Rental space management system, rental space usage management device, and rental space usage management method

Abstract

To provide a rental space management system capable of providing services for utilizing a rental space efficiently corresponding to various modes of use with a simple procedure, a rental space usage management device, and a rental space usage management method.SOLUTION: The rental space management system includes: a provider-side unit 111 and the same that holds management information as the rental spaces reserved in advance by a specific user are regarded as the reserved spaces of users among the multiple rental spaces under management; a user-side unit 21 for allowing a user to operate; and a rental space usage management device 30 that is configured so as to, when acquiring a piece of usage request information requesting to use one of the reserved spaces for a specified period from the user side unit 21, change the management information to make the reserved space as a temporary free space capable of being used by others as the reserved spaces other than the reserved space requested in the usage request information for the period specified in the usage request information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a rental space management system, a rental space usage management device, and a rental space usage management method. [Background technology]

[0002] There are services such as rental parking lots and rental warehouses that rent out spaces of a certain size for a certain period of time. To use these services, various procedures must be completed before use. For example, if you wish to use the service for a long period of time under a monthly contract, you must complete the contract and renewal procedures in writing. Also, if you wish to rent space by the hour, you must complete the procedures for issuing a parking ticket. These procedures require a lot of effort from the user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2016-515081 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] On the other hand, logistics companies that provide home delivery services sometimes need space to temporarily store deliveries near the delivery destination in order to carry out delivery operations efficiently. For such purposes, it is effective to use the aforementioned rental parking lots and rental warehouses on an hourly basis, but traditional rental parking lots and rental warehouses have limited uses. For example, parking lots are only suitable for parking vehicles, and rental warehouses are intended for long-term use, making it difficult to flexibly use them in various ways, such as when a delivery company uses the rental space temporarily to deliver packages.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a rental space management system, a rental space usage management device, and a rental space usage management method that can provide services for efficiently using rental space in accordance with various usage patterns with simple procedures. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objective, the rental space management system of the present invention is characterized by comprising a provider-side device that holds management information that designates rental spaces that have been reserved in advance by a specified user as the user's reserved space among multiple rental spaces under management, a user-side device operated by the user, and a rental space usage management device that, when it receives usage request information from the user-side device requesting the use of one of the reserved spaces for a specified period of time, changes the management information so that reserved spaces other than the reserved space requested in the usage request information become temporary free spaces that can be temporarily used by others for the period specified in the usage request information.

[0007] In addition, the rental space usage management device of the present invention is connected to a provider-side device that holds management information that designates rental spaces that have been reserved in advance by a specified user as the user's reserved space among multiple rental spaces under management, and a user-side device operated by the user, and is characterized in that when usage request information is received from the user-side device requesting the use of one of the reserved spaces for a specified period, it is equipped with a usage reservation processing unit that changes the management information so that reserved spaces other than the reserved space requested in the usage request information become temporary free spaces that can be temporarily used by others for the period specified in the usage request information.

[0008] In addition, the rental space usage management method of the present invention is characterized in that a rental space usage management device connected to a provider-side device that holds management information designating rental spaces that have been reserved in advance by a specified user as the user's reserved space among multiple rental spaces to be managed, and a user-side device operated by the user, when it receives usage request information from the user-side device requesting the use of one of the reserved spaces for a specified period, changes the management information so that reserved spaces other than the reserved space requested in the usage request information become temporary free spaces that can be temporarily used by others for the period specified in the usage request information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the rental space management system, rental space usage management device, and rental space usage management method of the present invention, it is possible to provide a service that allows rental space to be used efficiently in accordance with various usage patterns with simple procedures. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a rental space management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 10 is a sequence diagram showing the operations executed when an individual user uses a rental space in a rental space management system according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] 10 is a sequence diagram showing the operation when a logistics company secures a specified rental space before use in a rental space management system according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 10 is a sequence diagram showing the operation when a logistics company secures a rental space meeting specified conditions before use in a rental space management system according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a sequence diagram showing the operation when a logistics company uses a rental space designated by the rental space management system according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a sequence diagram showing the operation when a logistics company uses a rental space with conditions specified in the rental space management system according to one embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7]10 is a sequence diagram showing the operation when the usage period of a logistics company has elapsed in a rental space management system according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the change state of the management mode type of each parking space when a reservation process is executed according to a first use reservation processing pattern in a rental space management system according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the change state of the management mode type of each parking space when a reservation process is executed according to a second use reservation processing pattern in a rental space management system according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the change state of the management mode type of each parking space when a reservation process is executed according to a third use reservation processing pattern in a rental space management system according to one embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the change state of the management mode type of each parking space when the reservation process is performed using the third use reservation process pattern and the use period has elapsed in a rental space management system according to one embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the change state of the management mode type of each parking space when a reservation process is executed according to a fourth use reservation process pattern in a rental space management system according to one embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the change state of the management mode type of each parking space when the reservation process is performed according to the fourth use reservation process pattern and the use period has elapsed in a rental space management system according to one embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the change state of the management mode type of each parking space when a reservation process is executed according to a fifth use reservation process pattern in a rental space management system according to one embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the change state of the management mode type of each parking space when a reservation process is executed according to a sixth use reservation process pattern in a rental space management system according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] <Configuration of a rental space management system using a rental space usage management device according to one embodiment> The configuration of a rental space management system using a rental space usage management device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 1. The rental space management system 1 according to this embodiment manages multiple rental spaces in multiple areas. The rental space management system 1 includes multiple provider-side devices installed for each rental space to be managed and managed by the rental space provider, user-side devices operated by users, and a rental space usage management device 30 communicatively connected to these provider-side devices and user-side devices.

