Management Device

Abstract

To provide a management device which enables management of conditions of vehicles rented to users in a car sharing service.SOLUTION: A management device 10 provided herein comprises a control unit 12 for managing a vehicle 50 rented to a user in a car sharing service. When the vehicle 50 returned from the user does not meet return conditions, the control unit 12 makes a notification indicating that the return conditions are not met when the user inputs a return operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a management device that manages vehicles used in a car sharing service. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART There is known a device that determines the degree of dirtiness of a shared vehicle used in car sharing based on an image of the vehicle when it is returned, and transmits the determined dirtiness to an administrator terminal (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-47606 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Returning a vehicle regardless of its condition can cause inconvenience to the next user who rents the vehicle.

[0005] The purpose of the present disclosure, made in consideration of such circumstances, is to manage the status of vehicles rented to users in car sharing services. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a management device includes a control unit that manages vehicles to be rented to users in a car sharing service. When a vehicle to be returned by the user does not satisfy a return condition, the control unit notifies the user that the return condition is not satisfied when the user inputs a return operation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to a management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the status of vehicles rented to users in a car sharing service can be managed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a management method according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a management method according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Configuration example of management system 1) As shown in FIG. 1, a management system 1 according to one embodiment includes a management device 10, a terminal device 20, a vehicle 50, and a charging facility 60. The management system 1 provides a car sharing service in which the vehicle 50 is rented to users as a shared vehicle. The management device 10 manages the status of the vehicle 50. If the vehicle 50 is an electric vehicle, the management device 10 may manage the charging rate of the battery. An example configuration of the management system 1 will be described in detail below.

[0010] <Management device 10> The management device 10 includes a control unit 12 , a storage unit 14 , and an interface 16 .

[0011] The control unit 12 controls at least one component of the management device 10. The control unit 12 may be configured to include one or more processors. In this embodiment, the "processor" refers to a general-purpose processor, a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process, or the like, but is not limited to these. The control unit 12 may be configured to include one or more dedicated circuits. The dedicated circuits may include, for example, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The control unit 12 may be configured to include a dedicated circuit instead of a processor, or may be configured to include a dedicated circuit together with a processor.

[0012] The memory unit 14 may be configured to include, for example, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, an optical memory, or the like, but is not limited to these. The memory unit 14 may function as, for example, a main memory device, an auxiliary memory device, or a cache memory. The memory unit 14 may be configured to include an electromagnetic storage medium such as a magnetic disk. The memory unit 14 may be configured to include a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The memory unit 14 stores any information or program used in the operation of the management device 10. The memory unit 14 may store, for example, a system program or an application program. The memory unit 14 may be included in the control unit 12.

[0013] The interface 16 outputs information, data, etc. from the control unit 12 and inputs information, data, etc. to the control unit 12. The interface 16 may include a communication module configured to be able to communicate with other devices such as the terminal device 20 via the network 30. The communication module may be compatible with mobile communication standards such as 4G (4th Generation) or 5G (5th Generation). The communication module may be compatible with communication standards such as LAN (Local Area Network). The communication module may be compatible with wired or wireless communication standards. The communication module is not limited to these and may be compatible with various communication standards. The interface 16 may be configured to be connectable to the communication module.

[0014] The interface 16 may be configured to include an input device that accepts input of information, data, etc. from a user. The input device may be configured to include, for example, a touch panel or touch sensor, or a pointing device such as a mouse. The input device may be configured to include physical keys. The input device may be configured to include an audio input device such as a microphone. The interface 16 may be configured to be connectable to an external input device. The interface 16 may be configured to be able to acquire information or data input to the external input device from the external input device.

[0015] The interface 16 may be configured to include an output device that outputs information, data, etc. to a user. The output device may include, for example, a display device that outputs visual information such as images, characters, or graphics. The display device may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, an inorganic electroluminescence (EL) display, or a plasma display panel (PDP). The display device is not limited to these displays and may include various other display types. The display device may include a light-emitting device such as an LED (light-emitting diode) or an LD (laser diode). The display device may include various other devices. The output device may include, for example, an audio output device such as a speaker that outputs auditory information such as sound. The output device is not limited to these examples and may include various other devices. The interface 16 may be configured to be connectable to an external output device. The interface 16 may be configured to output information or data to an external output device.

