099] [Figure 19] Figure 19 shows the abandoned bicycle search sequence flow achieved by the execution of the abandoned bicycle search module shown in Figure 11(a) by a mobile terminal and the execution of the abandoned bicycle search module shown in Figure 11(b) by a management server.

[0100] [Figure 20] Figure 20 shows the abandoned bicycle retrieval sequence flow achieved by execution of the abandoned bicycle retrieval module shown in Figure 11(a) by a mobile terminal and execution of the abandoned bicycle retrieval module shown in Figure 11(b) by a management server.

[0101] [Figure 21] Figure 21(a) shows an example of a user X riding a rental bicycle to illustrate the process by which abandoned bicycles are searched for and recovered in the bicycle rental system shown in Figure 1(a); Figure 21(b) shows an example of user X abandoning the rental bicycle; Figure 21(c) shows an example of another user Y approaching to rent the abandoned bicycle; and Figure 21(d) shows an example of user Y renting the abandoned bicycle and beginning to ride it.

[0102] [Figure 22]Figure 22 is a series of time charts illustrating the abandoned bicycle search and recovery sequence in the bicycle rental system shown in Figure 1(a), in which abandoned bicycles are searched for and recovered.

[0103] [Figure 23] Figure 23 shows an example of a list of abandoned bicycles registered by the management server of the abandoned bicycle search module shown in Figure 11(b).

[0104] [Figure 24] Figure 24 is a plan view showing an example of how the location of abandoned bicycles is displayed on the screen of other users' mobile devices when the abandoned bicycle collection module shown in Figure 11(b) is executed by the management server.

[0105] [Figure 25] Figure 25 is a conceptual perspective view illustrating an example of how rental bicycles are lent out and returned in a bicycle rental system according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] [Figure 26] Figure 26 shows the rental processing sequence flow achieved by the execution of the rental processing module, one of the multiple modules in the bicycle rental system shown in Figure 25, by a mobile terminal and by the management server of the rental processing module.

[0107] [Figure 27] Figure 27 shows the return processing sequence flow achieved by the execution of the return processing module, one of the multiple modules in the bicycle rental system shown in Figure 25, by a mobile terminal and by the management server of the return processing module.

[0108] [Figure 28] Figure 28 is a series of time charts illustrating the relationship between changes in the signal reception level of the second transmitter and changes in user behavior in the bicycle rental system shown in Figure 25. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0109] Hereinafter, several exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0110] <First Embodiment>

[0111] Figures 1(a) and 2 show a bicycle rental system (hereinafter simply referred to as "the System") 10 according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention. This System 10 is an example of a rental vehicle management system according to the present invention, and in this System 10, a rental bicycle management method, which is an example of a rental vehicle management method according to the present invention, is implemented.

[0112] According to this system 10, a rental business is provided to users, which involves renting out rental bicycles 12, an example of a rental vehicle, to users for a fee.

[0113] The rental business employs a one-way system where users are permitted to return the bicycle 12 to a different station 20 than the station 20 from which it was rented.

[0114] Furthermore, the rental business employs a station-based one-way system. Therefore, according to this rental business, users are prohibited from abandoning the bicycles 12 rented from any station 20 at any location.

[0115] However, according to this rental business, abandoned bicycles 12, or unattended bicycles, are automatically searched for in any location, and if an abandoned bicycle 12 is found as a result of the search, the location where the abandoned bicycle 12 is left is simultaneously announced (distributed or broadcasted) to multiple other potential users as a place where they can rent and start riding the abandoned bicycle 12.

[0116] This facilitates the return and collection of the abandoned bicycle 12 to one of the stations 20 by another user. As a result, the rental company is at least partially freed from the additional burden of having to travel to collect the abandoned bicycle 12 and return it to one of the stations 20.

[0117] According to this rental business, if the management server 50 confirms that a user has abandoned a rented bicycle 12, a penalty is imposed, but the bicycle 12 is considered returned. Therefore, focusing on this point, it can be considered that this rental business partially employs a free-floating one-way system.

[0118] In short, this rental business can be considered to employ a hybrid one-way system that combines station-type and free-floating-type rentals.

[0119] In this embodiment, if a user who has rented a bicycle 12 dismounts and parks it anywhere other than the station 20, this action is described as "abandonment." However, when a bicycle 12 is abandoned, the location where it is abandoned functions as if it were a new station 20, and another user may rent the abandoned bicycle as if it were a legitimately returned bicycle.

[0120] In this embodiment, the term "abandoned" is interpreted as a term whose meaning changes depending on the situation. For example, if another user rents the abandoned bicycle and returns it to one of the stations 20, it is synonymous with "return," which is a legitimate act. However, if no such user exists and the rental company retrieves the abandoned bicycle, it is interpreted as "abandoned" as an illegal act.

[0121] Therefore, in this embodiment, the term "abandonment" may be interpreted as synonymous with "return."

[0122] As shown in Figures 1(a) and 2, this system 10 is a system for providing a service to users to rent and return bicycles 12 at multiple stations 20 (only a representative station 20 is shown in Figure 1(a)), each capable of storing multiple bicycles 12. Each station 20 is assigned to a corresponding bicycle parking area 22. The bicycle parking area 22 is a site for storing rental bicycles, and in the illustrated example, it has a rectangular shape in plan view.

[0123] There are two management methods for the stations 20: an autonomous management method in which each station 20 is managed independently (individually or self-contained) using only the equipment installed at that station 20, and a centralized management method in which multiple stations 20 are centrally managed by communicating with a management server located in a remote location. The system 10 according to this embodiment adopts the latter centralized management method.

[0124] To realize this centralized management system, the system 10 comprises multiple first transmitters 30 installed at multiple stations 20, multiple second transmitters (on-board units) 32 mounted on multiple bicycles 12, and a management server 50 installed at a management center 40 that centrally manages the multiple stations 20. The management center 40 is operated by the landowner where the station 20 is located, or by the aforementioned rental companies or bicycle parking management companies that act on behalf of the landowner.

[0125] Here, the first transmitter 30 is referred to as a station-side transmitter when considering its installation location, and as a fixed transmitter, stationary transmitter, or transmitter with an unchanging position when considering its motion characteristics. Similarly, the second transmitter 32 is referred to as a bicycle-side transmitter or vehicle-mounted transmitter when considering its installation location, and as a movable transmitter, mobile transmitter, or transmitter with a variable position when considering its motion characteristics.

[0126] Each of the multiple stations 20 is pre-assigned a unique station ID. Similarly, each of the multiple bicycles 12 is pre-assigned a unique bicycle ID. The first transmitter 30 installed at each station 20 and the management server 50 communicate not directly, but via the user's mobile terminal 90. Similarly, the second transmitter 32 installed at each bicycle 12 and the management server 50 communicate not directly, but via the user's mobile terminal 90.

[0127] In this embodiment, each first transmitter 30 is configured to transmit a local identification signal capable of identifying a station ID unique to the corresponding station 20. Each second transmitter 32 is configured to transmit a local identification signal capable of identifying a bicycle ID unique to the corresponding bicycle 12. The same station ID is used for multiple bicycles 12 stored in the same station 20.

[0128] The number and types of bicycles 12 to be stored at the same station 20 may be predetermined and not change from day to day, but in this embodiment, they may not be predetermined and can change from day to day.

[0129] Therefore, in the former case, the same bicycle ID will always correspond to the same station ID, whereas in this embodiment, the same bicycle ID will correspond to multiple station IDs that are all different from each other.

[0130] Specifically, in this embodiment, the same bicycle ID will correspond to the station ID of station A when renting, for example, but to the station ID of station B when returning. In this way, each user action of renting and returning bicycle 12 is defined by a combination of station ID and bicycle ID.

[0131] As shown in Figure 1(b), a corresponding second transmitter 32 is attached to a specific part of each bicycle 12. Examples of such specific parts include the front (e.g., the basket), the rear (e.g., the luggage rack), and the central part (e.g., the saddle 62 of the bicycle 12, or the triangular frame 64 that supports the saddle 62 from below).

[0132] Furthermore, the part of each bicycle 12 to which the second transmitter 32 is attached is selected to be a part (for example, the basket, the luggage rack, etc.) where there is a high probability that the portable terminal 90 carried by the user can receive the signal transmitted from the second transmitter 32 without obstruction when the user is riding the bicycle 12 (including the state in which the user begins to sit on the saddle 62 of the bicycle 12 (also called the "riding state") and the state in which the user is sitting on the saddle 62 of the bicycle 12 and driving the bicycle 12 (also called the "riding state", "while riding", or "riding and moving")).

[0133] As shown in Figure 1(a), the system 10 is equipped with the aforementioned first transmitter 30 as a fixed object installed in the corresponding bicycle parking area 22 at each station 20, and a bicycle rack (bicycle storage device) 70 for storing multiple bicycles 12.

[0134] In the example shown in Figure 1(a), one first transmitter 30 is installed at one station 20. However, as illustrated in Figure 6(c), multiple first transmitters 30 may be installed at one station 20.

[0135] As shown in Figure 1(a), the bicycle rack 70 is equipped with multiple bicycle stalls (small compartments) 72 for accommodating one bicycle 12 at a time. In one example, the bicycle rack 70 is divided into multiple bicycle stalls 72 by a frame 74 installed in the bicycle parking area 22. Prior to lending to users, each bicycle 12 is placed (stored) in its respective bicycle stall 72.

[0136] In one example, although not shown, each bicycle 12 is fitted with a lock that allows it to selectively lock its wheels (front and / or rear) or handlebars to the bicycle frame. In another example, although not shown, each bicycle stall 72 is fitted with a lock that allows it to selectively lock bicycle 12 to each bicycle stall 72.

[0137] In each example, the locks include, for example, PIN-code type locks (such as dial locks or push-button locks) that are unlocked by the user entering a PIN, and remote type locks that are unlocked by a signal from the user's mobile terminal 90 or management server 50. There are also mechanical locks that operate without using power (electricity) and electronic locks that operate using power (electricity).

[0138] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, in this system 10, the user uses their mobile terminal 90 to simultaneously receive an identification signal from a first transmitter 30 installed at the station 20 where the user is currently staying, and an identification signal from a second transmitter 32 installed on one of the bicycles 12 stored at the station 20 at that time that has been reserved by the user or selected on-site, and in a contact or non-contact state with the first and second transmitters 30 and 32 (short-range one-way wireless communication). The mobile terminal 90 also performs long-range two-way wireless communication with the management server 50 of the management center 40.

[0139] The user's mobile terminal 90 is a device carried by the user and having wireless communication capabilities, such as a mobile phone, smartphone, laptop computer, tablet computer, or PDA.

[0140] <First and second transmitters>

[0141] The first transmitter 30 installed at each station 20 and the second transmitter 32 mounted on each bicycle 12 share common hardware configurations (see Figure 4) and software configurations (see Figure 5). For the sake of explanation, the configurations of the first and second transmitters 30 and 32 will be described as if they were the same transmitter.

[0142] Each transmitter 30, 32 actively, locally, and continuously transmits a unique identification signal without requiring an external trigger signal, as long as there is sufficient power supply.

[0143] Each transmitter 30, 32 is a device that transmits a beacon signal as an identification signal, and is also known by names such as beacon device or radio beacon. In one example, each transmitter 30, 32 generates an identification signal representing the corresponding station ID by modulating the original signal, and transmits the generated identification signal locally as an IR signal, Bluetooth® signal, NFC (Near Field Communication) signal, etc.

[0144] Next, referring to Figure 4, a functional block diagram, the hardware configuration will be explained. Each oscillator 30, 32 is mainly composed of a computer 104 having a processor 100 and a memory 102 that stores multiple applications executed by the processor 100.

[0145] Each transmitter 30, 32 further has a replaceable disposable battery 106 as a power source. Instead of battery 106, a rechargeable battery can be used, commercial power can be used as an external power source, or solar cells can be used as a renewable energy source in addition to or instead of these.

[0146] Each transmitter 30, 32 further has a transmitting unit 108 that generates and transmits an identification signal representing its own unique regular transmitter ID (an example of a "transmitter code"). Each first transmitter 30 transmits an identification signal representing its own unique regular first transmitter ID, while each second transmitter 32 transmits an identification signal representing its own unique regular second transmitter ID.

[0147] The transmitter 108 is powered by a battery 106 and controlled by a controller 110. The controller 110 is controlled by a computer 100.

[0148] Next, referring to Figure 5, the software configuration of each transmitter 30, 32 will be explained. The processor 100 of each transmitter 30, 32 iteratively executes the program conceptually represented in the flowchart in Figure 5.

[0149] When the program is executed in each iteration, first, in step S1, the regular transmitter IDs corresponding to each transmitter 30, 32 (i.e., the regular first transmitter ID corresponding to the first transmitter 30 and the regular second transmitter ID corresponding to the second transmitter 32, whichever corresponds to the program being described) are read from memory 102. The regular first transmitter ID corresponds one-to-one with one station ID, and the regular second transmitter ID corresponds one-to-one with one bicycle ID.

[0150] Next, in step S2, the remaining charge of battery 106 is estimated.