[0012] In this embodiment, there are six parking lots (first parking lot 11 to sixth parking lot 16) in area A as facilities to be managed, and each parking lot has five parking spaces (i) to (v) as rental spaces. A management device (first parking lot management device 111 as a first provider-side device to sixth parking lot management device 161 as a sixth provider-side device) is installed in each of these parking lots. Other facilities to be managed include one parking lot (seventh parking lot 17) and a warehouse 18 in area B, each of which has multiple rental spaces. A management device (seventh parking lot management device 171 as a seventh provider-side device and warehouse management device 181 as an eighth provider-side device) is installed for each of these facilities.

[0013] Each of the parking lot management devices 111, 121, 131, 141, 151, 161, and 171 and the warehouse management device 181 stores, as management information, size information of the corresponding rental space, weight capacity information, management type information, usage status information including future usage reservation information and current usage status information, information on the presence or absence of an EV charger, information indicating whether the space is indoors or outdoors, information indicating whether the space is barrier-free, and usage cost information. Details of the management type information will be described later.

[0014] In addition, a user terminal (first user side device) 21 operated by a user X of these rental spaces is communicatively connected to the rental space usage management device 30. In addition, a logistics company terminal (second user side device) 22 managed by another user, logistics company Y, is communicatively connected to the rental space usage management device 30.

[0015] The rental space utilization management device 30 includes a space reservation processing unit 31 , a utilization reservation processing unit 32 , and a management information processing unit 33 .

[0016] When the space reservation processing unit 31 receives a space reservation request specifying desired conditions from one of the user-side devices, it performs space reservation processing to reserve a rental space in areas A and B for use by the user of the user-side device under the conditions specified in the space reservation request, based on the management information held in each provider-side device.

[0017] When the usage reservation processing unit 32 receives a usage request specifying desired conditions from one of the user devices, it searches for rental spaces in areas A and B that are available under the conditions specified in the usage request based on the management information held in each provider device, and sends the search results to the corresponding user device. Then, when it receives information on at least one rental space selected from the rental spaces included in the search results from the corresponding user device, it performs reservation processing to use the rental space for the usage period.

[0018] In addition, when the usage reservation processing unit 32 receives usage request information from a user device of a user who has reserved rental space in advance, requesting the use of one of the reserved spaces for a specified period of time, it changes the management information of the corresponding provider device so that the reserved spaces other than the reserved spaces requested in the usage request information become temporary free spaces that can be temporarily used by others for the period specified in the usage request information.

[0019] The management information processing unit 33 acquires management information from each provider-side device when the space reservation processing unit 31 executes a space reservation process or the use reservation processing unit 32 executes a use reservation process. In addition, the management information processing unit 33 transmits a request to change the management information to a predetermined provider-side device based on an instruction from the space reservation processing unit 31 or the use reservation processing unit 32.

[0020] <Operation of the rental space management system according to one embodiment> Next, as examples of the operation of the rental space management system 1 according to this embodiment, we will explain the cases where (1) a user X uses the rental space individually and (2) a logistics company Y uses the rental space for delivery work.

[0021] In this embodiment, each provider-side device holds information on the management type of each rental space, such as "free vacant space," "free use space," "secured space," "temporarily secured space," "temporary free space," or "unavailable space." The "free vacant space" type indicates that the corresponding rental space is a free space available to the public with no restrictions on users, usage period, or usage purpose, and is currently vacant. The "free use space" type indicates that the corresponding rental space is a free space currently in use. The "secured space" type indicates that the corresponding rental space has been secured by a specific user, as described below, and public use is restricted. The "temporary secured space" type indicates that the corresponding rental space is a free space, but its use is temporarily restricted as a secured space for a specific user. The "temporary free space" type indicates that the corresponding rental space has been secured by a specific user, but its use restrictions have been temporarily lifted as a free space. The "unavailable space" type indicates that the corresponding rental space has already been identified by a monthly contract or the like, and is unavailable for use by others.

[0022] (1) When User X uses the rental space as an individual The process when user X uses a rental space on his / her own will be described with reference to the sequence diagram in Fig. 2. First, user X uses user terminal 21 to input the desired conditions for using the rental space, such as information on the period of use, information on the location (area) of use, the type of items to be stored in the rental space (purpose of use), size information, weight information, and selected option information, to make a usage request.

