Management server and management server control method

Abstract

To make it possible to grant an appropriate incentive to a lender (3).SOLUTION: A management server (8) for managing lending and borrowing of a battery (2) between a lender (3) who lends the battery (2) and a borrower (4) who borrows the battery (2) includes a first incentive granting unit (801) that grants an incentive to the lender (3) who has lent the battery (2). The first incentive granting unit (801) grants the lender (3) the incentive corresponding to the distance between the position of the battery (2) when the borrower (4) makes a request to borrow the battery (2) and the position of a fixed station (ST) where the battery (2) is provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a management server and a method for controlling a management server. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, stations for storing batteries that can be used by users are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-103549 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the prior art, a system is conceivable in which a user who owns a battery (hereinafter referred to as a "lender") lends the battery to a third party user (hereinafter referred to as a "borrower"). This system allows the borrower to borrow a battery from the lender when they need it, thereby improving the borrower's convenience. However, the farther the battery rental location is from a station such as that described in Patent Document 1, the more difficult it becomes for the lender to obtain a new battery from the station after the battery has been rented. Therefore, in the above system, unless an incentive is given to the lender taking into consideration the location of the rental location and the station, lenders will be less willing to rent batteries, making it difficult to rent batteries at locations far from the station, and there is a risk that borrowers will not be able to easily rent batteries.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a management server and a method for controlling the management server that can provide appropriate incentives to lenders. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is A lender takes out a battery to be rented from a fixed station, and a borrower can pick up the battery taken out by the lender at a location other than the fixed station. The management server for managing the lending and borrowing of the battery includes a first incentive granting unit that grants an incentive to the lender who lends the battery, and the first incentive granting unit grants an incentive to the lender when the borrower requests to borrow the battery. the lessee holds The location of the battery and The battery that can be stored and borrowed by the borrower is stored in the Distance from fixed station location The further away, the more A management server provides incentives to the lenders. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, appropriate incentives can be given to lenders. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a rental system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the lessee terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the lender terminal. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the management server. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rental system. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rental system. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the rental request screen. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the fees indicated by the first icons. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rental system. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management server. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management server. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management server. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [1. First embodiment] [1-1. Rental system configuration] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a rental system 1 according to this embodiment. The rental system 1 is a system that provides a power pack 2 rental and borrowing service between a lender 3 that rents out a power pack 2, which is a portable battery, and a borrower 4 that borrows the power pack 2. The power pack 2 corresponds to the battery in this disclosure.

[0010] As shown in Figure 1, the rental system 1 of this embodiment comprises a vehicle 5 operated by a lender 3, a lender terminal 6 operated by the lender 3, a borrower terminal 7 operated by a borrower 4, and a management server 8 that manages the lending and borrowing of power packs 2. The vehicle 5, lender terminal 6, borrower terminal 7, and management server 8 are each connected to a communication network 9 such as the Internet so that they can communicate with each other.

[0011] The power pack 2 can be placed in a predetermined position (such as under a seat) in the vehicle 5. The power pack 2 can be attached to and detached from a charging station 53 provided in the vehicle 5. The power pack 2 includes a wireless communication device that complies with a short-range wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), and transmits charge amount information indicating the charge amount of the power pack 2 and a battery ID (Identification) that uniquely identifies the power pack 2 to an external device. The type of storage battery (electrode material) of the power pack 2 is arbitrary.

[0012] The lessor 3 refers to a person who has the right to rent the power pack 2 to a third party, such as the owner of the power pack 2 or a person who has the right to sublease the power pack 2 that they have rented from an operator of the rental system 1. The lessor 3 in this embodiment also has the ownership or right to use the vehicle 5. The vehicle 5 in this embodiment is an electric four-wheeled automobile.

[0013] The lessee 4 refers to a person who has the right to borrow and use the power pack 2 from the lessor 3.

[0014] The management server 8 is a server computer that provides the above-mentioned lending and borrowing service, and manages the lending and borrowing of power packs 2 between the lender 3 and the borrower 4 .

[0015] The lender terminal 6 and the borrower terminal 7 are both devices equivalent to client computers that receive lending and borrowing services from the management server 8. That is, the lender terminal 6 is a terminal device that performs processing related to the lending of the power pack 2 on the management server 8 based on the operation of the lender 3. The borrower terminal 7 is a terminal device that performs processing related to the borrowing of the power pack 2 on the management server 8 based on the operation of the borrower 4. The lender terminal 6 and the borrower terminal 7 are, for example, portable terminal devices such as smartphones and notebook personal computers.

[0016] Here, the lending and borrowing service in the rental system 1 of this embodiment is premised on the following first to seventh items. The first point is that when the borrower 4 borrows the power pack 2, the borrower 4 can exchange the borrowed power pack 2 for the power pack 2 that he or she is using (so-called exchange method). The second point is that the borrower 4 can borrow a power pack 2 without having to exchange the power pack 2 that the borrower 4 is using for the power pack 2 that he or she is borrowing. The third point is that the borrower 4 can borrow the power pack 2 even if the borrower 4 is not using the power pack 2. The fourth point is that if Power Pack 2 is exchanged by Lessee 4, Lessor 3 can rent out the Power Pack 2 acquired through the exchange. In other words, Lessor 3 has the right to sublease the Power Pack 2 acquired through the exchange. The fifth point is that the power pack 2 rented by the lessor 3 is a power pack 2 that the lessor 3 has rented or purchased from an operator of the rental system 1 or the like. The fifth point is that the lessee 4 pays money to the operator of the rental system 1, the lessor 3, etc. when renting the power pack 2. The sixth item is that the lessor 3 receives an incentive from the operator of the rental system 1 or the like according to the rental performance of the power pack 2. The seventh point is that the borrower 4 receives an incentive from the operator of the rental system 1 or the like according to the number of times the power pack 2 is returned to the station ST. In this embodiment, the station ST is a fixed location where the power pack 2 can be rented and returned. The station ST may also be a location where the power pack 2 can be charged.

[0017] According to this rental system 1, the lessor 3 can rent out the power pack 2 not only at his / her own home but also at a location where he / she has traveled in the vehicle 5 (for example, a shopping mall, etc.). On the other hand, when the remaining charge of the power pack 2 in use becomes low or when the borrower 4 wishes to use the power pack 2, the borrower 4 can borrow a power pack 2 from a lender 3 nearby who is lending out power packs.

[0018] The configuration of each part of the rental system 1 will be described. [1-2. Vehicle configuration] First, the configuration of the vehicle 5 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the vehicle 5. As shown in FIG. The vehicle 5 includes a vehicle control device 50, a first communication device 51, a second communication device 52, a charging station 53, and a position detection device .

[0019] The vehicle control device 50 is a device that controls each part of the vehicle 5. The vehicle control device 50 includes a processor 500 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), a memory 510, and an interface circuit 520 to which other devices and sensors are connected.

