Program, method, information processing apparatus

Abstract

To facilitate the use of a service for renting photography equipment.SOLUTION: A computer is configured to provide a user with a service to rent photographic equipment, the computer executing the steps of: receiving, from a first user who hopes to rent photography equipment, a registration of information on the photography equipment which can be rented to the second user while the ownership of the equipment is held by the first user; receiving, from the second user, an input operation to apply for renting the photography equipment; managing, in response to the input operation for the application from the second user, the photography equipment as being rented by the second user and paying a consideration for the renting to the first user who has the ownership of the photography equipment relating to the application for renting; and managing information relating to a residual value to be paid by the first user for the purchase of the photography equipment owned by the first user such that the information is updated in accordance with the renting of the photography equipment.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a program, a method, and an information processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, rental services that temporarily lend out items have been provided. Rental services are used when it is necessary to temporarily use an item. For example, when a person usually does not use a car but wants to temporarily use a car when moving, they may use a car rental service, such as a rental car, to receive a car loan.

[0003] The following Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-053122 (Patent Document 1) discloses that an information processing apparatus executes a process of transmitting information indicating a rental fee when lending a first product that is being sold, and when lending the first product to a user, collecting the rental fee from the user and collecting at least a part of the amount obtained by selling the first product to the user through a trading service.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Patent Document 1 describes that when selling a product to another user through a trading service at the end of the rental period, the remaining amount obtained by subtracting the rental fee from the product price is recovered. The purpose of the present disclosure is to create an ownership mechanism for items such as photographic equipment in a lending service for items, thereby promoting the use of the lending service for items.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One embodiment shown in the present disclosure is a program for operating a computer, where the computer is for providing a service of lending photographic equipment to a user. The program causes the processor of the computer to execute steps of: receiving, from a first user who wishes to lend photographic equipment, registration of information on photographic equipment that can be lent to a second user while maintaining the ownership of the photographic equipment by the first user; presenting a screen for borrowing photographic equipment to the second user who uses the service and receiving an input operation for applying to borrow the photographic equipment from the second user; managing, in response to the input operation for applying from the second user, that the second user is borrowing the photographic equipment and giving a consideration associated with the borrowing to the first user who has the ownership of the photographic equipment for which the borrowing application is made; and managing to update information on the residual value that the first user pays for the purchase of the photographic equipment owned by the first user according to whether the photographic equipment is being borrowed.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, by creating an ownership mechanism, in an article lending service, it is possible to encourage a user who owns an article to lend the article to another user. As a result, in the article lending service, it is possible to further increase the articles that can be lent, so that for a user who uses the lending service, the opportunities to receive a loan can be increased. Thereby, the use of the article lending service can be promoted.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The following describes embodiments of the present disclosure. The description of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be made with reference to the drawings. Also, in the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0010] <Overview of Rental Service> A rental service is a service that temporarily lends out articles. The rental service is used when there is a need to temporarily use an article. Articles lent out by the rental service are, for example, home appliances, cameras, fashion items, moving bodies, etc. The moving body is, for example, a vehicle, and more specifically includes two-wheeled vehicles that operate by electric power or the like. Also, a plurality of articles with different manufacturers, brands, performances, ranks, etc. are prepared for the articles lent out by the rental service. The rental service accepts membership registration from users of the rental service and accepts a request to rent an article from the users of the rental service who have become members. Next, the rental service lends out an article to the user of the rental service in response to receiving a request to rent an article from the user of the rental service. For example, the rental service performs a shipping process of the article from a base managed by the operation of the rental service in response to receiving a request to rent an article. After the article arrives at the user of the rental service, the user of the rental service uses the article. Then, after using the article, the user of the rental service returns the article to a location designated by the rental service or the like.

[0011] The rental service of this embodiment describes a rental service for renting photographic equipment. Photographic equipment refers to cameras, interchangeable lenses, tripods, drones, peripheral devices related to cameras, etc.

[0012] <Overview of the Subscription Service> A subscription service is a service that allows users to use services, products, etc. for a certain period by paying a fixed fee. The subscription service in this embodiment is a rental service that allows users of the subscription service to rent items by paying a fixed fee. Users of the subscription service can also rent multiple items in the subscription service. In addition, the subscription service in this embodiment accepts membership registration from users and accepts applications for renting items from users who have become members. For the subscription service, users pay a fixed fee (for example, monthly) every predetermined period. That is, this subscription service is a service that allows users to rent items an unlimited number of times on a fixed-fee basis. The subscription service in this embodiment accepts membership registration from users of the subscription service and accepts applications for renting items from users of the rental service who have become members. Next, the subscription service lends items to the users of the subscription service in response to receiving an application for renting from the users of the subscription service. For example, in response to receiving an application for renting an item, the subscription service performs a shipping process for the item from the base managed by the operation of the subscription service. After the item arrives at the user of the subscription service, the user of the subscription service uses the item. After using the item, the user of the subscription service returns the item to the location designated by the subscription service, etc. Note that for some subscription-based services, there is a defined period during which an item can be rented.

[0013] The subscription-based service of this embodiment describes a subscription-based service for renting photographic equipment. Photographic equipment refers to cameras, interchangeable lenses, tripods, drones, peripheral devices related to cameras, etc.

[0014] In the subscription-based service of this embodiment, there are multiple contract plans with different service contents. The subscription-based service of this embodiment accepts the subscription of any contract plan from the users of the service. The multiple contract plans are divided by a fixed fee for a predetermined period (e.g., one month). The predetermined period may be automatically renewable. Note that according to the contract plan, for the multiple contract plans, the items that the users of the subscription-based service can rent are defined.

[0015] <Overview of Ownership> Ownership refers to the right to freely use and profit from owned property. In the subscription-based service of this embodiment, there is a mechanism that allows the users of the rental service to hold the ownership of photographic equipment. In the subscription-based service of this embodiment, when a user of the rental service registers a photographic equipment item with the subscription-based service, the ownership of the photographic equipment belongs to the user of the rental service who has made the item registration. Note that even if the photographic equipment is lent to a user of another rental service, the ownership remains with the user of the rental service who has made the item registration. Here, in the rental service system 1, the server 20 may receive an input from the user regarding the registration of an item owned by the user. Further, the server 20 may communicate with servers operated by businesses that sell items, such as the service server of a home appliance mass retailer or the service server of an EC (Electronic Commerce) site, and receive item registration for the item when the user purchases the item in the service of the business. For example, assume that the user purchases an item at a physical store or an EC site and performs a settlement process such as installment payment. In this case, information on the sales price and the remaining value of the installment payment is accumulated in the server of the business that sells the item or the server of the credit card business. On the physical store or the EC site, a screen for API (Application Programming Interface) cooperation with the rental service system 1 is displayed by the API provided by the server 20 of the rental service system 1, and an operation for the API cooperation is received from the purchaser of the product, the operator of the business, or the like. Thereby, information on the purchased item, information on the remaining value, information on the user who made the purchase, and the like are recorded in the server 20. The ownership can also be transferred from the user of the rental service having the ownership to the user of another rental service. The ownership can be transferred multiple times. The rental service system 1 gives a consideration to the user having the ownership for borrowing the photographic equipment. Note that even if the rental service system 1 transfers the ownership of the photographic equipment, it gives a consideration to the user of the rental service who registered the item of the photographic equipment. Further, the rental service system 1 gives a consideration to the user of the rental service who registered the item of the photographic equipment regardless of whether there is a user of the rental service having the ownership of the photographic equipment.

[0016] <Overview of the First Embodiment> One embodiment of the present disclosure is an information processing apparatus including a communication unit, a control unit, and a storage unit, and is for providing a rental service of an article to a user of the rental service. In the present embodiment, a user of the rental service operates a PC, a smartphone, etc. and uses the rental service system 1. In the following description, when the terminal device 10 of the first user accesses the server 20, the server 20 responds with information for generating a screen on the terminal device 10 of the first user. Then, the terminal device 10 of the first user generates and displays a screen based on the information received from the server 20. Similarly, in the following description, when the terminal device 30 of the second user accesses the server 20, the server 20 responds with information for generating a screen on the terminal device 30 of the second user. Then, the terminal device 30 of the second user generates and displays a screen based on the information received from the server 20.

[0017] <1.1 Configuration diagram of the entire system> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the rental service system 1 of the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the rental service system 1 includes a terminal device 10 of a first user, a terminal device 30 of a second user, and a server 20, and these devices are communicably connected to each other by a network 80.

[0018] A user of the rental service system 1 can register as a member with the server 20 that provides the rental service and rent an article by accessing the server 20. The rental service system 1 has an operator who operates the rental service prepare and manage the articles to be rented. Note that the rental service system 1 can also accept registration of photographic equipment to be rented out by the rental service system 1 from a user of the rental service. Then, the rental service system 1 can lend the registered photographic equipment to a user of the rental service within the rental service system 1. The following description shows a method for receiving registration of photographing equipment from users of a rental service. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a screen for receiving registration of photographing equipment from a first user. Registration of the photographing equipment is performed, for example, in the terminal device 10 of the first user by receiving an input of registration of information on the photographing equipment from the first user in the dialog screen 1300 of FIG. 13. First, the terminal device 10 of the first user receives an input of information related to registration of the photographing equipment from the first user in the area 1301 of FIG. 13. At this time, it is assumed that the first user possesses a photographing equipment that he / she wishes to rent out in the photographing equipment rental service. Then, the terminal device 10 of the first user receives an input of information related to article registration of the photographing equipment from the first user. Information related to article registration of the photographing equipment is, for example, information on the model number of the article, the article name, the state of the article, information on the residual value at the time of registration, etc. In response to receiving an input of information related to article registration of the photographing equipment from the first user, the server 20 updates the values of each item in the article registration database 2022. In addition to what is described above, when registering the photographing equipment, the terminal device 10 of the first user may receive an input from a user of the rental service, such as an image of the photographing equipment taken using the photographing equipment, information on the repair history of the photographing equipment, etc.