[0023] For example, user X enters information about the usage period, such as the start month of usage in the case of a monthly subscription, or the start and end times of usage in the case of a one-time hourly rental. Furthermore, as information about the type (purpose of use), size, and weight of items to be stored in the rental space, if parking a vehicle, the user enters the vehicle model and vehicle number. Furthermore, if using a warehouse, the user enters information about the size, weight, and number of items to be stored. Furthermore, as information about selection options, if parking a vehicle, the user enters, for example, information about whether an EV charger is available, information specifying whether the space is indoors or outdoors, information indicating whether the space is barrier-free, and information indicating whether the user prioritizes usage cost or distance from the destination. Furthermore, if using a warehouse, the user enters information about whether the space is air-conditioned, the temperature and humidity levels, the presence or absence of refrigeration, the presence or absence of workspace, the presence or absence of parking space, etc.

[0024] Here, user X inputs information regarding the period of time for hourly rental, information specifying area A as the location of use, the model and number of the vehicle to be parked, information specifying that the parking location is indoors, and information indicating that the user wishes to prioritize usage costs over distance from the destination.

[0025] When user X inputs this information and performs a usage request operation, the corresponding usage request information is generated in the user terminal 21 and transmitted to the rental space usage management device 30 (S1). When the rental space usage management device 30 acquires the usage request information from the user terminal 21, it accepts it in the usage reservation processing unit 32 (S2).

[0026] When the usage reservation processing unit 32 receives the usage request information, the management information processing unit 33 inquires of the provider side devices of the corresponding area A, namely the first parking lot management device 111 to the sixth parking lot management device 161, about available rental space under the conditions specified in the usage request (S3).

[0027] The first parking lot management device 111 to the sixth parking lot management device 161 each search for rental spaces available to the public under the specified conditions based on the management information they hold (S4), and transmit the search results to the rental space usage management device 30 (S5).

[0028] The search results sent from the first parking lot management device 111 to the sixth parking lot management device 161 are acquired by the management information processing unit 33 and sent to the usage reservation processing unit 32. Based on the acquired search results, the usage reservation processing unit 32 generates a list of available spaces in which rental spaces that are available under the conditions specified in the usage request are arranged in cost order, and sends the list to the user terminal 21 (S6).

[0029] When the user terminal 21 receives the vacant space list information transmitted from the rental space utilization management device 30, it displays the vacant space list information on a display device (not shown) of the terminal 21 (S7). The user X visually checks the displayed vacant space list information and selects a rental space to use from the presented information.

[0030] The user terminal 21 transmits information on the rental space selected by the user X, for example, information on the rental space in the first parking lot 11, to the rental space utilization management device 30 (S8). When the rental space utilization management device 30 acquires the information on the selected rental space (S9), it transmits reservation request information to the corresponding first parking lot management device 111, requesting a reservation for use of the rental space for the corresponding period (S10).

[0031] The first parking lot management device 111 updates the usage reservation information in the management information it holds based on the acquired reservation request information and executes the reservation process (S11). When the reservation process is completed, the first parking lot management device 111 generates a reservation completion notice including authentication information, which is identification information related to the reservation, and transmits it to the rental space usage management device 30 (S12). The rental space usage management device 30 transfers the acquired reservation completion notice to the user terminal 21.

[0032] When the user terminal 21 receives the reservation completion notice, it displays it on its own display device and stores the authentication information included in the reservation completion notice. User X can visually check the displayed reservation completion notice and recognize that the reservation of the rental space has been completed successfully. Furthermore, User X can use the authentication information stored in the user terminal 21 to use the rental space for the corresponding period.

[0033] In step S7 described above, if user X does not select any rental space when the available space list information is displayed on user terminal 21, the process ends. Also, if user X performs an operation to change the usage conditions of the rental space when the available space list information is displayed on user terminal 21, the process returns to step S1, and available space list information is generated under the new conditions.

[0034] Furthermore, in step S11, if the usage reservation information cannot be updated based on the acquired reservation request information, the rental space usage management device 30 generates a reservation NG notice indicating that the selected rental space could not be reserved and transmits it to the user terminal 21. If the user X, who has visually recognized the reservation NG notice, performs an operation to change the usage conditions of the rental space, the process returns to step S1, and vacant space list information is generated with the new conditions. If the user X does not perform an operation to change the usage conditions of the rental space, the process ends.

[0035] The above-described process allows individual users to efficiently use rental space in response to various usage patterns with simple procedures.

[0036] (2) When logistics company Y uses the rental space for delivery operations [Space reservation processing] When logistics company Y uses a rental space for delivery work, a space reservation process is performed by logistics company Y in advance of the use, in order for logistics company Y to reserve the rental space. As a first example of the space reservation process, a case in which logistics company Y decides and executes the space to be reserved will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of Figure 3. The logistics company terminal 22 on the logistics company Y side stores information on rental spaces that are to be managed by the rental space management system 1 in advance. In addition, each provider-side device stores information on "free vacant space" as the type of management form for each rental space.

[0037] First, when the system administrator of logistics company Y uses logistics company terminal 22 to perform a space reservation request operation by specifying the rental space and the number of spaces that he / she wishes to reserve from among the rental spaces managed by rental space utilization management device 30, corresponding space reservation request information is generated in logistics company terminal 22 and transmitted to rental space utilization management device 30 (S21). When rental space utilization management device 30 acquires the space reservation request information from logistics company terminal 22, it accepts the request in space reservation processing unit 31 (S22).

