Vehicle Management System

Abstract

To provide a novel vehicle management system, which is an object of the present invention.SOLUTION: A vehicle management system comprises: an owner terminal that is operated by an owner of a vehicle; a remover terminal that is operated by a remover of an abandoned vehicle; and a server device that can communicate with the owner terminal and the remover terminal. The vehicle management system comprises: first identification information receiving means that, with an operation to the owner terminal, receives identification information for allowing transmission of information to the owner terminal and vehicle identification information allowing identification of a vehicle; identification information storage means that can store the identification information and the vehicle identification information in association with each other; second identification information receiving means that, with an operation to the remover terminal, receives vehicle identification information applied to a vehicle to be removed; and identification information specification means that specifies identification information corresponding to the vehicle identification information received by the second identification information receiving means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle management system. [Background technology]

[0002] Bicycles left abandoned in public no-parking zones and on private property have long been a problem. Measures to deal with abandoned bicycles include having a patrol officer patrol the area, attaching a warning notice to the bicycle, and if the bicycle remains abandoned after a certain period of time, removal workers remove the abandoned bicycle to a storage area or similar location. However, unless the owner returns to the place where they parked the bicycle, they can be aware that the bicycle may be removed.

[0003] The usual method of notifying bicycle owners that their abandoned bicycles have been removed is to send a postcard notifying them of the removal to the address registered when the bicycle was registered for theft prevention. However, it can take several weeks for the postcard to be sent after the bicycle has been removed, so owners of abandoned bicycles cannot determine whether their bicycles have been stolen or removed until they receive the postcard. As a result, some owners may purchase another bicycle before receiving the postcard and not come to retrieve their abandoned bicycle.

[0004] In light of this situation, a system has been disclosed in which bicycle owners register their contact information, such as their security registration number, email address, and telephone number, in a database, and notifications are sent to the registered contact information when a bicycle is about to be removed or when it is actually removed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-209391 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a novel vehicle management system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The object of the present invention is to [1] A vehicle management system comprising an owner terminal operated by a vehicle owner, a remover terminal operated by a person who removes an abandoned vehicle, and a server device capable of communicating with the owner terminal and the remover terminal, the vehicle management system comprising: a first identification information receiving means for receiving, by operation of the owner terminal, identification information that enables transmission of information to the owner terminal and vehicle identification information that can identify the vehicle; an identification information storage means for storing the identification information received by the first identification information receiving means in association with the vehicle identification information received by the first identification information receiving means; a second identification information receiving means for receiving, by operation of the remover terminal, vehicle identification information attached to the vehicle; and a first identification information specifying means for specifying identification information corresponding to the vehicle identification information received by the second identification information receiving means; [2] The vehicle management system according to [1] above, further comprising a removal information notification means for notifying the owner terminal corresponding to the identification information identified by the first identification information identification means of information indicating that the vehicle may be removed or that the vehicle has been removed; [3] The vehicle management system according to [1] or [2] above, wherein the identification information for enabling the transmission of information to the owner terminal is generated when an application program for using the vehicle management system is installed on the owner terminal; [4] The vehicle management system according to any one of [1] to [3] above, wherein the identification information storage means is capable of storing a plurality of pieces of vehicle identification information in association with one piece of identification information, and there is an upper limit to the number of pieces of vehicle identification information that can be stored in association with one piece of identification information; [5] The vehicle management system according to any one of [1] to [4] above, wherein the vehicle identification information that can identify the vehicle is a security registration number; [6] The vehicle management system according to any one of [1] to [5], further comprising an image information receiving means for receiving image information of a captured vehicle by operating the remover terminal, and an image information transmitting means for transmitting the received image information to the owner terminal corresponding to the identification information identified by the first identification information identifying means; [7] A vehicle management method executed in a vehicle management system including an owner terminal operated by the owner of a vehicle, a remover terminal operated by a person who removes an abandoned vehicle, and a server device capable of communicating with the owner terminal and the remover terminal, the vehicle management method including: a first identification information receiving step of receiving, by operation of the owner terminal, identification information for enabling transmission of information to the owner terminal and vehicle identification information capable of identifying the vehicle; an identification information storage step of storing, in association with the identification information received in the first identification information receiving step, and the vehicle identification information received in the first identification information receiving step; a second identification information receiving step of receiving, by operation of the remover terminal, the vehicle identification information attached to the vehicle; and a first identification information identifying step of identifying the identification information corresponding to the vehicle identification information received in the second identification information receiving step; [8] A computer device capable of communicating with an owner terminal operated by the owner of a vehicle and a remover terminal operated by a person who removes an abandoned vehicle, the computer device comprising: a first identification information receiving means for receiving, by operation of the owner terminal, identification information for enabling transmission of information to the owner terminal and vehicle identification information for identifying the vehicle; an identification information storage means for storing the identification information received by the first identification information receiving means in association with the vehicle identification information received by the first identification information receiving means; a second identification information receiving means for receiving, by operation of the remover terminal, the vehicle identification information attached to the vehicle; and a first identification information identifying means for identifying the identification information corresponding to the vehicle identification information received by the second identification information receiving means; [9] A vehicle management system comprising an owner terminal operated by a vehicle owner, a third party terminal operated by a third party, and a server device capable of communicating with the owner terminal and the third party terminal, the vehicle management system comprising: an identification information storage means for storing identification information for enabling transmission of information to the owner terminal in association with vehicle identification information for identifying the vehicle; a third identification information receiving means for receiving the vehicle identification information attached to the vehicle by operation of the third party terminal; and a second identification information specifying means for specifying identification information corresponding to the vehicle identification information received by the third identification information receiving means;

[10] The vehicle management system according to [9], further comprising: a vehicle information notification means for notifying the owner terminal corresponding to the identification information identified by the second identification information identification means of information indicating the presence of the vehicle;