[0019] The example of FIG. 1 shows the terminal device 10 of the first user used by a user of the rental service. The terminal device 10 of the first user is, for example, a PC, a smartphone, etc. The terminal device 10 of the first user is a terminal device of the first user who uses the rental service system 1. The terminal device 10 of the first user is used, for example, when receiving article registration of the photographing equipment from the first user, when receiving an application for borrowing the photographing equipment from the first user, etc.

[0020] The terminal device 10 of the first user provides the user with an environment for operating a system according to a program by executing the program. The terminal device 10 of the first user reads and executes the program to establish a communication connection between the terminal device 10 of the first user and the server 20. Then, the terminal device 10 of the first user transmits and receives data related to the rental service system 1 between the terminal device 10 of the first user and the server 20.

[0021] The example of FIG. 1 shows a server 20 that manages various data related to the rental service system 1. The server 20 appropriately transmits the data necessary for the rental service system 1 to the terminal device 10 of the first user, thereby visualizing the situation of the rental service system 1 on the terminal device 10 of the first user. Similarly, the server 20 appropriately transmits the data necessary for the rental service system 1 to the terminal device 30 of the second user, thereby visualizing the situation of the rental service system 1 on the terminal device 30 of the second user. In addition, the server 20 communicates with the terminal device 10 of the first user and transmits images, files, text data, etc. to the terminal device 10 of the first user according to the usage status of the rental service system 1. Similarly, the server 20 communicates with the terminal device 30 of the second user and transmits images, files, text data, etc. to the terminal device 30 of the second user according to the usage status of the rental service system 1.

[0022] For example, the server 20 manages user information related to the rental service system 1, information on articles used in the rental service system 1, and other various data.

[0023] The example of FIG. 1 shows the terminal device 30 of the second user used by the user of the rental service. The terminal device 30 of the second user is, for example, a PC, a smartphone, or the like. The terminal device 30 of the second user is the terminal device of the second user using the rental service system 1. The terminal device 30 of the second user is used, for example, when receiving an application for borrowing photographic equipment from the second user.

[0024] By executing the program, the terminal device 30 of the second user provides the user with an environment for operating a system according to the program. The terminal device 30 of the second user reads and executes the program to communicatively connect the terminal device 30 of the second user and the server 20. Then, the terminal device 30 of the second user transmits and receives data related to the rental service system 1 between the terminal device 30 of the second user and the server 20.

[0025] The terminal device 10 of the first user includes a communication IF (Interface) 12, an input device 13, an output device 14, a memory 15, a storage unit 16, and a processor 19.

[0026] The communication IF 12 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the terminal device 10 of the first user can communicate with an external device.

[0027] The input device 13 is a device for receiving an input operation from the terminal device 10 of the first user. The device for receiving an input operation is, for example, a pointing device such as a touch panel, a touch pad, a mouse, or a keyboard.

[0028] The output device 14 is a device (such as a display or a speaker) for presenting information to the terminal device 10 of the first user.

[0029] The memory 15 is for temporarily storing programs and data processed by the programs and the like. The memory 15 is, for example, a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0030] The storage unit 16 is for storing data. The storage unit 16 is, for example, a flash memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or the like.

[0031] The processor 19 is hardware for executing an instruction set described in a program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, and the like.

[0032] The server 20 is a device that manages information related to the rental service system 1.

[0033] The server 20 includes a communication IF 22, an input / output IF 23, a memory 25, a storage 26, and a processor 29.

[0034] The communication IF 22 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the server 20 can communicate with an external device.

[0035] The input / output IF 23 functions as an input device for receiving input operations from the terminal device 10 of the first user or the terminal device 30 of the second user. Further, the input / output IF 23 functions as an interface with an output device for presenting information to the terminal device 10 of the first user or the terminal device 30 of the second user.

[0036] The memory 25 is for temporarily storing a program and data processed by the program and the like. The memory 25 is, for example, a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0037] The storage 26 is for storing data. The storage 26 is, for example, a flash memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or the like.

[0038] The processor 29 is hardware for executing an instruction set described in a program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, and the like.

[0039] The terminal device 30 of the second user includes a communication IF (Interface) 32, an input device 33, an output device 34, a memory 35, a storage unit 36, and a processor 39.

[0040] The communication IF 32 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals for the terminal device 30 of the second user to communicate with an external device.

[0041] The input device 33 is a device for receiving an input operation from the terminal device 30 of the second user. The device for receiving an input operation is, for example, a pointing device such as a touch panel, a touch pad, a mouse, or a keyboard.

[0042] The output device 34 is a device (such as a display, a speaker, etc.) for presenting information to the terminal device 30 of the second user.

[0043] The memory 35 is for temporarily storing programs and data processed by programs and the like. The memory 35 is, for example, a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0044] The storage unit 36 is for storing data. The storage unit 36 is, for example, a flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0045] The processor 39 is hardware for executing an instruction set described in a program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, and the like.

[0046] <1.2 Functional Configuration of the Terminal Device 10 of the First User> FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the terminal device 10 of the first user. The terminal device 10 of the first user includes an antenna 111, a first wireless communication unit 121, a processor 19, an operation reception unit 130, a storage unit 16, a memory 15, a display 132, an audio processing unit 140, a microphone 141, and a speaker 142.

[0047] Antenna 111 radiates the signal emitted by the terminal device 10 of the first user into space as radio waves. Also, antenna 111 receives radio waves from space and supplies the received signal to the first wireless communication unit 121.

[0048] The first wireless communication unit 121 performs modulation / demodulation processing and the like for transmitting and receiving signals via antenna 111 and the like so that the terminal device 10 of the first user can communicate with other communication devices. The first wireless communication unit 121 is a communication module for wireless communication including a tuner, a high-frequency circuit, etc., performs modulation / demodulation and frequency conversion of the wireless signals transmitted and received by the terminal device 10 of the first user, and supplies the received signal to the processor 19.

[0049] The processor 19 controls the operation of the terminal device 10 of the first user by reading and executing the program stored in the storage unit 16. The processor 19 is realized by, for example, an application processor.

[0050] The operation reception unit 130 has a mechanism for receiving an input operation from the first user. The operation reception unit 130 is realized as a pointing device such as a mouse, a touch pad, a touch panel, a keyboard, a controller, a photographing means for sensing the movement of the first user's body as an input operation, etc. For example, the operation reception unit 130 senses the movement of a body part such as a hand or the expression of the first user's face as the movement of the first user's body, and receives the movement of these body parts as an input operation. The operation reception unit 130 determines the type of operation, such as whether the operation of the first user is a flick operation, a tap operation, a drag operation, etc., based on the coordinates at which the first user touches a finger on a touch panel or the like to receive an input operation.

[0051] The storage unit 16 is composed of a flash memory, a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and stores the programs used by the terminal device 10 of the first user and various data received by the terminal device 10 of the first user from the server 20.

[0052] The display 132 displays data such as images, videos, and texts according to the control of the processor 19. The display 132 is realized by a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence).

[0053] The audio processing unit 140 performs modulation and demodulation of audio signals. The audio processing unit 140 modulates the signal given from the microphone 141 and gives the modulated signal to the processor 19. Also, the audio processing unit 140 gives the audio signal to the speaker 142.

[0054] The microphone 141 receives an audio input and gives an audio signal corresponding to the audio input to the audio processing unit 140.

[0055] The speaker 142 converts the audio signal given from the audio processing unit 140 into audio and outputs the audio to the outside of the terminal device 10 of the first user.

[0056] The storage unit 16 stores user information 161, rental service usage history information 162, and ownership information 163. The user information 161 is for holding information of users of the rental service in the rental service system 1. The rental service usage history information 162 is for holding information of the rental service usage history of users of the rental service in the rental service system 1. The ownership information 163 is for holding information of the ownership of articles in the rental service system 1.

[0057] When the processor 19 operates according to the program, it exhibits functions as an input operation reception unit 191, a transmission / reception unit 192, a data processing unit 193, and a notification control unit 194. The input operation reception unit 191 performs a process of receiving an input operation of a first user on an input device such as the operation reception unit 130. When the operation reception unit 130 is a touch device, for example, the input operation reception unit 191 determines the type of operation such as whether the operation of the first user is a flick operation or a drag operation based on the information of the coordinates where the first user touches the touch device with a finger or the like. The transmission / reception unit 192 performs a process for the terminal device 10 of the first user to transmit and receive data according to a communication protocol with an external device such as the server 20. The data processing unit 193 performs a process of performing calculations on the data received by the terminal device 10 of the first user according to a program and outputting the calculation results to a memory or the like. The notification control unit 194 performs processes such as a process of displaying a display image on the display 132, a process of outputting sound from the speaker 142, and a process of generating vibration by a vibrator or the like as processes of presenting information to the user.

[0058] <1.3 Functional Configuration of Server 20> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the server 20 exhibits functions as a communication unit 201, a storage unit 202, and a control unit 203.

[0059] The communication unit 201 performs a process for the server 20 to communicate with an external device.