[0151] Next, in step S3, a signal for modulating the original signal (e.g., carrier signal) is output to the controller 110 so that the read regular transmitter ID and the estimated battery level are reflected. The controller 110 controls the transmitter 108, and as a result, the transmitter 108 generates the identification signal to be transmitted this time.

[0152] Subsequently, in step S4, the generated identification signal is transmitted from the transmitting unit 108. Then, the process returns to step S1.

[0153] It should be added that, in each transmitter 30, 32, the algorithm or procedure for generating an identification signal such that at least the applicable ID (the station ID and the bicycle ID) and the battery level are reflected may be different from the algorithm or procedure shown in Figure 5.

[0154] <Hardware configuration of the user's mobile device>

[0155] Here, to explain one function of the user's mobile terminal 90 in relation to each transmitter 30, 32, when the mobile terminal 90 receives identification signals from each transmitter 30, 32, it starts (logs in) a program that is pre-installed on the computer of the mobile terminal 90, namely a dedicated application for transmitter processing (hereinafter referred to as the "transmitter application"), demodulates the received identification signals, and thereby decodes the station ID and bicycle ID.

[0156] Specifically, the mobile terminal 90 obtains a station ID from the identification signal received from the first transmitter 30 and a bicycle ID from the identification signal received from the second transmitter 32.

[0157] The mobile terminal 90 further transmits its decoded station ID and bicycle ID to the management server 50.

[0158] Furthermore, when the mobile terminal 90 is receiving identification signals from each of the transmitters 30 and 32 and the transmitter application is activated, the mobile terminal 90 also measures the distance between the positions of each transmitter 30 and 32 when the identification signal was transmitted and the position of the mobile terminal 90 when the identification signal was received, based on the received identification signal. This distance measurement is performed, for example, based on the signal strength received by the mobile terminal 90 from each of the transmitters 30 and 32.

[0159] In other words, the mobile terminal 90 is configured to acquire, based on the identification signals received from each transmitter 30, 32, both a station ID unique to the station 20 where the first transmitter 30 is actually installed, a bicycle ID unique to the bicycle 12 selected by the user where the second transmitter 32 is installed, and the distance to each transmitter 30, 32 at that time.

[0160] <Setting the receiving range for each transmitter>

[0161] As conceptually shown in the plan view in Figure 6(a), each transmitter 30, 32 is assigned two types of receiving areas. These are the receivable area (not shown) and the effective receiving area (hereinafter also referred to as the "receiving range").

[0162] These areas are generally defined by circles originating from each transmitter 30, 32. The receivable area has a maximum receivable radius (e.g., approximately 50 m), while the effective receivable area has an effective receivable radius (e.g., a range from a radius of 0 m to a radius of approximately 50 m or less). The maximum receivable radius is a constant value, while the effective receivable radius is a variable value that can be changed at any time by the mobile terminal 90, as described later.

[0163] The receivable area means the area from which identification signals from each transmitter 30, 32 can reach when the power supply to each transmitter 30, 32 is functioning normally, that is, the area from which the mobile terminal 90 can receive the identification signals as long as it is within that area.

[0164] In contrast, the effective reception area has an effective reception radius smaller than the maximum reception radius of the receivable area. The maximum reception radius cannot be set arbitrarily, whereas the effective reception radius can be set arbitrarily by the mobile terminal 90.

[0165] In other words, the maximum reception radius refers to the reception limit determined by the hardware, while the effective reception radius refers to the reception limit determined by the software.

[0166] As described above, the mobile terminal 90 measures the distance to each transmitter 30, 32 when it transmits the identification signal it has received. The measured distance may or may not exceed the effective reception radius. When the measured distance does not exceed the effective reception radius, it means that the mobile terminal 90 is within the effective reception area, whereas when the measured distance exceeds the effective reception radius, it means that the mobile terminal 90 is within the receivable area but not within the effective reception area.

[0167] The mobile terminal 90 activates the transmitter processing application to determine whether the measured distance is below the set value of the effective reception radius. If it determines that it is below the set value, the mobile terminal 90 determines that it is currently located within the effective reception area (reception range), and therefore the mobile terminal 90 has "effectively received identification signals from each transmitter 30, 32 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "received identification signals").

[0168] In response, if the mobile terminal 90 determines that the distance measurement is greater than the set value, it determines that the mobile terminal 90 is currently located outside the effective reception area of ​​each transmitter 30, 32, and therefore the mobile terminal 90 is "not effectively receiving identification signals from each transmitter 30, 32 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "not receiving identification signals").

[0169] In other words, in this embodiment, if the mobile terminal 90 is located outside the effective reception area, even though the mobile terminal 90 is actually receiving the identification signal, it will appear in the software to be as if the mobile terminal 90 has not received the identification signal.

[0170] Here, we will explain the geometric relationship of the effective reception area between the first transmitter 30 and the second transmitter 32.

[0171] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6(a), one first transmitter 30 is installed in one station 20, and the first effective receiving area (first receiving range) of the first transmitter 30 is positioned inside the second effective receiving area (second receiving range) of the second transmitter 32, as long as the corresponding bicycle 12 is located within the premises of station 20 (inside the boundary line), with the first receiving radius of the first effective receiving area and the second receiving radius of the second effective receiving area set relatively.

[0172] Specifically, the second receiving radius is set to be shorter than the first receiving radius, resulting in the second effective receiving area being short-range or medium-range, and the first effective receiving area being long-range.

[0173] Here, we will explain specific examples of these three reception ranges.

[0174] 1) Short range

[0175] The mobile terminal 90 cannot effectively receive signals from the transmitter unless the user touches the transmitter part of the transmitter to it or holds it over it in a non-contact state within the receiving range (for example, within a range of approximately 0 cm to approximately 30 cm).

[0176] 2) Medium Range

[0177] As long as the user is riding the bicycle 12 or pushing the bicycle 12, the mobile terminal 90 can effectively receive signals from the transmitter within a reception range (for example, within a range of approximately 0m to approximately 2m) without the user having to touch or hold the mobile terminal 90 near the transmitter (making it non-contact / close proximity).

[0178] 3) Long range

[0179] As long as the user is located anywhere within Station 20, the mobile terminal 90 can effectively receive signals from the transmitter within a reception range (for example, within a range of approximately 0m to approximately 10m) without the user having to touch or hold the mobile terminal 90 near the transmitter.

[0180] In the example shown in Figure 6(a), the first effective receiving area is set to completely cover the entire area of ​​station 20 in a plan view, and to have an area that partially deviates from the boundary line of station 20. Alternatively, in another example, as shown in Figure 6(b), the first effective receiving area may be set not to have an area that deviates from the boundary line of station 20 in a plan view.

[0181] In the two examples shown in Figures 6(a) and (b), one first transmitter 30 is installed in one station 20. However, it is also possible to implement the present invention in a manner in which multiple first transmitters 30 are installed in one station 20, as illustrated in Figure 6(c).

[0182] In this embodiment, the site of station 20 is rectangular. In contrast, the first effective reception area is spherical in three dimensions and circular in two dimensions. Therefore, if one first effective reception area is assigned to station 20, a gap (reception leakage area) remains between the boundary line of the station 20 site and the boundary line of the first effective reception area, as shown in Figure 6(b).

[0183] In contrast, in yet another example, as shown in Figure 6(c), if multiple first effective reception areas are assigned to station 20, these effective reception areas combine to form an apparent effective reception area, and the gap between the boundary of this area and the boundary of station 20 is reduced.

[0184] As a result, so-called signal reception failures are prevented, where a user carrying the mobile terminal 90 is present within the station 20, but the mobile terminal 90 is unable to effectively receive the signal from the first transmitter 30.

[0185] In the example shown in Figure 6(c), multiple second transmitters 30 are assigned different transmitter IDs to each other, while being assigned a common station ID to each other. Therefore, when the mobile terminal 90 receives the signal from at least one of the first transmitters 30, the transmitter ID represented by the received signal is associated with (converted to) the corresponding station ID, and as a result, the mobile terminal 90 can identify the station 20 in question.

[0186] Here, the identification (recognition) of Station 20 by the mobile terminal 90 is equivalent to the detection, through the cooperation of the mobile terminal 90 and the transmitter 30, that the user carrying the mobile terminal 90 is present within Station 20.

[0187] <Software configuration of the user's mobile device>

[0188] Next, referring to Figure 7, a functional block diagram, the hardware configuration of the user's mobile terminal 90 will be explained. The mobile terminal 90 is mainly composed of a computer 134 having a processor 130 and a memory 132 that stores multiple applications executed by the processor 130.

[0189] The mobile terminal 90 further includes a display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display) 136 that displays information on a screen (having a window with a finite area that is variable or constant) indicated by the numeral "135" in Figure 15, a receiving unit 138 that receives signals from the first transmitter 30, the second transmitter 32 and the management server 50, and a transmitting unit 140 that generates signals and transmits them to the management server 50.

[0190] The mobile terminal 90 further includes an input unit 150 for inputting data and commands from the user. The input unit 150 includes an operation unit that can be operated by the user to input desired information (e.g., commands, data, etc.) into the mobile terminal 90.

[0191] The control elements include, but are not limited to, a touchscreen that displays user-operable icons (e.g., virtual buttons), a physical control element that can be operated by the user (e.g., a keyboard, keypad, buttons, etc.), and a microphone that detects sound.

[0192] This mobile terminal 90 also has a GPS (Satellite Positioning System) receiver 152. As is well known, the GPS receiver 152 receives multiple GPS signals from multiple GPS satellites and, based on these GPS signals, measures the position of the GPS receiver 152 on Earth (latitude, longitude, and altitude) by triangulation. In other words, this mobile terminal 90 has a satellite-based positioning function.

[0193] As shown in Figure 7, memory 132 has multiple data memories, including map data memory 161, station data memory 163, bicycle data memory 165, and reservation status table memory 167.

[0194] The map data memory 161 temporarily stores map data downloaded by the user's mobile terminal 90 from the management server 50 or another map database (not shown) according to the user's current location. Based on this map data, a map (an example of a "partial map") is displayed on the screen 135 (see Figure 15) of the display unit 136. The map displayed on the screen 135 changes moment by moment as the user moves.

[0195] As conceptually shown in Figure 8, the station data memory 163 can store the correspondence between multiple station IDs, multiple regular first transmitter IDs, and multiple station location data, which are downloaded from the management server 50. Each of the multiple station IDs corresponds to one of the multiple stations 20 centrally managed by the system 10. Each of the multiple station location data represents the longitude and latitude (latitude x, longitude y) of the corresponding station 20 on the ground.

[0196] The station data memory 163 temporarily stores multiple station location data corresponding to multiple stations 20, along with the corresponding multiple station IDs and multiple regular first transmitter IDs.

[0197] On the mobile terminal 90, a map based on the map data is displayed on the screen 135, and at each moment, the locations of a small number of candidate stations 20 located near the current location of the mobile terminal 90 are overlaid on the map, based on the multiple station location data stored in the station data memory 163 at that time (see Figure 15).

[0198] Here, "a small number of candidate stations 20" refers to several stations 20 that are displayed on the screen 135 from among the downloaded stations 20 because they are geographically close to the current location of the mobile terminal 90, while stations 20 that are geographically far from the current location of the mobile terminal 90 and are therefore not displayed on the screen 135 are excluded.

[0199] As conceptually shown in Figure 9, the bicycle data memory 165 in Figure 7 can store the correspondence between multiple station IDs, multiple bicycle IDs (for example, "2001," which is displayed as fixed characters on the bicycle 12 in Figure 1(b) by printing, painting, stickers, etc.), and multiple regular second transmitter IDs, which can be downloaded from the management server 50. When one of the multiple bicycles 12 is selected by the user, a corresponding bicycle ID is determined, and consequently, a corresponding regular second transmitter ID is determined.

[0200] The reservation status table in memory 167 is downloaded from the management server 50 as needed and stored there.

[0201] As shown in Figure 11(a), the memory 132 of the mobile terminal 90 stores a bicycle rental program for the mobile terminal 90, and this bicycle rental program has the following multiple modules.

[0202] 1) Reservation module

[0203] This is a module that helps users reserve one of the bicycles 12 before arriving at station 20, as will be detailed later with reference to Figure 14. Here, "reserving" is equivalent to the user entering location information for the desired station 20, identification information for the desired bicycle 12 (an example of rental target identification information), and time information such as the planned rental time and planned return time.

[0204] 2) Loan processing module when a reservation is made

[0205] This module, as will be detailed later with reference to Figure 16, assists users in renting a reserved bicycle 12 at a reserved station 20 according to their reservation.

[0206] 3) Loan processing module for when no reservation is made

[0207] This module, as will be detailed later with reference to Figure 17, assists users in selecting any available bicycle 12 at any station 20 without a reservation and renting the selected bicycle 12.

[0208] 4) Return processing module

[0209] This is a module that helps the user return the rented bicycle 12 at the same station 20 where the bicycle 12 was rented, or at a different station 20, as will be detailed later with reference to Figure 18.

[0210] 5) Abandoned bicycle search module

[0211] This module, as will be detailed later with reference to Figure 19, determines whether or not the user left the bicycle 12 after lending it to them in any location (abandonment location) to which none of the stations 20 are assigned.