[0016] The management device 10 may be configured to include one or more server devices that can communicate with each other, and may be realized as a cloud server.

[0017] <Terminal device 20> The terminal device 20 is communicably connected to the management device 10 and the like via a network 30. The terminal device 20 includes a control unit 22 and an interface .

[0018] The control unit 22 may be configured to include one or more processors or one or more dedicated circuits. The control unit 22 may be configured identically or similarly to the control unit 12 of the management device 10. The control unit 22 may be configured to include a memory unit. The memory unit may be configured identically or similarly to the memory unit 14 of the management device 10.

[0019] The interface 24 may be configured to include an input device, an output device, or a communication device. The interface 24 may be configured identically or similarly to the interface 16 of the management device 10. The interface 24 may be communicably connected to the management device 10 or the like via wired or wireless communication. The interface 24 may include a display device. When the terminal device 20 has a display device as the interface 24, it may function as a display device.

[0020] The terminal device 20 may be carried by the user, may be installed in the vehicle 50, or may be installed in a predetermined location including the return location of the vehicle 50 or the location where the charging facility 60 is installed. The terminal device 20 may be configured to include a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet, or a PC such as a notebook PC (Personal Computer) or a tablet PC. The terminal device 20 is not limited to these examples and may be configured to include various devices. The number of terminal devices 20 included in the management system 1 is not limited to one, and may be two or more. The management system 1 does not have to include a terminal device 20.

[0021] <Vehicle 50> The vehicle 50 may be an engine vehicle or an electric vehicle. The electric vehicle may include an HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), an FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle), or a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle). The number of vehicles 50 managed by the management system 1 is not limited to one, but may be two or more. The vehicle 50 may be configured to be operated by a driver, or may be configured to travel by autonomous driving. The driver of the vehicle 50 may include the user himself / herself.

[0022] The vehicle 50 may be equipped with a communication device communicably connected to the management device 10, the terminal device 20, or the like. The vehicle 50 may further be equipped with a location information detection device that acquires location information. The location information detection device may be configured to include a receiver compatible with a satellite positioning system. The receiver compatible with the satellite positioning system may be configured to include, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver. The location information detection device may be configured to detect the location of the vehicle 50 based on radio waves from a wireless communication device installed at the return location of the vehicle 50.

[0023] The vehicle 50 may be equipped with sensors that detect the status of each part of the vehicle 50. The sensors may output detection results of the status of the vehicle 50 to the management device 10 or the terminal device 20. The sensors may detect the open / closed status of windows. The sensors may detect the open / closed status of doors or the locked status of doors. The sensors may detect the user's belongings left in the vehicle 50. The user's belongings may include luggage left on the seat or floor of the vehicle 50, cables connected to on-board equipment, or cards inserted into the on-board equipment. The sensors may detect the on-board status of the vehicle 50's headlights, hazard lights, interior lights, etc. The sensors may detect whether the on-board equipment is powered on. The sensors may detect whether the engine is running if the vehicle 50 is an engine vehicle. The sensors may detect whether the main power supply is on if the vehicle 50 is an electric vehicle. The sensors may detect the charging / discharging current of the battery.

[0024] The vehicle 50 may include an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) that controls the communication device, the position information detection device, or the sensor. The ECU may include one or more processors or one or more dedicated circuits.