[0060] The storage unit 202 stores various databases such as a user database 2021, an item registration database 2022, a rental item database 2023, a rental service usage history database 2024, an ownership transfer database 2025, an item repair database 2026, a photographed image database 2027, and a contract plan database 2028.

[0061] The user database 2021 is a database for managing information of users of each rental service in the rental service system 1. Details will be described later.

[0062] The item registration database 2022 is a database for managing information on item registration in the rental service system 1. Details will be described later.

[0063] The rental item database 2023 is a database for managing information on rental items in the rental service system 1. Details will be described later.

[0064] The rental service usage history database 2024 is a database for managing information on the rental service usage history of users of each rental service in the rental service system 1. Details will be described later.

[0065] The ownership transfer database 2025 is a database for managing the history of ownership transfers between rental service users in the rental service system 1. Details will be described later.

[0066] The item repair database 2026 is a database for managing information on the repair history of rental items in the rental service system 1. Details will be described later.

[0067] The photographed image database 2027 is a database for managing information on photographed images in the rental service system 1. Details will be described later.

[0068] The contract plan database 2028 is a database for managing information on contract plans in the rental service system 1. Details will be described later.

[0069] The control unit 203 is realized by the processor 29 reading the program stored in the storage unit 202 and executing the instructions included in the program. By operating according to the program, the control unit 203 functions as a reception control module 2031, a transmission control module 2032, a user information acquisition module 2033, a rental item information acquisition module 2034, and a rental service usage history information acquisition module 2035.

[0070] The reception control module 2031 controls the process of the server 20 receiving a signal from an external device according to a communication protocol.

[0071] The transmission control module 2032 controls the process of the server 20 transmitting a signal to an external device according to a communication protocol.

[0072] The user information acquisition module 2033 performs a series of processes for managing information regarding users of the rental service in the rental service system 1.

[0073] The rental item information acquisition module 2034 performs a series of processes for managing information regarding rental items of the rental service in the rental service system 1.

[0074] The rental service usage history information acquisition module 2035 performs a series of processes for managing information regarding the rental service usage history of users of each rental service in the rental service system 1.

[0075] <2 Data Structure> Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 are diagrams showing the data structure of the database stored in the server 20. Note that Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 are examples and do not exclude data not described.

[0076] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the data structure of the user database 2021. The user database 2021 is a database for managing information of users of each rental service in the rental service system 1. Each record of the user database 2021 in FIG. 4 includes an item "user ID", an item "user name", an item "email address", an item "name", an item "address", an item "phone number", an item "contract plan ID", and an item "contract plan registration date".

[0077] The item "user ID" indicates the identification information issued by the server 20 for the rental service system 1. Specifically, the item "user ID" is a unique ID for each user required when managing users of each rental service in the rental service system 1. In the rental service, when issuing an account for a user of the rental service, the terminal device 10 of the first user receives an input of registration of an email address from the user of the rental service. In response to receiving the input of registration of the email address, the server 20 issues a user ID.

[0078] The item "user name" indicates information on the name of the user used when the user of the rental service uses the rental service. The item "user name" does not have to be the real name of the user of the rental service.

[0079] The item "email address" indicates information on the email address used when the user of the rental service uses the rental service. In the rental service, when issuing an account for a user of the rental service, the terminal device 10 of the first user receives an input of registration of an email address from the user of the rental service. In response to receiving the input of registration of the email address, the server 20 issues a user ID. The user of the rental service uses, for example, the email address when logging in to the rental service.

[0080] The item "Name" indicates the name information of the user of the rental service. Among the rental service contract plans, there are plans that require the operator to confirm the identity of the rental service user. Depending on the contract plan, the identity confirmation procedures, requirements, etc. are different. Among the contract plans, for example, there is a contract plan that requests the input of customer information such as name, address, and phone number from the user of the rental service. When requesting the registration of the above-mentioned customer information, etc., the terminal device 10 of the first user receives the input of the name information from the user of the rental service. Then, the server 20 updates the item "Name" in the user database 2021 according to the input.

[0081] The item "Address" indicates the address information of the user of the rental service. Similar to the explanation for the item "Name", the server 20 updates the value of the item "Address".

[0082] The item "Phone Number" indicates the phone number information of the user of the rental service. Similar to the explanation for the item "Name", the server 20 updates the value of the item "Phone Number".

[0083] The item "Contract Plan ID" indicates the identification information issued by the server 20 for the rental service system 1. The item "Contract Plan ID" is a unique ID for each contract plan required when managing each contract plan in the rental service system 1. The contract plan refers to the contract plan in the subscription-type service described above. When the server 20 receives the registration operation for any contract plan from the user of the rental service, the server 20 updates the value of the item "Contract Plan ID".

[0084] The item "Contract Plan Registration Date" indicates the information of the date and time when the user of the rental service registered for the contract plan. In response to the date and time when the server 20 receives the registration operation for any contract plan from the user of the rental service, the server 20 updates the value of the item "Contract Plan Registration Date".

[0085] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the data structure of the item registration database 2022. The item registration database 2022 is a database for managing the item registration information in the rental service system 1. Each record in the item registration database 2022 includes an item "Item Registration ID", an item "User ID", an item "Model Number", an item "Item Name", an item "Condition of the Item", an item "Residual Value at the Time of Registration", and an item "Registration Date and Time".

[0086] The item "Item Registration ID" indicates the identification information issued by the server 20 for the rental service system 1. Specifically, the item "Item Registration ID" is a unique ID required when managing the item registration of the rental service in the rental service system 1.

[0087] The item "User ID" indicates the identification information issued by the server 20 for the rental service system 1. Specifically, the item "User ID" is a unique ID for each user of the rental service required when managing the users of the rental service in the rental service system 1. The user ID of the service user who registered the item is stored in the item "User ID" of the item registration database 2022.

[0088] The item "Model Number" indicates the information of the model number of the item. The model number is the number assigned to each type of product. What is described below is an example of how the value of the item "Model Number" is updated. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a screen for receiving registration of photographing equipment from a first user. The registration of the photographing equipment is performed, for example, in the terminal device 10 of the first user by receiving an input of registration of photographing equipment information from the first user in the dialog screen 1300 of FIG. 13. First, the terminal device 10 of the first user receives an input of information related to the registration of the photographing equipment from the first user in the area 1301 of FIG. 13. At this time, it is assumed that the first user possesses the photographing equipment that he / she wishes to rent out in the photographing equipment rental service. Then, the terminal device 10 of the first user receives an input of information related to the item registration of the photographing equipment from the first user. The information related to the item registration of the photographing equipment is, for example, information on the model number of the item, the item name, the state of the item, information on the residual value at the time of registration, and the like. In response to receiving an input of information related to the item registration of the photographing equipment from the first user, the server 20 updates the value of the item "model number" in the item registration database 2022.

[0089] The item "item name" indicates information on the name of the item in the rental service. Similar to the explanation for the item "model number", the server 20 updates the value of the item "item name".

[0090] The item "state of the item" indicates the result of a stepwise evaluation of the degree of dirt of the item. Similar to the explanation for the item "model number", the server 20 updates the value of the item "state of the item". Note that when the rental service system 1 receives an input of information on the state of the item from the first user, it may receive a selection from a plurality of options, such as a drop-down list.

[0091] The item "residual value at the time of registration" indicates information on the residual value of the item to be registered at the time of item registration. In the present disclosure, the remaining amount that the user of the rental service should pay as a purchase of the product is referred to as the "residual value". For example, when a user registers an item of a 100,000-yen camera purchased in 10 installments at a home appliance mass retailer, if 4 installments have already been paid out of the 10 installments, the residual value of the item will be 60,000 yen. Similar to what was described in the item "Model Number", the server 20 updates the value of the item "Residual Value at Registration".

[0092] The item "Registration Date and Time" indicates the information of the date and time when an item was registered with the rental service system 1 by a user of the rental service. Similar to what was described in the item "Model Number", the server 20 updates the value of the item "Residual Value at Registration". Specifically, according to the date and time when the server 20 received the input of information related to the item registration of photographic equipment from the first user, the server 20 updates the value of the item "Registration Date and Time" in the item registration database 2022.

[0093] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the data structure of the rental item database 2023. The rental item database 2023 is a database for managing information on rental items in the rental service system 1. The rental item database 2023 in FIG. 6 includes an item "Item ID", an item "Model Number", an item "Item Name", an item "Large Item Category", an item "Medium Item Category", an item "Manufacturer", an item "Contract Plan", an item "Lending Status", an item "Item Registration ID", an item "Initial Ownership", an item "Current Ownership", and an item "Residual Value of the Item".

[0094] The item "Item ID" indicates the identification information issued by the server 20 for the rental service system 1. Specifically, the item "Item ID" is a unique ID for an item required when managing rental service items in the rental service system 1.

[0095] The item "Model Number" indicates information on the model number of an item. The model number is a number assigned to each product model.

[0096] The item "Item Name" indicates information on the name of the rental service item.

[0097] The item "major item category" indicates information on the major classification of the items in the rental service. The item "major item category" is, for example, a camera, an interchangeable lens, a drone, etc.

[0098] The item "medium item category" indicates information on the medium classification of the items in the rental service. The item "medium item category" is a further refined classification of the classification of the item "major item category". The item "medium item category" is, for example, a single-lens reflex camera, a single-focus lens, etc.

[0099] The item "manufacturer" indicates information on the manufacturer who is the producer of the items in the rental service.