[0038] When the space reservation processing unit 31 receives a request for space reservation, the management information processing unit 33 generates management form change request information to make the corresponding rental space a reserved space for logistics company Y, and sends it to the corresponding provider side device (S23).

[0039] The provider-side device that has acquired the management type change request information changes the management type type information in the management information it holds for the specified number of rental spaces from "free vacant space" to "reserved space" (S24). When the provider-side device changes the management type type information, it generates a type information change notification and sends it to the rental space usage management device 30 (S25). The rental space usage management device 30 transfers the acquired type information change notification to the user terminal 21.

[0040] When the user terminal 21 receives the notification of the change in the type information, it displays the content of the notification on the display device of the terminal 21, and updates the information on the rental space that it holds based on the content of the notification (S26).

[0041] Next, as a second example of the space reservation process executed by the operation of the logistics company Y, a case where the space to be reserved is determined and executed by the rental space utilization management device 30 will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

[0042] First, when the system administrator of logistics company Y uses logistics company terminal 22 to specify the conditions for the rental space that the administrator wishes to reserve and performs a space reservation request operation, the corresponding space reservation request information is generated on logistics company terminal 22 and transmitted to rental space utilization management device 30 (S31). Here, the system administrator specifies, as the conditions for the rental space that the administrator wishes to reserve, any of the following: (a) information on the delivery area for the delivery work + the number of rental spaces required, (b) information on the delivery area + the number of rental spaces required + address information of the delivery destination, or (c) the size and number of packages to be stored.

[0043] This delivery area information may be entered manually, or the logistics company terminal 22 may use information from within the logistics system based on information from the past delivery history, using a location where there have been many deliveries or a location that corresponds to the center of an area with a high population density as a reference point, and use information from an area that is determined to be close (within a specified process) to that reference point.

[0044] When the rental space utilization management device 30 acquires space reservation request information from the logistics company terminal 22, the space reservation processing unit 31 accepts this (S32). When the space reservation processing unit 31 accepts the space reservation request information, the management information processing unit 33 acquires management information from the provider-side device of the corresponding area, and based on this management information, determines, as the rental space to be reserved, a rental space that meets the conditions specified in the accepted space reservation request from among the rental spaces in the corresponding area. Then, the management information processing unit 33 generates management form change request information for making the rental space that has been decided to be reserved the reserved space of logistics company Y, and transmits this to the corresponding provider-side device (S33). The subsequent processing executed in steps S34 to S36 is the same as the processing in steps S24 to S26 described above, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0045] [Reservation Processing] After the space reservation process is performed by the above-described process, a usage reservation process is performed when the rental space is used by an operation on the logistics company Y side. As a first example of the usage reservation process, a case where the space to be used is determined and executed on the logistics company Y side will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

[0046] First, the system administrator of logistics company Y uses logistics company terminal 22 to perform a usage request operation based on a delivery plan, specifying (d) the rental space to be used within the reserved rental space, (e) the usage period, and (f) the rental space that will not be used (unused space). When the system administrator performs the usage request operation, usage request information including the specified information is generated by logistics company terminal 22 and transmitted to rental space usage management device 30 (S41). When rental space usage management device 30 acquires the usage request information from logistics company terminal 22, it accepts the request in usage reservation processing unit 32 (S42).

[0047] When the usage reservation processing unit 32 accepts a usage request, the management information processing unit 33 requests the relevant provider-side device to change the management type by lifting the usage restriction on the unused space (f) specified in the usage request, making it temporarily free space during the usage period (e) (S43).

[0048] The provider-side device that has received the request to lift the usage restrictions on unused space changes the management type information in the management information it holds for the corresponding rental space from "reserved space" to "temporary free space" (S44). After changing the management type information, the provider-side device generates a type information change notice for the rental space and sends it to the rental space usage management device 30 (S45). The rental space usage management device 30 transfers the acquired type information change notice to the logistics company terminal 22.

[0049] When the distributor terminal 22 receives the notification of the change in the type information, it displays the notification content on a display device (not shown) of the terminal 22 and updates the rental space information it holds based on the notification content (S46).

[0050] Next, as a second example of a utilization reservation process executed by an operation of the logistics company Y, a case where the space to be utilized is determined and executed by the rental space utilization management device 30 will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

[0051] First, a system administrator of logistics company Y uses logistics company terminal 22 to request use of the rental space desired for a given delivery plan (first delivery plan and second delivery plan). Corresponding use request information is generated on logistics company terminal 22 and transmitted to rental space usage management device 30 (S51). Here, the system administrator specifies the rental space desired for the two delivery plans as conditions for the rental space desired to be used: (a) information on the delivery area for the delivery work + the number of rental spaces required, (b) information on the delivery area + the number of rental spaces required + delivery destination address information, or (c) the size and number of packages to be stored, and (e) the usage period. When the rental space usage management device 30 acquires the use request information from logistics company terminal 22, it accepts the request in the usage reservation processing unit 32 (S52).