[0212] More specifically, in this abandoned bicycle detection module, when the user's mobile terminal 90 transitions from a receiving state in which it effectively receives an identification signal from the second transmitter 32 using a short-range communication method to a non-receiving state in which it does not effectively receive the signal, the mobile terminal 90 recognizes the bicycle 12 identified by the signal it received from the second transmitter 32 before the transition as an abandoned bicycle.

[0213] Furthermore, the current location measured by the mobile terminal 90 within a reference time from the transition (for example, substantially simultaneously with the transition, immediately after the transition, or before a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, etc.) has elapsed from the transition) is recognized as the location where the abandoned bicycle was left.

[0214] Here, "a reception state in which the mobile terminal 90 effectively receives an identification signal from the second transmitter 32 using the short-range communication method" means that, if the effective reception area of ​​the second transmitter 32 is set to be narrower than the receivable area, the mobile terminal 90 is within the effective reception area of ​​the second transmitter 32 and is therefore receiving an identification signal from the second transmitter 32.

[0215] In contrast, the "reception state" described above means that, when the effective reception area of ​​the second transmitter 32 is set to be the same as the receivable area, the mobile terminal 90 is within the receivable area of ​​the second transmitter 32 and is therefore receiving an identification signal from the second transmitter 32.

[0216] Furthermore, "non-reception state" means, if the effective reception area of ​​the second transmitter 32 is set to be narrower than the receivable area, a state in which the mobile terminal 90 is receiving an identification signal from the second transmitter 32 because the mobile terminal 90 is within the receivable area of ​​the second transmitter 32 but outside the effective reception area, or a state in which the mobile terminal 90 is not receiving an identification signal from the second transmitter 32 because the mobile terminal 90 is outside the receivable area of ​​the second transmitter 32.

[0217] In contrast, the aforementioned "non-reception state" means that, when the effective reception area of ​​the second transmitter 32 is set to be the same as the receivable area, the mobile terminal 90 is outside the receivable area of ​​the second transmitter 32 and therefore cannot receive an identification signal from the second transmitter 32.

[0218] 6) Abandoned bicycle collection module

[0219] This module, as will be detailed later with reference to Figure 20, is a module that, when an abandoned bicycle 12 is found, simultaneously sends a request to the mobile terminals 90 of multiple other potential users asking them to go to the location where the abandoned bicycle 12 was found, borrow the abandoned bicycle 12, and return it to one of the stations 20, thereby supporting the retrieval of the abandoned bicycle 12 using the users.

[0220] <Management Server>

[0221] Next, with reference to Figure 10, a functional block diagram, the hardware configuration of the management server 50 will be described. The management server 50 is mainly composed of a computer 164 having a processor 160 and a memory 162 that stores multiple applications executed by the processor 160.

[0222] The management server 50 further includes a display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display) 166 for displaying information, a receiving unit 168 for receiving signals from the mobile terminal 90, a transmitting unit 170 for generating signals and transmitting them to the mobile terminal 90, and a clock 172 for measuring the current time. The management server 50 does not directly receive signals from the transmitter 30, but effectively does so via the mobile terminal 90.

[0223] As shown in Figure 11(b), the management server 50's memory 162 stores a bicycle rental program for the management server 50, and this bicycle rental program has the following multiple modules.

[0224] 1) Reservation module

[0225] This module has the same functionality as the reservation module of the mobile terminal 90, as will be detailed later with reference to Figure 14.

[0226] 2) Loan processing module when a reservation is made

[0227] This module has the same functionality as the reservation-based lending processing module for the mobile terminal 90, as will be detailed later with reference to Figure 16.

[0228] 3) Loan processing module for when no reservation is made

[0229] This module has the same functionality as the mobile terminal 90's unreserved lending processing module, which will be described in detail later with reference to Figure 17.

[0230] 4) Return processing module

[0231] This module has the same functionality as the return processing module of the mobile terminal 90, as will be detailed later with reference to Figure 18.

[0232] 5) Abandoned bicycle search module

[0233] This module has the same functionality as the abandoned bicycle search module of the mobile terminal 90, as will be detailed later with reference to Figure 19.

[0234] 6) Abandoned bicycle collection module

[0235] This module has the same function as the abandoned bicycle collection module of the mobile terminal 90, as will be described in detail later with reference to Figure 20.

[0236] <Overview of reservation sequence>

[0237] Figure 12(a) shows an example of a reservation status table for managing the reservation status of multiple bicycles 12 by multiple users for each station 20, based on the execution of the reservation module by the mobile terminal 90 and the management server 50.

[0238] This reservation status table is created and updated on the management server 50, and the latest version is shared with the mobile terminal 90. This reservation status table displays whether a reservation exists and the scheduled rental time (including date and time) for each station 20 and each bicycle 12.

[0239] The user visually checks this reservation status table on the screen 135 of their mobile device 90, refers to it to find a station 20 where at least one bicycle 12 is waiting, finds one of the waiting bicycles 12 at that station 20 that is available, and specifies the desired date and time slot.

[0240] In Fig. 12(a), among the time axes (from 0:00 to 23:59) for each bicycle 12 in the reservation status table, at the latest update time of the reservation status table, the time zone where the horizontal bar hatched with oblique lines exists is the time zone where a reservation already exists, that is, the time zone with a prior reservation, while the time zone where the bar does not exist is the time zone where no reservation exists yet, that is, the time zone without a prior reservation.

[0241] As illustrated in Fig. 15(c), the user inputs the identification information of the selected station 20, the identification information of the selected bicycle 12, the rental date and time, and the return date and time into his / her mobile terminal 90, thereby reserving both the corresponding station 20 and bicycle 12.

[0242] Fig. 11(b) shows an example of a per-user reservation content file for managing the reservation contents of multiple users by executing the reservation module by the mobile terminal 90 and the management server 50.

[0243] This per-user reservation content file is created and updated in the management server 50. This per-user reservation content file includes, for each user, personal authentication information (such as user ID, password, etc.), location information (ID unique to the selected station 20) for specifying the location of the selected station 20, location information (ID unique to the selected bicycle 12) for specifying the location of the selected bicycle 12, time information (such as scheduled start time, scheduled end time, scheduled usage time length, etc.) for defining the scheduled usage time zone of the selected bicycle 12, and the type of penalty imposed on the user for violating the rules that the user is required to comply with for receiving this bicycle rental service.

[0244] <Overview of the main sequence>

[0245] An overview of the main sequence by the system 10, which is subsequent to the above reservation sequence, will be described with reference to Fig. 13.

[0246] In Figure 13, the time chart labeled "Station Recognition Reception" shows, for the sake of explanation, whether the mobile terminal 90 is receiving the official first transmitter ID from the first transmitter 30 at each moment using pulse signals that are low level when the mobile terminal 90 is not receiving the official first transmitter ID and high level when it is receiving it.

[0247] Similarly, in the same figure, the time chart labeled "Bicycle Recognition Reception" represents, for the sake of explanation, whether the mobile terminal 90 is receiving the official second transmitter ID from the second transmitter 32 at each moment using pulse signals that are low level when the mobile terminal 90 is not receiving the official second transmitter ID and high level when it is receiving it.

[0248] <Overview of the main sequence when there is a reservation>

[0249] Figure 13(a) illustrates the main sequence using multiple time charts, using an example where a user reserves a reserved bicycle 12 at a reserved station 20, with a scheduled rental start time (rental time) of 15:00 and a scheduled rental end time (return time) of 18:00.

[0250] 1) Loan processing

[0251] First, let's assume that the mobile terminal 90 enters the first effective reception area when the user enters the reserved station (rental station) 20 at 15:30 on a certain day in order to rent the reserved bicycle 12. In this case, the mobile terminal 90 begins to effectively receive signals from the first transmitter 30 (the "station recognition reception signal" in the diagram rises).

[0252] Next, assuming that the user approaches the reserved bicycle 12 located within Station 20 and holds the mobile terminal 90 over the second transmitter 32 installed on the bicycle 12, causing the mobile terminal 90 to enter the second effective reception area, the mobile terminal 90 begins to effectively receive signals from the second transmitter 32 (the "bicycle recognition reception signal" in the diagram rises).

[0253] As a result, at 15:30, the mobile terminal 90 transitions to a state in which it is simultaneously receiving signals from both the first transmitter 30 and the second transmitter 32. In other words, the mobile terminal 90 transitions from a non-simultaneous reception state in which it does not effectively receive signals from either transmitter 30 or 32, or only effectively receives signals from either transmitter 30 or 32, to a simultaneous reception state in which it effectively receives signals from either transmitter 30 or 32.

[0254] Here, "the state in which the mobile terminal 90 is simultaneously receiving signals from the first transmitter 30 and the second transmitter 32" means a dual-reception state in which the mobile terminal 90 is receiving both the signal from the first transmitter 30 and the signal from the second transmitter 32, and it is not necessarily required that the timing at which the mobile terminal 90 begins receiving the signal from the first transmitter 30 and the timing at which the mobile terminal 90 begins receiving the signal from the second transmitter 32 coincide.

[0255] At this point, the mobile terminal 90 (or management server 50) determines that the user has actually started using the bicycle 12 (that the rental has taken place).

[0256] Next, the user enters a loan request into the mobile terminal 90 within a first time limit, for example, 5 minutes from the start time of use.

[0257] In response to the rental request, the management server 50 authorizes the user to rent bicycle 12. This time marks the start of the actual rental period, but as a general rule, billing to the user begins at the scheduled rental time of 15:00. Specifically, the count of the total rental time, which is referenced to calculate the final rental fee for the user, begins from the scheduled rental time.

[0258] Subsequently, the user leaves the rental station 20 while still riding the bicycle 12. At that time, the mobile terminal 90 leaves the first effective reception area and transitions to a state where it can no longer effectively receive signals from the first transmitter 30 (the station recognition reception signal falls).

[0259] In contrast, as long as the user is riding the bicycle 12, the mobile terminal 90 effectively receives the second transmitter 32, and the bicycle recognition received signal is maintained at a high level.

[0260] 2) Return processing

[0261] Assuming that the user entered the same or a different station (return station) 20 as the rental station 20 at 17:30 on the same day to return the bicycle 12 that was being used, and that the mobile terminal 90 entered the first effective reception area, the station recognition reception signal is activated. Prior to this, the user was riding the bicycle 12, so the mobile terminal 90 was continuously in a state of effective reception of the second transmitter 32.

[0262] As a result, at 17:30, the mobile terminal 90 transitions to a state where it is simultaneously receiving signals from both the first transmitter 30 and the second transmitter 32 (dual reception state). In other words, the mobile terminal 90 transitions from a non-simultaneous reception state, where it only effectively receives signals from the second transmitter 32, to a simultaneous reception state, where it receives signals from both transmitters 30 and 32.

[0263] At this time, the mobile terminal 90 (or the management server 50) determines that the user has actually finished using the bicycle 12.

[0264] Subsequently, within a second limit time of, for example, 5 minutes from the end time of use, the user inputs a return request to the mobile terminal 90.

[0265] In response to the return request, the management server 50 permits the user to return the bicycle 12. Although that time is the end time of the actual rental period, in principle, charging the user continues until 18:00, which is the scheduled return time. Specifically, at the scheduled return time, the count of the total rental time ends.

[0266] After that, assuming that the mobile terminal 90 has exited the second effective reception area because the user has dismounted from the bicycle 12, the mobile terminal 90 transitions to a state where it cannot effectively receive the second transmitter 32, and the reception signal for bicycle recognition falls. Since the user is not riding the current bicycle 12, this reception signal for bicycle recognition is maintained at a low level.

[0267] Subsequently, assuming that the mobile terminal 90 has exited the first effective reception area because the user has left the bicycle 12 and moved away from the current return station 20, the mobile terminal 90 transitions to a state where it cannot effectively receive the second transmitter 32 (the reception signal for station recognition falls).

[0268] When the calculation of the rental fee based on the length of the total rental time is completed in the management server 50, the user electronically settles the rental fee via the mobile terminal 90.

[0269] <Outline of the main sequence when there is no reservation>

[0270] Figure 13(b) illustrates the main sequence using multiple time charts, taking as an example a case where a user enters one of the stations 20, selects one of the bicycles 12 within that station 20, and begins the rental service. These time charts are basically the same as those shown in Figure 13(a), except for the billing process, so the common elements will be briefly explained.

[0271] 1) Loan processing

[0272] First, assuming that a user enters one of the stations (rental stations) 20 at 15:30 on a certain day in order to rent one of the bicycles 12, and that the mobile terminal 90 enters the first effective reception area, the mobile terminal 90 begins to effectively receive signals from the first transmitter 30.

[0273] Next, assuming that a user approaches one of the bicycles 12 and holds the mobile terminal 90 over the second transmitter 32 installed on that bicycle 12, causing the mobile terminal 90 to enter the second effective reception area, the mobile terminal 90 begins to effectively receive signals from the second transmitter 32.

[0274] As a result, at 15:30, the mobile terminal 90 transitions to a state where it is simultaneously receiving signals from both the first transmitter 30 and the second transmitter 32 (dual reception state).

[0275] At this point, the mobile terminal 90 (or management server 50) determines that the user has actually started using the bicycle 12 (that the rental has taken place).

[0276] Next, the user enters a loan request into the mobile terminal 90 within the first time limit from the start time of use.