[0020] The memory 510 is a storage device that nonvolatilely stores programs and data executed by the processor 500. The memory 510 is configured by a semiconductor storage element such as a magnetic storage device or a flash ROM (Read Only Memory), or other types of nonvolatile storage devices. The memory 510 may also include a RAM (Random Access Memory) that configures a work area for the processor 500. The memory 510 may also include a nonvolatile storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The memory 510 stores data processed by the processor 500 and a control program 511 executed by the processor 500.

[0021] The vehicle control device 50 is connected to a first communication device 51, a second communication device 52, a charging station 53, and a position detection device 54.

[0022] The first communication device 51 is a device that includes a transmitter and receiver for sending and receiving data to and from the management server 8, and communicates wirelessly using cellular communication methods such as 3G (third generation mobile communication method), 4G (fourth generation mobile communication method), LTE (Long Term Evolution), and 5G (fifth generation mobile communication method).

[0023] The second communication device 52 is a device with a shorter communication distance than the first communication device 51, and includes a transmitter and a receiver for transmitting and receiving data to and from the power pack 2. The second communication device 52 communicates wirelessly using a communication method such as Bluetooth.

[0024] The charging station 53 includes a holding unit 531 that detachably holds the power pack 2, and an electrical component unit 532 that houses various electric and electronic circuits. The electrical component unit 532 houses a charging station control device 533 and a charging device 534.

[0025] The holding unit 531 includes a charging connector 535 electrically connected to the electrodes of the power pack 2, and a locking mechanism 536 that prevents the power pack 2 from being removed in response to an instruction from the charging station control device 533. The locking mechanism 536 includes, for example, an electric key that locks the cover of the power pack removal port formed in the vehicle 5 so that it cannot be opened or closed, or an electrically controlled latching mechanism that hooks onto the power pack 2 housed in the holding unit 531 to prevent it from being removed, as a mechanism for preventing the power pack 2 from being removed.

[0026] The charging station control device 533 is a device that controls each part of the charging station 53, and includes a processor such as a CPU or an MPU, a memory, and an interface circuit for connecting other devices and sensors. The processor executes computer programs stored in the memory to realize various functions of the charging station 53.

[0027] The charging device 534 is a device that charges the power pack 2 using power supplied from an on-board battery 55 mounted on the vehicle 5. The charging device 534 supplies power to the power pack 2 held by the holding unit 531 in accordance with a power supply instruction from the charging station control device 533. The on-board battery 55 may be a battery that can be removed from the vehicle 5, or may be a battery that cannot be removed from the vehicle 5.

[0028] The position detection device 54 is a device that detects the current position of the vehicle 5, and is equipped with a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver that receives positioning signals transmitted from a plurality of positioning satellites. The position detection device 54 outputs vehicle position information indicating the current position of the vehicle 5 to the vehicle control device 50.

[0029] The processor 500 functions as a first communication control unit 501 and a second communication control unit 502 by reading and executing a control program 511 stored in a memory 510 .

[0030] The first communication control unit 501 communicates with the management server 8 via the first communication device 51. The first communication control unit 501 transmits the upload information to the management server 8.

[0031] The uploaded information includes battery information, vehicle position information, and a lender ID (Identification) that uniquely identifies the lender 3. The battery information includes a battery ID that uniquely identifies the power pack 2 and charge amount information for each power pack 2 provided in the vehicle 5. For example, if three power packs 2 are provided in the vehicle 5, the battery information includes a combination of a battery ID and charge amount information for each of the three power packs 2.

[0032] The second communication control unit 502 communicates with the power packs 2 via the second communication device 52. The second communication control unit 502 receives the battery ID and charge amount information from each of the power packs 2 provided in the vehicle 5.

[0033] [1-3. Borrower Device Operation] Next, the configuration of the borrower terminal 7 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the lessee terminal 7. As shown in FIG. The borrower terminal 7 includes a first terminal control device 70, a third communication device 71, and a first touch panel 72.

[0034] The first terminal control device 70 is a device that controls each part of the borrower terminal 7. The first terminal control device 70 includes a processor 700 such as a CPU or MPU, a memory 710, and an interface circuit 720 to which other devices and sensors are connected.

[0035] The memory 710 is a storage device that nonvolatilely stores programs and data executed by the processor 700. The memory 710 is configured by a magnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage element such as a flash ROM, or other types of nonvolatile storage devices. The memory 710 may also include a RAM that configures a work area for the processor 700. The memory 710 may also include a nonvolatile storage device such as an HDD or SSD. The memory 710 stores data processed by the processor 700 and a control program 711 executed by the processor 700.

[0036] A third communication device 71 and a first touch panel 72 are connected to the first terminal control device 70. The third communication device 71 is a device including a transmitter and a receiver for transmitting and receiving data to and from the management server 8. The third communication device 71 is a wireless communication device. The first touch panel 72 has a configuration in which a liquid crystal display panel that displays characters and images and a touch sensor that detects contact with the liquid crystal display panel are superimposed on each other.

[0037] The processor 700 reads and executes a control program 711 stored in the memory 710, thereby functioning as a third communication control unit 701, a first display control unit 702, and a first reception unit 703.

[0038] The third communication control unit 701 communicates with the management server 8 via the third communication device 71 . The first display control unit 702 causes the first touch panel 72 to display information. The first receiving unit 703 receives an operation on the first touch panel 72.

[0039] [1-4. Operation of the lender terminal] Next, the configuration of the lender terminal 6 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the lender terminal 6. The lender terminal 6 includes a second terminal control device 60, a fourth communication device 61, and a second touch panel 62.

[0040] The second terminal control device 60 is a device that controls each part of the lender terminal 6. The second terminal control device 60 includes a processor 600 such as a CPU or MPU, a memory 610, and an interface circuit 620 to which other devices and sensors are connected.

[0041] The memory 610 is a storage device that nonvolatilely stores programs and data executed by the processor 600. The memory 610 is configured by a magnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage element such as a flash ROM, or other types of nonvolatile storage devices. The memory 610 may also include a RAM that configures a work area for the processor 600. The memory 610 may also include a nonvolatile storage device such as an HDD or SSD. The memory 610 stores data processed by the processor 600 and a control program 611 executed by the processor 600.

[0042] The second terminal control device 60 is connected to a fourth communication device 61 and a second touch panel 62. The fourth communication device 61 is a device including a transmitter and a receiver for transmitting and receiving data to and from the management server 8. The fourth communication device 61 is a wireless communication device. The second touch panel 62 has a configuration in which a liquid crystal display panel that displays characters and images and a touch sensor that detects contact with the liquid crystal display panel are superimposed on each other.

[0043] The processor 600 reads and executes a control program 611 stored in the memory 610, thereby functioning as a fourth communication control unit 601, a second display control unit 602, and a second reception unit 603.

[0044] The fourth communication control unit 601 communicates with the management server 8 via the fourth communication device 61 . The second display control unit 602 causes the second touch panel 62 to display information. The second receiving unit 603 receives an operation on the second touch panel 62.