[0025] <Charging equipment 60> The charging equipment 60 is configured to charge the battery of the vehicle 50 when the vehicle 50 is an electric vehicle. The charging equipment 60 may include a converter, an inverter, or the like that controls the current or voltage supplied to the battery of the vehicle 50. The charging equipment 60 may include a processor or a dedicated circuit that controls charging of the battery. The charging equipment 60 may include a power supply cable or a power supply connector that connects to the vehicle 50. The charging equipment 60 may include a device that is configured to be able to supply power to the vehicle 50 contactlessly. The charging equipment 60 may be connected to a power grid and charge the battery of the vehicle 50 with power supplied from the power grid. The charging equipment 60 may include a power source such as a battery or a generator and charge the battery of the vehicle 50 with power supplied from the power source.

[0026] The operation of supplying power from the charging equipment 60 to the vehicle 50 may be initiated by connecting a power supply cable or a power supply connector to the vehicle 50 when the user returns the vehicle 50. The charging equipment 60 may be configured to automatically supply power to the vehicle 50 when the vehicle 50 is parked in a predetermined position. The charging equipment 60 may include a sensor that detects the position of the vehicle 50 to confirm that the vehicle 50 is parked in a predetermined position.

[0027] The charging facility 60 may include a sensor that detects power supply to the vehicle 50. For example, the sensor may detect the resistance value of a charging circuit when the vehicle 50 and the charging facility 60 are connected by a power supply cable or a power supply connector. The sensor may detect the value of a current flowing through the power supply cable or power supply connector connected to the vehicle 50. The sensor may include a camera that captures an image of the connection state of the power supply cable or power supply connector to the vehicle 50. The sensor may include a contact sensor or the like that detects that the power supply cable or power supply connector is connected to the vehicle 50. The charging facility 60 may include a communication device that is communicatively connected to the management device 10, the terminal device 20, or the like. The communication device may output the detection result of power supply to the vehicle 50 to the management device 10, the terminal device 20, or the like.

[0028] The charging facility 60 may include the interface 16 of the management device 10. The charging facility 60 may include a terminal device 20. The charging facility 60 may include a display device or the like that provides information to a user. The charging facility 60 may display information for instructing the user to perform power supply work on the interface 16, the terminal device 20, or the display device or the like.

[0029] <Information Server 40> The management system 1 according to this embodiment further includes an information server 40, although this is not essential. The information server 40 may acquire information about the charging facility 60 or the vehicle 50 and store it as a database or the like. The information server 40 may output information about the charging facility 60 or the vehicle 50 to the management device 10, the terminal device 20, or the like. The information server 40 may include a processor or the like that functions as a control unit. The information server 40 may include a memory or the like that functions as a storage unit. The information server 40 may include a communication device that is configured to be able to communicate with the management device 10, the terminal device 20, or the like. The information server 40 may be configured to include one server device or multiple server devices that can communicate with each other. The information server 40 may be realized as a cloud server.

[0030] (Example of operation of management system 1) As described above, the management system 1 according to this embodiment provides a car sharing service in which vehicles 50 are rented to users as shared vehicles. The management device 10 manages the status of the vehicles 50. The status of the vehicles 50 includes whether the vehicles 50 are rented or returned. The management device 10 may manage reservations for the use of the vehicles 50.

[0031] The charging facility 60 is configured to charge the battery of the vehicle 50 when the vehicle 50 is an electric vehicle. The charging facility 60 is installed at the return location of the vehicle 50, and charges the battery of the vehicle 50 when the vehicle 50 is returned.

[0032] The terminal device 20 accepts operations for renting and returning the vehicle 50. The terminal device 20 may also accept operations for reserving the use of the vehicle 50.

[0033] When a user returns a vehicle 50, the management system 1 according to this embodiment accepts an input operation on the management device 10 or the terminal device 20 to notify the user that the user has completed the return of the vehicle 50. The input operation to notify the user that the user has completed the return of the vehicle 50 is also referred to as a return input. The vehicle 50 to be returned is also referred to as a returned vehicle. The control unit 12 of the management device 10 accepts the return input if the condition of the vehicle 50 satisfies the return conditions, and does not accept the return input if the condition of the vehicle 50 does not satisfy the return conditions. In this way, the vehicle 50 is not returned unless the return conditions are satisfied. As a result, the condition of the returned vehicle is managed without the need for an operator to inspect the returned vehicle. Below, specific examples of the operation of each component of the management system 1 will be described.