[0277] In response to the rental request, the management server 50 authorizes the user to rent out bicycle 12. This time marks the start of the actual rental period, and in this case, billing to the user begins at 15:30, the actual rental time. Specifically, the counting of the total rental time begins from the actual rental time.

[0278] Subsequently, the user leaves the rental station 20 while still riding the bicycle 12. At that time, the mobile terminal 90 leaves the first effective reception area and transitions to a state where it can no longer effectively receive signals from the first transmitter 30.

[0279] In contrast, as long as the user is riding the bicycle 12, the mobile terminal 90 effectively receives the second transmitter 32, and the bicycle recognition received signal is maintained at a high level.

[0280] 2) Return processing

[0281] Assuming that the user entered the same or a different station (return station) 20 as the rental station 20 at 17:30 on the same day to return the bicycle 12 that was being used, and that the mobile terminal 90 entered the first effective reception area, the station recognition reception signal is activated. Prior to this, the user was riding the bicycle 12, so the mobile terminal 90 was continuously in a state of effective reception of the second transmitter 32.

[0282] As a result, at 17:30, the mobile terminal 90 transitions to a state where it is simultaneously receiving signals from both the first transmitter 30 and the second transmitter 32 (dual reception state).

[0283] At this point, the mobile terminal 90 (or management server 50) determines that the user has actually finished using the bicycle 12.

[0284] Next, the user enters a return request into the mobile terminal 90 within the second time limit from the end of use.

[0285] In response to the return request, the management server 50 permits the user to return the bicycle 12. This time marks the end of the actual rental period, and billing to the user continues until the actual return time of 17:30. Specifically, the count of the entire rental period ends at the actual return time.

[0286] Subsequently, assuming that the user dismounted from bicycle 12 and the mobile terminal 90 left the second effective reception area, the mobile terminal 90 transitioned to a state where it could not effectively receive signals from the second transmitter 32, and the bicycle recognition reception signal fell. This bicycle recognition reception signal then remained at a low level because the user was no longer riding bicycle 12.

[0287] Next, assuming that the user has moved away from the bicycle 12 and left the return station 20, causing the mobile terminal 90 to leave the first effective reception area, the mobile terminal 90 transitions to a state where it cannot effectively receive signals from the second transmitter 32.

[0288] Once the management server 50 has finished calculating the rental fee based on the total rental time, the user electronically settles the rental fee via the mobile terminal 90.

[0289] <Reservation Sequence>

[0290] Figure 14 shows a time-series sequence flow of an example of communication between a mobile terminal 90 and a remotely located management server 50, in which a user connects the mobile terminal 90 to a management server 90 from a location far from the station 20 they wish to reserve (for example, their home, as shown in Figure 1), in order to reserve one of the bicycles 12 within that station 20.

[0291] When the user activates the bicycle rental program (which has already been downloaded from the management server 50 and installed in the memory 132 of the mobile terminal 90) on the mobile terminal 90, multiple buttons (selectable display targets) are displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 90, which are operated by the user to issue multiple modes and multiple requests.

[0292] Multiple modes and multiple requests include the following:

[0293] 1) Reservation mode

[0294] Running mode selected by the user to reserve station 20 and bicycle 12

[0295] 2) Loan processing mode when a reservation is made

[0296] Execution mode selected by the user to activate the reserved rental processing module in order to rent bicycle 12 at station 20 while a reservation is in place.

[0297] 3) Loan processing mode when no reservation is made

[0298] An execution mode selected by the user to activate the no-reservation rental processing module in order for the user to rent a bicycle 12 at station 20 without a reservation.

[0299] 4) Return processing mode

[0300] The execution mode selected by the user to activate the return processing module in order to return the bicycle 12 to station 20.

[0301] 5) Loan Request

[0302] A request issued by the user to authorize the lending of bicycle 12 to the user after the aforementioned reserved lending processing module or the unreserved lending processing module has been activated.

[0303] 6) Return Request

[0304] After the return processing module is activated, a request is issued by the user to authorize the return of the bicycle 12.

[0305] In this case, when the user selects the "Reservation Mode" button, the reservation module of the bicycle rental program for the mobile terminal 90 is executed by the processor 130 of the mobile terminal 90, and the reservation module of the bicycle rental program for the management server 50 is executed by the processor 160 of the management server 50.

[0306] When the reservation module for the mobile terminal 90 is executed by the processor 130 of the mobile terminal 90, first, in step 101, the mobile terminal 90 is operated so that the user's current location (longitude and latitude) is measured based on the GPS signal received by the GPS receiver 152 from an external source.

[0307] Next, in step S102, the measured current location of the user is designated as the reference position (location of the display reference point (latitude and longitude)) that the processor 130 refers to in order to display the map on the screen 135 of the display unit 136. Furthermore, the portion of the overall map that is large enough to be displayed at once within the window on the screen 135 and where the reference position is located is determined as the map display range (i.e., the area of ​​the overall map that is displayed within the window at each moment).

[0308] As illustrated in Figure 15(a), as the user moves on the ground over time, the reference position 202 (shown as a black triangle in the figure) also moves along with the user. As a result, the display range of the map also moves along the overall map over time as the user moves, and consequently, the map image displayed in the window also changes over time.

[0309] Next, in step S103, a login request (an example of a "service start signal") to log in to the management server 50 is sent to the management server 50 along with a user ID and password to identify the user.

[0310] In response, when the reservation module for the management server 50 is executed by the processor 160 of the management server 50, the management server 50 receives the login request along with the user ID and password in step S201, and then in step S202, retrieves station data for the multiple stations 20 (see Figure 8 for the multiple components of the station data), bicycle data for the multiple bicycles 12 belonging to those stations 20 (see Figure 9 for the multiple components of the bicycle data), and the reservation status table (see Figure 12(a)) in the memory 162 (or another memory) of the management server 50.

[0311] Subsequently, in step S203, the retrieved station data, bicycle data, and reservation status table are transmitted to the mobile terminal 90.

[0312] In response, the mobile terminal 90 receives the station data, bicycle data, and reservation status table in step S104. The received station data is stored in the station data memory 163 shown in Figure 7, and as a result, the table shown in Figure 8 is constructed. The received bicycle data is stored in the bicycle data memory 165 shown in Figure 7, and as a result, the table shown in Figure 9 is constructed. The received reservation status table (see Figure 12(a)) is stored in the reservation status table memory 167.

[0313] Next, in step S105, based on the saved station data, a small number of candidate stations 20 located near the current location are overlaid on the map displayed on screen 135 from among the multiple stations 20.

[0314] In step 105, not all of the multiple stations 20 (all stations 20 stored in the memory 162 of the management server 50) represented by the received station data are displayed on the screen 135. Only a smaller number of stations 20 than the aforementioned multiple stations 20 are displayed on the screen 135, determined by the user's current location and the size of the screen 135. In other words, the multiple stations 20 received from the management server 50 are further narrowed down to a smaller number of candidate stations 20 based on the user's current location and the size of the screen 135.

[0315] In one example, as shown in Figure 15(a), the user's current location is overlaid on the map displayed on screen 135 using a black triangle 202, and multiple candidate stations 20 are overlaid using multiple station display icons 204. In this example, the three station display icons 204 are composed of shapes in which the letters "A", "B", and "C" are surrounded by a rectangular frame.

[0316] In this embodiment, for the sake of explanation, it is possible to consider that the part of the system 10 that performs step S105 constitutes an example of the "candidate station display unit" and an example of the "candidate station display process" in item (8) above.

[0317] Furthermore, the same step S105 can be used in the return processing sequence flow, which will be described in detail later with reference to Figure 18, to allow the user to select one of the stations 20 as the return destination for the bicycle 12 from among several candidates, using prior information, taking into consideration factors such as the distance from the user's current location or the distance from the user's nearest station.

[0318] Next, in step S106, the user selects one of the candidate stations 20 as the selected station 20 by touching the display position of one of the candidate stations 20 on the screen 135 with their finger.

[0319] Specifically, when a user touches the display location of any candidate station 20 on screen 135 with their finger, the touch location is detected by the touchscreen of the display unit 136, and that touch location is converted into map coordinate information (location information), which is, for example, latitude and longitude on a map (defined by the global coordinate system, which is an absolute coordinate system) or corresponding xy coordinate information (defined by the device coordinate system, which is a relative coordinate system). Based on that map coordinate information, one of the candidate stations 20 is identified.

[0320] Subsequently, in step S107, the reservation status table is displayed on screen 135, as illustrated in Figure 15(b).

[0321] Next, in step S108, the user inputs the identification information (e.g., name) of the station (rental station) 20 they wish to reserve, the identification information (e.g., number) of the bicycle (rental bicycle) 12 they wish to reserve, the planned rental date and time, and the planned return date and time, as illustrated in Figure 15(c). Here, the user inputting the identification information of the bicycle 12 they wish to reserve into the mobile terminal 90 is equivalent to the user performing an operation on the mobile terminal 90 to select one of the bicycles 12.

[0322] Subsequently, in step S109, the mobile terminal 90 transmits the entered reservation details to the management server 50, associating them with the user (for example, along with the user ID).

[0323] As a result, the identification information of the rental station 20 and the identification information of the rental bicycle 12 are paired (linked), and this pair is associated with the user's identification information. This information is then transmitted from the mobile terminal 90 to the management server 50.

[0324] In response, the management server 50 receives the reservation details in step S204, associating them with the user (for example, along with the user ID). Subsequently, in step S205, the management server 50 registers the received reservation details in the user-specific reservation file (see Figure 12(b)) associated with the current user, and further updates the reservation status table stored in memory 162 to reflect the received reservation details.

[0325] Subsequently, in step S206, the management server 50 sends a message to the mobile terminal 90 indicating that the reservation has been completed.

[0326] In response, the mobile terminal 90 displays the received message on the screen 135 or outputs it as audio. This display informs the user that their reservation has been confirmed.

[0327] <Loan processing sequence when a reservation is made>

[0328] Figure 16 shows a time-series sequence flow of an example of communication that takes place between a first transmitter 30 located at station 20, a second transmitter 32 installed on bicycle 12, the user's mobile terminal 90, and the management server 50, in order for the user to enter station 20 which has been reserved, then approach bicycle 12 which has been reserved, and be granted permission to rent bicycle 12.

[0329] The first and second transmitters 30 and 32 each spontaneously and continuously transmit their own unique identification signals. When the user enters the reserved station 20, the mobile terminal 90 is placed within the first effective reception area of ​​the first transmitter 30 (see Figure 6), and the mobile terminal 90 effectively receives the identification signal from the first transmitter 30. Eventually, when the user holds the mobile terminal 90 over the second transmitter 32 of the reserved bicycle 12, the mobile terminal 90 is placed within the second effective reception area of ​​the second transmitter 32 (see Figure 6).

[0330] In this embodiment, regardless of whether a reservation is made or not, the reception range of the first effective reception area of ​​the first transmitter 30 is set to the long range, while the reception range of the second effective reception area of ​​the second transmitter 32 is set to the short range. This setting is valid regardless of whether it is a lending process or a return process.

[0331] In this case, the user selects a button labeled "Reservation-based loan processing mode" on the screen of the mobile terminal 90. In response, the reservation-based loan processing module for the mobile terminal 90 is executed by the mobile terminal 90. As a result of this execution, in step 151, the mobile terminal 90 sends a login request to the management server 50, along with a user ID and password to identify the user in this case.

[0332] In response to this, when the reserved loan processing module for the management server 50 is executed by the management server 50, the management server 50 receives the login request along with the user ID and password in step S251.

[0333] Next, in step S252, the memory 162 searches for the user-specific reservation file associated with the current user among the multiple user-specific reservation file files. Furthermore, in the searched user-specific reservation file, information regarding the reserved station 20 (rental station) among the multiple stations 20, and information regarding the reserved bicycle 12 (rental bicycle) among the multiple bicycles 12 at that station 20 are retrieved as user reservation-related information.

[0334] Subsequently, in step S253, the retrieved user reservation-related information is transmitted to the mobile terminal 90.

[0335] In response, the mobile terminal 90 receives the user reservation information in step S152. Subsequently, in step S153, the user reservation information is used to retrieve the transmitter code pre-assigned to the legitimate first transmitter 30 that should be installed at the reserved station 20, which is retrieved as the legitimate first transmitter code, and the transmitter code pre-assigned to the legitimate second transmitter 32 that should be installed at the reserved bicycle 12 is retrieved as the legitimate second transmitter code. The user then obtains the legitimate first and second transmitter codes.

[0336] Next, in step S154, the mobile terminal 90 receives a signal from at least one of the at least one first transmitter 30 and at least one second transmitter 32 located within the station 20.

[0337] On the other hand, as mentioned above, if the mobile terminal 90 is currently located outside the first receivable area of ​​the first transmitter 30, the mobile terminal 90 cannot receive any identification signal from the first transmitter 30. Conversely, if the mobile terminal 90 is currently located within the first receivable area of ​​the first transmitter 30, the mobile terminal 90 can receive an identification signal from the first transmitter 30.

[0338] Furthermore, even if the mobile terminal 90 receives an identification signal from the first transmitter 30, the mobile terminal 90 may currently be located outside the first effective reception area of ​​the first transmitter 30, or it may be located within the effective reception area.