[0045] [1-5. Management Server Configuration] Next, the configuration of the management server 8 will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the management server 8. As shown in FIG. The management server 8 includes a server control device 80 and a fifth communication device 81.

[0046] The server control device 80 is a device that controls each part of the management server 8. The server control device 80 includes a processor 800 such as a CPU or MPU, a memory 810, and an interface circuit 820 to which a fifth communication device 81 is connected.

[0047] The memory 810 is a storage device that nonvolatilely stores programs and data executed by the processor 800. The memory 810 is configured with a magnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage element such as a flash ROM, or other types of nonvolatile storage devices. The memory 810 may also include a RAM that configures a work area for the processor 800. The memory 810 may also include a nonvolatile storage device such as an HDD or SSD. The memory 810 stores data processed by the processor 800, a control program 811 executed by the processor 800, a lessor management database 812, a lessee management database 813, an upload information management database 814, a request management database 815, an approved request management database 816, a rental management database 817, a station management database 818, and map data 819.

[0048] The lender management DB 812 stores a record containing information about each lender 3. The information about the lender 3 includes a lender ID, lender incentive information which is information about incentives granted to the lender 3, and communication information for communicating with the lender terminal 6. An example of the communication information is address information. The incentive may be money or a discount coupon.

[0049] The borrower management DB 813 stores, for each borrower 4, a record including information about the borrower 4. The information about the borrower 4 includes a borrower ID that uniquely identifies the borrower 4, borrower incentive information that is information about incentives granted to the borrower 4, and communication information for communicating with the borrower terminal 7.

[0050] The upload information management DB 814 stores, for each piece of upload information, a record that stores the upload information.

[0051] The request management DB 815 stores a record including information about each request to rent a power pack 2 (hereinafter referred to as a "rental request"). The information about the rental request includes a lender ID, a borrower ID, a battery ID, vehicle position information, and request type information. The request type information is information indicating the type of rental request. The types of rental requests will be described later.

[0052] The approved request management DB 816 stores, for each rental request for which the rental of a power pack 2 has been approved, a record including information about the rental request.

[0053] The rental management DB 817 stores, for each power pack 2 rented by the lessee 4, a record including information about the rental of the power pack 2. The information about the rental of the power pack 2 includes the lessee ID, the battery ID, request type information, and rental start date and time information. The rental start date and time information is information indicating the date and time when the rental of the power pack 2 started.

[0054] The station management DB 818 stores, for each station ST, a record including information about the station ST. The information about the station ST includes the name information of the station ST and the location information of the station ST.

[0055] The map data 819 is data that stores road map information, facility information on various facilities, data for map matching, etc. The road map information is made up of a road network in which roads on a map are represented by lines, and includes information on links in which intersections, branching points, etc. are used as nodes and divided into multiple sections, and the sections between each node are defined as links. The facility information indicates the location (latitude, longitude) of the facility, the name of the facility, an image of the facility, etc. The map data 819 includes image data of the map.

[0056] The fifth communication device 81 is a device including a transmitter and a receiver for transmitting and receiving data between the vehicle 5, the lender terminal 6, and the renter terminal 7. The fifth communication device 81 may be a wired communication device or a wireless communication device.

[0057] The processor 800 functions as a first incentive granting unit 801, a second incentive granting unit 802, an upload information processing unit 803, a request processing unit 804, a request cancellation unit 805, an approval / disapproval processing unit 806, a rental management unit 807, and a permission unit 808 by reading and executing a control program 811 stored in memory 810. The request processing unit 804 corresponds to the request receiving unit in this disclosure. The approval / disapproval processing unit 806 corresponds to the approval receiving unit in this disclosure.

[0058] The first incentive granting unit 801 grants an incentive to the lender 3. Specifically, the first incentive granting unit 801 identifies the lender incentive information of the lender 3 to be granted based on the lender ID from the lender management DB 812. Then, the first incentive granting unit 801 updates the incentive indicated by the identified lender incentive information to an incentive that includes the incentive to be granted.

[0059] The second incentive granting unit 802 grants an incentive to the borrower 4. Specifically, the second incentive granting unit 802 identifies the borrower incentive information of the borrower 4 to be granted based on the borrower ID from the borrower management DB 813. Then, the second incentive granting unit 802 updates the incentive indicated by the borrower incentive information to an incentive that includes the incentive to be granted.

[0060] The upload information processing unit 803 receives the upload information via the fifth communication device 81. The upload information processing unit 803 processes the received upload information. Specific processing will be described later.

[0061] The request processing unit 804 accepts a rental request from the lessee 4. Specifically, the request processing unit 804 receives rental request information indicating a rental request from the lessee terminal 7 via the fifth communication device 81. In this embodiment, the rental request is classified into a first request and a second request. The first request is a rental request that does not involve the return of the power pack 2 to the lessor 3. The second request is a rental request that involves the return of the power pack 2 to the lessee 4. The request processing unit 804 accepts the first request or the second request by receiving the first request information indicating the first request or the second request information indicating the second request.

[0062] The request canceling unit 805 cancels the rental request accepted by the request processing unit 804 .

[0063] The approval / disapproval processing unit 806 receives from the lender 3 approval of the borrowing request received by the request processing unit 804, or disapproval of the borrowing request received by the request processing unit 804. Specifically, the approval / disapproval processing unit 806 receives approval information indicating approval or disapproval information indicating disapproval from the lender terminal 6 via the fifth communication device 81.

[0064] The rental management unit 807 manages the power pack 2 rented by the renter 4.

[0065] The permission unit 808 permits the lender 3 to take the power pack 2 out of the station ST. Specifically, the permission unit 808 permits the lender 3 to take the power pack 2 out by transmitting permission information to the lender terminal 6 via the fifth communication device 81. The permission information is information indicating permission to take the power pack 2 out of the station ST.

[0066] [1-6. Operation of each part of the rental system] Next, the operation of each part of the rental system 1 will be described.

[0067] When lending or borrowing a power pack 2, the borrower terminal 7 displays a borrowing request screen KG, which will be described later, and the borrower 4 operates the displayed borrowing request screen KG to make a borrowing request to the lender 3. The management server 8 generates image data of the borrowing request screen KG using the upload information stored in the upload information management DB 814, and transmits the generated image data of the borrowing request screen KG to the borrower terminal 7. The management server 8 generates the borrowing request screen KG and transmits the image data of the borrowing request screen KG when a predetermined trigger occurs. Examples of predetermined triggers include when the upload information management DB 814 is updated or when a predetermined period has arrived.

[0068] First, the operation of each part of the rental system 1 related to the uploaded information will be described. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rental system 1. In FIG. 6, a flowchart FA shows the operation of the vehicle 5, and a flowchart FB shows the operation of the management server 8.

[0069] As shown in the flowchart FA, the first communication control unit 501 determines whether a trigger for transmitting upload information has occurred (step SA1). Examples of the trigger include the passage of a predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes) since the previous upload information was transmitted, the ignition of the vehicle 5 being turned on, or the ignition of the vehicle 5 being turned off.