[0034] <Work to be done when returning vehicle 50> When returning the vehicle 50, the user parks the vehicle 50 at a return location. The user performs the tasks specified when returning the vehicle 50. The tasks specified when returning the vehicle 50 are also referred to as return tasks. The return tasks may include parking the vehicle 50 at the correct return location. The return tasks may include turning off the headlights, hazard lights, interior lights, etc. The return tasks may include cleaning the interior or exterior of the vehicle 50. The return tasks may include removing all of the user's belongings from the vehicle 50. The return tasks may include turning off the power to on-board equipment. The return tasks may include stopping the engine if the vehicle 50 is an engine vehicle. The return tasks may include turning off the main power source if the vehicle 50 is an electric vehicle. The return tasks may include closing the windows of the vehicle 50 and locking the doors of the vehicle 50.

[0035] In the car sharing service provided by the management system 1 according to this embodiment, the return operation includes a power supply operation for charging the battery of the vehicle 50 using a charging facility 60 installed at the return location when the electric vehicle is returned. The power supply operation may be performed by the user who returns the vehicle 50. The power supply operation may be started, for example, by the user connecting the cable of the charging facility 60 installed at the return location of the vehicle 50 to the plug of the vehicle 50. The power supply operation may be started automatically via contactless power supply when the user parks the vehicle 50 at a predetermined location. The user may perform the power supply operation based on instructions regarding the power supply operation installed at the return location. The instructions regarding the power supply operation may be displayed on the terminal device 20 or a display device, or may be posted on a sign or the like installed at the return location.

[0036] <Return input> When the user has completed the return process, the user inputs an operation to notify the user that the return of the vehicle 50 has been completed on the interface 16 of the management device 10 or the interface 24 of the terminal device 20. When the control unit 12 of the management device 10 receives the return input, the return of the vehicle 50 from the user is completed.

[0037] The control unit 12 may confirm that the return process has begun based on the location information of the vehicle 50 or the detection results of various conditions of the vehicle 50. The control unit 12 may confirm the progress of the return process based on the detection results of various conditions of the vehicle 50. When the user inputs an operation to notify the user that the return of the vehicle 50 has been completed, the control unit 12 may determine whether the vehicle 50 meets the return conditions based on the detection results of the sensor. The control unit 12 may accept the return input if the vehicle 50 meets the return conditions. The control unit 12 may reject the return input if the vehicle 50 does not meet the return conditions. If the vehicle 50 does not meet the return conditions, the control unit 12 may notify the user that the return conditions have not been met by displaying the fact via the interface 16 of the management device 10 or the interface 24 of the terminal device 20. The control unit 12 may notify the user of the items required to meet the return conditions by displaying the items via the interface 16 of the management device 10 or the interface 24 of the terminal device 20. The control unit 12 may display a list of the items included in the return conditions. The control unit 12 may display items that satisfy the return conditions and items that do not satisfy the conditions so that the user can visually distinguish between them.

[0038] When the vehicle 50 meets the return conditions, the control unit 12 may enable the return input interface in the interface 16 of the management device 10 or the interface 24 of the terminal device 20 so that the user can input an operation to notify the user that the return of the vehicle 50 has been completed. When the vehicle 50 does not meet the return conditions, the control unit 12 may disable the return input interface so that the user cannot input an operation to notify the user that the return of the vehicle 50 has been completed. The control unit 12 may notify the user by displaying, on the interface 16 of the management device 10 or the interface 24 of the terminal device 20, the items that must be met to enable the return input interface.