[0339] The same circumstances apply to the second transmitter 32.

[0340] The mobile terminal 90 is capable of simultaneously receiving multiple signals from multiple transmitters in a manner that allows them to be identified from one another. Each transmitter emits a unique signal, and for example, the source address (corresponding to the transmitter ID) in the header of each packet of that signal is different from that of other transmitters. Focusing on this, the mobile terminal 90 is capable of handling multiple signals received simultaneously, one by one.

[0341] Therefore, following step S154, in step S155, the mobile terminal 90 performs the following three types of determinations.

[0342] 1) A first effective reception determination to determine whether the mobile terminal 90 has effectively received an identification signal from the first transmitter 30, that is, a determination of whether the measured distance between the mobile terminal 90 and the first transmitter 30 is smaller than the effective reception radius (long range) of the first effective reception area.

[0343] 2) A second effective reception determination to determine whether the mobile terminal 90 has effectively received an identification signal from the second transmitter 32, that is, a determination of whether the measured distance between the mobile terminal 90 and the second transmitter 32 is smaller than the effective reception radius (short range) of the second effective reception area.

[0344] 3) Determination of simultaneous reception to determine whether the mobile terminal 90 received signals from the first transmitter 30 and the second transmitter 32 at the same time; that is, determination of whether the timing at which the first valid reception determination of the first transmitter 30 was affirmed and the timing at which the first valid reception determination of the second transmitter 32 was affirmed occurred at substantially the same time.

[0345] The mobile terminal 90 can refer to the already stored station data (Figure 8) to determine which transmitter corresponds to the first transmitter 30 (station-side transmitter), and can also refer to the already stored bicycle data (Figure 9) to determine which transmitter corresponds to the second transmitter 32 (bicycle-side transmitter). Therefore, the mobile terminal 90 can also determine which transmitter's effective reception determination should be made using the effective reception radius of the first effective reception area (e.g., the long range), and which transmitter's effective reception determination should be made using the effective reception radius of the second effective reception area (e.g., the short range).

[0346] If, during the execution of step 155, any of the first valid reception determination, the second valid reception determination, or the simultaneous reception determination is negative, the determination in step 155 becomes NO, and the process returns to step S154. On the other hand, if any of the first valid reception determination, the second valid reception determination, or the simultaneous reception determination is positive, the determination in step 155 becomes YES, and the process proceeds to step S156.

[0347] In step S156, the mobile terminal 90 demodulates the received identification signal, and then in step S157, the mobile terminal 90 decodes the transmitter ID represented by the demodulated identification signal as the actual transmitter ID. Specifically, the mobile terminal 90 obtains the actual first transmitter ID represented by the signal received from the first transmitter 30 and the actual second transmitter ID represented by the signal received from the second transmitter 32.

[0348] If the demodulated identification signal is a code represented by a multi-digit binary number, for example, that code is converted to a transmitter ID using a pre-prepared conversion table (for example, one downloaded in advance from the management server 50). However, in terms of usage, the difference between "code" and "ID" is not important, as long as its purpose is identification.

[0349] Next, in step S158, the mobile terminal 90 determines whether the decoded real first and second real transmitter IDs and the regular first and second transmitter IDs obtained by executing step S153 match each other. In other words, ID matching is performed.

[0350] Here, "actual first transmitter ID" refers to the first transmitter ID corresponding to the first transmitter (selected actual first transmitter) 30 that is actually installed at one of the multiple stations 20 that is actually selected and visited by the user, while "regular first transmitter ID" refers to the first transmitter ID corresponding to the first transmitter (selected virtual first transmitter) 30 that should be installed at one of the multiple stations 20 that is virtually selected by the user by operating the mobile terminal 90.

[0351] Similarly, "actual second transmitter ID" refers to the second transmitter ID corresponding to the second transmitter (selected actual second transmitter) 32 that is actually installed on one of the multiple bicycles 12 that is actually selected by the user, while "regular second transmitter ID" refers to the transmitter ID corresponding to the second transmitter (selected virtual second transmitter) 32 that should be installed on one of the multiple bicycles 12 that is virtually selected by the user by operating the mobile terminal 90.

[0352] Subsequently, in step S159, the mobile terminal 90 determines whether each actual transmitter ID and each legitimate transmitter ID match each other, that is, whether the ID matching was successful.

[0353] If the ID matching is unsuccessful, the determination in step S159 will be NO, and then in step S160, the mobile terminal 90 prompts the user to try again to detect the first transmitter 30 and the second transmitter 32 using the mobile terminal 90, for example by displaying an appropriate message on the screen 135 or by outputting an audio message. After that, the process returns to step S154.

[0354] In contrast, if the ID verification is successful, the determination in step S159 becomes YES, and then in step S161, the mobile terminal 90 determines that, at the current time, the bicycle 12 is present at the station 20 before being rented out. This determination is equivalent to determining that the user has started using the bicycle 12 at the station 20 (that the rental has taken place).

[0355] In one example, after the user activates the rental processing module, they arrive at station 20, but the determination in step S155 remains NO until they arrive at bicycle 12, which they had reserved. When the user eventually arrives at bicycle 12, the determination in step S155 changes from NO to YES.

[0356] At this time, if the mobile terminal 90 has received a signal representing the legitimate second transmitter ID, the ID verification is successful and the determination in step S159 becomes YES. Subsequently, in step S161, it is determined that the first transition has occurred at the current time.

[0357] Here, the timing at which the determination in step S159 becomes YES coincides with the timing at which the mobile terminal 90 transitions from a state where it does not receive the regular second transmitter ID to a state where it does receive it (corresponding to the temporal position of the "rising edge" of the "bicycle recognition received signal" in the example in Figure 13(a)).

[0358] Subsequently, in step S162, it is determined whether a loan request has been entered by the user into the mobile terminal 90 (for example, the user has operated a virtual button (e.g., a "loan button") that is operated to command the "loan request"). If a loan request has been entered, the determination in step S162 becomes YES.

[0359] Next, in step S163, the fact that a rental request has been issued by the user and the determination result that the user has actually started using the reserved bicycle 12 at the currently reserved station 20 are sent to the management server 50, associated with the user (for example, along with the user ID).

[0360] In response, the management server 50 receives the information transmitted by the mobile terminal 90 as a result of the execution of step S163 in step S254.

[0361] Subsequently, in step S255, the current time is measured using the clock 172. Then, in step S256, the current time is recognized as the actual rental time. Next, in step S257, permission is granted to the user to rent out the bicycle 12.

[0362] Subsequently, in step S258, the billing start time is determined for each user. In principle, billing starts from the scheduled rental time, and the rental amount is calculated based on the length of time elapsed from the scheduled rental time (usage time, loan time, rental time).

[0363] The above describes the case where a loan request is successfully issued by the user immediately after the mobile terminal 90 has simultaneously and effectively received two legitimate transmitters 30 and 32 (a state of mutual reception is established). However, if no request is issued, the determination in step S162 will be NO, and then in step S164, it is determined whether the elapsed time since the execution time of step S161 is within the first time limit (for example, 5 minutes).

[0364] If the first time limit has not been reached, the determination in step S164 will be YES, and in step S165, the user will be prompted to enter a loan request, for example, by displaying an appropriate message on screen 135 or by an audible announcement. The process then returns to step S162.

[0365] In contrast, if the elapsed time since the execution of step S161 exceeds the first time limit, the determination in step S164 will be NO, and then in step S166, it will be determined that the user has committed the first violation.

[0366] Next, in step S167, a message is sent to the management server 50 indicating that the user has committed the first violation. In step S254, the management server 50 receives this message, and in this case, the rental of bicycle 12 is prohibited.

[0367] <Loan processing sequence when no reservation is made>

[0368] Figure 17 shows a time-series sequence flow of an example of communication that takes place between a first transmitter 30 located at station 20, a second transmitter 32 installed on bicycle 12, the user's mobile terminal 90, and the management server 50, in order for a user to enter any station 20 without a reservation, then approach any bicycle 12, and be granted permission to rent that bicycle 12. This flow has many elements in common with the flow shown in Figure 16, so only the different elements will be explained in detail.

[0369] In this case, the user selects a button labeled "No-Reservation Loan Processing Mode" on the screen of the mobile terminal 90. In response, the mobile terminal 90 executes the no-reservation loan processing module for the mobile terminal 90.

[0370] As a result of this execution, in step 201, a login request to log in to the management server 50 is sent to the management server 50, along with a user ID and password to identify the user, similar to step S151 described above.

[0371] In response to this, when the management server 50 executes the unreserved loan processing module for the management server 50, the management server 50 receives the login request along with the user ID and password in step S271, similar to step S251 described above.

[0372] Next, in step S272, the reservation status table (Figure 12(a)) is retrieved in memory 162. Then, in step S273, the retrieved reservation status table is transmitted to the mobile terminal 90.

[0373] In response, the mobile terminal 90 receives the reservation status table in step S202. Subsequently, in step S203, it displays the received reservation status table on the screen 135.

[0374] Next, in step S204, similar to step S154 described above, the mobile terminal 90 receives a signal from at least one of the at least one first transmitter 30 and at least one second transmitter 32 located within the station 20.

[0375] Subsequently, in step S205, the mobile terminal 90 performs the first valid reception determination, the second valid reception determination, and the simultaneous reception determination, similar to the steps described in step S155 above.

[0376] If the result of step 205 is NO, the process returns to step S204. However, if the result of step 205 is YES, the process proceeds to step S206.

[0377] In step S206, similar to step S156 described above, the mobile terminal 90 demodulates the received identification signal, and then in step S207, similar to step S157 described above, the mobile terminal 90 obtains the actual first transmitter ID of the first transmitter 30 and the actual second transmitter ID of the second transmitter 32 from the demodulated identification signal.

[0378] Next, in step S208, the user's selection of the current station (rental station) 20 and the current bicycle (rental bicycle) 12 as a result of receiving information from the first transmitter 30 and the second transmitter 32 is displayed on screen 135 along with the reservation status table. This allows the user to confirm the station 20 and bicycle 12 that they have selected.

[0379] Furthermore, in step S208, the user enters the scheduled return time for the bicycle 12 into the mobile terminal 90.

[0380] Subsequently, in step S209, the mobile terminal 90 extracts the individual reservation status corresponding to the current station 20 and the current bicycle 12 from the reservation status table, and determines whether the reserved time slot in that individual reservation status overlaps with the scheduled usage time from the actual rental time to the scheduled return time, that is, whether or not there is a prior reservation.

[0381] If a prior reservation exists, the determination in step S209 will be NO, and then in step S210, similar to step S160, the mobile terminal 90 prompts the user to try again to detect the first transmitter 30 and the second transmitter 32 using the mobile terminal 90. After that, the process returns to step S204.

[0382] In contrast, if there is no prior reservation, the determination in step S209 is YES, and then in step S211, the mobile terminal 90 determines that, at the current time, there is a bicycle 12 at the current station 20 that has not yet been rented out. This determination is equivalent to determining that the user has started using the bicycle 12 at the current station 20 (that the rental has taken place).

[0383] Subsequently, in step S212, it is determined, similar to step S162 described above, whether or not a loan request has been entered into the mobile terminal 90 by the user. If a loan request has been entered, the determination in step S212 becomes YES.

[0384] Next, in step S213, in accordance with step S163 described above, the determination result that the user has actually started using the bicycle 12 at station 20 (i.e., the bicycle has been rented) is sent to the management server 50, associated with the user (for example, along with the user ID).

[0385] As a result, the identification information of the rental station 20 and the identification information of the rental bicycle 12 are paired (linked), and this pair is associated with the user's identification information. This information is then transmitted from the mobile terminal 90 to the management server 50.

[0386] In response, in step S274, the management server 50 receives the information transmitted by the mobile terminal 90 as a result of the execution of step S213, similar to step S254 described above.

[0387] Next, in step S275, the current time is measured using the clock 172, similar to step S255 described above. Then, in step S276, the current time is recognized as the actual lending time, similar to step S256 described above. Next, in step S277, permission is granted to lend the bicycle 12 to the user, similar to step S257 described above.

[0388] Subsequently, in step S278, the billing start time is determined for the user, similar to step S258 described above. Then, in step S279, the details of this rental, namely the identification information of the rental station 20, the identification information of the rental bicycle 12, the actual rental time, and the scheduled return time, are registered in the user-specific reservation file (see Figure 12(b)) associated with this user.

[0389] Furthermore, in step S278, the reservation status table stored in memory 162 is updated to reflect the details of this loan.

[0390] The above describes the case where the determination in step S212 is YES. However, if the determination is NO, in step S214, it is determined whether the elapsed time since the execution time of step S211 is within the first time limit, similar to step S164 described above.

[0391] If it is within the first time limit, the determination in step S214 will be YES, and in step S215, the user will be prompted to enter a loan request, similar to step S165. Then, the process returns to step S212.

[0392] In contrast, if the elapsed time since the execution of step S211 exceeds the first time limit, the determination in step S214 will be NO, and then in step S216, it will be determined that the user has committed the first violation, similar to step S166 described above.

[0393] Next, in step S217, similar to step S167 mentioned above, a message is sent to the management server 50 indicating that the user has committed the first violation. In step S274, the message is received by the management server 50, as in step S254 mentioned above, and in this case, the rental of bicycle 12 is prohibited.