[0070] When first communication control unit 501 determines that a trigger for transmitting upload information has occurred (step SA1: YES), first communication control unit 501 generates upload information (step SA2).

[0071] In step SA2, the first communication control unit 501 acquires a combination of the battery ID and charge amount information received by the second communication unit 52 from the second communication unit 52. The first communication control unit 501 also acquires vehicle position information from the position detection unit 54. The first communication control unit 501 also acquires the lender ID from the memory 510. The first communication control unit 501 generates upload information including the acquired information. The lender ID is stored in advance in memory 510 at a predetermined timing.

[0072] Returning to the explanation of the flowchart FA, first communication control unit 501 transmits the generated upload information to management server 8 (step SA3).

[0073] As shown in the flowchart FB, the upload information processing unit 803 receives upload information from the vehicle 5 (step SB1).

[0074] Next, the upload information processing unit 803 stores the upload information received in step SB1 in the upload information management DB 814 (step SB2). In addition, in step SB2, if upload information having the same lender ID as the lender ID contained in the upload information received in step SB1 exists in the upload information management DB 814, the upload information processing unit 803 updates the upload information having the same lender ID to the upload information received in step SB1.

[0075] Next, a flowchart showing the operation of the rental system 1 related to a rental request will be shown. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rental system 1. In FIG. 7, flowchart FC shows the operation of the borrower terminal 7, flowchart D shows the operation of the management server 8, and flowchart FE shows the operation of the lender terminal 6.

[0076] At the start of the flowchart FC, the first display control unit 702 displays the rental request screen KG on the first touch panel 72. The rental request screen KG is a screen for requesting the rental of a power pack 2.

[0077] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the rental request screen KG. The rental request screen KG is a screen that displays a map and first icons IC1 superimposed on the map. The rental request screen KG displays one first icon IC1 for each power pack 2 located on the map. The first icon IC1 includes information on the charge level of the corresponding power pack 2 and information on the fee for renting the power pack 2. The first icon IC1 is displayed at a position on the map that corresponds to the current location of the corresponding power pack 2. When multiple first icons I1 are displayed at the same position, the rental request screen KG displays second icons IC2 that include these first icons IC1. The second icon IC2 is displayed at a position on the map that corresponds to the current location of the power pack 2 that corresponds to the first icon IC1 that it contains.

[0078] The display position of the first icon IC1 on the rental request screen KG changes when the current location of the corresponding power pack 2 changes. Also, the charge amount indicated by the first icon IC1 changes when the charge amount of the corresponding power pack 2 changes. Also, the fee indicated by the first icon IC1 changes appropriately when the current location of the corresponding power pack 2 changes.

[0079] As described above, when a predetermined trigger occurs, the management server 8 generates a rental request screen KG and transmits image data of the generated rental request screen KG to the renter terminal 7. The management server 8 generates the rental request screen KG by referencing the records stored in the upload information management DB 814, the records stored in the station management DB 818, and the map data 819. In generating the rental request screen KG, the management server 8 generates a first icon IC1 and displays the first icon IC1 on the map for each battery ID included in the upload information based on various information associated with that battery ID. Note that in this embodiment, the management server 8 generates the rental request screen KG using the current location of the vehicle 5 as the current location of the power pack 2.

[0080] The management server 8 determines the fee indicated by the first icon IC1 according to the distance between the current location of the power pack 2 and the location of the nearest station ST from the current location of the power pack 2. The fee indicated by the first icon IC1 is a basic fee plus a fee according to the distance.

[0081] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the fees indicated by the first icon IC1. FIG. 9 shows three first icons IC1. In the example of FIG. 9, the current location of the power pack 2 corresponding to the first icon IC1-1 is 10 km away from the location of the station ST. In the example of FIG. 9, the current location of the power pack 2 corresponding to the first icon IC1-2 is 8 km away from the location of the station ST. In the example of FIG. 9, the current location of the power pack 2 corresponding to the first icon IC1-3 is 6 km away from the location of the station ST.

[0082] In the example of Fig. 9, the basic fee is 3,000 yen, and the fee increases by 200 yen for every 2 km away from station ST. Therefore, in the example of Fig. 9, first icon IC1-1 indicates a fee of 4,000 yen, first icon IC1-2 indicates a fee of 3,800 yen, and first icon IC1-3 indicates a fee of 3,600 yen.

[0083] Returning to the explanation of the flowchart FC, the first reception unit 703 receives the selection of the first icon IC1 on the rental request screen KG displayed on the first touch panel 72 (step SC1).

[0084] Next, the first reception unit 703 receives an input as to whether or not the power pack 2 will be returned to the lender 3 after being rented (step SC2).

[0085] Next, the third communication control unit 701 transmits the first request information or the second request information to the management server 8 (step SC3). The first request information and the second request information include the battery ID corresponding to the first icon IC1 selected in step SC1, the lender ID of the power pack 2 corresponding to that battery ID, and the borrower ID stored in memory 710. Note that the image data of the rental request screen KG describes the battery ID of the corresponding power pack 2 linked to each first icon IC1. Also, the image data of the rental request screen KG describes the lender ID of the lender 3 who will lend the corresponding power pack 2 linked to each first icon IC1. The borrower ID is stored in memory 710 in advance at a predetermined timing.

[0086] If the first reception unit 703 receives an input indicating that the power pack 2 will not be returned in step SC2, the third communication control unit 701 transmits first request information in step SC3. If the first reception unit 703 receives an input indicating that the power pack 2 will be returned in step SC2, the third communication control unit 701 transmits second request information in step SC3.

[0087] As shown in flowchart FE, the request processing unit 804 receives the first request information or the second request information from the borrower terminal 7 (step SE1). At this point, the fee for renting the power pack 2 is provisionally determined. That is, the fee may have changed since the borrower 4 selected the first icon IC1 and sent the first request information or the second request information due to the lender 3 moving, and the provisional determination is performed so that the fee does not change from the fee confirmed by the borrower 4.

[0088] Next, the request processor 804 generates a record to be stored in the request management DB 815 (step SE2).

[0089] In step SE2, the request processing unit 804 identifies upload information including the battery ID included in the first request information or the second request information from the upload information management DB 814, and acquires the vehicle position information included in the identified upload information. Then, the request processing unit 804 generates a record including the battery ID, lender ID, and borrower ID included in the first request information or the second request information, the acquired vehicle position information, and request type information indicating whether the request is the first request or the second request.

[0090] Next, the request processor 804 stores the record created in step SE2 in the request management DB 815 (step SE3).

[0091] Next, the request processing unit 804 transmits approval / disapproval request information to the lender terminal 6 (step SE4). The approval / disapproval request information is information requesting the lender 3 to approve or disapprove the rental request accepted in step SE1. The approval / disapproval request information includes the lender ID, borrower ID, and battery ID included in the first request information or second request information received in step SE1. In step SE4, the request processing unit 804 identifies communication information corresponding to the lender ID included in the first request information or second request information from the lender management DB 812, and transmits approval / disapproval request information to the lender terminal 6 based on the identified communication information.