[0039] The control unit 12 may set, as a return condition for the vehicle 50, that at least a portion of the return process has been completed. For example, the control unit 12 may set, as one of the return conditions, that the vehicle 50 is parked in the correct return location. The control unit 12 may set, as one of the return conditions, that the headlights, hazard lights, interior lights, etc. are turned off. The control unit 12 may set, as one of the return conditions, that the interior or exterior of the vehicle 50 is cleaned. The control unit 12 may set, as one of the return conditions, that all of the user's belongings are removed from the vehicle 50. The control unit 12 may set, as one of the return conditions, that the power to the in-vehicle equipment is turned off. The control unit 12 may set, as one of the return conditions, that the engine is turned off if the vehicle 50 is an engine vehicle. The control unit 12 may set, as one of the return conditions, that the main power source is turned off if the vehicle 50 is an electric vehicle. The control unit 12 may set, as one of the return conditions, that the windows of the vehicle 50 are closed and the doors of the vehicle 50 are locked.

[0040] By returning the vehicle 50 in a state where the return conditions are satisfied, the management system 1 can manage the state of the vehicle 50 without an operator inspecting the returned vehicle.

[0041] The control unit 12 may set, as a return condition, at least that the charge state of the battery of the returned electric vehicle is normal. In other words, the control unit 12 may determine that the returned vehicle does not satisfy the return condition if the returned vehicle is an electric vehicle and the charge state of the returned vehicle is not normal.

[0042] The control unit 12 may determine whether the battery charge state of the returning vehicle is normal based on the detection result of power supply to the vehicle 50 by a sensor of the charging equipment 60. The control unit 12 may determine whether the battery charge state is normal based on the battery charging current detected by a sensor of the charging equipment 60 or a sensor of the vehicle 50. The control unit 12 may determine whether the battery charge state is normal based on the resistance value of a charging circuit formed by connecting the charging equipment 60 and the vehicle 50. When the charging equipment 60 can charge the battery contactlessly, the control unit 12 may determine whether the battery charge state is normal based on the position of the vehicle 50. The control unit 12 may determine whether the battery charge state is normal based on an image captured of the connection state of the power supply cable or power supply connector to the vehicle 50. The control unit 12 may determine whether the battery charge state is normal based on the detection result of the connection of the power supply cable or power supply connector to the vehicle 50.

[0043] By ensuring that the battery charge state of the returned electric vehicle is normal, it is expected that the battery will have a high charge rate when the electric vehicle is rented to the next user. A high battery charge rate allows the next user to use the electric vehicle without worrying about the charge rate. It also reduces anxiety when driving an electric vehicle in areas with few charging facilities for electric vehicles. As a result, convenience for users is improved.

[0044] <Example of management procedure> The control unit 12 of the management device 10 may execute a management method including the steps of the flowchart illustrated in Fig. 2 in order to manage the return of vehicles 50 in a car sharing service. The management method may be realized as a management program executed by a processor constituting the control unit 12. The management program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0045] The control unit 12 confirms the start of the return operation of the vehicle 50 based on the detection results of the sensors of the vehicle 50 (step S1). The control unit 12 determines whether a connection between the returning vehicle and the charging facility 60 has been detected based on the detection results of the sensors of the charging facility 60 (step S2). If the control unit 12 detects a connection between the returning vehicle and the charging facility 60 (step S2: YES), the control unit 12 determines whether the start of power supply has been detected based on the detection results of the sensors of the charging facility 60 (step S3). If the control unit 12 detects the start of power supply (step S3: YES), the control unit 12 accepts a return input from the user (step S4). After executing the procedure of step S4, the control unit 12 ends the execution of the procedure of the flowchart in FIG. 2.

[0046] If the control unit 12 does not detect a connection between the returning vehicle and the charging facility 60 (step S2: NO) or does not detect the start of power supply (step S3: NO), it acquires location information of the returning vehicle (step S5). The control unit 12 determines whether the return location is correct (step S6). If the return location is correct (step S6: YES), the control unit 12 notifies the manager or worker of the car sharing service that the charging status is not normal even though the return location is correct (step S7). After executing the notification procedure in step S7, the control unit 12 proceeds to the return input acceptance procedure in step S4.