[11] The vehicle management system according to

[10] , further comprising: a location information acquisition means for acquiring location information of a third-party terminal; and a vehicle information notification means for notifying information regarding the location of the vehicle based on the acquired location information;

[12] A vehicle management method executed in a vehicle management system having an owner terminal operated by the vehicle owner, a third party terminal operated by a third party, and a server device capable of communicating with the owner terminal and the third party terminal, the vehicle management method comprising: an identification information storage step of associating and storing identification information for enabling transmission of information to the owner terminal with vehicle identification information that can identify the vehicle; a third identification information reception step of receiving the vehicle identification information attached to the vehicle by operating the third party terminal; and a second identification information identification step of identifying the identification information corresponding to the vehicle identification information received in the third identification information reception step;

[13] A computer device capable of communicating with an owner terminal operated by a vehicle owner and a third party terminal operated by a third party, the computer device comprising: an identification information storage means for storing identification information for enabling information transmission to the owner terminal and vehicle identification information for identifying the vehicle in association with each other; a third identification information receiving means for receiving the vehicle identification information attached to the vehicle by operation of the third party terminal; and a second identification information identifying means for identifying the identification information corresponding to the vehicle identification information received by the third identification information receiving means; This can be achieved by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, a novel vehicle management system can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle management system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an owner terminal, a remover terminal, or a third party terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a server device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a vehicle information registration process according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a warning information notification process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a removal information notification process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an information providing process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a search request process according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, etc. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments as long as they do not contradict the spirit of the present invention.

[0011] In the present invention, the vehicle is not particularly limited as long as it is a vehicle that can move on land, but it is preferable that it has wheels. Examples of vehicles include bicycles, motorized bicycles, motorcycles, automobiles, etc. The following description will mainly focus on the case where the vehicle is a bicycle.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the vehicle management system comprises an owner terminal 1, a server device 4, and a communication network 5. For example, the owner terminal 1 is owned and operated by each bicycle owner. The owner terminal 1 can communicate with the server device 4 via the communication network 5. Here, the bicycle owner refers to the person who owns the bicycle or the person registered during theft prevention registration. However, if the owner is a minor or elderly person, it also includes the owner's relatives and others who have protective and supervisory responsibility. Furthermore, if a corporation or organization owns the bicycle, the owner refers to the person who belongs to the corporation and actually uses and manages the bicycle.

[0013] The vehicle management system may also include a remover terminal 2. The remover terminal 2 is owned and operated by each remover. The remover terminal 2 is capable of communicating with the server device 4 via a communication network 5. The term "remover of an abandoned bicycle" refers to a person who issues warnings or notification of removal to the owner of an abandoned bicycle, or a person who manages removed bicycles at a transfer center.

[0014] The vehicle management system may also include a third-party terminal 3. The third-party terminal 3 is owned and operated by each third party. The third-party terminal 3 is capable of communicating with the server device 4 via a communication network 5. The third party is a person other than the bicycle owner, and is not particularly limited. Stolen bicycles are often abandoned in parks, in front of train stations, etc. after being used by the stolen vehicle, and the whereabouts of the bicycle can be searched for based on information provided by the third party.

[0015] The owner terminal 1, the remover terminal 2, and the third-party terminal 3 are not particularly limited as long as they are computer devices having a display screen and an input unit. The owner terminal 1, the remover terminal 2, and the third-party terminal 3 may be stationary or portable so that the owner can carry them when they move. The owner terminal 1, the remover terminal 2, and the third-party terminal 3 may be, for example, a conventional mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or a desktop or notebook personal computer.

[0016] 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the owner terminal 1, remover terminal 2, or third-party terminal 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The owner terminal 1, remover terminal 2, or third-party terminal 3 comprises a control unit 11, RAM 12, storage unit 13, graphics processing unit 14, communication interface 15, and input unit 16, which are connected to each other via an internal bus.

[0017] The control unit 11 is composed of a CPU and a ROM. The control unit 11 executes programs stored in the storage unit 13 and controls the owner terminal 1. The RAM 12 is a work area for the control unit 11. The storage unit 13 is a memory area for saving programs and data. The control unit 11 processes the programs and data loaded into the RAM 12, as well as data input via the input unit 16. As a result of data processing, it outputs necessary drawing commands to the graphics processing unit 14.

[0018] The graphics processing unit 14 is connected to the display unit 17. The display unit 17 has a display screen 18. When the control unit 11 outputs a drawing command to the graphics processing unit 14, the graphics processing unit 14 outputs a video signal for displaying an image on the display screen 18. Here, the display unit 17 may be a touch panel equipped with a touch sensor. The touch panel of this display unit 17 functions as the input unit 16.

[0019] The communication interface 15 can be connected to the communication network 5 wirelessly or via a wire, and can transmit and receive data to and from the server device 4 via the communication network 5. Data received via the communication interface 15 is loaded into the RAM 12, and the control unit 11 performs arithmetic processing.

[0020] Each of the owner terminal 1, the remover terminal 2, and the third party terminal 3 may have a camera function. Image data captured by the camera function can be stored in the storage unit 13, and can also be transmitted to the server device 4 via the communication interface 15.

[0021] 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a server device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The server device 4 includes at least a control unit 21, a RAM 22, a storage unit 23, and a communication interface 24, which are connected to each other via an internal bus.

[0022] The control unit 21 is composed of a CPU and a ROM, and executes programs stored in the storage unit 23 to control the server device 4. The control unit 21 also has an internal timer that measures time. The RAM 22 is the work area of ​​the control unit 21. The storage unit 23 is a memory area for saving programs and data. The control unit 21 reads out the programs and data from the RAM 12, and performs program execution processing based on information received from the owner terminal 1, the remover terminal 2, and the third-party terminal 3, etc.

[0023] Before using the vehicle management system, the owner installs an application program for using the vehicle management system (hereinafter referred to as the owner app) on the owner terminal 1. The owner app can be downloaded from a predetermined website or the like.