[0092] As shown in flowchart FE, the fourth communication control unit 601 receives approval / disapproval request information from the management server 8 (step SE1).

[0093] Next, second display control section 602 displays the approval / disapproval request information received in step SE1 (step SE2).

[0094] The second receiving unit 603 receives an operation to approve or disapprove the request indicated by the approval / disapproval request information displayed in step SH2 (step SE3).

[0095] The fourth communication control unit 601 transmits approval information indicating that the rental request has been approved, or disapproval information indicating that the rental request has not been approved (step SE4). If the second reception unit 603 receives an approval operation in step SE3, the fourth communication control unit 601 transmits approval information, and if the second reception unit 603 receives a disapproval operation in step SE3, the fourth communication control unit 601 transmits disapproval information. The approval information and non-approval information include the lender ID, borrower ID, and battery ID included in the approval / non-approval request information received in step SE1.

[0096] As shown in flowchart FD, approval / disapproval processor 806 receives approval information or disapproval information (step SD5).

[0097] The approval / disapproval processor 806 determines whether approval information or disapproval information has been received (step SD6).

[0098] If the approval / disapproval processing unit 806 determines that it has received disapproval information (step SD6: disapproval information), the request cancellation unit 805 cancels the borrowing request accepted by the request processing unit 804 in step D1 (step SD7). More specifically, the request cancellation unit 805 identifies a record in the request management DB 815 that includes the battery ID included in the disapproval information, and deletes the identified record from the request management DB 815.

[0099] Next, the approval / disapproval processing unit 806 transmits the disapproval information to the borrower terminal 7 (step SD8). In step SD8, the approval / disapproval processing unit 806 identifies, from the borrower management DB 813, the communication information corresponding to the borrower ID included in the disapproval information, and transmits the disapproval information to the borrower terminal 7 based on the identified communication information.

[0100] Returning to the explanation of step SD6, if it is determined that approval information has been received (step SD6: approval information), the approval / disapproval processing unit 806 transfers the record including the battery ID included in the approval information from the request management DB 815 to the approved request management DB 816 (step SD9). In addition, in this step, the fee that was provisionally determined at the time of step SE1 is finalized.

[0101] Next, the approval / disapproval processing unit 806 transmits the approval information to the borrower terminal 7 (step SD10). In step SD10, the approval / disapproval processing unit 806 identifies, from the borrower management DB 813, the communication information corresponding to the borrower ID included in the approval information, and transmits the approval information to the borrower terminal 7 based on the identified communication information.

[0102] As shown in the flowchart FC, the third communication control unit 701 receives approval information or disapproval information from the management server 8 (step SC4).

[0103] Next, the first display control unit 702 displays the approval information or disapproval information received in step SC4 on the first touch panel 72 (step C5), allowing the borrower 4 to confirm whether the lender 3 has approved the borrowing request.

[0104] In the rental system 1, the operation shown in FIG. 10 is performed from the time when the borrower 4 makes a rental request until the time when the lender 3 approves it. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rental system 1. In FIG. 10, flowchart FF shows the operation of the borrower terminal 7, flowchart FG shows the operation of the management server 8, and flowchart FH shows the operation of the lender terminal 6.

[0105] The operation of the flowchart FG is an operation targeted at one record stored in the request management DB 815. The management server 8 performs the operation of the flowchart FG for each record stored in the request management DB 815.

[0106] The request cancellation unit 805 determines whether the current location of the power pack 2 corresponding to the record to be processed has moved a predetermined distance or more from the location when the borrower 4 made the borrowing request (step SG1).

[0107] Step SG1 will now be described in detail. The request cancellation unit 805 identifies, from the upload information management DB, upload information having the same battery ID as the battery ID included in the record to be processed. Next, the request cancellation unit 805 sets the current position of the power pack 2 as the current position of the vehicle 5, and calculates the distance between the current position of the vehicle 5 indicated by the vehicle position information included in the identified upload information and the position of the vehicle 5 indicated by the vehicle position information included in the record to be processed. Next, if the calculated distance is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance, the request cancellation unit 805 makes a positive determination in step SG1, and if the calculated distance is less than the predetermined distance, it makes a negative determination in step SG1.

[0108] If the request cancellation unit 805 determines that the current position of the power pack 2 has not moved by more than a predetermined distance (step SG1: NO), it determines whether or not the record to be processed exists in the request management DB 815 (step SG2).

[0109] If the request cancellation unit 805 determines that the record to be processed does not exist in the request management DB 815 (step SG2: YES), it ends this process.

[0110] On the other hand, if the request cancellation unit 805 determines that the record to be processed exists in the request management DB 815 (step SG2: NO), it performs the determination in step SG1 again.

[0111] Returning to the explanation of step SG1, if the request cancellation unit 805 determines that the current position of the power pack 2 has moved by more than a predetermined distance (step SG1: YES), it cancels the rental request corresponding to the record to be processed (step SG3). That is, in step SG3, the request cancellation unit 805 deletes the record to be processed from the request management DB 815.

[0112] The request cancellation unit 805 transmits request cancellation information indicating that the rent request has been canceled to the borrower terminal 7 via the fifth communication device 81 (step SG4). The request cancellation information includes the battery ID included in the erased record.

[0113] As shown in flowchart FF, third communication control unit 701 receives request cancellation information (step SF1), and first display control unit 702 displays the received request cancellation information on first touch panel 72 (step SF2).

[0114] Returning to the explanation of the flowchart FG, the request cancellation unit 805 transmits request cancellation information to the lender terminal 6 via the fifth communication device 81 (step SG5).

[0115] As shown in flowchart FH, fourth communication control unit 601 receives request cancellation information (step SH1), and second display control unit 602 displays the received request cancellation information on second touch panel 62 (step SH2).

[0116] Next, the operation of the management server 8 related to the granting of incentives to the lender 3 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart FI showing the operation of the management server 8.

[0117] The first incentive granting unit 801 determines whether or not lending / borrowing completion information indicating that the power pack 2 has been lent / borrowed has been received (step SI1). The lending / borrowing completion information may be transmitted from the borrower terminal 7 or from the lender terminal 6. The lending / borrowing completion information includes the battery ID of the power pack 2 that has been lent / borrowed.

[0118] When the first incentive granting unit 801 determines that the lending completion information has been received (step SI1: YES), it identifies a record including the battery ID included in the lending completion information from the approved request management DB 816 (step SI2).

[0119] Next, the first incentive granting unit 801 calculates an incentive to be granted to the lender 3 based on the record identified in step SI2 (step SI3).