[0100] The item "contract plan" indicates information on which contract plan the items in the rental service can be rented out under. In the rental service system 1, the items that can be rented by the users of the rental service are determined according to the contract plan. Therefore, in the item "contract plan", information on which contract plan the items in the rental service system 1 can be rented out under is set. For example, an item described as Lv8 - Lv10 in the item "contract plan" means that it can be rented out to the user of the rental service when the contract plan of the user of the rental service is any one of Lv8, Lv9, and Lv10. That is, if the contract plan that the user of the rental service has joined is Lv7, the item cannot be rented out. Also, in the rental service, there may be cases where the minimum level of the contract plan required for renting out an item is set. For example, the item can be rented out when the contract plan that the user of the rental service has joined is "Lv2 or above".

[0101] The item "Rental Status" indicates information on the status of the rental of items in the rental service. For example, if the item "Rental Status" is "Available for Rent", it indicates that the item is in a state where it can be rented to a user of the rental service. Also, if the item "Rental Status" is "Currently Rented", it indicates that the item is in a state of being rented to a user of any rental service.

[0102] The item "Item Registration ID" indicates the identification information issued by the server 20 for the rental service system 1. Specifically, the item "Item Registration ID" is a unique ID required for managing the item registration of the rental service in the rental service system 1. The following is an example of how the value of the item "Item Registration ID" is updated. When an item is registered by a user of the rental service, based on the information in the item "Item Registration ID" of the item registration database 2022, the server 20 updates the value of the item "Item Registration ID" in the rental item database 2023.

[0103] The item "Initial Ownership" indicates information on the user ID of the user of the rental service who registered the item. In the present disclosure, when a user of the rental service registers a photographic equipment item in the rental service system 1, the ownership of the photographic equipment belongs to the user of the rental service who registered the item. Note that even if the photographic equipment is rented to a user of another rental service, the ownership remains with the user of the rental service who registered the item. The following is an example of how the value of the item "Initial Ownership" is updated. When an item is registered by a user of the rental service, based on the information in the item registration database 2022, the server 20 updates the value of the item "Initial Ownership" in the rental item database 2023.

[0104] The item "Current Ownership" indicates the information of the user ID of the user of the rental service who currently holds the ownership of the item. In the present disclosure, when a user of the rental service registers an item of photographic equipment in the rental service system 1, the ownership of the photographic equipment becomes the user of the rental service who has performed the item registration. Even if the photographic equipment is lent to a user of another rental service, the ownership remains that of the user of the rental service who has performed the item registration. However, the ownership of the photographic equipment can also be transferred to another rental service user. Therefore, depending on the transfer of ownership, the ownership of the photographic equipment may be different from that of the user of the rental service who has performed the item registration. Accordingly, the value of the item "Current Ownership" is affected by the transfer of ownership. What is described below is an example of how the value of the item "Current Ownership" is updated. First, look at the row in the rental item database 2023 in Figure 6 where the value of the "Item ID" in the item is #702. For the item with the value of "Item ID" being #702, the value of the "Initial Ownership" is #2U9Q. If there is no history of transfer of ownership of the said item, the value of the "Current Ownership" of the item with the value of "Item ID" being #702 will be #2U9Q. However, if there is a history of transfer of ownership, the value of the "Current Ownership" may be different from #2U9Q. The history of transfer of ownership is detailed in the ownership transfer database 2025 in Figure 8. The ownership transfer database 2025 is a database for managing the history of transfer of ownership among rental service users in the rental service system 1. For example, looking at the ownership transfer database 2025, it can be seen that the ownership of the item with the "Item ID" being #702 has been transferred. Next, look at the row in the ownership transfer database 2025 where the value of the "Ownership Transfer ID" is OR0081 and the "Item ID" is stored as #702. The row with the value of the "Ownership Transfer ID" being OR0081 describes the history of transfer of ownership for the item with the value of the "Item ID" being #702. In the row with the value of the "Ownership Transfer ID" being OR0081, it is stored that the ownership has been transferred from the user of the rental service with the user ID #2U9Q to the user of the rental service with the user ID #7X3V. In this case, based on the information in the ownership transfer database 2025, the server 20 updates the value of the "Current Ownership" in the rental item database 2023 in Figure 6. Therefore, the "Current Ownership" of the item with the value of the "Item ID" being #702 in the rental item database 2023 in Figure 6 is stored as #7X3V.

[0105] The item "Residual Value of Item" indicates information on the residual value of the item. The following is an example explaining how the value of the item "Residual Value of Item" is updated. The following example is an example when the value of the item "Residual Value of Item" is updated in response to item registration. First, the terminal device 10 of the first user receives an input of information related to the registration of the imaging equipment from the first user in the area 1301 of FIG. 13. At this time, it is assumed that the first user possesses the imaging equipment that he / she wishes to lend in the imaging equipment lending service. Then, the terminal device 10 of the first user receives an input of information related to the item registration of the imaging equipment from the first user. The information related to the item registration of the imaging equipment is, for example, information on the model number of the item, the item name, information on the state of the item, the residual value at the time of registration, and the like. The residual value at the time of registration is, as described above, information on the residual value of the item to be registered at the time of item registration. Next, in response to receiving an input of information related to the item registration of the imaging equipment from the first user, the server 20 updates the value of the item "residual value at the time of registration" in the item registration database 2022. Then, by copying the value of the item "residual value at the time of registration" in the item registration database 2022, the server 20 updates the value of the item "residual value of the item" in the rental item database 2023. The following example is an example when the value of the item "residual value of the item" is updated according to the borrowing of the item. First, the terminal device 30 of the second user receives an input operation for applying to borrow photographic equipment from the second user. The screen for applying to borrow photographic equipment is, for example, the dialog screen 1400 in FIG. 14. The input operation for applying to borrow photographic equipment is, for example, to receive an input operation of button 1403 on the dialog screen 1400 from the second user on the terminal device 30 of the second user. At this time, assume that the photographic equipment for which the second user applies to borrow is the photographic equipment for which the first user has received an input for registering the photographic equipment. Next, in response to receiving the input operation for applying to borrow photographic equipment from the second user, the server 20 updates the value of the item "salvage value of the item" in the rental item database 2023. Specifically, the server 20 updates the value of the item "salvage value of the item" in the rental item database 2023 so as to reduce the salvage value according to the calculation formula set in the rental service system 1. The calculation formula set in the rental service system 1 may be, for example, a calculation formula that leaves one-tenth of the value of the salvage value of the item. Also, the calculation formula set in the rental service system 1 may be, for example, a calculation formula that leaves an amount obtained by multiplying a specific magnification by the photographic equipment.

[0106] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the data structure of the rental service usage history database 2024. The rental service usage history database 2024 is a database for managing information on the rental service usage history of users of the rental service in the rental service system 1. The rental service usage history database 2024 in FIG. 7 includes an item "rental service usage ID", an item "item ID", an item "user ID", an item "loan date", and an item "return date".

[0107] The item "rental service usage ID" indicates the identification information issued by the server 20 for the rental service system 1. Specifically, the item "rental service usage ID" is a unique ID required when managing the rental service usage history in the rental service system 1.

[0108] The item "Article ID" indicates the identification information issued by the server 20 for the rental service system 1. Specifically, the item "Article ID" is a unique ID for an article that is necessary when managing the articles of the rental service in the rental service system 1.

[0109] The item "User ID" indicates the identification information issued by the server 20 for the rental service system 1. Specifically, the item "User ID" is a unique ID for the user of the rental service who is necessary when managing the users of each rental service in the rental service system 1. The item "User ID" in the rental service usage history database 2024 indicates the user ID information of the user of the rental service when the user of the rental service applies to borrow an article.

[0110] The item "Lending Date" indicates the date and time information when the user of the rental service applies to borrow an article. The following describes an example of how the value of the item "Lending Date" is updated. First, the terminal device 30 of the second user receives an input operation from the second user to apply for borrowing the photographic equipment. The screen for applying to borrow the photographic equipment is a screen like the dialog screen 1400 in FIG. 14. The input operation for applying to borrow the photographic equipment is, for example, to receive the input operation of the button 1403 on the dialog screen 1400 from the second user on the terminal device 30 of the second user. Next, in response to receiving the input operation for applying to borrow the photographic equipment from the second user, the server 20 updates the values of each item in the rental service usage history database 2024. Specifically, the server 20 updates the value of the item "Lending Date" in the rental service usage history database 2024 according to the date and time when it receives the input operation for applying to borrow the photographic equipment from the second user.

[0111] The item "Return Date" indicates the date and time information when the article is returned by the user of the rental service. The following is an example of how the value of the item "Return Date" is updated. First, the user of the rental service performs a shipping operation to return the item after using the item of the rental service. Next, the item of the rental service is shipped from the user of the rental service. Next, the item of the rental service shipped from the user of the rental service arrives at the warehouse where the operator manages the items. Then, the operator's user checks the item regarding the presence or absence of damage to the item. At this time, the operator's user may input information regarding the return date of the item when checking the item regarding the presence or absence of damage to the item. Then, the server 20 updates the value of the item "Return Date" in response to the input of the information regarding the return date of the item received from the operator's user.

[0112] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the data structure of the ownership transfer database 2025. The ownership transfer database 2025 is a database for managing the history of ownership transfer between rental service users in the rental service system 1. The ownership transfer database 2025 in FIG. 8 includes an item "Ownership Transfer ID", an item "Item ID", an item "User ID of Transferor", an item "User ID of Transferee", and an item "Transfer Date and Time".

[0113] The item "Ownership Transfer ID" indicates the identification information issued by the server 20 for the rental service system 1. Specifically, the item "Item ID" is a unique ID for an item required when managing the history of ownership transfer of items in the rental service in the rental service system 1.