[0024] Here, an identification number for uniquely identifying the owner terminal 1 and / or the owner app installed in the owner terminal 1 can be defined as the owner ID. The owner ID is assigned when the owner app is downloaded and installed. For example, if an owner app is downloaded from a specific website to owner terminal A and then downloaded from the same website to a different owner terminal B, different owner IDs will be assigned to owner terminal A and owner terminal B. In this way, a unique owner ID can be assigned to each owner terminal. The assigned owner ID is stored in the storage unit 13 of the owner terminal 1 in association with the owner app.

[0025] Another method of assigning an owner ID is to generate an owner ID on the server device 4 when the owner terminal 1, which has an owner app installed, launches the owner app for the first time and accesses the server device 4, and assign the owner ID to the owner terminal 1.

[0026] In the above, the owner ID is defined as identification information for uniquely identifying the owner terminal 1 and / or the owner app installed on the owner terminal 1, but the owner ID can also be identification information for uniquely identifying the owner or a user of the owner terminal 1 other than the owner.

[0027] 4 is a flowchart showing the vehicle information registration process according to an embodiment of the present invention. First, the owner starts the owner app installed on the owner terminal 1. The owner enters the bicycle's security registration number into the owner terminal 1 (step S1).

[0028] Here, the theft prevention registration number functions as bicycle identification information that can identify the bicycle. A theft prevention registration sticker is usually affixed to a bicycle, and the theft prevention registration number is printed on the theft prevention registration sticker. The theft prevention registration number can be entered by operating operation buttons displayed on the touch panel or the like of the owner terminal 1, or by reading a QR code (registered trademark) printed on the theft prevention registration sticker. The theft prevention registration number printed on the theft prevention registration sticker can also be read and entered using the OCR function of the owner terminal 1.

[0029] The entered security registration number is sent to the server device 4 together with the owner ID (step S2). The server device 4 receives the security registration number and the owner ID (step S3), associates the received security registration number with the owner ID, and stores them in the owner information table (step S4). In step S4, the date and time when the security registration number and the owner ID were stored may also be stored in the owner information table. Steps S1 to S4 complete the vehicle information registration process.

[0030] In this way, by storing the owner ID, which can identify the owner terminal 1, in association with the bicycle identification information (theft prevention registration number), which can identify the bicycle, it becomes possible to send necessary notifications to the bicycle owner simply by entering the bicycle identification information. The bicycle owner can receive necessary notifications without having to enter personal information when using the vehicle management system.

[0031] In step S1, the owner is required to input the security registration number, but other bicycle information may also be input, such as the vehicle number, manufacturer name, model, body color, other characteristics of the bicycle, whether or not the bicycle has bicycle insurance, the owner's name, the owner's contact information, an image of the bicycle taken by the owner (which may be taken using the camera function of owner terminal 1), an image of the security registration certificate taken by the owner, etc. The bicycle information input in step S1 is sent to server device 4 in step S2, and is stored in the owner information table in association with the security registration number and owner ID in step S4.

[0032] One owner ID can be stored in association with theft prevention registration numbers and bicycle information for multiple bicycles. A limit may also be placed on the number of security registration numbers that can be associated with one owner ID. For example, if the number of security registration numbers stored in association with the owner ID has reached the upper limit when the server device 4 receives the security registration number and owner ID in step S3, the server device 4 may not execute step S4. In this case, the server device 4 may notify the owner terminal 1 that the number of stored security registration numbers has reached the upper limit. By setting a limit on the number of security registration numbers that can be registered in this way, it is possible to prevent theft prevention registration numbers of multiple bicycles that the owner does not own from being registered maliciously.

[0033] The same security registration number may be stored in association with multiple different owner IDs. This allows, for example, the security registration number of a bicycle used by a child to be stored in association with the owner ID of the parent's owner terminal 1 and the owner ID of the child's owner terminal 1.

[0034] When storing the bicycle information and owner ID in step S4, the owner information table can be searched to see if the security registration number included in the bicycle information is stored in association with a different owner ID. If it has already been stored, the owner terminal 1 that performed step S2 can be notified that the same security registration number has been stored twice. This allows the owner to know that the security registration number of their bicycle may have been registered by a third party for purposes such as vandalism.

[0035] Next, the warning information notification process will be explained. Figure 5 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the warning information notification process according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, the warning refers to when a remover discovers a bicycle that will be subject to removal if left abandoned for a long time, and notifies the bicycle owner that the bicycle may be subject to removal before actually removing it. Note that the remover issuing the warning and the remover who actually removes the bicycle do not necessarily have to be the same person, and the remover terminal 2 used by each does not have to be the same person.

[0036] Before using the vehicle management system, the remover installs an application program for using the vehicle management system (hereinafter referred to as the remover app) on the owner terminal 1. The remover app can be downloaded from a predetermined website or the like.

[0037] First, when a remover finds an abandoned bicycle, he or she launches the remover app installed on the remover terminal 2 and inputs the security registration number into the remover terminal 2 based on the security registration sticker affixed to the abandoned bicycle (Step S11). The security registration number may be input by operating operation buttons displayed on the touch panel or the like of the remover terminal 2, or by reading a QR code (registered trademark) printed on the security registration sticker. The security registration number printed on the security registration sticker may also be read and input using the OCR function of the remover terminal 2.

[0038] Next, the abandoned bicycle is photographed using the camera function of the remover terminal 2 (step S12). Furthermore, location information of the remover terminal 2 is obtained (step S13). There are no particular limitations on the method of obtaining location information, but the GPS function of the remover terminal 2 can be used. The remover can also operate the remover terminal 2 to input text about their current location. Bicycle information, such as the theft prevention registration number entered in step S11, image data of the abandoned bicycle photographed in step S12, and location information obtained in step S13, is sent to the server device 4 (step S14). Note that the photographing of the abandoned bicycle in step S12 does not have to be performed. In this case, in step S14, the theft prevention registration number entered in step S11 and bicycle information, such as location information obtained in step S13, are sent to the server device 4.