[0052] When the usage reservation processing unit 32 accepts the usage request, the management information processing unit 33 determines the rental space to be used from among the spaces reserved by the logistics company Y, based on the conditions specified in the usage request and the management information acquired from each of the parking lot management devices 111-161. Then, based on this determination, the management information processing unit 33 identifies unused spaces that will not be used by the logistics company Y from among the reserved spaces. Furthermore, the management information processing unit 33 requests the provider-side device corresponding to the identified unused space to change the management type by lifting the usage restriction to make the space temporarily free during the usage period (e) (S53).

[0053] The provider-side device that has received the request to lift the usage restrictions on unused space changes the management type information in the management information it holds for the corresponding rental space from "reserved space" to "temporary free space" (S54). After changing the management type information, the provider-side device generates a type information change notice for the rental space and sends it to the rental space usage management device 30 (S55). The rental space usage management device 30 transfers the acquired type information change notice to the logistics company terminal 22.

[0054] When the distributor terminal 22 receives the notification of the change in the category information, it displays the content of the notification on the display device of the terminal 22 itself, and updates the information on the rental space that it holds based on the content of the notification (S56).

[0055] Next, the process to be performed when there is temporary free space or reserved space in use when the (e) usage period of distributor Y has elapsed will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

[0056] When the (e) usage period for logistics company Y has elapsed and it is determined that there is temporary free space or reserved space in use ("YES" in S61), the management information processing unit 33 requests a change in the management type type by setting usage restrictions to temporarily make other free space reserved space (temporary reserved space) for logistics company Y until the usage ends (S62).

[0057] The provider-side device that receives the request to set usage restrictions for the free vacant space changes the type of management form in the management information it holds for the corresponding rental space from "free vacant space" to "temporarily reserved space" (S63). After changing the management form type information, the provider-side device generates a management information change notice for the rental space and sends it to the rental space usage management device 30 (S64). The rental space usage management device 30 transfers the acquired management information change notice to the logistics company terminal 22.

[0058] When the distributor terminal 22 receives the management information change notification, it displays the notification content on the display device of the distributor terminal 22 and updates the rental space information it holds based on the notification content (S65).

[0059] Thereafter, when all use of the temporary free space or reserved space that was in use has been completed ("YES" in S66), the management information processing unit 33 requests the corresponding provider-side device to return the type of usage mode that has been changed to its initial state, i.e., the state immediately after the space reservation process has been performed (S67).

[0060] The provider-side device that receives the request changes "temporarily free space" to "reserved space" and "temporarily reserved space" to "free empty space" for the corresponding rental space (S68). When the provider-side device changes the management type information, it generates a change notification for the management information for the rental space and sends it to the rental space usage management device 30 (S69). The rental space usage management device 30 transfers the acquired change notification for the management information to the logistics company terminal 22.

[0061] When the distributor terminal 22 receives the management information change notification, it displays the notification content on the display device of the distributor terminal 22 and updates the rental space information it holds based on the notification content (S70).

[0062] As another example, if there is a temporary free space or reserved space in use when the (e) usage period for logistics provider Y has elapsed, the management information processing unit 33 may change the space in use to a free use space and request a change to make another free, vacant space in the same parking lot a reserved space for logistics provider Y. When the relevant provider-side device changes the management information based on this request, when the use of the temporary free space or reserved space in use ends, the temporary free space that has ended use becomes a free, vacant space, and the reserved space that has ended use remains in the state of a reserved space.

[0063] As specific examples of the above-mentioned use reservation process, the following six patterns will be explained with reference to Figures 8 to 15. In the figures, "F" indicates free space, "Fu" indicates free use space, "guaranteed" indicates reserved space, "Fguaranteed" indicates temporarily reserved space, "Fa" indicates temporarily free space, and "unavailable" indicates unavailable space.

[0064] (First reservation processing pattern) Figure 8(a) shows the types of management forms in the latest management information obtained by the rental space utilization management device 30 from the parking lot management devices 111 to 161 for each of the parking spaces (i) to (v) in the first parking lot 11 to the sixth parking lot 16 in area A specified by the utilization request.

[0065] Here, by using one of the two examples of the space reservation process described above, nine spaces are reserved for logistics company Y: parking spaces (i) to (iii) in the first parking lot 11, parking spaces (i) to (iii) in the second parking lot, and parking spaces (i) to (iii) in the fifth parking lot 15.

[0066] Furthermore, based on the usage request information sent from the logistics company terminal 22, the rental space usage management device 30 recognizes that the number of rental spaces required in the first delivery plan is three and the number of rental spaces required in the second delivery plan is two (S51, S52).

[0067] The rental space utilization management device 30 determines the rental space to be used by logistics company Y from among the secured spaces, taking into consideration the planned delivery destinations in each of the two delivery plans. Specifically, because the delivery destination in the first delivery plan is close to the first parking lot 11, the spaces to be used in the first delivery plan are determined to be parking spaces (i) to (iii) in the first parking lot 11, and because the delivery destination in the second delivery plan is close to the fifth parking lot 15, the spaces to be used in the second delivery plan are determined to be parking spaces (i) and (ii) in the fifth parking lot 15.