[0394] <Return Processing Sequence>

[0395] Figure 18 shows a time-series sequence flow of an example of communication that takes place between the user's mobile terminal 90 and the management server 50 in order to obtain permission to return the bicycle 12. This includes the user entering the same or a different station (return station) 20 as the rental station, either while riding or pushing the borrowed bicycle 12, and then obtaining permission to return the reserved bicycle 12.

[0396] In this case, the user selects a button labeled "Return Processing Mode" on the screen of the mobile terminal 90. In response, the mobile terminal 90 executes a return processing module for the mobile terminal 90.

[0397] As a result of this execution, in step 300, a login request to log in to the management server 50 is sent to the management server 50, along with a user ID and password to identify the user, similar to step S151 described above.

[0398] In response, when the management server 50 executes the return processing module for the management server 50, the management server 50 receives the login request along with the user ID and password in step S400, similar to step S251 described above.

[0399] In response, the mobile terminal 90, in step S302, performs the first valid reception determination, the second valid reception determination, and the simultaneous reception determination, in the same manner as in step S155 described above.

[0400] If the result of step 302 is NO, the process returns to step S301. However, if the result of step 302 is YES, the process proceeds to step S303.

[0401] In step S303, similar to step S156 described above, the mobile terminal 90 demodulates the received identification signal, and then in step S304, similar to step S157 described above, the mobile terminal 90 obtains the actual first transmitter ID of the first transmitter 30 and the actual second transmitter ID of the second transmitter 32 from the demodulated identification signal.

[0402] Next, in step S305, the screen 135 displays that the user has selected the current station (return station) 20 and the current bicycle (return bicycle) 12 as a result of receiving signals from the first transmitter 30 and the second transmitter 32. The user then confirms the station 20 and bicycle 12 that they have selected.

[0403] Furthermore, in step S305, the mobile terminal 90 determines that, at the current time, there is a returned bicycle (a bicycle that the user is about to return) 12 at the current station 20. This determination is equivalent to determining that the user has finished using the bicycle 12 at the current station 20 (that it has been returned).

[0404] Subsequently, in step S306, it is determined, in accordance with step S162 described above, whether or not a return request has been entered by the user into the mobile terminal 90 (for example, whether or not a virtual button (e.g., a "return button") that is operated to command the "return request" has been operated). If a return request has been entered, the determination in step S306 becomes YES.

[0405] Next, in step S307, in accordance with step S163 described above, the fact that a return request has been issued by the user and the determination result that the user has actually finished using the bicycle 12 at the station 20 (that it has been returned) (identification information of the return station 20 and identification information of the returned bicycle 12) are sent to the management server 50 in association with the user (for example, along with the user ID).

[0406] As a result, the identification information of the return station 20 and the identification information of the returned bicycle 12 are paired (linked), and this pair is associated with the user's identification information. This information is then transmitted from the mobile terminal 90 to the management server 50.

[0407] In response, in step S401, the management server 50 receives the information transmitted by the mobile terminal 90 as a result of the execution of step S307, similar to step S254 described above.

[0408] Subsequently, in step S402, the current time is measured using the clock 172. Then, in step S403, the current time is recognized as the actual return time. After that, in step S404, permission is granted for the user to return the bicycle 12.

[0409] Subsequently, in step S405, for each user, the total rental time is calculated as the time from the billing start time to the billing end time (scheduled return time if there is a reservation, or actual return time if there is no reservation), which is determined individually for each user as described above.

[0410] Next, in step S406, the rental fee is calculated based on the total rental time calculated above and the rate (increase rate), according to a rate table (not shown).

[0411] Subsequently, in step S407, the reservation status table is updated so that the rental information for the bicycle 12 in question is removed from the reservation status table. Then, in step S408, the calculated rental amount and other information are transmitted to the mobile terminal 90.

[0412] In response, the mobile terminal 90 receives information such as the rental amount from the management server 50 in step S308, and then displays the rental amount on the screen in step S309. Subsequently, in step S310, the user makes an electronic payment.

[0413] Next, in step S311, the mobile terminal 90 sends a logout request to the management server 50 requesting to log out.

[0414] In response, the management server 50 receives the logout request in step S409. Subsequently, in step S410, an acknowledgment signal (ACK) is sent to the mobile terminal 90 indicating that the receipt of the logout request has been successfully completed.

[0415] In response, the mobile terminal 90 receives an acknowledgment signal ACK from the management server 50 in step S312.

[0416] The above explains the case where the determination in step S306 is YES. However, if the determination is NO, in step S313, it is determined, in accordance with step S164 above, whether the elapsed time since the execution time of step S305 is within the second time limit.

[0417] If it is within the second time limit, the determination in step S313 will be YES, and in step S314, the user will be prompted to enter a return request in accordance with step S165. Then, the process returns to step S306.

[0418] In response to this, if the elapsed time since the execution of step S305 exceeds the second time limit, the determination in step S313 will be NO, and then in step S315, it will be determined that the user has committed a second violation. Subsequently, in step S316, the fact that the user has committed a second violation is sent to the management server 50.

[0419] <Abandoned Bicycle Search Sequence>

[0420] Figure 19 shows a time-series sequence flow of an example of communication between a second transmitter 32 installed on a bicycle 12, the user's mobile terminal 90, and the management server 50, in order to determine whether the user dismounted from the bicycle 12 and abandoned it at a location other than the station 20 for any reason after riding and driving the borrowed bicycle 12.

[0421] This abandoned bicycle search sequence begins when a user rents one of the bicycles 12 and the rental process is completed.

[0422] First, in step S1901, the user's mobile terminal 90 attempts to receive signals from the first and / or second transmitters 30, 32. Next, in step S1902, it is determined whether a signal has been effectively received from either of the first transmitters 30 (for example, the mobile terminal 90 is located within the first receiving range (for example, approximately 10 m away from either of the first transmitters 30)).

[0423] If the mobile terminal 90 is receiving a valid signal from any of the first transmitters 30, it means that the user is staying in one of the stations 20 with the bicycle 12, and in this case, it is unnecessary to perform this abandoned bicycle search sequence.

[0424] If the mobile terminal 90 is receiving a signal from any of the first transmitters 30, the determination in step S1902 is YES, and the process returns to step S1901. However, as shown in Figure 22(a), if the mobile terminal 90 is not receiving a signal from any of the first transmitters 30, the determination in step S1902 is NO.

[0425] Here, the fact that the mobile terminal 90 is not effectively receiving signals from any of the first transmitters 30 is represented in the time chart shown in Figure 22(a) by the level of the received signal from the first transmitter 30 being low level L, for the sake of explanation. This notation method is the same for the other time charts for the second transmitter.

[0426] Next, in step S1903, the mobile terminal 90 attempts to receive signals from the first and / or second transmitters 30, 32. Then, in step S1904, it determines whether it has received a signal from either of the second transmitters 32 (for example, whether the mobile terminal 90 is located within a second receiving range that is shorter than the first receiving range (for example, within approximately 5m of either of the second transmitters 32)).

[0427] If the mobile terminal 90 is receiving a valid signal from either of the second transmitters 32, it means that there is a high probability that the user is riding the bicycle 12, as illustrated in Figure 21(a), and in this case as well, it is unnecessary to perform this abandoned bicycle search sequence.

[0428] If the mobile terminal 90 is not receiving a valid signal from any of the second transmitters 32, the determination in step S1904 is NO, and the process returns to step S1903. However, if the mobile terminal 90 is receiving a valid signal from any of the second transmitters 32, the determination in step S1904 is YES.

[0429] A result of YES in step S1904 is equivalent to determining that the user is currently riding bicycle 12.

[0430] However, based on the time derivative value (velocity equivalent value) of the GPS measurement position of the mobile terminal 90 and / or the detected value of the acceleration sensor (not shown) mounted on the mobile terminal 90 (for example, by determining whether its absolute value is greater than or equal to a reference value), it is possible to determine whether the user is moving or not, and if it is determined that the user is moving, and the determination in step S1904 is YES, it is possible to determine that the user is currently riding the bicycle 12 in question.

[0431] Next, in step S1905, the mobile terminal 90 acquires a real second transmitter ID represented by an identification signal effectively received from one of the second transmitters 32, and converts the acquired real second transmitter ID into a bicycle ID corresponding to that real second transmitter ID, according to the correspondence shown in Figure 9. This identifies the bicycle 12 detected by the mobile terminal 90, that is, the bicycle 12 borrowed by the user.

[0432] Subsequently, in step S1906, the mobile terminal 90 attempts to receive from the first and / or second transmitters 30, 32. Then, in step S1907, it is determined whether the mobile terminal 90 has received a signal from the same second transmitter 32 that was determined to have received a signal in step S1904 (for example, whether the mobile terminal 90 is located within the second receiving range of the same transmitter 32 as before).

[0433] In other words, in step S1907, the mobile terminal 90 determines whether it has received a signal from the second transmitter (the same transmitter as before) 32 that represents the same bicycle ID as the bicycle ID represented by the signal that the mobile terminal 90 received from the second transmitter 32 in step S1904.

[0434] As illustrated in Figure 21(b), if the user abandons the bicycle 12, the user's mobile terminal 90 moves away from or out of the way of the second transmitter 32 mounted on the bicycle 12, and as a result, the mobile terminal 90 deviates from the second receiving range. In this case, the mobile terminal 90 transitions from a receiving state in which it was able to receive signals effectively from the same second transmitter 32 as before to a non-receiving state in which it cannot receive signals effectively.

[0435] If the mobile terminal 90 is still receiving signals effectively from the same second transmitter 32 as before, the determination in step S1907 becomes YES, and the process returns to step S1906. A determination of YES in step S1907 is equivalent to determining that the current user is riding the bicycle 12 (sitting on the saddle 62 of the bicycle 12, or riding and driving / moving the bicycle 12).

[0436] In contrast, if the mobile terminal 90 does not receive a signal effectively from the same second transmitter 32 as last time, the determination in step S1907 will be NO.

[0437] As shown in Figures 22(a) and (b), this determination result is equivalent to determining that, during the period in which the mobile terminal 90 was not effectively receiving a signal from the first transmitter 30, it transitioned from a receiving state in which it was effectively receiving a signal from the same second transmitter 32 as before to a non-receiving state in which it was not effectively receiving a signal.

[0438] This determination result is also equivalent to determining that, during a period when the user, mobile terminal 90, and bicycle 12 are not present at any of the stations 20, the user transitioned from a state of riding the bicycle 12 to a state of dismounting from the bicycle 12 (for example, a state of being separated from the bicycle 12).

[0439] In this embodiment, the determination of whether or not the user, mobile terminal 90, and bicycle 12 are present at any of the stations 20 is performed using the first transmitter 30 installed at each station 20. However, the present invention may be implemented in a manner in which the GPS of the mobile terminal 90 is used to determine whether or not the current location of the user and the mobile terminal 90, as measured by its GPS, does not match the map location of any of the stations 20.

[0440] Subsequently, in step S1908, the mobile terminal 90 measures its current location using GPS. Then, as shown in Figure 22(c), in step S1909, the measured current location (x,y) (x: longitude, y: latitude) is stored in memory 132 as a temporary idle location.

[0441] Subsequently, in step S1910, the mobile terminal 90 displays an icon and / or message on the screen 135 to remind the user who has separated from the bicycle 12 not to leave the bicycle 12 unattended, but to ride the bicycle 12 to one of the stations 20 and return it there.

[0442] Next, in step S1911, the mobile terminal 90 determines whether it has started to receive signals effectively from the second transmitter 32 because the user has started to ride the bicycle 12 again. If it has started to receive signals effectively from the second transmitter 32, the determination is YES, and the process returns to step S1901.

[0443] In contrast, if effective reception from the second transmitter 32 is not initiated, the determination in step S1911 will be NO, and in step S1912, the mobile terminal 90 will determine whether a predetermined time limit (for example, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or 1 hour) has elapsed, as shown in Figure 22(d). That is, it will determine whether the time since the determination result in step S1911 was first NO has reached the threshold time.

[0444] If the determination in step S1912 is NO, the process returns to step S1910. However, if the determination in step S1912 is YES, the mobile terminal 90 determines in step S1913 that the bicycle 12 is an abandoned bicycle, as shown in Figure 22(e). This leads to the discovery of the abandoned bicycle.

[0445] Thus, in this embodiment, the mobile terminal 90 recognizes the bicycle 12 as an abandoned bicycle when the elapsed time from the start of the non-receiving state of the second transmitter 32 exceeds the aforementioned time limit (the "predetermined time" in item (4) above).

[0446] Here, the length of the "time limit" may be set at the convenience of the rental company, but the user may also set it according to their own convenience and schedule, as the length of the waiting time from the time when they stop the bicycle 12, dismount, and begin waiting for the bicycle 12 (the time when they transition from a receiving state to a non-receiving state) until the time when they eventually return to the bicycle 12, get on, and resume using the bicycle 12 (the time when they transition from a non-receiving state to a receiving state).

[0447] During that waiting period, in order to prevent someone else from starting to use the bicycle 12 without permission, the original user may lock the electronic lock on the bicycle 12 before leaving it, and when the use of the bicycle 12 is resumed, the mobile terminal 90 or management server 50 may send an unlocking signal to the electronic lock to unlock it.