[0039] The server device 4 receives bicycle information such as the theft prevention registration number, image data of the abandoned bicycle, and location information (step S15). Next, the owner information table is referenced to identify the owner ID corresponding to the theft prevention registration number received in step S15 (step S16). The server device 4 stores bicycle information such as image data of the abandoned bicycle and location information of the remover terminal 2 in association with the identified owner ID in the owner information table (step S17). In step S17, the date and time when the theft prevention registration number and other information were received in step S15 may also be stored in the owner information table.

[0040] The server device 4 transmits warning information to the owner terminal 1 having the identified owner ID (step S18). The warning information includes, for example, the theft prevention registration number entered in step S11, the image data of the abandoned bicycle captured in step S12, the location information of the remover terminal 2 acquired in step S13, and the scheduled date and time of removal.

[0041] The scheduled removal date and time can be, for example, based on the date and time when the security registration number, etc., was received in step S15, and the time a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since that date and time can be set as the scheduled removal date and time. The predetermined amount of time can be the same regardless of which remover issues the warning and regardless of the time or season the warning is issued, but it can also be determined based on time information such as the time of day, day of the week, or season for the warning, depending on the affiliation or region of the remover operating the remover terminal 2. The scheduled removal date and time can also be entered by the remover into the remover terminal 2 before transmitting the security registration number, etc., from the remover terminal 2 to the server device 4 in step S14, and the scheduled removal date and time can be transmitted together with the security registration number, etc., in step S14.

[0042] When the owner terminal 1 receives the warning information (step S19), it displays, based on the received warning information, information indicating that the bicycle will be removed after a predetermined time has elapsed, along with the bicycle's theft prevention registration number, an image of the bicycle, the bicycle's location (corresponding to the location information of the remover terminal 2), the scheduled date and time of removal, and other warning information (step S20). The bicycle's location, along with its address, can also be displayed on a map in conjunction with an application capable of displaying maps. Based on the warning information, the bicycle owner can quickly determine that their bicycle may be removed. Furthermore, because the image and location of the bicycle are displayed, the owner can confirm without a doubt whether a warning has been issued for their own bicycle.

[0043] By executing steps S11 to S20, the warning information notification process is completed. When the scheduled removal date and time arrives, it is also possible to notify each of the owner terminal 1 and the remover terminal 2 that the scheduled removal date and time has arrived.

[0044] Next, the removal information notification process will be explained. Figure 6 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the removal information notification process according to an embodiment of the present invention. After issuing a warning to remove an abandoned bicycle, if the bicycle continues to be left abandoned, the remover will remove the bicycle. The remover performs the following process immediately before removing the bicycle, or after removing the bicycle and transporting it to a storage location. Note that the remover can also remove the bicycle without issuing a warning, and can also perform the removal information notification process without performing the warning information notification process.

[0045] First, the remover launches the remover app installed on the remover terminal 2 and inputs the security registration number into the remover terminal 2 based on the security registration sticker affixed to the bicycle to be removed or to a bicycle that has already been removed and transported to the transfer station (step S21). The security registration number may be input by operating operation buttons displayed on the touch panel or the like of the remover terminal 2, or by reading a QR code (registered trademark) printed on the security registration sticker. The security registration number printed on the security registration sticker may also be read and input using the OCR function of the remover terminal 2.

[0046] Next, the camera function of the remover terminal 2 captures an image of the bicycle (step S22). Furthermore, location information of the remover terminal 2 is acquired (step S23). There are no particular limitations on the method for acquiring location information, but the GPS function of the remover terminal 2 can be used. If the remover is performing the removal information notification process at a transfer station, the location information acquired by GPS will be the location of the transfer station. The remover can also operate the remover terminal 2 to input text about their current location.

[0047] Bicycle information, such as the theft prevention registration number entered in step S21, image data of the abandoned bicycle captured in step S22, and location information acquired in step S23, is sent to server device 4 (step S24). Note that if the bicycle is captured in step S12 of the warning information notification process, it is possible to skip step S22. Also, if location information is acquired in step S13, it is possible to skip step S23.

[0048] The server device 4 receives bicycle information such as the security registration number, bicycle image data, and location information (step S25). Next, the owner information table is referenced to identify the owner ID corresponding to the security registration number received in step S25 (step S26). The server device 4 stores bicycle information such as bicycle image data and location information of the remover terminal 2 in association with the identified owner ID in the owner information table (step S27). In step S27, the date and time when the security registration number and other information were received in step S25 may also be stored in the owner information table. This date and time of reception can be used as the removal date and time.

[0049] The server device 4 transmits the removal information to the owner terminal 1 having the identified owner ID (step S28). The removal information includes, for example, the theft prevention registration number entered in step S21, image data of the bicycle captured in step S22, location information of the remover terminal 2 acquired in step S23 (the address of the transfer station if the remover is performing the removal information notification process at the transfer station), removal date and time, transfer station, and storage period.

[0050] The removal date and time can be the date and time when information such as the security registration number is received in step S25, but the remover may also input the removal date and time into the remover terminal 2 before transmitting the security registration number etc. from the remover terminal 2 to the server device 4, and then transmit the removal date and time together with the security registration number etc. to the server device 4 in step S14.

[0051] The transfer station included in the removal information is the location where the removed bicycle is transferred and stored. The transfer station may be registered in advance for each remover, such as the remover terminal 2 or the remover ID that identifies the remover. Therefore, the transfer station can be automatically identified for each remover who is executing the removal information notification process. Furthermore, before transmitting the theft prevention registration number, etc. from the remover terminal 2 to the server device 4, the remover may input the transfer station into the remover terminal 2, and in step S14, transmit the transfer station together with the theft prevention registration number, etc. to the server device 4.