[0068] Based on this decision, the rental space utilization management device 30 identifies the parking spaces (i) to (iii) in the second parking lot 12 and the parking space (iii) in the fifth parking lot 15 as unused spaces that will not be used among the reserved spaces. Then, the rental space utilization management device 30 requests the second parking lot management device 121 and the fifth parking lot management device 151 to change the corresponding management type type (S53).

[0069] The second parking lot management device 121, which has received the request, changes the management type of the parking spaces (i) to (iii) in the second parking lot 12 from "secured space (guaranteed)" to "temporary free space (Fa)", and the fifth parking lot management device 151 changes the management type of the parking space (iii) in the fifth parking lot 15 from "secured space (guaranteed)" to "temporary free space (Fa)" (S54). When the second parking lot management device 121 and the fifth parking lot management device 151 change the type of management type, they generate a change notice of the type information related to the parking space and send it to the rental space utilization management device 30 (S55).

[0070] Figure 8(b) shows the management information changed based on the change notification acquired by the rental space utilization management device 30. In Figure 8(b), parking spaces whose management type has been changed are shown in bold.

[0071] The rental space utilization management device 30 transfers the acquired change notification to the distributor terminal 22, and the distributor terminal 22 updates the rental space information it holds based on the acquired notification content (S56).

[0072] Thereafter, when the usage period specified in the usage request information from the logistics company terminal 22 has elapsed, if the parking space in the temporary free space is vacant ("NO" in S61), each parking lot management device will return the management type to the state in Figure 8(a) at the request of the rental space usage management device 30 (S67 to S70).

[0073] (Second reservation processing pattern) Similar to the first usage reservation processing pattern, nine spaces are secured for logistics company Y, namely, parking spaces (i) to (iii) in the first parking lot 11, parking spaces (i) to (iii) in the second parking lot, and parking spaces (i) to (iii) in the fifth parking lot 15, as shown in Figure 9(a), and the rental space usage management device 30 recognizes that the number of rental spaces required for the first delivery plan is three and the number of rental spaces required for the second delivery plan is two (S51, S52).

[0074] Because both the delivery destinations in the first delivery plan and the second delivery plan are close to the second parking lot 12, the rental space utilization management device 30 determines that the spaces to be used in the first delivery plan are parking spaces (i) to (iii) in the second parking lot 12, and the spaces to be used in the second delivery plan are parking spaces (iv) and (v) in the second parking lot 12. At this time, parking spaces (iv) and (v) in the second parking lot 12 are not reserved spaces but are available as free spaces, so they are used as temporarily reserved spaces. Then, parking spaces (i) to (iii) in the first parking lot 11 and parking spaces (i) to (iii) in the fifth parking lot 15 are identified as unused spaces.

[0075] As a result, the type of management mode for the unused space is changed in the parking lot management device, and the changed information is acquired by the rental space utilization management device 30 as shown in Figure 9(b) (S53 to S55). The changed information is also acquired by the logistics company terminal 22, and the information held therein is updated (S56).

[0076] 9(c), when the usage period specified in the usage request information from the logistics company terminal 22 has elapsed, the management information type of the vacant temporary free space is returned to reserved space. Here, if parking space (i) in the fifth parking lot 15, which is a temporary free space, is in use (YES in S61), the rental space usage management device 30 requests that the parking space in use be changed to a free use space, and parking space (iv), which is a free vacant space in the same fifth parking lot, be changed to a reserved space (S62 to S65).

[0077] (Third reservation processing pattern) Similar to the first usage reservation processing pattern, nine spaces are secured for logistics company Y, namely, parking spaces (i) to (iii) in the first parking lot 11, parking spaces (i) to (iii) in the second parking lot, and parking spaces (i) to (iii) in the fifth parking lot 15, as shown in Figure 10(a), and the rental space usage management device 30 recognizes that the number of rental spaces required for the first delivery plan is three and the number of rental spaces required for the second delivery plan is two (S51, S52).

[0078] The rental space utilization management device 30 determines that the spaces to be used for the first delivery plan are parking spaces (i) to (iii) in the first parking lot 11 because the delivery destination in the first delivery plan is close to the first parking lot 11, and determines that the spaces to be used for the second delivery plan are parking spaces (i) and (ii) in the second parking lot 12 because the delivery destination in the second delivery plan is close to the second parking lot 12. Then, it identifies parking space (iii) in the second parking lot 12 and parking spaces (i) to (iii) in the fifth parking lot 15 as unused spaces.

[0079] As a result, the type of management mode for the unused space is changed in the corresponding parking lot management device, and the changed information is acquired by the rental space utilization management device 30 as shown in Fig. 10(b) (S53 to S55). The changed information is also acquired by the logistics company terminal 22, and the information held therein is updated (S56).