[0448] Alternatively, or in addition to, this method of determining whether a bicycle is abandoned, the mobile terminal 90 may recognize the bicycle 12 as an abandoned bicycle if the permitted rental time for the rental vehicle authorized by the user has elapsed, that is, if the scheduled return time has passed, but the bicycle 12 has not been returned to any of the stations 20.

[0449] Alternatively, in addition to or instead of those methods for determining whether a bicycle is abandoned, the mobile terminal 90 may, after the second transmitter 32 enters a non-receiving state, prompt the user to return the bicycle 12 to one of the stations by visual, auditory, or tactile stimulation, and if the user does not respond to the prompt, the mobile terminal 90 may recognize the bicycle 12 as an abandoned bicycle.

[0450] Next, in step S1914, the mobile terminal 90 treats the temporary abandoned location (x,y) stored in memory 132 as the final abandoned location (x,y), as shown in Figure 22(f). Then, in step S1915, it transmits the user's authentication information, the bicycle ID representing the abandoned bicycle, and the final abandoned location (x,y) to the management server 50 as abandoned bicycle information.

[0451] In response, the management server 50 receives the abandoned bicycle information transmitted by the mobile terminal 90 as a result of the execution of step S1915 in step S1951.

[0452] Subsequently, in step S1952, the management server 50 determines that although the bicycle 12 has not actually been returned to any station 20, the location where the bicycle 12 was left is effectively treated as a temporarily appearing rental station 20, allowing the same bicycle 12 to be rented to another user. Therefore, the determination that the abandoned bicycle 12 exists is treated as if the bicycle 12 had been returned. In other words, the act of abandonment is treated as an act of deemed return.

[0453] Next, in step S1953, the management server 50 measures the current time using the clock 172. Then, in step S1954, it recognizes this current time as the deemed return time. After that, in step S1955, for each user, it calculates the total rental time from the billing start time to the billing end time (in this case, the deemed return time), which is determined individually for each user as described above.

[0454] Next, in step S1956, the management server 50 calculates the rental amount based on the calculated total rental time and the fee rate (increase rate), according to a fee table (not shown).

[0455] Subsequently, in step S1957, the management server 50 calculates a penalty to be imposed on the user for failing to return the bicycle 12 to any of the stations 20.

[0456] Next, in step S1958, as illustrated in Figure 23, the management server 50 stores in memory 162 the following information in association with each other: the identification information of the user who abandoned the bicycle 12, the bicycle ID that identifies the bicycle 12, the location (x,y) where the bicycle 12 was abandoned, the start time of the abandonment (i.e., for example, the deemed return time or the transition time from the receiving state to the non-receiving state of the second transmitter 32), information indicating whether or not the process of retrieving the bicycle 12 by another user has been started, and information indicating whether or not that process has been completed. As a result, the abandoned bicycle list is registered in memory 162.

[0457] Furthermore, in step S1958, the management server 50 updates the reservation status table so that the rental information for the bicycle 12 in this case is removed from the reservation status table.

[0458] Next, in step S1959, the management server 50 transmits information to the mobile terminal 90, such as the total value of the calculated rental amount and the surcharge, i.e., the total rental amount that the user must pay.

[0459] In response, the mobile terminal 90 receives information such as the total rental amount from the management server 50 in step S1916, and then displays the total rental amount on the screen 135 in step S1917. Subsequently, in step S1918, it enables the user to make an electronic payment.

[0460] <Abandoned Bicycle Recovery Sequence>

[0461] Figure 20 shows a time-series sequence flow of an example of communication that takes place between a second transmitter 32 installed on a bicycle 12, another user's mobile terminal 90, and a management server 50, when a bicycle 12 is found abandoned, in order to lend the bicycle 12 to another user at the location where it was abandoned and have that user return it to one of the stations 20.

[0462] This abandoned bicycle retrieval sequence begins when abandoned bicycle 12 is discovered through the aforementioned abandoned bicycle search sequence.

[0463] First, in step S2051, the management server 50 reads the bicycle ID and the location where each abandoned bicycle 12 was abandoned from the abandoned bicycle list illustrated in Figure 23. Next, in step S2052, for each abandoned bicycle 12, the abandoned bicycle data, which associates the bicycle ID and the location, is simultaneously sent to the mobile terminals 90 of multiple other potential users. This abandoned bicycle data is stored in the memory 132 of each of the other users' mobile terminals 90.

[0464] In response, each other user's mobile terminal 90 receives abandoned bicycle data transmitted from the management server 50 in step S2001. Subsequently, in step S2002, it measures its current location using GPS. Then, in step S2003, as illustrated in Figure 24, a map of the vicinity of the current location (shown as a black triangle 202 in the figure) is displayed on the screen 135.

[0465] Next, in step S2004, each other user's mobile terminal 90 displays, as shown in the figure, the location of each abandoned bicycle 12 represented by the abandoned bicycle data (shown in the figure as a shape with a "D" attached inside a rectangular frame) as an overlay on the map on the screen 135.

[0466] Subsequently, in step S2005, each other user's mobile terminal 90 attempts to receive a signal from the first and / or second transmitters 30, 32. Then, in step S2006, it is determined whether or not a signal has been received from either of the second transmitters 32 (i.e., the mobile terminal 90 is within the second receiving range).

[0467] If none of the other users' mobile terminals 90 receive a valid signal from any of the second transmitters 32, the determination in step S2006 becomes NO, and the process returns to step S2005.

[0468] In contrast, as illustrated in Figure 21(c), let's assume that one of the other potential users (hereinafter referred to as "the other user") approaches one of the abandoned bicycles 12 in order to borrow it, relying on the guidance information displayed on the screen 135 of the other user's mobile terminal 90.

[0469] Furthermore, let's assume that, as shown in Figure 21(d), another user eventually rides the abandoned bicycle 12, and as a result, the other user's mobile terminal 90 receives a valid signal from one of the second transmitters 32. In this case, the determination in step S2006 becomes YES.

[0470] Subsequently, in step S2007, the other user's mobile terminal 90 obtains the bicycle ID of the abandoned bicycle 12 to which the second transmitter 32 is supposed to be installed from the identification signal that it has received from one of the second transmitters 32.

[0471] Next, in step S2008, the other user's mobile terminal 90 determines whether the acquired bicycle ID matches any of the bicycle IDs of at least one abandoned bicycle 12 stored in memory 132. If it does not match any of the bicycle IDs of abandoned bicycles 12, the determination in step S2008 is NO, and the process returns to step S2005. However, if it matches any of the bicycle IDs of abandoned bicycles 12, the determination in step S2008 is YES.

[0472] Subsequently, in step S2009, the other user's mobile terminal 90 assists that user in entering the time at which they plan to return the bicycle 12, that is, a certain abandoned bicycle 12, to one of the stations 20 after borrowing and using it.

[0473] Next, in step S2010, the other user's mobile terminal 90 determines whether the user has entered a rental request for the bicycle 12 (for example, the user has operated a virtual button (e.g., "rental button") that is operated to command "rental request"). If a rental request has been entered, the determination in step S2010 becomes YES.

[0474] Subsequently, in step S2011, the other user's mobile terminal 90 sends a message to the management server 50, associated with the user (for example, along with the user ID), that a rental request has been issued by that user and that the user has started using the bicycle 12.

[0475] In response, in step S2053, the management server 50 receives the information transmitted by each other user's mobile terminal 90 as a result of the execution of step S2011. Then, in step S2054, it updates the abandoned bicycle table illustrated in Figure 23 so that the information about the bicycle 12 in question is removed from the table.

[0476] Next, in step S2055, the management server 50 measures the current time using the clock 172, similar to step S255 described above. Then, in step S2056, similar to step S256 described above, it recognizes the current time as the actual lending time. Then, in step S2057, similar to step S257 described above, it authorizes the lending of the bicycle 12 (in this case, an abandoned bicycle) to the user.

[0477] Subsequently, in step S2058, the management server 50 determines the billing start time for each user, similar to step S258 described above. Next, the management server 50 sends the necessary information to the mobile terminals 90 of other users, so that the users can find out that the bicycle 12 has been rented out at the abandoned location and billing has started.

[0478] As described later, the present invention can be implemented in a manner in which the first transmitter 30 is not installed at each station 20. However, in this embodiment, since the first transmitter 30 is installed at each station 20, the effects resulting from this are obtained.

[0479] In other words, in this embodiment, each bicycle 12 is linked to the station 20 where it is located when it is rented out or returned at each station 20. Therefore, the management server 50, i.e., the rental company, can remotely monitor the number of bicycles 12 actually present at each station 20 in real time.

[0480] Therefore, the rental company can remotely monitor in real time whether there is a surplus or shortage of bicycles 12 stored at each station 20, and guide potential users to stations 20 that have a surplus of bicycles 12, while discouraging users from using stations 20 that have a shortage of bicycles 12.

[0481] In this way, multiple users will perform the task of optimally distributing the stored bicycles 12 among multiple stations 20 on behalf of the rental company, thus reducing the need for the rental company to go to each station 20 to resolve any surplus or shortage of stored bicycles 12 at each station 20.

[0482] In this embodiment, a first transmitter 30 is installed at each station 20, so it is possible to determine whether the user is currently staying at one of the stations 20 or at a location other than the stations 20 (i.e., not staying at any of the stations 20), and it is also possible to know which station 20 the user is currently staying at.

[0483] However, the present invention may be implemented in such a manner that, instead of the first transmitter 30, a display object (a fixed display object or a variable display object) that displays a graphic representation of a code (for example, a barcode or a QR code®) that can identify each station 20 is installed at each station 20.

[0484] <Second Embodiment>

[0485] Next, a system 10 according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 25-28. However, parts common to the system 10 according to the first embodiment will be referred to using the same reference numerals and names, thereby omitting redundant descriptions, and only the different parts will be described in detail.

[0486] In the first embodiment described above, in order to implement a one-way bicycle rental business that is, in principle, station-type, multiple bicycles 12 are temporarily parked at multiple stations 20 that are fixedly allocated on the land, and the bicycles 12 are rented out and returned at each station 20. Furthermore, a first transmitter 30 is installed at each station 20.

[0487] In contrast, in this embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 25, in order to implement a free-floating one-way bicycle rental business, the rental and return of the bicycle 12 are carried out at any location. Of course, the first transmitter 30 is not installed at such any location.

[0488] In the example shown in Figure 25, a user X chooses one of several on-street bicycle parking areas (dedicated bicycle parking areas) allocated on both sides of a public road, namely on-street bicycle parking areas 300, and rents a bicycle 12 there. Once the user X has achieved their objective, they choose another on-street bicycle parking area 300 and return the bicycle 12 there.

[0489] Therefore, in this embodiment, the concept of abandoning the bicycle 12 does not exist, but in the first embodiment described above, as mentioned above, the term "abandonment" could be synonymous with the term "return."

[0490] Therefore, the term "return" in this embodiment means the latter of the two terms in the first embodiment: "return (return by the owner to any station 20, and a preparatory act for lending the bicycle 12 to another person at that station 20)" and "abandonment (a preparatory act for lending the bicycle 12 to another person at the abandoned location)."

[0491] <Loan Sequence>

[0492] Figure 26 shows the loan sequence flow, which includes a loan processing module executed by the user's mobile terminal 90 to perform the loan process, and a loan processing module executed by the management server 50 to perform the loan process.

[0493] Specifically, in step S2601, the mobile terminal 90 sends a request to the management server 50 to log in to the management server 50's website.

[0494] In response, the management server 50 receives the login request in step S2651. Subsequently, in step S2652, the management server 50 searches the memory 162 for storage location data representing the locations of multiple storage locations 300 where the bicycle 12 is currently stored.

[0495] These multiple storage locations 300 effectively function as multiple temporary stations for the user (any location where bicycles 12 are temporarily rented and returned). Subsequently, in step S2653, the management server 50 transmits storage location data, representing the map location (x,y) of each storage location 300, to the mobile terminal 90, associating it with each temporary station ID.

[0496] In response, in step S2602, the mobile terminal 90 receives the transmitted storage location data and stores it in the memory 132. Subsequently, in step S2603, the mobile terminal 90 measures its own current location, i.e., the user's current location, using GPS.

[0497] Subsequently, in step S2604, the mobile terminal 90 displays a map of its current location on the screen 135, and further overlays the storage locations 300 (i.e., temporary stations 300) that are located near the current location onto the displayed map.

[0498] This allows the user to learn about several temporary stations 300 located near their current location. The user then selects one of the temporary stations 300 and moves towards its location, eventually approaching that temporary station 300 and the bicycle 12 located there.

[0499] Next, in step S2605, the mobile terminal 90 attempts to receive signals from the second transmitter 32 mounted on one of the bicycles 12 under the short range (or the medium range, which requires the user to bring the mobile terminal 90 close to the second transmitter 32, but not close enough to hold it up to it (or, if the user is riding the bicycle 12, the mobile terminal 90 will be able to receive signals from the second transmitter 32 effectively without holding it up to it)).