[0114] The item "Item ID" indicates the identification information issued by the server 20 for the rental service system 1. Specifically, the item "Item ID" is a unique ID for an item required when managing the items of the rental service in the rental service system 1.

[0115] The item "Transferred User ID" indicates the information of the user ID of the user of the rental service who transferred the ownership of the item. The following is an example of how the value of the item "Transferred User ID" is updated. Suppose the rental service system 1 provides an input form for recording the transfer of ownership of photographic equipment. And the user of the rental service who has the ownership of the photographic equipment wants to transfer the ownership of the said photographic equipment to the user of another rental service. First, the user of the rental service who has the ownership of the photographic equipment inputs information into the input form for the transfer of ownership of the photographic equipment. The input form for the transfer of ownership of the photographic equipment requires input of information such as the item ID of the said photographic equipment, the user ID of the user of the rental service transferring the ownership, the user ID of the user of the rental service who is the transferee of the ownership, etc. Then, in response to receiving the input from the user of the rental service into the input form for the transfer of ownership of the photographic equipment, the server 20 updates the value of the item "Transferred User ID".

[0116] The item "Transferred To User ID" indicates the information of the user ID of the user of the rental service to whom the ownership of the item was transferred. Similar to the explanation for the item "Transferred User ID", the server 20 updates the value of the item "Transferred To User ID".

[0117] The item "Transfer Date and Time" indicates the information of the date and time when the ownership of the item was transferred. Similar to the explanation for the item "Transferred User ID", the server 20 updates the value of the item "Transferred To User ID". Specifically, in response to the date and time when the server 20 receives the input from the user of the rental service into the input form for the transfer of ownership of the photographic equipment, the server 20 updates the value of the item "Transferred To User ID".

[0118] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the data structure of the article repair database 2026. The article repair database 2026 is a database for managing information on the repair history of rental articles in the rental service system 1. The article repair database 2026 in FIG. 9 includes an item "article repair ID", an item "article ID", an item "repair location", an item "repair content", and an item "repair date and time".

[0119] The item "article repair ID" indicates the identification information issued by the server 20 for the rental service system 1. Specifically, the item "article ID" is a unique ID for article repairs required when managing the repair history of rental articles in the rental service system 1.

[0120] The item "article ID" indicates the identification information issued by the server 20 for the rental service system 1. Specifically, the item "article ID" is a unique ID for articles required when managing rental articles in the rental service system 1.

[0121] The item "repair location" indicates information on the location where the article was repaired. The location where the article was repaired is, for example, the power supply part, the lens, etc. What is described below is an example of how the value of the item "repair location" is updated. First, after using the items of the rental service, the user of the rental service performs a shipping operation to return the items. Next, the items of the rental service are shipped from the user of the rental service. Next, the items of the rental service shipped from the user of the rental service arrive at the warehouse where the operator manages the items. Next, the user on the operator side checks the items regarding the presence or absence of damage to the items. If the items need to be repaired, the user on the operator side repairs the items. Assume that the rental service system 1 provides an input form for item repair in order to record the item repair. After repairing the items, the user on the operator side inputs information regarding the item repair into the input form for the items. The information regarding the item repair is, for example, the item ID, the repair location of the item, the repair content of the item, the date and time when the item repair was completed, and the like. And in response to receiving the input from the user on the operator side into the input form for item repair, the server 20 updates the value of the item "repair location".

[0122] The item "repair content" indicates information on the content of the item repair. The content of the item repair is, for example, battery replacement, dust cleaning, and the like. Similar to the explanation in the item "repair location", the server 20 updates the value of the item "repair content".

[0123] The item "repair date and time" indicates information on the date and time when the item repair was completed. Similar to the explanation in the item "repair location", the server 20 updates the value of the item "repair date and time". Specifically, in response to the date and time when the input from the user on the operator side into the input form for item repair is received, the server 20 updates the value of the item "repair date and time".

[0124] Note that the item repair database 2026 may store the item repair information of the item for which the input is received when the rental service system 1 receives the item registration from the user of the rental service.

[0125] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the data structure of the photographed image database 2027. The photographed image database 2027 is a database for managing information on photographed images in relation to the rental service system 1. The photographed image database 2027 in FIG. 10 includes an item "photographed image ID", an item "image data", an item "title", an item "photographing equipment", and an item "registration date and time".

[0126] The item "photographed image ID" indicates identification information issued by the server 20 in relation to the rental service system 1. Specifically, the item "photographed image ID" is a unique ID for a photographed image required for managing the photographed image in the rental service system 1.

[0127] The item "image data" indicates information on the image data of the photographed image. The following is an example of how the value of the item "image data" is updated. It is assumed that the rental service system 1 provides a page for uploading photographed images from rental service users. It is assumed that the page for uploading photographed images from rental service users is provided with a section for uploading the image data of the photographed image and a section for inputting information related to the photographed image. First, the user of the rental service opens the page for uploading the photographed image. Next, the user of the rental service inputs information related to the photographed image and uploads the image data of the photographed image on the page for uploading the photographed image. Information related to the photographed image is, for example, the title of the photographed image, information on the photographing equipment used when taking the photographed image, and the like. Then, in response to receiving the upload of the image data of the photographed image and the input of information related to the photographed image from the user of the rental service, the server 20 updates the value of the item "image data".

[0128] The item "title" indicates information on the title of the photographed image. Similar to the description of the item "image data", the server 20 updates the value of the item "title".

[0129] The item "Photography Equipment" indicates information on the photography equipment used when taking the photographed image. Similar to what was described in the item "Image Data", the server 20 updates the value of the item "Photography Equipment".

[0130] The item "Registration Date and Time" indicates information on the date and time when the photographed image was registered. Similar to what was described in the item "Image Data", the server 20 updates the value of the item "Photography Equipment". Specifically, according to the date and time when the server 20 received the upload of the photographed image and the input of information related to the photographed image from the user of the rental service, the server 20 updates the value of the item "Registration Date and Time".

[0131] Also, although not shown in FIG. 10, in the photographed image database 2027, it may be possible to hold information on the user who took each photographed image. For example, the server 20 acquires information on the user who took the photographed image as follows. · When receiving the upload of the photographed image from the user, refer to the user's login information to Rental Service 1 · Receive the input of the user's information (SNS account, name, etc.) from the user · By acquiring information (URL etc. associated with the post) for referring to the post when the photographed image is posted on SNS etc., acquire the image and the information of the poster included in the post Note that the photographed image database 2027 may store information on photographed images taken using the item for which input was received when the rental service system 1 received item registration from the user of the rental service.

[0132] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the data structure of the contract plan database 2028. The contract plan database 2028 is a database for managing information on contract plans in the rental service system 1. The contract plan database 2028 in FIG. 11 includes an item "Contract Plan ID", an item "Contract Plan Name", and an item "Monthly Fee".

[0133] The item "Contract Plan ID" indicates the identification information issued by the server 20 for the rental service system 1. Specifically, the item "Contract Plan ID" is a unique ID for each contract plan required when managing each contract plan in the rental service system 1. The contract plan is the contract plan in the subscription-type service described above.

[0134] The item "Contract Plan Name" indicates information on the name of the contract plan corresponding to each contract plan.

[0135] The item "Monthly Fee" indicates information on the monthly fee of each contract plan. The higher the monthly fee of the contract plan, the more types of items that the user of the rental service can rent.

[0136] It should be noted that the data in the database structure stored by the server 20 described above may be managed using blockchain technology.

[0137] <Operation of the First Embodiment> Next, the operation of each device constituting the rental service system 1 will be described.

[0138] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the flow of processing for receiving the lending of photographic equipment from a second user after receiving the registration of photographic equipment from a first user.

[0139] In step S12011, the terminal device 10 of the first user receives an input for registering photographic equipment from the first user who wishes to rent the photographic equipment. The registration of the photographic equipment is performed, for example, by receiving an input for registering the information of the photographic equipment from the first user on the dialog screen 1300 in FIG. 13 in the terminal device 10 of the first user. First, the terminal device 10 of the first user receives an input of information related to the registration of the imaging equipment from the first user in the area 1301 of FIG. 13. At this time, it is assumed that the first user possesses the imaging equipment that he / she wishes to lend in the imaging equipment lending service. Then, the terminal device 10 of the first user receives an input of information related to the item registration of the imaging equipment from the first user. The information related to the item registration of the imaging equipment is, for example, information on the model number of the item, the item name, information on the state of the item, and the like.

[0140] In step S12021, in response to receiving the registration of the imaging equipment information from the first user, the server 20 updates the item registration database 2022. What is described below is an example of how the items in the item registration database 2022 are updated. First, the server 20 receives the item registration operation as described in step S12011 from the first user. Then, in response to receiving the input of information related to the item registration of the imaging equipment from the first user, the server 20 updates the values of each item in the item registration database 2022.

[0141] In step S12031, the terminal device 30 of the second user presents a screen for borrowing the imaging equipment. The screen for borrowing the imaging equipment is, for example, the dialog screen 1400 of FIG. 14. The second user checks the information of the imaging equipment displayed on the dialog screen 1400 and determines whether to borrow the imaging equipment.

[0142] In step S12032, the terminal device 30 of the second user receives an input operation for applying to borrow the imaging equipment from the second user. The screen for borrowing the imaging equipment is, for example, the dialog screen 1400 of FIG. 14. The input operation for applying to borrow the imaging equipment is, for example, to receive the input operation of the button 1403 on the dialog screen 1400 from the second user on the terminal device 30 of the second user.