[0052] The storage limit included in the removal information is information regarding the date and time until which the bicycle transported to the transfer center will be stored. The storage limit may be registered in advance for each transfer center. Furthermore, before transmitting the theft prevention registration number, etc. from the remover terminal 2 to the server device 4, the remover may input the storage limit into the remover terminal 2, and in step S14 transmit the storage limit together with the theft prevention registration number, etc. to the server device 4.

[0053] When the owner terminal 1 receives the removal information (step S29), based on the received removal information, it displays the fact that the bicycle will be removed or has already been removed, along with the bicycle's security registration number, an image of the bicycle, the bicycle's location (if the remover is performing the removal information notification process at a transfer station, the address of the transfer station, which corresponds to the location information of the remover terminal 2), the removal date and time, and the storage period (step S30). The location of the bicycle or the location of the transfer station, along with the address, can also be displayed on a map in conjunction with an application capable of displaying maps. In step S30, an image of the bicycle is displayed, allowing the user to confirm without a doubt whether their own bicycle has been removed.

[0054] In addition, the removal information sent to the owner terminal 1 in step S28 and displayed on the display screen in step S30 can include the contact information of the remover, the contact information of the transfer center, the time when the bicycle can be picked up at the transfer center, the cost of picking up the bicycle, and information on the items required to pick up the bicycle.

[0055] By executing steps S21 to S30, the removal information notification process is completed.

[0056] The information stored in the owner information table of the server device 4 in steps S17 and S27 may have data compatibility with other vehicle management systems used at the transfer station. In this case, the information stored in steps S17 and S27 can be transferred to and used in the other vehicle management systems used at the transfer station. This can eliminate the need to input new data to use the other vehicle management systems.

[0057] Next, the information provision process will be described. Figure 7 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the information provision process according to an embodiment of the present invention. When a third party other than the owner finds a bicycle abandoned on the road or the like, they can provide information about the abandoned bicycle to the vehicle management system. Even if the bicycle is stolen or otherwise removed from the owner's possession, this information provision function makes it possible for the owner to find the bicycle.

[0058] Before using the vehicle management system, a third party installs an application program for using the vehicle management system (hereinafter referred to as a third-party app) on the third-party terminal 3. The third-party app can be downloaded from a predetermined website, etc. The third-party app may be the same as the owner app, and by installing a single application program, it may be possible to use the functions of both the owner app and the third-party app.

[0059] First, when a third party finds an abandoned bicycle, they launch the third-party app installed on the third-party terminal 3. Then, by selecting the "Found button," they can provide information about the abandoned bicycle. Based on the theft prevention registration sticker affixed to the abandoned bicycle, they input the theft prevention registration number into the third-party terminal 3 (step S31).

[0060] The security registration number may be input by operating operation buttons displayed on a touch panel or the like of the third-party terminal 3, or by reading a QR code (registered trademark) printed on the security registration sticker. The security registration number printed on the security registration sticker may also be read and input using the OCR function of the third-party terminal 3.

[0061] The abandoned bicycles for which the security registration number is entered in step S31 are not limited to bicycles for which a search request has been made from the owner terminal 1 in the search request process described below. In other words, any abandoned bicycle can be the subject of the information provision process.

[0062] Next, the abandoned bicycle is photographed using the camera function of the third party terminal 3 (step S32). Furthermore, location information of the third party terminal 3 is obtained (step S33). There are no particular limitations on the method for obtaining location information, but the GPS function of the third party terminal 3 can be used. Alternatively, the third party can operate the third party terminal 3 to input the current location in text. Bicycle information such as the theft prevention registration number input in step S31, the image data of the abandoned bicycle photographed in step S32, and the location information obtained in step S33 is sent to the server device 4 (step S34).

[0063] Server device 4 receives bicycle information such as the bicycle registration number, image data of the abandoned bicycle, and location information (step S35). Next, the owner information table is referenced to identify the owner ID corresponding to the bicycle registration number received in step S35 (step S36). Server device 4 stores bicycle information such as image data of the abandoned bicycle, location information of the third-party terminal 3, and time information regarding the time the bicycle information was received from the third-party terminal 3 in step S35 (or the time the third-party terminal 3 sent the bicycle information in step S34) in association with the identified owner ID in the owner information table (step S37).

[0064] The server device 4 then transmits bicycle information to the owner terminal 1 having the identified owner ID, such as image data of the abandoned bicycle, location information of the third party terminal 3, and time information regarding the time when the bicycle information was received from the third party terminal 3 in step S35 (or the time when the third party terminal 3 transmitted the bicycle information in step S34) (step S38). Note that the bicycle information may be transmitted to the owner terminal 1 in step S38 only after the "Search button" (described below) is selected on the owner terminal 1.

[0065] When the owner terminal 1 receives the bicycle information from the server device 4 (step S39), based on the received bicycle information, it displays the fact that the lost bicycle has been found, the bicycle's security registration number, an image of the bicycle, the bicycle's location (corresponding to the location information of the third-party terminal 3), and the time the bicycle information was received from the third-party terminal 3 in step S35 (or the time the third-party terminal 3 sent the bicycle information in step S34) (step S40). The bicycle's location, along with its address, can also be displayed on a map in conjunction with an application capable of displaying maps. The owner can use the displayed location information to recover the lost bicycle.

[0066] By executing steps S31 to S40, the information provision process ends.

[0067] Next, the search request process will be described. Figure 8 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the search request process according to an embodiment of the present invention. If the owner loses their bicycle, they can check whether information about their bicycle has been provided by a third party.

[0068] First, the owner launches the owner app installed on the owner terminal 1. Then, by selecting the "Find Me" button, the owner can check whether any information about the lost bicycle has been provided by a third party. When the "Find Me" button is selected, the owner terminal 1 sends a bicycle search request along with the owner ID to the server device 4 (step S41). The server device 4 receives the search request and the owner ID (step S42).