[0047] If the return location is incorrect (step S6: NO), the control unit 12 notifies the user that the return location is incorrect via the terminal device 20 or the like (step S8). After executing the notification procedure in step S8, the control unit 12 returns to the procedure in step S5 and repeats the procedures in steps S5 and S6 until the user parks the returning vehicle in the correct location.

[0048] If the control unit 12 cannot detect a connection between the returning vehicle and the charging facility 60 in the determination procedure of step S2, the control unit 12 may repeat the determination procedure of step S2 until the connection is detected. If the control unit 12 cannot detect a connection in the determination procedure of step S2, the control unit 12 may accept an input from the user reporting an abnormality and proceed to a location information acquisition procedure of step S5. The control unit 12 may wait for a status update in the determination procedure of step S2 or S3 and repeat the determination. If the control unit 12 cannot detect a connection or the start of power supply after a predetermined number of determinations, the control unit 12 may proceed to the location information acquisition procedure of step S5. If the control unit 12 cannot detect a connection or the start of power supply in the determination procedure of step S2 or S3, the control unit 12 may proceed to a notification procedure of step S7 without executing the return location determination procedure of step S6. The control unit 12 may wait for a status update in the determination procedure of step S6 and repeat the determination. The control unit 12 may repeat the determination procedure of step S6 until the return location is correct. If the control unit 12 cannot detect that the return location is correct after a predetermined number of determinations, it may proceed to the notification procedure in step S8.

[0049] <Summary> As described above, the management system 1 according to this embodiment accepts the return of the vehicle 50 when the vehicle 50 meets the return conditions. In this way, the vehicle 50 is returned in a state where the user has completed the return process. As a result, the condition of the vehicle 50 can be managed without an operator inspecting the returned vehicle.

[0050] (Other embodiments) An example of the configuration of the management system 1 according to another embodiment will be described below.

[0051] <Example of return condition judgment> The control unit 12 of the management device 10 may determine that the returning vehicle satisfies the return conditions if the charging state of the returning vehicle is not normal and the returning vehicle is an FCEV or a PHEV. This eliminates the need to determine the charging state of an electric vehicle that can run without charging. As a result, the returning process can be simplified.

[0052] After determining that the return location of the returned vehicle is correct, the control unit 12 may determine the charging status of the returned vehicle. If the charging status of the returned vehicle is not normal, the control unit 12 may notify the manager or worker of the car sharing service via the interface 16, the terminal device 20, etc. that the charging status of the returned vehicle is not normal. If the return location is correct but the charging status of the returned vehicle is not normal, there may be an abnormality in the charging equipment 60. The manager or worker of the car sharing service may check the charging equipment 60 in response to the notification. If the control unit 12 determines that the return location of the returned vehicle is incorrect, it may notify the user that the return location of the returned vehicle is incorrect without determining the charging status of the returned vehicle.

[0053] The control unit 12 may execute a management method including the steps of the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 3 as a mode for determining the state of charging after determining the return location.

[0054] The control unit 12 confirms the start of the return operation of the vehicle 50 based on the detection results of the sensors of the vehicle 50 (step S11). The control unit 12 acquires position information of the returning vehicle (step S12). The control unit 12 determines whether the return position is correct (step S13). If the return position is incorrect (step S13: NO), the control unit 12 notifies the user that the return position is incorrect via the terminal device 20 or the like (step S14). After executing the notification procedure of step S14, the control unit 12 returns to the procedure of step S12 and repeats the procedures of steps S12 and S13 until the user parks the returning vehicle in the correct position.

[0055] If the return location is correct (step S13: YES), the control unit 12 determines whether a connection between the returning vehicle and the charging facility 60 has been detected based on the detection result of the sensor of the charging facility 60 (step S15). If the control unit 12 detects a connection between the returning vehicle and the charging facility 60 (step S15: YES), the control unit 12 determines whether the start of power feeding has been detected based on the detection result of the sensor of the charging facility 60 (step S16). If the control unit 12 detects the start of power feeding (step S16: YES), the control unit 12 accepts a return input from the user (step S17). After executing the procedure of step S17, the control unit 12 ends the execution of the procedure of the flowchart in FIG. 3.