[0143] In step S12022, in response to an input operation for applying to borrow photographing equipment from a second user, the server 20 updates the rental service usage history database 2024. The following describes an example of how the items in the rental service usage history database 2024 are updated. First, in step S12032, the terminal device 30 of the second user receives an input operation for applying to borrow photographing equipment from the second user. Then, in response to receiving the input operation for applying to borrow photographing equipment from the second user, the server 20 updates the values of the respective items in the rental service usage history database 2024.

[0144] In step S12023, in response to an input operation for applying to borrow photographing equipment from a second user, the server 20 updates the value of the item "rental status" in the rental item database 2023. The following describes an example of how the value of the item "rental status" in the rental item database 2023 is updated. First, in step S12032, the terminal device 30 of the second user receives an input operation for applying to borrow photographing equipment from the second user. Then, in response to receiving the input operation for applying to borrow photographing equipment from the second user, the server 20 updates the value of the item "rental status" in the rental item database 2023. Specifically, in response to receiving the input operation for applying to borrow photographing equipment from the second user, the server 20 updates the value of the item "rental status" in the rental item database 2023 from "available for rental" to "rented".

[0145] In step S12024, in response to an input operation for applying to borrow photographing equipment from a second user, the server 20 updates the value of the item "salvage value of the item" in the rental item database 2023. The value of the item "salvage value of the item" in the rental item database 2023 is updated only when there is a salvage value remaining for the photographing equipment. The following is an example of how the value of the "salvage value of the item" in the rental item database 2023 is updated. First, in step S12032, the terminal device 30 of the second user receives an input operation from the second user to apply for borrowing the photographic equipment. In the following example description, it is assumed that the photographic equipment is the one for which the first user's input for registering the photographic equipment was received in step S12011. Next, in response to receiving the input operation from the second user to apply for borrowing the photographic equipment, the server 20 updates the value of the "salvage value of the item" in the rental item database 2023. Specifically, the server 20 updates the value of the "salvage value of the item" in the rental item database 2023 so as to reduce the salvage value according to the calculation formula set in the rental service system 1. Examples of the calculation formula set in the rental service system 1 are as follows. · A certain percentage of the consideration obtained by the operator who operates the server 20 by lending out the item. For example, taking the fee of the contract plan (e.g., each contract plan shown in FIG. 11) required to rent the item as the original capital, a certain percentage of the fee of the contract plan is paid to the user who registered the item while the item is being rented. · During the period of lending (e.g., every month), a certain percentage of the value of the salvage value of the item is reduced. However, it may be set to reduce the salvage value by a certain amount or more. · The calculation formula set in the rental service system 1 may be, for example, a calculation formula in which the remaining amount is the amount obtained by multiplying the selling price of the photographic equipment by a specific magnification. In the case where the salvage value of the item is 0 yen or the salvage value of the item is not set, the rental service system 1 returns some consideration in the rental service system 1 to the rental service user who registered the item. Some consideration refers to money, points in the rental service system 1, etc.

[0146] <Example Screen> FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a screen for receiving registration of photographic equipment from the first user.

[0147] In the rental service system 1, it is possible to accept registration of photographing equipment that can be lent out in the rental service from users of the rental service. After accepting registration of photographing equipment that can be lent out from a user of the rental service, the rental service system 1 may lend out the photographing equipment to other rental service users. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a screen for accepting registration of photographing equipment from a first user. Registration of the photographing equipment is performed, for example, by accepting input of registration of photographing equipment information from the first user in the dialog screen 1300 of FIG. 13 on the terminal device 10 of the first user. First, the terminal device 10 of the first user accepts input of information related to registration of the photographing equipment from the first user in the area 1301 of FIG. 13. At this time, it is assumed that the first user possesses photographing equipment that he / she wishes to lend out in the photographing equipment rental service. Then, the terminal device 10 of the first user accepts input of information related to article registration of the photographing equipment from the first user. Information related to article registration of the photographing equipment is, for example, information on the model number of the article, the article name, information on the state of the article, the residual value at the time of registration, and the like. In response to accepting input of information related to article registration of the photographing equipment from the first user, the server 20 updates the values of each item in the article registration database 2022. In addition to what has been described above, when registering the photographing equipment, the terminal device 10 of the first user may accept input from the user of the rental service of an image of the photographing equipment taken using the photographing equipment, information on the repair history of the photographing equipment, and the like.

[0148] Specifically, the terminal device 10 of the first user presents the following information on the dialog screen 1300. · Area 1301 is an area for accepting input of information related to article registration from the first user. Information related to article registration is, for example, information such as information on the model number of the article, the article name, information on the state of the article, and the residual value at the time of registration. · Button 1302 is a button that receives an operation for determining the content of information related to article registration from a first user.

[0149] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a screen for receiving a request to borrow photographing equipment from a second user.

[0150] The terminal device 30 of the second user presents a screen for receiving a request to borrow photographing equipment. The second user views the screen for receiving a request to borrow photographing equipment and determines whether to borrow the photographing equipment. If the second user determines to borrow the photographing equipment, the terminal device 30 of the second user receives a request to borrow the photographing equipment from the second user on the screen for receiving a request to borrow photographing equipment.

[0151] Specifically, the terminal device 30 of the second user presents the following information on the dialog screen 1400. · Area 1401 is an area for displaying an image related to the photographing equipment. The image related to the photographing equipment is, for example, an image of the main body of the photographing equipment, an enlarged image of a part of the photographing equipment, etc. · Area 1402 is an area for displaying detailed information related to the photographing equipment. The detailed information related to the photographing equipment is, for example, the article name, information about the manufacturer of the article, etc. · Button 1403 is a button for receiving a request to borrow the photographing equipment from the second user.

[0152] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing, on the screen, information on the history of users of a rental service who have rented the same model of photographing equipment in the past when receiving a request to borrow the photographing equipment from the second user.

[0153] The terminal device 30 of the second user presents, on the screen, information on the history of users of a rental service who have rented the same model of photographing equipment in the past when receiving a request to borrow the photographing equipment. Presenting information on the rental history of users of a rental service who have rented the same type of photographic equipment in the past can assist users of the rental service in determining whether to rent the photographic equipment. Additionally, presenting information on the rental history of users of a rental service who have rented the same type of photographic equipment in the past can lead to an increase in the value of the photographic equipment. This is because presenting information on the rental history of users of a rental service who have rented the same type of photographic equipment in the past allows information such as whether the photographic equipment has been rented to professional photographers to be known, which can be a reference for users of the rental service.

[0154] Specifically, the terminal device 30 of the second user presents the following information on the dialog screen 1500. · Area 1401 is an area for displaying an image of the photographic equipment. The image of the photographic equipment is, for example, an image of the main body of the photographic equipment, an enlarged image of a part of the photographic equipment, etc. · Area 1402 is an area for displaying detailed information on the photographic equipment. The detailed information on the photographic equipment is, for example, the name of the item, information on the manufacturer of the item, etc. · Button 1403 is a button for receiving a request from the second user to borrow the photographic equipment. · Area 1501 is an area for displaying information on the rental history of users of a rental service who have rented the same type of photographic equipment in the past.

[0155] Note that the rental service system 1 may be able to select which individual of the photographic equipment can be rented. In that case, the information on the rental history of users of the rental service who have rented the photographic equipment presents the rental history of users of the rental service for each individual of the photographic equipment. The terminal device 30 of the second user may, for example, present information on the rental history of users of the rental service for each individual of the photographic equipment in addition to the information on the photographic equipment on the dialog screen 1500.

[0156] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing information on the repair history of photographic equipment on the screen in a scenario where a request from the second user to borrow the photographic equipment is received.

[0157] In the scenario where the terminal device 30 of the second user receives an application for borrowing photographic equipment, the terminal device 30 presents information on the repair history of the photographic equipment on the screen. Note that the rental service system 1 may be able to select which individual of the photographic equipment can be rented. In that case, the information on the repair history of the photographic equipment presents the repair history for each individual of the photographic equipment. The terminal device 30 of the second user may present information for each individual of the photographic equipment in addition to the information on the photographic equipment, for example, like the dialog screen 1600. Presenting information on the repair history of the photographic equipment helps when determining whether to rent the photographic equipment. This is because by presenting information on the history of users of the rental service who have rented the same model of photographic equipment in the past, information such as which parts of the photographic equipment were faulty can be known, which is useful for users of the rental service when renting an individual of the photographic equipment.

[0158] Specifically, the terminal device 30 of the second user presents the following information on the dialog screen 1600. · Area 1401 is an area for displaying an image related to the photographic equipment. The image related to the photographic equipment is, for example, an image of the main body of the photographic equipment, an enlarged image of a part of the photographic equipment, etc. · Area 1402 is an area for displaying detailed information related to the photographic equipment. The detailed information related to the photographic equipment is, for example, the item name, information on the manufacturer of the item, etc. · Button 1403 is a button for receiving an application for borrowing the photographic equipment from the second user. · Area 1601 is an area for displaying the repair history information of the individual of the photographic equipment with item ID #888. · Area 1602 is an area for displaying the repair history information of the individual of the photographic equipment with item ID #889. Note that the photographic equipment with item ID #888 and the photographic equipment with item ID #889 are of the same model.

[0159] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing information of a captured image captured using a photographing device of the same model number as the photographing device on a screen in a scene where a request to borrow the photographing device from a second user is received.