[0069] The owner information table is referenced to determine whether or not the bicycle information transmitted from the third party terminal 3, such as image data of the abandoned bicycle and location information of the third party terminal 3, is stored for the received owner ID in step S37 (step S43). If the bicycle information transmitted from the third party terminal 3 is registered (YES in step S43), the bicycle information, such as image data of the lost bicycle and location information of the third party terminal 3, is transmitted to the owner terminal 1 (step S44).

[0070] When the owner terminal 1 receives the bicycle information from the server device 4 (step S45), based on the received bicycle information, the following bicycle information is displayed on the display screen of the owner terminal 1: information that the lost bicycle has been found, the bicycle's security registration number, an image of the bicycle, the bicycle's location (corresponding to the location information of the third-party terminal 3), and time information such as the time the bicycle information was received from the third-party terminal 3 (or the time the third-party terminal 3 sent the bicycle information) (step S46). The bicycle's location, along with its address, can also be displayed on a map in conjunction with an application capable of displaying maps. The owner can then use the displayed location information to recover their lost bicycle.

[0071] If the bicycle information sent from the third-party terminal 3 is not registered (NO in step S43), bicycle search information is sent to the third-party terminal 3 (step S47). The bicycle search information includes the bicycle security registration number corresponding to the owner ID received in step S43 and an image of the bicycle. The bicycle image used here is the image entered in step S1 and registered in the owner information table in step S4.

[0072] When the third party terminal 3 receives the search information (step S48), a message that the other person's bicycle is lost, along with the received bicycle security registration number and image of the bicycle, are displayed on the third party terminal 3 (step S49). The third party can refer to the displayed information, and if there is a corresponding bicycle nearby, they can execute the information provision process described above, and the bicycle information is sent from the server device 4 to the owner terminal 1. The bicycle information sent from the third party terminal 3 is displayed on the display screen of the owner terminal 1.

[0073] By executing steps S41 to S49, the search request process is completed.

[0074] In the above embodiment, a third party can select the "Found" button to provide information about an abandoned bicycle, but instead of providing this information, the third party can request that the bicycle be moved. For example, if a bicycle is abandoned on private property, it would be beneficial for the third party who owns the property to request that the bicycle be moved.

[0075] First, when a third party finds an abandoned bicycle, they launch the third-party app installed on the third-party terminal 3. Then, by selecting the "request movement button," they can request that the abandoned bicycle be moved. Then, based on the theft prevention registration sticker affixed to the abandoned bicycle, they enter the theft prevention registration number into the third-party terminal 3.

[0076] The security registration number may be input by operating operation buttons displayed on a touch panel or the like of the third-party terminal 3, or by reading a QR code (registered trademark) printed on the security registration sticker. The security registration number printed on the security registration sticker may also be read and input using the OCR function of the third-party terminal 3.

[0077] Next, the abandoned bicycle is photographed using the camera function of the third party terminal 3. Furthermore, the location information of the third party terminal 3 is obtained. The GPS function of the third party terminal 3 can be used to obtain the location information. The bicycle information, such as the entered security registration number, image data of the photographed abandoned bicycle, and the obtained location information, is sent to the server device 4.

[0078] Server device 4 receives bicycle information such as the theft prevention registration number, image data of the abandoned bicycle, and location information. Next, it references the owner information table to identify the owner ID corresponding to the received theft prevention registration number. Server device 4 stores bicycle information in the owner information table, such as image data of the abandoned bicycle, location information of the third-party terminal 3, and time information regarding the time the bicycle information was received from the third-party terminal 3 (or the time the third-party terminal 3 sent the bicycle information), in association with the identified owner ID.

[0079] The server device 4 transmits bicycle information to the owner terminal 1 having the identified owner ID, such as image data of the abandoned bicycle, location information of the third-party terminal 3, and time information regarding the time the bicycle information was received from the third-party terminal 3 (or the time the third-party terminal 3 transmitted the bicycle information).

[0080] When owner terminal 1 receives bicycle information from server device 4, the received bicycle information displays, based on the information received, the fact that a request to move the bicycle has been made, the bicycle's security registration number, an image of the bicycle, the bicycle's location (corresponding to the location information of third-party terminal 3), and the time the bicycle information was received from third-party terminal 3 (or the time the bicycle information was sent by third-party terminal 3). The bicycle's location, along with its address, can also be displayed on a map in conjunction with an application capable of displaying maps. The owner can use the displayed location information to move the bicycle away from private property or no-parking zones.

[0081] So far, we have mainly discussed cases where the vehicle is a bicycle, but this can also be applied to other vehicles. If the vehicle is a car or motorcycle, the vehicle number, registration number, or vehicle body number written on the license plate can be used instead of the crime prevention registration number in each of the processes: vehicle information registration process, warning information notification process, removal information notification process, information provision process, and search request process. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1 Owner terminal, 2 Remover terminal, 3 Third party terminal, 4 Server device, 5 communication network, 11 control unit, 12 RAM, 13 storage unit, 14 graphics processing unit, 15 communication interface, 16 input unit, 17 display unit, 18 display screen, 21 control unit, 22 RAM, 23 storage unit, 24 communication interface

Claims

1. A bicycle management method executed in a bicycle management system that includes an owner terminal operated by the bicycle owner, a third party terminal operated by a third party, and a server device that can communicate with the owner terminal and the third party terminal, a first information receiving step for receiving, by operation of the owner's terminal, identification information for enabling transmission of information to the owner's terminal, and the theft prevention registration number printed on the theft prevention registration sticker affixed to the bicycle, or a theft prevention registration number readable from the code printed on the theft prevention registration sticker; an identification information storage step of storing the identification information received in the first information receiving step and the crime prevention registration number received in the first information receiving step in association with each other; a second information receiving step of receiving, by operating the third-party terminal, the security registration number printed on the security registration sticker affixed to the bicycle or a security registration number readable from the code printed on the security registration sticker; a second identification information specifying step of specifying identification information corresponding to the crime prevention registration number received in the second information receiving step; a bicycle information notification step of notifying the owner terminal corresponding to the identification information identified in the second identification information identification step of information indicating the presence of the bicycle; and A bicycle management method in which, when a specified operational input is received on the owner's terminal to request information from a third party about a lost bicycle, a bicycle information notification step notifies the owner's terminal of information indicating that the bicycle exists.