[0120] Step SI3 will now be described in detail. The first incentive granting unit 801 sets the current position of the vehicle 5 indicated by the vehicle position information of the record identified in step SI2 as the current position of the power pack 2, and acquires the position information of the station ST closest to the current position of the power pack 2 from the station management DB 818. Next, the first incentive granting unit 801 calculates the distance between the position of the station ST indicated by the acquired position information and the current position of the vehicle 5 that has been set as the current position of the power pack 2. Next, the first incentive granting unit 801 calculates an incentive based on the calculated distance. The first incentive granting unit 801 calculates the incentive so that the longer the calculated distance, the higher the incentive. Note that if the incentive is monetary, the first incentive granting unit 801 calculates the incentive using the same calculation as for the fee indicated by the first icon IC1. As a result, the same amount as the fee paid by the borrower 4 is granted to the lender 3.

[0121] Next, the first incentive granting unit 801 grants the calculated incentive to the lender 3 (step SI4).

[0122] Next, the lease management unit 807 deletes the record identified in step SI2 from the approved request management DB 816 (step SI5).

[0123] Next, the rental management unit 807 generates a record to be stored in the rental management DB 817 (step SI6). In step SI6, the rental management unit 807 generates a record including various information included in the record deleted in step SI5 and start date and time information indicating the date and time when rental of the power pack 2 started.

[0124] Next, the rental management unit 807 stores the record created in step SI5 in the rental management DB 817 (step SI7).

[0125] Next, we will explain the operation of the management server 8 after the lending or borrowing of the power pack 2. In explaining this operation, we will explain the case where the lending or borrowing of the power pack 2 is done without returning it to the lender 3, and the case where the lending or borrowing of the power pack 2 is done with returning it to the lender 3.

[0126] First, the operation of the management server 8 when a power pack 2 is lent or borrowed without being returned to the lender 3 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart FJ showing the operation of the management server 8.

[0127] The second incentive granting unit 802 determines whether or not storage information indicating that the power pack 2 has been stored in the station ST has been received (step SJ1). The storage information includes the battery ID of the power pack 2 stored in the station ST. The second incentive granting unit 802 may receive the storage information from the borrower terminal 7 or from a communication device installed in the station ST.

[0128] When the second incentive granting unit 802 determines that the stored information has been received (step SI1: YES), it refers to the rental management DB 817 and identifies a record including the battery ID of the stored information (step SI2).

[0129] Next, the second incentive granting unit 802 grants an incentive to the lessee 4 identified by the lessee ID included in the record identified in step SI2 (step SI3). In this embodiment, the incentive granted to the lessee 4 may be a fixed incentive, or an incentive whose value changes depending on a predetermined factor. If the incentive is monetary, for example, the second incentive granting unit 802 grants 2,800 yen to the lessee 4. Here, if the lessee 4 rents the power pack 2 from the lessor 3 for 3,000 yen, the lessee 4 will end up paying 200 yen to the operator of the rental system 1 as electricity usage.

[0130] Next, the rental management unit 807 deletes the record identified in step SI2 from the rental management DB 817 (step SI4).

[0131] Next, the operation of the management server 8 when a power pack 2 is lent and borrowed, with the power pack 2 being returned to the lender 3, will be described.

[0132] 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rental system 1. In FIG. 13, a flowchart FK shows the operation of the management server 8, and a flowchart FL shows the operation of the lender terminal 6. In the operation of the flowchart FK, the record whose request type information indicates the second request is processed.

[0133] As shown in the flowchart FK, the permission unit 808 determines whether a predetermined period (for example, one day) has passed since the power pack 2 corresponding to the record to be processed was rented out (step SK1).

[0134] Step SK1 will now be described in detail. If the current date and time is a predetermined period after the start date and time indicated by the start date and time information included in the processing record, the permission unit 808 makes an affirmative determination in step SK1.

[0135] If the permission unit 808 determines that the predetermined period has not elapsed since the power pack 2 was rented out, it ends this process.

[0136] Next, on the other hand, if the permission unit 808 determines that a predetermined period of time has passed since the power pack 2 was rented out (step SK1: YES), it transmits permission information to the lender terminal 6 via the fifth communication device 81 (step SK2). In step SK2, the permission unit 808 transmits the permission information to the lender terminal 6 based on the communication information corresponding to the lender ID included in the record to be processed.

[0137] As shown in flowchart FL, the fourth communication control unit 601 receives permission information from the management server 8 (step SL1). Next, the second display control unit 602 displays the permission information received in step SL1 on the second touch panel 62 (step SL2).

[0138] [2. Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment described above, an incentive is given to the lender 3 according to the distance between the current location of the power pack 2 when the borrower 4 makes a rental request and the location of the nearest station ST. In the second embodiment, the incentive given to the lender 3 may differ depending on the amount of charge of the power pack 2 when the borrower 4 makes a rental request, in addition to the distance. For example, in the second embodiment, the lower the amount of charge of the power pack 2, the lower the incentive given to the lender 3. Also, in the second embodiment, the borrower 4 can rent the power pack 2 at a fee according to the amount of charge of the power pack 2 when the borrowing request is made. For example, in the second embodiment, the less the amount of charge of the power pack 2, the lower the price at which the borrower 4 can rent the power pack 2.

[0139] The management server 8 of the second embodiment generates image data of the rental request screen KG displaying a first icon IC1 indicating a fee reflecting the amount of charge of the power pack 2, and transmits the generated image data to the renter terminal 7.

[0140] The request processing unit 804 and the approval / disapproval processing unit 806 of the second embodiment store in the target database a record including information on the amount of charge of the power pack 2 when a request to borrow the power pack 2 is made. Then, the first incentive granting unit 801 refers to the information on the amount of charge of the power pack 2 included in the record and grants an incentive to the lender 3 according to the amount of charge of the power pack 2. For example, if the incentive is monetary, the first incentive granting unit 801 grants to the lender 3 an amount corresponding to the fee paid by the borrower 4, i.e., the basic fee and additional fee, minus an amount according to the amount of charge of the power pack 2.

[0141] 3. Third Embodiment In the first embodiment described above, when the borrower 4 makes a rental request, the borrower 4 can specify whether or not to return the power pack 2. In the third embodiment, when the borrower 4 makes a rental request, the borrower 4 can specify the location where the power pack 2 will be borrowed. Hereinafter, a rental request in which the location where the power pack 2 will be borrowed is specified is referred to as a third request.

[0142] In the third embodiment, the first accepting unit 703 accepts input of a location to rent a power pack 2. In the third embodiment, the third communication control unit 701 transmits third request information indicating a third request specifying the location accepted by the first accepting unit 703 to the management server 8. The information included in the third request information includes information on the location accepted by the first accepting unit 703 and various information included in the first request information and the second request information.

[0143] The request processing unit 804 and the approval / disapproval processing unit 806 of the third embodiment store in the target database a record that further includes location information received by the first receiving unit 703. Then, the first incentive granting unit 801 increases the incentive to grant to the lender 3 when the referenced record includes location information compared to when the referenced record does not include location information. For example, when the incentive is a monetary amount, the management server 8 of the third embodiment grants to the lender 3 an amount equal to the fee paid by the borrower 4, i.e., the basic fee and additional fee, plus an amount equivalent to a delivery fee.