[0160] In a scene where the terminal device 30 of the second user receives a request to borrow a photographing device, the terminal device 30 presents information of a captured image captured using a photographing device of the same model number as the photographing device on the screen. Presenting information of a captured image captured using a photographing device of the same model number as the photographing device helps a user of the rental service to determine whether to rent the photographing device. It is assumed that the information of the captured image captured using a photographing device of the same model number as the photographing device may be presented with reference to the information in the captured image database 2027.

[0161] Specifically, the terminal device 30 of the second user presents the following information on the dialog screen 1700. · Area 1401 is an area for displaying an image related to the photographing device. The image related to the photographing device is, for example, an image of the main body of the photographing device, an enlarged image of a part of the photographing device, etc. · Area 1402 is an area for displaying detailed information related to the photographing device. The detailed information related to the photographing device is, for example, the name of the item, information about the manufacturer of the item, etc. · Button 1403 is a button for receiving a request to borrow the photographing device from the second user. · Area 1701 is an area for displaying information of a captured image captured using a photographing device of the same model number as the photographing device. A plurality of captured images captured using a photographing device of the same model number as the photographing device may be displayed. Also, the server 20 may refer to the captured image database 2027, transmit information of the photographer of the captured image to the terminal device 30 of the second user, and cause the terminal device 30 to display the information of the captured image together with the information of the photographer on the dialog screen 1700.

[0162] <Modification Example> (1) Even while the photographic equipment is on loan, it is possible to borrow photographic equipment of the same model number. Even if the photographic equipment for which item registration has been received from the first user is on loan to users of other rental services, the rental service system 1 can lend photographic equipment of the same model number to the first user. By doing so, the first user can borrow and use photographic equipment of the same model number as the registered photographic equipment even while the item is registered. Also, in the rental service system 1, since the desire of the first user to use the photographic equipment while the item is registered can be eliminated, an effect of maintaining a certain number of photographic equipment available for rental can also be expected. The following is an example of lending photographic equipment of the same model number to the first user. As a premise, it is assumed that the rental service system 1 has already received registration of photographic equipment from the first user. And it is assumed that the photographic equipment received for registration from the first user is on loan to users of other rental services. First, the terminal device 10 of the first user presents a screen for accepting an application to borrow photographic equipment. This photographic equipment shall be of the same model number as the item for which the first user has received registration or the registered photographic equipment. Next, the first user views the screen for accepting an application to borrow photographic equipment and determines whether to borrow the photographic equipment or not. Next, if the first user determines to borrow the photographic equipment, on the screen of FIG. 14, the first user's application to borrow the photographic equipment is accepted. And in response to accepting the first user's application to borrow the photographic equipment, the server 20 updates the rental service history database 2024 and the rental item database 2023. However, while borrowing camera equipment of the same model number as the camera equipment lent to the rental service by the first user, manage so as not to reduce the residual value of the camera equipment owned by the first user. Specifically, manage so as not to reduce the value of the residual value of the camera equipment owned by the first user recorded in the rental item database 2023. At that time, the server 20 first acquires information on the model number associated with the item ID in the rental item database from the information on the item ID in the rental service usage history database 2024. Then, it is determined whether it is the same model number as the camera equipment owned by the first user. If it is the same model number, the server 20 updates the value of the item "residual value of the item" of the camera equipment owned by the first user in the rental item database so as not to reduce it.

[0163] (2) Secondary distribution of camera equipment Even after the ownership of the camera equipment registered as an item in the rental service system 1 is transferred to another user, in response to lending the camera equipment, a consideration may be given to the first user who registered the item to the user who registered the item. In addition, regardless of which user has the ownership of the camera equipment whose ownership has been transferred, each time the camera equipment is lent, a consideration associated with borrowing the camera equipment may be given to the first user who registered the camera equipment as an item. By doing so, the user who registered the item can secure income, so it is encouraged to register the camera equipment in the rental service system 1, the options for users who borrow the camera equipment through the rental service system 1 increase, leading to an increase in platform participants.

[0164] (3) When multiple users have ownership of camera equipment of the same model number When multiple users have ownership of camera equipment of the same model number, in response to receiving an input operation to apply for borrowing the camera equipment, determine the camera equipment of any user with ownership as the lending target. The lending decision method may use the method as shown below. · Method based on the remaining payment amount: Based on the information of the remaining payment amount of each camera equipment owned by each user with the same model number, determine the camera equipment owned by the user with the larger remaining payment amount as the lending target. Specifically, the remaining payment amount of each camera equipment is the value of the item "salvage value of the item" in the rental item database 2023. · Method based on the number of lending times: Based on the lending history of each camera equipment owned by each user with the same model number, determine the camera equipment to be lent out so that the number of lending times is equalized. The lending history of each camera equipment shall be based on the information in the rental service usage history database 2024. · Method based on the lending frequency: Based on the information of the lending frequency of each camera equipment owned by each user with the same model number, prioritize the ones with less lending frequency and determine the camera equipment to be lent out. The lending history of each camera equipment shall be based on the information in the rental service usage history database 2024. This can equalize the lending frequency of each camera equipment and make the opportunities for obtaining consideration through lending approximately the same among the users who register the camera equipment.

[0165] (4) Exchange of ownership The rental service system 1 can exchange the ownership of the camera equipment with the ownership of other camera equipment having the same value as the said ownership based on the value of the ownership of the camera equipment. The same value means, for example, that the values of the item "contract plan" in the rental item database 2023 in Fig. 6 are the same. For example, the server 20 manages that the ownership has been exchanged by presenting each camera equipment for which the ownership is to be exchanged among multiple users and receiving an operation for each user to agree to the exchange of the ownership. By doing so, the rental service system 1 has the effect of promoting the replacement of the camera equipment of the rental service users. (5) Rental Modes in the Rental Service System 1 In the above example, after a user selects one or more (for example, it is also possible to contract two) of the contract plans shown in FIG. 11, and pays usage fees at regular intervals (monthly fees), an example of renting while replacing the imaging equipment within the range defined by the contract plan was described. For example, in one contract plan, one imaging equipment can be rented, and the user can return the imaging equipment that can be rented under the contract plan each time and borrow another imaging equipment. In addition to this, as a rental mode in the rental service system 1, it may be possible for the user to apply for rental after presenting the rental period and fee of the item to the user (for example, XXX yen for 7 nights and 8 days, etc.). In this case, when the item is rented to the user who registered the item at the above-mentioned fee, a certain percentage of the fee may be paid to the user, or the residual value of the item may be reduced.

[0166] As described above, some embodiments of the present disclosure have been described. However, these embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications shall be included in the scope and gist of the invention, as well as in the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope.

[0167] <Supplementary Note> What is described below is the supplementary note of the matters described in each of the above embodiments. (Supplementary Note 1) A program for operating a computer, the computer being for providing a service of lending photographic equipment to a user, the program causing a processor of the computer to: receive, from a first user who wishes to lend photographic equipment, registration of information on photographic equipment that can be lent to a second user while the ownership of the photographic equipment remains with the first user (step S12011); present a screen for borrowing photographic equipment to a second user who uses the service, and receive an input operation for applying to borrow the photographic equipment from the second user (step S12032); manage the second user as being in the process of borrowing the photographic equipment in response to the input operation for applying from the second user (S12022), and give a consideration associated with the borrowing to the first user who has the ownership of the photographic equipment for which the borrowing application is made; and manage to update information on the residual value that the first user pays for the purchase of the photographic equipment for the photographic equipment owned by the first user in accordance with the fact that the photographic equipment is being borrowed (step S12024).

[0168] (Appendix 2) In the step of receiving an input operation for applying to borrow photographic equipment, even if the first user who has lent the photographic equipment to the service is in a state of lending the photographic equipment to another user, if there is photographic equipment of the same model number in the service of lending photographic equipment, it is possible to receive the lending of the photographic equipment from the user. The program according to (Appendix 1).

[0169] (Appendix 3) In the step of managing, for the user who has lent the photographic equipment to the service, manage so as not to reduce the residual value while the user is borrowing photographic equipment of the same model number as the photographic equipment that the user has lent to the service from the service. The program according to (Appendix 2).

[0170] (Appendix 4) In the step of receiving registration of information on photographic equipment, it is possible to transfer the ownership of the photographic equipment to another user, and to manage the history of the transfer of the ownership of the photographic equipment among users, the program described in (Appendix 1).

[0171] (Appendix 5) In the step of granting consideration, when purchasing photographic equipment and registering the purchased photographic equipment so that it can be lent out in the service, even when the ownership of the photographic equipment is transferred to another user, in response to the lending of the photographic equipment, consideration is granted to the user who has registered, the program described in (Appendix 4).

[0172] (Appendix 6) In the step of receiving registration, it is possible to transfer the ownership from the user to whom the ownership of the photographic equipment has been transferred to yet another user, and in response to the operation of transferring the ownership, update the information of the user who has the ownership of the photographic equipment. In the step of granting consideration, regardless of who has the ownership of the transferred photographic equipment, in response to the lending of the photographic equipment, consideration is granted to the user who has registered, the program described in (Appendix 5).

[0173] (Appendix 7) In the step of receiving an input operation for applying to borrow photographic equipment, in response to the input operation for applying to borrow the photographic equipment, store in the storage unit as if the user who performed the input operation has received the lending for the photographic equipment. On the screen for borrowing photographic equipment, by referring to the information in the storage unit, display the information of the photographic equipment together with the history (1501) of the user who has received the lending of the photographic equipment, the program described in (Appendix 6).