[0080] 11(a), when the usage period specified in the usage request information from the logistics company terminal 22 has elapsed, the management information type of the vacant temporary free space is returned to reserved space. Here, if parking spaces (i) and (ii) in the fifth parking lot 15, which are temporary free spaces, are in use ("YES" in S61), parking spaces (i)-(iii) in the sixth parking lot 16, which are close to parking spaces (i)-(iii) in the fifth parking lot 15, are changed to temporary reserved spaces in response to a request from the rental space usage management device 30, and parking spaces (i)-(iii) in the fifth parking lot 15 are collectively maintained as temporary free spaces (S62-S65).

[0081] Alternatively, if parking spaces (i) and (ii) in the fifth parking lot 15, which are temporary free spaces, are in use when the usage period has elapsed ("YES" in S61), as shown in Figure 11(b), parking spaces (iii) and (iv) that can be reserved in the fifth parking lot 15 and parking space (i) in the sixth parking lot 16 may be changed to temporary reserved spaces, and only parking spaces (i) and (ii) in the fifth parking lot 15 that are in use may continue to remain in the temporary free space state (S62 to S65).

[0082] Thereafter, when all use of the temporary free space has been completed ("YES" in S66), the rental space utilization management device 30 requests that the state be returned to that of FIG. 10(a) (S67 to S70).

[0083] (Fourth reservation processing pattern) Similar to the first usage reservation processing pattern, nine spaces are secured for logistics company Y, namely, parking spaces (i) to (iii) in the first parking lot 11, parking spaces (i) to (iii) in the second parking lot, and parking spaces (i) to (iii) in the fifth parking lot 15, as shown in Figure 12(a), and the rental space usage management device 30 recognizes that the number of rental spaces required for the first delivery plan is three and the number of rental spaces required for the second delivery plan is two (S51, S52).

[0084] Because both the delivery destinations in the first delivery plan and the second delivery plan are close to the second parking lot 12, the rental space utilization management device 30 determines that the spaces to be used in the first delivery plan are parking spaces (i) to (iii) in the second parking lot 12, and the spaces to be used in the second delivery plan are parking spaces (iv) and (v) in the second parking lot 12. At this time, the second parking lot 12 (iv) and (v) are not reserved spaces but are available as free spaces, so they are used as temporarily reserved spaces. Then, the rental space utilization management device 30 identifies parking spaces (i) to (iii) in the first parking lot 11 and parking spaces (i) to (iii) in the fifth parking lot 15 as unused spaces.

[0085] As a result, the type of management mode for the unused space is changed in the parking lot management device, and the changed information is acquired by the rental space utilization management device 30 as shown in Fig. 12(b) (S53 to S55). The changed information is also acquired by the logistics company terminal 22, and the information held therein is updated (S56).

[0086] Thereafter, when the usage period specified in the usage request information from the logistics company terminal 22 has elapsed, the management information type of the vacant temporary free space is returned to reserved space, as shown in Figure 12(c). Here, if parking space (i) in the second parking lot 12 among the reserved spaces is in use ("YES" in S61), parking space (iv), which is a free vacant space in the second parking lot 12, continues to be a temporarily reserved space at the request of the rental space usage management device 30 (S62 to S65).

[0087] Alternatively, if parking space (i) in the second parking lot 12 is in use when the usage period has elapsed ("YES" in S61) and temporary reserved spaces (iv) and (v) in the second parking lot 12 are reserved for immediate use, a free space in another parking lot, for example, parking space (iv) in the fifth parking lot 15 as shown in Figure 13(a), is changed to the temporary reserved space. Either of these processes ensures that nine reserved spaces are available for logistics company Y to use in its next delivery plan, just as in the initial state.

[0088] Thereafter, when the use of the parking space (i) in the second parking lot 12 is completed (YES in S66), the state is returned to that of FIG. 12(a) in response to a request from the rental space utilization management device 30 (S67 to S70).

[0089] In addition, when the usage period specified in the usage request information from the logistics company terminal 22 has elapsed, the system may be reset to the initial state as shown in Figure 13(b), so that the number of reserved spaces available to logistics company Y for the next delivery plan is temporarily set to eight.

[0090] (Fifth reservation processing pattern) Similar to the first usage reservation processing pattern, nine spaces are secured for logistics company Y, namely, parking spaces (i) to (iii) in the first parking lot 11, parking spaces (i) to (iii) in the second parking lot, and parking spaces (i) to (iii) in the fifth parking lot 15, as shown in Figure 14(a), and the rental space usage management device 30 recognizes that the number of rental spaces required for the first delivery plan is three and the number of rental spaces required for the third delivery plan is five (S51, S52).

[0091] Because the delivery destination in the first delivery plan is close to the first parking lot 11, the rental space utilization management device 30 determines that the spaces to be used for the first delivery plan are parking spaces (i) to (iii) in the first parking lot 11, and because the delivery destination in the third delivery plan is close to the fifth parking lot 15, the spaces to be used for the third delivery plan are parking spaces (i) to (v) in the fifth parking lot 15. At this time, parking spaces (iv) and (v) in the fifth parking lot 15 are not reserved spaces but are available as free vacant spaces, so they are used as temporarily reserved spaces. Then, parking spaces (i) to (iii) in the second parking lot 12 are identified as unused spaces.