2. A bicycle management method executed in a bicycle management system that includes an owner terminal operated by a bicycle owner, a third-party terminal operated by a third party, and a server device that can communicate with the owner terminal and the third-party terminal, a first information receiving step for receiving, by operation of the owner's terminal, identification information for enabling transmission of information to the owner's terminal, and the theft prevention registration number printed on the theft prevention registration sticker affixed to the bicycle, or a theft prevention registration number readable from the code printed on the theft prevention registration sticker; an identification information storage step of storing the identification information received in the first information receiving step and the crime prevention registration number received in the first information receiving step in association with each other; a second information receiving step of receiving, by operating the third-party terminal, the security registration number printed on the security registration sticker affixed to the bicycle or a security registration number readable from the code printed on the security registration sticker; a second identification information specifying step of specifying identification information corresponding to the crime prevention registration number received in the second information receiving step; a bicycle information notification step of notifying the owner terminal corresponding to the identification information identified in the second identification information identification step of information indicating that a request to move the bicycle has been made; and This bicycle management method includes, when a predetermined operational input is received on a third-party terminal to request the removal of an abandoned bicycle, a bicycle information notification step notifies the owner's terminal of information indicating that a request to remove the bicycle has been made.

3. A location information acquisition step for acquiring location information of a third-party terminal and In the bicycle information notification step, information indicating the presence of the bicycle and information regarding the location of the bicycle based on the acquired location information are notified to the owner terminal corresponding to the identification information identified in the second identification information identification step.

3. A bicycle management method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. an image information receiving step of receiving captured image information of the bicycle through an operation on the third party terminal; A bicycle management method as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein in the bicycle information notification step, the received image information is sent to the owner terminal corresponding to the identification information identified in the second identification information identification step, along with information indicating the presence of the bicycle.

5. A bicycle management system comprising an owner terminal operated by a bicycle owner, a third party terminal operated by a third party, and a server device capable of communicating with the owner terminal and the third party terminal, a first information receiving means for receiving, by operation of the owner's terminal, identification information for enabling transmission of information to the owner's terminal, and the theft prevention registration number printed on the theft prevention registration sticker affixed to the bicycle, or a theft prevention registration number readable from the code printed on the theft prevention registration sticker; an identification information storage means for storing the identification information received by the first information receiving means and the crime prevention registration number received by the first information receiving means in association with each other; a second information receiving means for receiving, by operation of a third-party terminal, the bicycle registration number printed on the bicycle registration sticker attached to the bicycle or a bicycle registration number readable from a code printed on the bicycle registration sticker; a second identification information specifying means for specifying identification information corresponding to the security registration number received by the second information receiving means; a bicycle information notification means for notifying an owner terminal corresponding to the identification information identified by the second identification information identification means of information indicating the presence of the bicycle; Equipped with In this bicycle management system, when a specified operational input is received on the owner's terminal to request information from a third party about a lost bicycle, the bicycle information notification means notifies the owner's terminal of information indicating that the bicycle exists.

6. A bicycle management system comprising an owner terminal operated by the bicycle owner, a third party terminal operated by a third party, and a server device capable of communicating with the owner terminal and the third party terminal, a first information receiving means for receiving, by operation of the owner's terminal, identification information for enabling transmission of information to the owner's terminal, and the theft prevention registration number printed on the theft prevention registration sticker affixed to the bicycle, or a theft prevention registration number readable from the code printed on the theft prevention registration sticker; an identification information storage means for storing the identification information received by the first information receiving means and the crime prevention registration number received by the first information receiving means in association with each other; a second information receiving means for receiving, by operation of a third-party terminal, the bicycle registration number printed on the bicycle registration sticker attached to the bicycle or a bicycle registration number readable from a code printed on the bicycle registration sticker; a second identification information specifying means for specifying identification information corresponding to the security registration number received by the second information receiving means; a bicycle information notification means for notifying an owner terminal corresponding to the identification information identified by the second identification information identification means of information indicating that a request to move the bicycle has been made; Equipped with In this bicycle management system, when a predetermined operation input to a third-party terminal for requesting the movement of an abandoned bicycle is received, a bicycle information notification means notifies the owner's terminal of information indicating that a request for the movement of the bicycle has been made.

7. A computer device capable of communicating with an owner terminal operated by the bicycle owner and a third party terminal operated by a third party, a first information receiving means for receiving, by operation of the owner's terminal, identification information for enabling transmission of information to the owner's terminal, and the theft prevention registration number printed on the theft prevention registration sticker affixed to the bicycle, or a theft prevention registration number readable from the code printed on the theft prevention registration sticker; an identification information storage means for storing the identification information received by the first information receiving means and the crime prevention registration number received by the first information receiving means in association with each other; a second information receiving means for receiving, by operation of a third-party terminal, the bicycle registration number printed on the bicycle registration sticker attached to the bicycle or a bicycle registration number readable from a code printed on the bicycle registration sticker; a second identification information specifying means for specifying identification information corresponding to the security registration number received by the second information receiving means; a bicycle information notification means for notifying an owner terminal corresponding to the identification information identified by the second identification information identification means of information indicating the presence of the bicycle; Equipped with A computer device in which, when a specified operational input is received on an owner terminal to request information from a third party about a lost bicycle, a bicycle information notification means notifies the owner terminal of information indicating that the bicycle is present.