[0174] (Appendix 8) In the step of accepting registration, in association with the information of the imaging equipment, at least one of the history of repairing the imaging equipment and the history of imaging images taken using the imaging equipment is accepted as input and stored in the storage unit. In the step of accepting an input operation for applying to borrow the imaging equipment, on the screen for borrowing the imaging equipment, by referring to the information in the storage unit, at least one of the history (1601) of repairing the imaging equipment or the history (1701) of imaging images is presented to the user so as to be referable. The program described in (Appendix 7).

[0175] (Appendix 9) When a plurality of users have ownership of imaging equipment of the same model number, in response to accepting an input operation for applying to borrow the imaging equipment, further execute the step of determining the imaging equipment owned by any of the users having ownership as the lending target. The program described in (Appendix 1).

[0176] (Appendix 10) In the determining step, based on the payment balance information of each imaging equipment of each user having ownership of imaging equipment of the same model number, determine the imaging equipment owned by the user with the larger payment balance as the lending target; based on the lending history of each imaging equipment of each user having ownership of imaging equipment of the same model number, determine the imaging equipment to be lent so that the lending times are equalized; based on the lending frequency information of each imaging equipment of each user having ownership of imaging equipment of the same model number, prioritize the ones with less lending frequency and determine the imaging equipment to be lent. Determine by any one of them. The program described in (Appendix 9).

[0177] (Appendix 11) A method for operating a computer, the computer being for providing a service of lending photographic equipment to a user, the method comprising: causing a processor of the computer to receive, from a first user who wishes to lend photographic equipment, registration of information on photographic equipment that can be lent to a second user while the ownership of the photographic equipment remains with the first user (step S12011); presenting a screen for borrowing photographic equipment to a second user who uses the service, and receiving, from the second user, an input operation for applying to borrow the photographic equipment (step S12032); in response to the input operation for applying received from the second user, managing such that the second user is in the process of borrowing the photographic equipment (step S12022), and giving a consideration associated with the borrowing to the first user who has the ownership of the photographic equipment for which the borrowing application is made; and managing to update, according to the fact that the photographic equipment is being borrowed, information on the residual value that the first user pays for the purchase of the photographic equipment for the photographic equipment owned by the first user (step S12024).

[0178] (Appendix 12) An information processing apparatus including a control unit, the information processing apparatus being for providing a service of lending photographic equipment to a user, the information processing apparatus comprising: receiving, from a first user who wishes to lend photographic equipment, registration of information on photographic equipment that can be lent to a second user while the ownership of the photographic equipment remains with the first user (step S12011); presenting a screen for borrowing photographic equipment to a second user who uses the service, and receiving, from the second user, an input operation for applying to borrow the photographic equipment (step S12032); in response to the input operation for applying received from the second user, managing such that the second user is in the process of borrowing the photographic equipment (step S12022), and giving a consideration associated with the borrowing to the first user who has the ownership of the photographic equipment for which the borrowing application is made; and managing to update, according to the fact that the photographic equipment is being borrowed, information on the residual value that the first user pays for the purchase of the photographic equipment for the photographic equipment owned by the first user (step S12024).

Explanation of Symbols

[0179] 1: Rental service system, 10: Terminal device of the first user, 12: Communication IF, 13: Input device, 14: Output device, 15: Memory, 16: Storage unit, 19: Processor, 20: Server, 22: Communication IF, 23: Input / output IF, 25: Memory, 26: Storage, 29: Processor, 30: Terminal device of the second user, 32: Communication IF, 33: Input device, 34: Output device, 35: Memory, 36: Storage unit, 39: Processor, 80: Network, 111: Antenna, 121: First wireless communication unit, 130: Operation reception unit, 132: Display, 140: Audio processing unit, 141: Microphone, 142: Speaker, 161: User information, 162: Rental service usage history information, 163: Ownership information, 191: Input operation reception unit, 192: Transmission / reception unit, 193: Data processing unit, 194: Notification control unit, 201: Communication unit, 202: Storage unit, 203: Control unit, 2021: User database, 2022: Item registration database, 2023: Rented item database, 2024: Rental service usage history database, 2025: Ownership transfer database, 2026: Item repair database, 2027: Photographed image database, 2028: Contract plan database, 2031: Reception control module, 2032: Transmission control module, 2033: User information acquisition module, 2034: Rented item information acquisition module, 2035: Rental service usage history information acquisition module

Claims

1. A program for operating a computer, wherein the computer is for providing a service of lending photographic equipment to a user, and the program causes a processor of the computer to receive registration of information on photographic equipment that can be lent to a second user while maintaining the ownership of the photographic equipment by a first user who wishes to lend the photographic equipment; present a screen for borrowing photographic equipment to the second user who uses the service, and receive an input operation for applying to borrow the photographic equipment from the second user; manage the second user as being in the process of borrowing the photographic equipment in response to the input operation for applying by the second user, and give a consideration associated with the borrowing to the first user who has the ownership of the photographic equipment for which the borrowing application is made; manage to update information on a residual value that the first user pays for the purchase of the photographic equipment owned by the first user in accordance with the fact that the photographic equipment is being borrowed. A program that causes the above to be executed.

2. In the step of receiving the input operation for applying to borrow the photographic equipment, the program according to claim 1, wherein even if the first user who has lent the photographic equipment to the service is in a state of lending the photographic equipment to another user, if there is a photographic equipment of the same model number in the service of lending photographic equipment, it is possible to receive the lending of the photographic equipment from the user.

3. In the step of managing, for a user who has lent photographic equipment to the service, manage so as not to reduce the residual value while the user is borrowing a photographic equipment of the same model number as the photographic equipment that the user has lent to the service. The program according to claim 2.

4. In the step of receiving the registration of the information on the photographic equipment, it is possible to transfer the ownership of the photographic equipment to another user, and manage the history of the transfer of the ownership of the photographic equipment among users. The program according to claim 1.

5. In the step of giving the consideration, The program according to claim 4, which purchases photographic equipment and provides compensation to the user who registered the purchased photographic equipment so that it can be lent in the service, even when the ownership of the photographic equipment is transferred to another user, in response to the lending of the photographic equipment.

6. In the step of receiving the registration, it is possible to transfer the ownership from the user whose ownership of the photographic equipment has been transferred to another user, and update the information of the user having the ownership of the photographic equipment in response to the operation of transferring the ownership. In the step of providing the compensation, the program according to claim 5, which provides compensation to the user who registered the photographic equipment in response to the lending of the photographic equipment, regardless of whether the user having the ownership of the transferred photographic equipment is anyone.

7. In the step of receiving an input operation for applying to borrow the photographic equipment, in response to the input operation for applying to borrow the photographic equipment, store in the storage unit as if the user who performed the input operation received the lending for the photographic equipment. The program according to claim 6, which displays the information of the photographic equipment together with the history of the users who received the lending of the photographic equipment by referring to the information in the storage unit on the screen for borrowing the photographic equipment.

8. In the step of receiving the registration, receive at least one of the history of repairing the photographic equipment and the history of photographic images taken using the photographic equipment in association with the information of the photographic equipment and store it in the storage unit. The program according to claim 7, which presents to the user at least one of the history of repairing the photographic equipment or the history of the photographic images so that it can be referred to by referring to the information in the storage unit on the screen for borrowing the photographic equipment in the step of receiving an input operation for applying to borrow the photographic equipment.

9. The program according to claim 1, further executing a step of determining, in response to receiving an input operation for applying to borrow the photographic equipment when a plurality of users have ownership of the same model number of photographic equipment, the photographic equipment of any one of the users having the ownership as the lending target.

10. In the step of determining, Based on the information of the remaining payment amounts of each imaging device owned by each user having the same model number of imaging device, determining the imaging device owned by the user with the larger remaining payment amount as the lending target; Based on the history of the number of lending times of each imaging device owned by each user having the same model number of imaging device, determining the imaging device to be lent out so that the number of lending times is equalized; The program according to claim 9, which is determined by any one of: based on the information of the lending frequency of each imaging device owned by each user having the same model number of imaging device, preferentially determining the imaging device to be lent out for those with a lower lending frequency.

11. A method for operating a computer, wherein the computer is for providing a service for lending out imaging devices to users, the method comprising, in a processor of the computer, receiving, from a first user who wishes to lend out an imaging device, registration of information on imaging devices that can be lent to a second user while keeping the ownership of the imaging device with the first user; presenting a screen for borrowing an imaging device to the second user who uses the service, and receiving, from the second user, an input operation for applying to borrow the imaging device; in response to the input operation of applying from the second user, managing the second user as being in the process of borrowing the imaging device, and giving the consideration associated with the borrowing to the first user who has the ownership of the imaging device for which the borrowing application is made; managing to update, according to the fact that the imaging device is borrowed, the information on the residual value that the first user pays for the purchase of the imaging device regarding the imaging device owned by the first user.

12. An information processing apparatus including a control unit, wherein the information processing apparatus is for providing a service for lending out imaging devices to users, receiving, from a first user who wishes to lend out an imaging device, registration of information on imaging devices that can be lent to a second user while keeping the ownership of the imaging device with the first user; Present a screen for borrowing photographic equipment to the second user who uses the service, and receive an input operation for applying to borrow the photographic equipment from the second user; In response to the input operation for applying from the second user, manage the second user as being in the process of borrowing the photographic equipment, and give the consideration associated with the borrowing to the first user who has the ownership of the photographic equipment subject to the borrowing application; Manage to update information on the residual value that the first user pays for the purchase of the photographic equipment owned by the first user according to whether the photographic equipment is being borrowed. An information processing apparatus that executes the steps.

Images