[0500] Subsequently, in step S2606, the mobile terminal 90 determines whether it has transitioned from a non-receiving state, where it does not effectively receive a signal from any of the second transmitters 32, to a receiving state, where it effectively receives a signal. If there is no such transition, the determination in step S2606 is NO, and the device returns to step S2605. However, if there is such a transition and the determination in step S2606 is YES, the device proceeds to step S2607.

[0501] As illustrated in Figure 28, before the user gets on the bicycle 12 and while the user is away from the second transmitter 32, the mobile terminal 90 cannot effectively receive signals from the second transmitter 32. Conceptually, the received signal at that time is at a low level L. Eventually, when the user approaches the second transmitter 32 or gets on the bicycle 12, the mobile terminal 90 begins to effectively receive signals from the second transmitter 32. Conceptually, the received signal at that time is at a high level H.

[0502] In step S2607 described above, the mobile terminal 90 determines that "lending has begun". Subsequently, in step S2608, it measures its current location using GPS. This location is the user's current location, the location of one temporary station 300 where the user is currently located (which functions as a lending station in this case), and the location of one bicycle 12 parked at that temporary station 300.

[0503] Subsequently, in step S2609, the mobile terminal 90 obtains a bicycle ID corresponding to the bicycle 12 in question from the signal that was successfully received. This bicycle ID is stored in memory 132 as the rental bicycle ID. Next, in step S2610, the rental bicycle ID is displayed on the screen 135, and a "rental button," which is an icon that the user operates to indicate their desire to rent the bicycle 12, is also displayed on the screen 135.

[0504] Subsequently, in step S2611, the mobile terminal 90 determines whether the user has operated the "rental button" because the bicycle ID displayed on the bicycle 12 actually selected by the user (for example, "2001" in the example shown in Figure 1(b)) matches the bicycle ID displayed on the screen 135.

[0505] If the user does not operate the "rental button", the determination in step S2611 is NO, and the process returns to the same step S2611. However, if the user operates the "rental button", the determination in step S2611 is YES, and in step S2612, a rental request has been made by the user to rent bicycle 12. This request is associated with the bicycle ID, the map location of temporary station 300 (in this case, the rental station location), and the user ID, and sent to the management server 50.

[0506] In response, the management server 50 receives the loan request in step S2654, and then measures the current time using the clock 172 in step S2655. Subsequently, in step S2656, it recognizes the current time as the actual loan time. Subsequently, in step S2657, it authorizes the loan of the bicycle 12 to the user.

[0507] Subsequently, in step S2658, the management server 50 determines the billing start time for each user as the actual lending time. Then, in step S2659, it sends data to the mobile terminal 90 indicating that lending has been permitted and the billing start time.

[0508] In response, the mobile terminal 90 receives the transmitted data in step S2613.

[0509] Accordingly, the mobile terminal 90 can transmit an unlocking signal to the electronic lock (e.g., wheel lock, handlebar lock) installed on the bicycle 12 using short-range communication, thereby unlocking the electronic lock. After unlocking, the user can use the bicycle 12. Alternatively, the management server 50 may transmit the same unlocking signal using long-range communication.

[0510] Subsequently, in step S2614, the mobile terminal 90 displays the data received in the preceding step S2613 on the screen 135.

[0511] As illustrated in Figure 28, once the rental of bicycle 12 to the user is permitted as described above, and the necessary locks are unlocked, the user can get on bicycle 12 and start riding. In this case, strictly speaking, the rental time is calculated from the actual rental time, but in practice, it is calculated from the time the user gets on bicycle 12.

[0512] <Return Sequence>

[0513] Figure 27 shows the return sequence flow, which includes a return processing module executed by the user's mobile terminal 90 to perform the return process, and a return processing module executed by the management server 50 to perform the return process.

[0514] This return sequence flow is executed immediately after the aforementioned lending sequence flow is completed. Furthermore, in this return sequence flow, if the user is riding the bicycle 12, an attempt is made to receive from the second transmitter 32 within the medium range in which the mobile terminal 90 will be able to receive signals from the second transmitter 32 effectively without having to hold the mobile terminal 90 over the second transmitter 32.

[0515] Specifically, in step S2701, the mobile terminal 90 attempts to receive signals from the second transmitter 32 mounted on one of the bicycles 12 under the medium range.

[0516] Subsequently, in step S2702, the mobile terminal 90 determines whether it has transitioned from a receiving state, where it is effectively receiving a signal from one of the second transmitters 32, to a non-receiving state, where it is not effectively receiving a signal. If there is no such transition, the determination in step S2702 is NO, and the device returns to step S2701. However, if such a transition has occurred and the determination in step S2702 is YES, the device proceeds to step S2703.

[0517] As illustrated in Figure 28, when the user is riding the bicycle 12 and approaching the second transmitter 32, the mobile terminal 90 effectively receives signals from the second transmitter 32. Conceptually, the received signal at that time is at a high level (H). Eventually, when the user dismounts from the bicycle 12 and moves away from the second transmitter 32, the mobile terminal 90 begins to stop effectively receiving signals from the second transmitter 32. Conceptually, the received signal at that time is at a low level (L).

[0518] In step S2703 described above, the mobile terminal 90 determines that "return has started". Next, in step S2704, it measures its current location using GPS. This location is the user's current location, the location of one temporary station 300 where the user is currently located (which functions as a return station in this case), and the location of one bicycle 12 parked at that temporary station 300.

[0519] Subsequently, in step S2705, the mobile terminal 90 obtains the bicycle ID corresponding to the bicycle 12 from the signals that were effectively received during the execution of step S2701. Next, in step S2706, it determines whether the bicycle ID matches the rental bicycle ID stored in memory 132. If they do not match, the determination in step S2706 is NO, and the process returns to step S2701. If they match, the determination in step S2706 is YES, and the process proceeds to step S2707.

[0520] In step S2707, the mobile terminal 90 displays a "return button" icon on the screen 135, which is operated by the user when they wish to return the bicycle 12. Furthermore, it determines whether or not the user has operated the "return button".

[0521] If the user does not press the "return button," the determination is NO, and the process returns to step S2707. However, if the user presses the "return button," the determination is YES, and in step S2708, a return request is sent to the management server 50, associating the bicycle ID, the map location of the temporary station 300 (in this case, the return station location), and the user ID, indicating that the user has requested to return bicycle 12.

[0522] In response, the management server 50 receives the return request in step S2751, and then in step S2752 updates the list of multiple storage locations where the available bicycle 12 is stored, which is stored in memory 162, to reflect the fact that the bicycle 12 has been returned to the map location of the temporary station 300.

[0523] Subsequently, in step S2753, the management server 50 measures the current time using the clock 172. Then, in step S2754, it recognizes this current time as the actual return time. After that, in step S2755, it authorizes the user to return the bicycle 12.

[0524] Next, in step S2756, the management server 50 calculates the total rental time for each user, from the billing start time to the billing end time (actual return time) as determined above. Then, in step S2757, it calculates the rental amount based on the calculated total rental time and the fee rate (increase rate) according to a fee table (not shown). Next, in step S2758, it transmits the calculated rental amount and other information to the mobile terminal 90.

[0525] In response, the mobile terminal 90 receives information such as the rental amount from the management server 50 in step S2709, and then displays the rental amount on the screen 135 in step S2710. Subsequently, in step S2711, the user makes an electronic payment.

[0526] For example, in step S2710, the mobile terminal 90 may display a message on the screen 135 instructing the user to manually lock the electronic lock installed on the bicycle 12. When the user actually locks the bicycle, and this is confirmed by the electronic lock, and this is received by the mobile terminal 90 or the management server 50, the system may determine that the return stage is complete.

[0527] As illustrated in Figure 28, once the user parks the bicycle 12 at a location of their choice, dismounts, and eventually moves away from the bicycle 12, the mobile terminal 90 becomes unable to effectively receive signals from the second transmitter 32. At that point, the user is authorized to return the bicycle 12, and once the necessary locks are secured, the return stage is completed. In this case, the rental time is strictly calculated up to the actual return time, but in practice, it is calculated up to the time the user dismounts from the bicycle 12.

[0528] In this embodiment, the reception range of the second transmitter 32 is set so that the mobile terminal 90 is within the reception range of the second transmitter 32 as long as the user is riding the bicycle 12. It is presumed that when the user moves away from the bicycle 12, and as a result the mobile terminal 90 moves out of the reception range of the second transmitter 32, and the second transmitter 32 transitions from a receiving state to a non-receiving state, the user may return the bicycle 12.

[0529] Alternatively, the present invention may be implemented in a manner in which the receiving range of the second transmitter 32 is set such that the mobile terminal 90 will not enter the receiving range of the second transmitter 32 unless the user intentionally brings the mobile terminal 90 close to the second transmitter 32, not just by the user riding the bicycle 12, and the user brings the mobile terminal 90 close to the second transmitter 32, and as a result the mobile terminal 90 enters the receiving range of the second transmitter 32, and the second transmitter 32 transitions from a non-receiving state to a receiving state, it is presumed that the user may return the bicycle 12.

[0530] <Several other variations>

[0531] In some of the embodiments described above, a user ID is used as an example of user identification information, thereby allowing the user's behavior to be monitored over time.

[0532] Alternatively, or in addition to the above, another example of user identification information (personal authentication information) may be used, such as the phone number of the mobile device 90, an email address, or a unique device address such as a MAC address.

[0533] Furthermore, some of the embodiments described above can be modified so that the management server 50 performs at least some of the same data processing as the mobile terminal 90, or conversely, so that the mobile terminal 90 performs at least some of the same data processing as the management server 50.

[0534] Furthermore, while some of the aforementioned embodiments are configured to implement a rental business in which the bicycle 12 is rented to users for a fee and on a deferred payment basis, it is possible to modify them to implement a rental business in which the bicycle is rented to users on a prepayment basis, or to implement a rental business in which the bicycle is rented to users free of charge.

[0535] Furthermore, while some of the embodiments described above are exemplary forms of applying the present invention to rental bicycles as rental vehicles, the present invention may also be applied to other mobile vehicles that are lent to users for a fee or free of charge and that move with the user. Examples of such mobile vehicles include motorcycles, automobiles (such as rental cars), motorboats or jet skis, recreational or competitive go-karts, shopping carts, strollers, pushcarts, wheelchairs or golf carts.

[0536] While a "bicycle" typically refers to a vehicle with two wheels, it is not limited to this configuration; for example, a vehicle with three wheels or even four wheels may also be included.

[0537] Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied when the rental items are furniture, electrical appliances, accessories that can be detachably attached to electrical appliances, or recording media on which audiovisual content is recorded (for example, rental CDs) that are playable by the user.

[0538] Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied when the rental item is a hotel or apartment room where the user can reside, an individual storage space in a coin locker, or an individual parking space in a parking lot.

[0539] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples, and the present invention can be implemented in various other forms with modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, starting with the embodiments described in the [Summary of the Invention] section above.

Claims

1. A system for managing multiple vehicles available for loan to users and stored at multiple stations, Includes a management server that can communicate with the user's mobile device, The management server is The mobile terminal includes a station display unit that enables it to display on its screen, as a plurality of candidate stations, those stations located near the current location determined by the mobile terminal's positioning unit, among the plurality of stations. The mobile terminal includes a station selection unit that enables the user to select one of the multiple candidate stations as the selected station in response to user operations, A lending authorization unit that enables the lending of one of the vehicles to the user when the user approaches one of the vehicles at the selected station, the mobile terminal communicates with a short-range wireless communication unit installed in one of the vehicles, and the user inputs a start request to the mobile terminal to borrow or start using one of the vehicles. A lending prohibition unit that prevents lending any of the vehicles to the user if the start request is not entered by the user into the mobile device within the time limit, Until the aforementioned time limit is exceeded, the mobile terminal enables the mobile terminal to visually, audibly, or tactilely prompt the user to input the start request into the mobile terminal, until the start request is input by the user into the mobile terminal. A rental vehicle management system that includes [specific features / features].

2. The rental vehicle management system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of vehicles include a plurality of rental cars or shared cars or a plurality of rental bicycles or shared bicycles.

3. A program that runs on the computer of a user's mobile device in order for the user to use one of several vehicles available for loan to the user, The aforementioned mobile device has several functions, A station display function that displays on the screen as multiple candidate stations those stations located near the current location determined by the positioning unit of the mobile terminal, among the multiple stations mentioned above. A station selection function that selects one of the multiple candidate stations as the selected station in response to the user's operation, A lending permission function that allows lending one of the vehicles to the user when the user approaches one of the vehicles at the selected station, the mobile terminal communicates with the short-range wireless communication unit installed in one of the vehicles, and the user enters a start request into the mobile terminal to borrow or start using one of the vehicles. A lending prohibition function that prohibits lending any of the vehicles to the user if the aforementioned start request is not entered by the user on the mobile device within the time limit, Until the aforementioned time limit is exceeded, the mobile device will have a prompting function that visually, audibly, or tactilely urges the user to input the start request into the mobile device until the start request is input by the user into the mobile device. Includes, A program executed by the computer to realize the aforementioned multiple functions.

4. A program for causing a computer to function as a management server according to claim 1 or 2.

5. A recording medium in which the program described in claim 3 is recorded in a computer-readable format.

6. A recording medium in which the program described in claim 4 is recorded in a computer-readable format.

Images