8. A computer device capable of communicating with an owner terminal operated by a bicycle owner and a third party terminal operated by a third party, a first information receiving means for receiving, by operation of the owner's terminal, identification information for enabling transmission of information to the owner's terminal, and the theft prevention registration number printed on the theft prevention registration sticker affixed to the bicycle, or a theft prevention registration number readable from the code printed on the theft prevention registration sticker; an identification information storage means for storing the identification information received by the first information receiving means and the crime prevention registration number received by the first information receiving means in association with each other; a second information receiving means for receiving, by operation of a third-party terminal, the bicycle registration number printed on the bicycle registration sticker attached to the bicycle or a bicycle registration number readable from a code printed on the bicycle registration sticker; a second identification information specifying means for specifying identification information corresponding to the security registration number received by the second information receiving means; a bicycle information notification means for notifying an owner terminal corresponding to the identification information identified by the second identification information identification means of information indicating that a request to move the bicycle has been made; Equipped with When a predetermined operational input is received on a third-party terminal to request the removal of an abandoned bicycle, the bicycle information notification means notifies the owner's terminal of information indicating that a request to remove the bicycle has been made.

9. A bicycle management method executed in a bicycle management system that includes an owner terminal operated by the owner of the bicycle, a remover terminal operated by the person removing the abandoned bicycle, and a server device that can communicate with the owner terminal and the remover terminal, a first information receiving step for receiving, by operation of the owner's terminal, identification information for enabling transmission of information to the owner's terminal, and the theft prevention registration number printed on the theft prevention registration sticker affixed to the bicycle, or a theft prevention registration number readable from the code printed on the theft prevention registration sticker; an identification information storage step of storing the identification information received in the first information receiving step and the crime prevention registration number received in the first information receiving step in association with each other; a second information receiving step of receiving, by operating the remover terminal, the theft prevention registration number printed on the theft prevention registration sticker affixed to the bicycle or a theft prevention registration number readable from the code printed on the theft prevention registration sticker; a first identification information specifying step of specifying identification information corresponding to the crime prevention registration number received in the second information receiving step; a removal information notification step of notifying the owner terminal corresponding to the identification information identified in the first identification information identification step of information indicating that the bicycle may be removed or that the bicycle has been removed; a determination step of determining whether the security registration number received in the first information receiving step is stored in association with identification information that can identify another owner terminal, different from the identification information received in the first information receiving step; a notification step of notifying the owner terminal in the first information receiving step of information indicating that the security registration number has been stored when it is determined in the determination step that the security registration number received in the first information receiving step is stored in association with identification information that can identify the other owner terminal; A bicycle management method comprising:

10. an image information receiving step of receiving image information of the captured bicycle by operating the remover terminal; A bicycle management method as described in claim 9, wherein in the removal information notification step, the received image information is sent to the owner terminal corresponding to the identification information identified in the first identification information identification step, along with information indicating that the bicycle may be removed or that the bicycle has been removed.

11. A bicycle management system comprising an owner terminal operated by a bicycle owner, a remover terminal operated by a person who removes an abandoned bicycle, and a server device that can communicate with the owner terminal and the remover terminal, a first information receiving means for receiving, by operation of the owner's terminal, identification information for enabling transmission of information to the owner's terminal, and the theft prevention registration number printed on the theft prevention registration sticker affixed to the bicycle, or a theft prevention registration number readable from the code printed on the theft prevention registration sticker; an identification information storage means for storing the identification information received by the first information receiving means and the crime prevention registration number received by the first information receiving means in association with each other; a second information receiving means for receiving, by operation of the remover terminal, the theft prevention registration number printed on the theft prevention registration sticker affixed to the bicycle or a theft prevention registration number readable from the code printed on the theft prevention registration sticker; a first identification information specifying means for specifying identification information corresponding to the security registration number received by the second information receiving means; removal information notification means for notifying the owner terminal corresponding to the identification information identified by the first identification information identification means of information indicating that the bicycle may be removed or that the bicycle has been removed; a determination means for determining whether the security registration number received by the first information receiving means is stored in association with identification information that can identify another owner terminal and is different from the identification information received by the first information receiving means; a notification means for notifying the owner terminal in the first information receiving means of information indicating that the security registration number has been stored when the determination means determines that the security registration number received by the first information receiving means is stored in association with identification information that can identify the other owner terminal; A bicycle management system comprising:

12. A computer device that can communicate with an owner terminal operated by the owner of a bicycle and a remover terminal operated by the person removing the abandoned bicycle, a first information receiving means for receiving, by operation of the owner's terminal, identification information for enabling transmission of information to the owner's terminal, and the theft prevention registration number printed on the theft prevention registration sticker affixed to the bicycle, or a theft prevention registration number readable from the code printed on the theft prevention registration sticker; an identification information storage means for storing the identification information received by the first information receiving means and the crime prevention registration number received by the first information receiving means in association with each other; a second information receiving means for receiving, by operation of the remover terminal, the theft prevention registration number printed on the theft prevention registration sticker affixed to the bicycle or a theft prevention registration number readable from the code printed on the theft prevention registration sticker; a first identification information specifying means for specifying identification information corresponding to the security registration number received by the second information receiving means; removal information notification means for notifying the owner terminal corresponding to the identification information identified by the first identification information identification means of information indicating that the bicycle may be removed or that the bicycle has been removed; a determination means for determining whether the security registration number received by the first information receiving means is stored in association with identification information that can identify another owner terminal and is different from the identification information received by the first information receiving means; a notification means for notifying the owner terminal in the first information receiving means of information indicating that the security registration number has been stored when the determination means determines that the security registration number received by the first information receiving means is stored in association with identification information that can identify the other owner terminal; A computer device comprising:

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