[0144] [4. Fourth Embodiment] In the first embodiment described above, the renter 4 can specify that he / she will return the power pack 2 when making a rental request. In the fourth embodiment, the renter 4 can specify the amount of electricity to be used and the duration of use when making a second request. Hereinafter, the second request in which the amount of electricity to be used and the duration of use are specified will be referred to as the fourth request.

[0145] In the fourth embodiment, the borrower 4 can rent the power pack 2 for a price according to the amount of electricity used and the duration of use. For example, in the second embodiment, the less the amount of electricity used, the lower the price at which the borrower can rent the power pack 2, and the shorter the duration of use, the lower the price at which the borrower can rent the power pack 2.

[0146] In the fourth embodiment, the first receiving unit 703 receives input of the amount of electricity to be used and the usage time. In the fourth embodiment, the third communication control unit 701 transmits fourth request information indicating a fourth request in which the amount of electricity and usage time received by the first receiving unit 703 are specified to the management server 8. The information included in the fourth request information includes the information on the amount of electricity and usage time received by the first receiving unit 703 and various information included in the first request information and the second request information.

[0147] The request processing unit 804 and the approval / disapproval processing unit 806 of the fourth embodiment store, in the target database, a record further including information on the amount of electricity and the duration of use received by the first receiving unit 703. The first incentive granting unit 801 grants a different incentive to the lender 3 when the referenced record includes information on the amount of electricity and the duration of use compared to when the referenced record does not include information on the amount of electricity and the duration of use. For example, the less the amount of electricity, the less the incentive granted to the lender 3, and the shorter the duration of use, the less the incentive granted to the lender 3. For example, when the incentive is monetary, the first incentive granting unit 801 grants to the lender 3 an amount corresponding to the fee paid by the borrower 4 (a fee obtained by deducting the basic fee and additional fee more significantly as the amount of electricity used decreases). Furthermore, when the incentive is monetary, the first incentive granting unit 801 grants to the lender 3 an amount corresponding to the fee paid by the borrower 4 (a fee obtained by deducting the basic fee and additional fee more significantly as the duration of use decreases).

[0148] 5. Other Embodiments The above-described embodiment is merely one aspect, and any modifications and applications are possible.

[0149] In the above-described embodiment, the lessee 4 can receive an incentive by storing the power pack 2 borrowed from the lender 3 in the station ST. In other embodiments, the incentive received by the lessee 4 may differ depending on the type of station ST. For example, if the power pack 2 is stored in a station ST managed by the dealer of the vehicle operated by the lessee 4, the incentive received by the lessee 4 may be increased compared to when the power pack 2 is stored in another station ST.

[0150] In the above-described embodiment, the lessee 4 is able to receive an incentive by storing the power pack 2 borrowed by the lender 3 in the station ST. In other embodiments, the lessee 4 may be able to receive an incentive even if a power pack 2 different from the power pack 2 borrowed from the lender 3 is stored in the station ST. For example, if the lessee 4 ends up owning two power packs 2 by borrowing from the lender 3, the lessee 4 can receive an incentive even if the lessee 4 stores in the station ST a power pack 2 that he or she originally owned, other than the power pack 2 borrowed from the lender 3.

[0151] In the above-described embodiment, the vehicle 5 is exemplified as a moving body provided with the power pack 2. However, the moving body is not limited to the vehicle 5, and may be an object that moves on land, in the air, on the sea, or in water, operated by the lender 3. Such an object may be, for example, an aircraft, a ship, or the like.

[0152] In the above-described embodiment, portable terminal devices are exemplified as the lender terminal 6 and the borrower terminal 7. However, the lender terminal 6 and the borrower terminal 7 are not limited to portable terminal devices, and may be in-vehicle devices.

[0153] The processors 500, 600, 700, and 800 may be configured with multiple processors or a single processor. The processors 500, 600, 700, and 800 may be hardware programmed to implement the functions of each unit described below. In this case, the processors 500, 600, 700, and 800 may be configured with, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0154] Furthermore, the components of the devices constituting the rental system 1 shown in Figures 2-5 are merely examples, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessary to implement hardware corresponding to each component individually, and it is of course possible to configure the functions of each component to be realized by a single processor executing a program. Furthermore, some of the functions realized by software in the above-described embodiments may be implemented by hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be implemented by software. In addition, the specific detailed configurations of the other components of the devices constituting the rental system 1 may also be changed as desired within the scope of the present invention.

[0155] Furthermore, the step units of the operations shown in Figures 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, and 13 are divided according to the main processing content, and the present invention is not limited by the way in which the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units. The processing may be divided into more step units according to the processing content. Furthermore, one step unit may be divided so as to include more processing. Furthermore, the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate within the scope of the present invention.

[0156] 6. Configurations Supported by the Above Embodiments The above embodiment supports the following configurations.

[0157] (Configuration 1) A management server that manages the lending and borrowing of batteries between a lender who lends a battery and a borrower who borrows the battery, the management server having a first incentive granting unit that grants an incentive to the lender who lends the battery, the first incentive granting unit granting an incentive to the borrower based on the distance between the location of the battery when the borrower requests to borrow the battery and the location of a fixed station where the battery is installed. According to the management server of configuration 1, an incentive can be given to the lender according to the distance between the location of the battery when the borrower requests to borrow the battery and the location of the fixed station where the battery is installed, so that an appropriate incentive can be given to the lender. Furthermore, because an appropriate incentive can be given to the lender, it is possible to stimulate the lender's desire to lend a battery and increase the possibility that the lending and borrowing of a battery will be carried out at a location away from the fixed station. This makes it easy for the borrower to borrow a battery.

[0158] (Configuration 2) a request receiving unit that receives the request from the borrower; a request cancellation unit that cancels the request received by the request receiving unit; and an approval receiving unit that receives from the lender an approval for the request received by the request receiving unit, wherein the first incentive granting unit grants an incentive to the lender who has given the approval received by the approval receiving unit and who has lent the battery, and the request cancellation unit cancels the request if the battery that is the subject of the request received by the request receiving unit has moved a predetermined distance or more from its location when the borrower made the request before the lender gives the approval. According to the management server of configuration 2, if the battery that is the subject of the borrowing request has moved a predetermined distance or more before the lender approves it, the request is canceled. In a configuration in which incentives are set based on the distance, if the borrower requests to borrow a battery while the lender is moving the battery, the incentive granted to the lender may be different from the incentive that should have been granted. However, because the management server of configuration 2 cancels the request to borrow the battery, it is possible to appropriately grant the appropriate incentive to the lender.

[0159] (Configuration 3) A management server as described in configuration 1 or 2, comprising a request receiving unit that receives the request from the borrower and a second incentive granting unit that grants an incentive to the borrower, wherein the request receiving unit receives a first request that does not involve returning the battery to the lender, and the second incentive granting unit grants an incentive to the borrower when the borrower stores the battery in the station in response to the first request received by the request receiving unit. According to the management server of configuration 2, by storing the battery in a fixed station, an incentive is given to the borrower, which can motivate the borrower to borrow the battery. Therefore, it is possible to further increase the possibility of lending and borrowing batteries at locations away from fixed stations.