[0092] As a result, the type of management mode for the unused space is changed in the corresponding parking lot management device, and the changed information is acquired by the rental space utilization management device 30 as shown in Fig. 14(b) (S53 to S55). The changed information is also acquired by the logistics company terminal 22, and the information held therein is updated (S56).

[0093] Thereafter, when the usage period specified in the usage request information from the logistics company terminal 22 has elapsed, if the parking space in the temporary free space is vacant ("NO" in S61), each parking lot management device will return the type of management form to the state in Figure 14(a) at the request of the rental space usage management device 30 (S67 to S70).

[0094] (6th reservation processing pattern) Similar to the first usage reservation processing pattern, nine spaces are secured for logistics company Y, namely, parking spaces (i) to (iii) in the first parking lot 11, parking spaces (i) to (iii) in the second parking lot, and parking spaces (i) to (iii) in the fifth parking lot 15, as shown in Figure 15(a), and the rental space usage management device 30 recognizes that the number of rental spaces required for the first delivery plan is three and the number of rental spaces required for the third delivery plan is five (S51, S52).

[0095] Because the delivery destination in the first delivery plan is close to the first parking lot 11, the rental space utilization management device 30 determines that the spaces to be used in the first delivery plan are parking spaces (i) to (iii) in the first parking lot 11. Furthermore, because the delivery destination in the third delivery plan is close to the fifth parking lot 15, the rental space utilization management device 30 first determines that of the five spaces to be used in the third delivery plan, parking spaces (i) to (iii) reserved in the fifth parking lot 15 are to be used. Here, because parking spaces (iv) and (v) in the fifth parking lot 15 are either free space or in use, the rental space utilization management device 30 first determines that parking spaces (i) and (ii) in the second parking lot 12, which are other reserved spaces, are to be used, and identifies parking space (iii) in the second parking lot as an unused space.

[0096] Then, at the request of the space rental utilization management device 30, the management type of the parking space (iii) in the second parking lot 12 is changed to a temporary free space, and the changed information is acquired by the space rental utilization management device 30 as shown in Figure 15(b) (S53 to S55). The changed information is also acquired by the logistics company terminal 22, and the information held therein is updated (S56).

[0097] Thereafter, when the use of parking spaces (iv) and (v) in the fifth parking lot 15 is completed, at the request of the rental space utilization management device 30, parking spaces (iv) and (v) in the fifth parking lot 15 are changed to temporarily reserved spaces, and parking spaces (i) and (ii) in the second parking lot 12 are changed to free vacant spaces.

[0098] As described above, by carrying out reservation processing while appropriately changing management information in various patterns, logistics companies can use rental space efficiently and reliably in a manner that suits various situations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1. Rental space management system 11 Parking Lot 1 12 Parking Lot No. 2 13 Parking Lot No. 3 14 Parking Lot No. 4 15 Parking Lot No. 5 16 Parking Lot No. 6 17 Parking Lot No. 7 18 Warehouse 21 User terminal (first user side device) 22 Logistics company terminal (second user side device) 30 Rental space usage management device 31 Space securing processing section 32 Reservation Processing Unit 33 Management Information Processing Unit 111 First parking lot management device 121 Second parking lot management device 131 Third Parking Lot Management Device 141 4th Parking Lot Management Device 151 5th Parking Lot Management Device 161 No. 6 Parking Lot Management Device 171 No. 7 Parking Lot Management Device 181 Warehouse management equipment

Claims

1. a provider-side device that stores management information that defines a rental space that has been reserved in advance by a specific user as the user's reserved space among a plurality of rental spaces that are managed; a user-side device operated by the user; A rental space management system characterized by comprising a rental space usage management device that, when it receives usage request information from the user device requesting the use of one of the reserved spaces for a specified period of time, changes the management information so that reserved spaces other than the reserved spaces requested in the usage request information become temporary free spaces that can be temporarily used by others for the period specified in the usage request information.

2. The rental space management system described in claim 1, characterized in that when the rental space usage management device determines that there is a temporary free space or reserved space in use when the period specified in the usage request information has elapsed, it changes the management information so that any rental space other than the user's reserved space becomes a temporary reserved space that the user can temporarily reserve until the usage ends.

3. a provider-side device that stores management information that defines a rental space that has been reserved in advance by a specific user as the user's reserved space among a plurality of rental spaces that are managed; and a user-side device operated by the user, A rental space utilization management device characterized by having a utilization reservation processing unit that, when utilization request information requesting the use of one of the reserved spaces for a specified period is received from the user device, changes the management information so that reserved spaces other than the reserved spaces requested in the utilization request information become temporary free spaces that can be temporarily used by others for the period specified in the utilization request information.

4. a provider-side device that stores management information that defines a rental space that has been reserved in advance by a specific user as the user's reserved space among a plurality of rental spaces that are managed; A rental space usage management device connected to a user-side device operated by the user, A rental space usage management method characterized in that, when usage request information requesting the use of one of the reserved spaces for a specified period is obtained from the user device, the management information is changed so that reserved spaces other than the reserved spaces requested in the usage request information become temporary free spaces that can be temporarily used by others for the period specified in the usage request information.

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