[0056] If the control unit 12 does not detect a connection between the returning vehicle and the charging facility 60 (step S15: NO) or does not detect the start of power supply (step S16: NO), it notifies the manager or worker of the car sharing service that the charging status is not normal even though the return location is correct (step S18). After executing the notification procedure in step S18, the control unit 12 proceeds to the return input acceptance procedure in step S17.

[0057] If the return position is not correct (step S 13 : NO), and the user is notified by the terminal device 20 or the like that the return location is incorrect (step S 14 The control unit 12 performs step S 14 After the notification procedure is performed, step S 12 Return to step S until the customer parks the returned vehicle in the correct location. 12 and S 13 Repeat the steps above.

[0058] In the determination procedure of step S13, the control unit 12 may repeat the determination procedure of step S13 until the return location is correct. In the determination procedure of step S13, the control unit 12 may wait for an update of the status and repeat the determination. If the control unit 12 cannot detect that the return location is correct after a predetermined number of determinations, it may proceed to the notification procedure of step S14. If the control unit 12 cannot detect a connection between the returning vehicle and the charging equipment 60 in the determination procedure of step S15, it may repeat the determination procedure of step S15 until the connection is detected. If the control unit 12 cannot detect a connection in the determination procedure of step S15, it may accept an input from the user reporting an abnormality and proceed to the notification procedure of step S18. In the determination procedure of step S15 or S16, the control unit 12 may wait for an update of the status and repeat the determination. If the control unit 12 cannot detect a connection or the start of power supply after a predetermined number of determinations, it may proceed to the notification procedure of step S18. 。

[0059] By having the control unit 12 determine the return location first, unnecessary determinations regarding the state of charge are omitted, which can simplify the return process.

[0060] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and alterations based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and alterations are included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions included in each means or step can be rearranged so as not to be logically inconsistent, and multiple means or steps can be combined or divided into one.

[0061] At least some of the functions of the management device 10 according to the present disclosure may be implemented by the terminal device 20, the ECU of the vehicle 50, or a processor or dedicated circuit of the charging facility 60, or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 1 Management System 10 Management device (12: control unit, 14: storage unit, 16: interface) 20 terminal device (22: control unit, 24: interface) 30 Network 40 Information Server 50 vehicles 60 Charging equipment

Claims

1. It is equipped with a control unit that manages the vehicles rented to users through the car sharing service, The control unit If the vehicle returned by the user does not satisfy the return conditions, notify the user that the return conditions are not satisfied when the user inputs a return operation; If the charging state of the returning vehicle is not normal and the returning vehicle is an FCEV or a PHEV, it is determined that the returning vehicle satisfies the return conditions. Management device.

2. It is equipped with a control unit that manages the vehicles rented to users through the car sharing service, The control unit If the vehicle returned by the user does not satisfy the return conditions, notify the user that the return conditions are not satisfied when the user inputs a return operation; If the return location of the returned vehicle is correct, determine the charging state of the returned vehicle and notify the manager of the car sharing service that the charging state of the returned vehicle is not normal; If the return location of the returned vehicle is incorrect, notify the user that the return location of the returned vehicle is incorrect without determining the charging state of the returned vehicle. Management device.

3. It is equipped with a control unit that manages the vehicles rented to users through the car sharing service, The control unit If the vehicle returned by the user does not satisfy the return conditions, notify the user that the return conditions are not satisfied when the user inputs a return operation; If the returning vehicle satisfies the return conditions, enable an interface for a return operation; If the returning vehicle does not satisfy the return conditions, the interface for the return operation is disabled, and the items of the return conditions that are not satisfied are displayed. Management device.

4. The management device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the control unit determines that the returning vehicle does not satisfy the return conditions if the returning vehicle is an electric vehicle and the charging state of the returning vehicle is not normal.

Images