[0160] (Configuration 4) A management server as described in configuration 3, further comprising a permission unit that permits the lender to take out the battery installed in the station, wherein the request receiving unit receives a second request that is the request involving the return of the battery to the lender, and the permission unit permits the lender to take out the battery if the borrower does not return the battery loaned by the lender within a predetermined period after the lender loans the battery in response to the second request received by the request receiving unit. According to the management server of configuration 4, by allowing the battery to be taken out from a fixed station, the lender does not have to wait an unnecessarily long time at the battery return location, thereby improving the convenience for the lender.

[0161] (Configuration 5) The management server according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the first incentive granting unit varies the incentive granted to the lender depending on the amount of charge of the battery at the time the borrower makes the request. According to the management server of configuration 5, an incentive can be given to the lender according to the charge level of the battery, so that the lending and borrowing of batteries can be carried out appropriately without being restricted by the charge level of the battery. Therefore, for example, the lower the charge level of the battery, the lower the price at which the battery can be borrowed and borrowed, which improves the convenience for the borrower and increases the possibility of lending and borrowing of batteries at locations far from the station.

[0162] (Configuration 6) A management server as described in configurations 1 to 5, comprising: a request receiving unit that receives the request from the borrower; and an approval receiving unit that receives from the lender approval for the request received by the request receiving unit, wherein the request receiving unit receives a third request that specifies a location to borrow the battery, and the first incentive granting unit increases the incentive to be granted to the lender when the approval receiving unit receives the approval for the third request. According to the management server of configuration 6, the borrower can specify the location where the battery will be borrowed, and an appropriate incentive can be given to the lender for delivering the battery to the specified location. This improves the convenience of both the lender and the borrower in the battery lending and lending process.

[0163] (Configuration 7) The management server according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, comprising: a request receiving unit that receives the request from the lender; and an approval receiving unit that receives from the lender approval for the request received by the request receiving unit, wherein the request receiving unit receives a fourth request that specifies the amount of electricity in the battery before use and the usage time of the battery, and when the approval receiving unit receives the approval for the fourth request, the first incentive granting unit grants the lender an incentive according to the amount of electricity and usage time specified in the fourth request. According to the management server of configuration 7, it is possible to lend or borrow a battery according to the needs of the borrower, and to provide the lender with an appropriate incentive according to the needs of the borrower. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience of both the borrower and the lender in lending or borrowing a battery.

[0164] (Configuration 8) A control method of a management server that manages the lending and borrowing of a battery between a lender who lends a battery and a borrower who borrows the battery, comprising a step of granting an incentive to the lender who lends the battery, the step of granting an incentive to the lender according to the distance between the position of the battery when the borrower requests to borrow the battery and the position of a fixed station where the battery is installed. According to the control method for the management server of the eighth configuration, the same effects as those of the management server of the first configuration are achieved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0165] 1...rental system, 2...power pack (battery), 3...lender, 4...lender, 5...vehicle, 6...lender terminal, 7...renter terminal, 8...management server, 80...server control device, 81...fifth communication device, 800...processor, 801...first incentive granting unit, 802...second incentive granting unit, 803...upload information processing unit, 804...request processing unit (request receiving unit), 805...request cancellation unit, 806...approval / non-approval processing unit (approval receiving unit), 807...rental management unit, 808...permission unit, 810...memory, 811...control program, 812...lender management DB, 813...renter management DB, 814...upload information management DB, 815...request management DB, 816...approved request management DB, 817...rental management DB, 818...station management DB, 819...map data, 820...interface circuit, ST...station.

Claims

1. A management server for managing the lending and borrowing of batteries, in which a lender takes a battery to be lent out from a fixed station, and a borrower can receive the battery taken out by the lender at a location other than the fixed station, a first incentive granting unit that grants an incentive to the lender who lends the battery; The first incentive granting unit: When the borrower makes a request to borrow the battery, the greater the distance between the location of the battery owned by the borrower and the location of the fixed station where the battery can be stored and where the battery available for borrowing by the borrower is stored, the greater the incentive given to the lender. Management server.

2. a request receiving unit that receives the request from the borrower; a request canceling unit that cancels the request accepted by the request accepting unit; an approval receiving unit that receives approval for the request received by the request receiving unit from the lender; the first incentive granting unit grants an incentive to the lender who has given the approval received by the approval receiving unit and who has lent the battery; the request cancellation unit cancels the request if the battery that is the subject of the request accepted by the request acceptance unit has moved a predetermined distance or more from the location of the battery when the borrower made the request before the lender gives the approval; The management server according to claim 1 .

3. a request receiving unit that receives the request from the borrower; a second incentive granting unit that grants an incentive to the borrower; the request receiving unit receives a first request that does not involve returning the battery to the lender; the second incentive granting unit grants an incentive to the borrower when the borrower stores the battery in the station in response to the first request accepted by the request accepting unit. The management server according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a permission unit that permits the lender to take out the battery provided in the station; the request receiving unit receives a second request that involves returning the battery to the lender; The permission unit and permitting the lender to take out a battery from the station in place of the battery if the borrower does not return the battery within a predetermined period after the lender has lent the battery in response to the second request received by the request receiving unit. The management server according to claim 3 .

5. The first incentive granting unit: the incentive is set according to the distance, and the smaller the amount of charge in the battery at the time the borrower makes the request, the smaller the incentive is given to the lender; The management server according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. a request receiving unit that receives the request from the borrower; an approval receiving unit that receives approval for the request received by the request receiving unit from the lender; the request receiving unit receives a third request that specifies a location from which the battery is to be borrowed; the first incentive granting unit increases an incentive to be granted to the lender when the approval receiving unit receives the approval for the third request. The management server according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. a request receiving unit that receives the request from the borrower; an approval receiving unit that receives approval for the request received by the request receiving unit from the lender; the request receiving unit receives a fourth request in which an amount of electricity in the battery before use and an operating time of the battery are specified; when the approval receiving unit receives the approval for the fourth request, the first incentive granting unit subtracts an incentive according to the amount of electricity and the usage time specified in the fourth request from the incentive set according to the separation distance and grants the incentive to the lessor; the first incentive granting unit is configured to reduce the incentive more significantly as the amount of electricity decreases and to reduce the incentive more significantly as the usage time decreases, The management server according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A control method for a management server that manages the lending and borrowing of batteries, in which a lender takes a battery to be lent out from a fixed station, and a borrower can receive the battery taken out by the lender at a location other than the fixed station, comprising: a step of the management server granting an incentive to the lender who lends the battery; The steps include: When the borrower makes a request to borrow the battery, the greater the distance between the location of the battery owned by the borrower and the location of the fixed station where the battery can be stored and where the battery available for borrowing by the borrower is stored, the greater the incentive given to the lender. How to control the management server.

Images