Management server, management system, and management server control method

Abstract

To make it possible to easily lend and borrow supplies provided in a mobile body.SOLUTION: A management server for managing information transmitted by a plurality of mobile bodies including a first mobile body and a second mobile body includes: a receiving unit that receives first battery information including the number of batteries provided in the first mobile body and the state of each battery from the first mobile body and receives from the second mobile body supplies information about supplies provided in the second mobile body and related to the batteries; a generation unit that generates a first map image in which the supplies information corresponding to the batteries provided in the first mobile body is displayed on a map corresponding to the current position of the first mobile body based on the first battery information and the supplies information; and a transmitting unit that transmits map image data of a map image to a user terminal associated with a user of the first mobile body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, interest in renewable energy has been growing as a way to reduce CO2 emissions in order to mitigate climate-related disasters. Against this backdrop, the use of rechargeable batteries such as lithium-ion secondary batteries has been expanding as a technology that enables electricity generated by renewable energy to be used outside the generation site. As an example of a technology that uses this type of battery in a vehicle, a proposal has been made to provide users of electric vehicles with information on battery charging, etc. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that navigates an electric vehicle to a nearby charging station that can satisfy the electric vehicle's charging requirements. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2021-508837 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Rechargeable batteries are used not only to power vehicles but also to operate various items. For this reason, it is conceivable that the battery provided in the vehicle will be used for items mounted on the vehicle. Furthermore, it is conceivable that a user who owns a battery may borrow an item that can use a battery from another user. However, when the item to be borrowed or lent is mounted on a mobile object, it is difficult for a user wishing to borrow the item to know where the item they wish to borrow is located.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a management server, a management system, and a method for controlling the management server that allow easy lending and borrowing of items provided in a mobile object. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a management server that manages information transmitted by a plurality of mobile units including a first mobile unit and a second mobile unit, and receives first battery information from the first mobile unit, the first battery information including the number of batteries provided in the first mobile unit and the state of each of the batteries, and transmits information to the management server that manages information transmitted by a plurality of mobile units including a first mobile unit and a second mobile unit. It operates using Product information for supplies and second location information indicating the current location of the second moving body. a receiving unit that receives the first battery information from the second mobile object; , the second location information, and based on the product information, the battery provided in the first moving body. The power source of the above supplies The product information is transmitted to the current location of the first moving body. Including at least a portion of a reference predetermined range centered on On the map at a position corresponding to the second position information The map display device includes a generating unit that generates the displayed first map image, and a transmitting unit that transmits map image data of the first map image to a user terminal associated with the user of the first moving object. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a first map image showing the locations of items related to a battery installed in a mobile object is transmitted to a user terminal used by the user, so that the user can easily know the locations of the items, thereby allowing the user to easily lend or borrow items installed in the mobile object. [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 the first vehicle and the user terminal. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the second vehicle. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the third vehicle. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the fourth vehicle. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the management server. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rental system. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rental system. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the first map image. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rental system. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the second map image. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rental system. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a route-added map image. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rental system. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rental system. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rental system in the modified example. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of an accessory map image in the modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [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 users U with a service of lending and borrowing a power pack 2, which is a portable battery, and items 3 related to the power pack 2, among users U. The power pack 2 is an example of a battery in the present disclosure. The rental system 1 corresponds to an example of a management system.

[0010] In this embodiment, users U1, U2, U3, and U4 are exemplified as users U who use the rental system 1, and will be referred to as user U when there is no need to distinguish between them. As shown in FIG. 1 , the rental system 1 of this embodiment includes a first vehicle 4 operated by user U1, a user terminal 5 operated by user U1, a second vehicle 6 operated by user U2, a third vehicle 7 operated by user U3, a fourth vehicle 8 operated by user U4, and a management server 9. There is no limit to the number of users U who can receive services from the rental system 1, or the number of vehicles included in the rental system 1. The configuration shown in FIG. 1 is an example of the rental system 1.

[0011] The first vehicle 4 is an electric four-wheel vehicle and is equipped with a first mobile communication device 41. Similarly, the second vehicle 6, the third vehicle 7, and the fourth vehicle 8 are all electric four-wheel vehicles. The second vehicle 6 is equipped with a second mobile communication device 61, the third vehicle 7 is equipped with a third mobile communication device 71, and the fourth vehicle 8 is equipped with a fourth mobile communication device 81. The first vehicle 4 corresponds to an example of a first mobile vehicle.

[0012] The communication network 10 is a communication line network including the Internet, etc. The first mobile communication device 41 is a device including a transmitter and a receiver for transmitting and receiving data to and from the management server 9 via the communication network 10, and communicates wirelessly using a cellular communication method such as 3G (third generation mobile communication method), 4G (fourth generation mobile communication method), LTE (Long Term Evolution), or 5G (fifth generation mobile communication method). The second mobile communication device 61 is a device including a transmitter and a receiver for transmitting and receiving data to and from the management server 9 via the communication network 10, and communicates wirelessly using the cellular communication method. The third mobile communication device 71 and the fourth mobile communication device 81 are devices including transmitters and receivers for transmitting and receiving data to and from the management server 9 via the communication network 10, and communicate wirelessly using the cellular communication method.

[0013] With this configuration, each of the first vehicle 4, the second vehicle 6, the third vehicle 7, and the fourth vehicle 8 performs data communication with the rental system 1 via the communication network 10.

[0014] Furthermore, the first vehicle 4 is equipped with a first communication device 42, as will be described later. The first communication device 42 is a device with a shorter communication distance than the first mobile communication device 41, and is a device including a transmitter and a receiver for transmitting and receiving data to and from the user terminal 5. The first communication device 42 communicates wirelessly using a communication method such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0015] The first vehicle 4 receives information from the management server 9 via the first mobile communication device 41. An example of the information received by the first mobile communication device 41 is map image data of a first map image 101, which will be described later. The first vehicle 4 can transmit the information received by the first mobile communication device 41 to the user terminal 5 via the first communication device 42. In other words, the user terminal 5 can receive the information transmitted by the management server 9 via the first vehicle 4.

[0016] The power pack 2 can be placed in a predetermined position in the first vehicle 4. Examples of the predetermined position include under a seat or in the trunk. Similarly, the power pack 2 can be placed in a predetermined position in the second vehicle 6 and the fourth vehicle 8.

[0017] As will be described later, the first vehicle 4 is equipped with a charging station 44 for charging the power pack 2. Similarly, the second vehicle 6 is equipped with a charging station 64 for charging the power pack 2, and the fourth vehicle 8 is equipped with a charging station 84. In this manner, the power pack 2 can be placed in the first vehicle 4, the second vehicle 6, and the fourth vehicle 8, and can be charged while placed in these vehicles.

[0018] The items 3 are various items related to the power pack 2. The items 3 are, for example, daily necessities, leisure items, outdoor items, and daily necessities, and the types are not limited thereto. The items 3 related to the power pack 2 operate, for example, using the power pack 2 as a power source. Specifically, the items 3 are electrical appliances to which the power pack 2 is detachable and which operate using the power stored in the power pack 2. Furthermore, the items 3 related to the power pack 2 are not limited to items that operate using electricity. For example, the items 3 may include items that are used together with electrical appliances that use the power pack 2. For example, the items 3 may include a lantern used for camping, and may also include a tent used together with the lantern.

[0019] The power pack 2 is equipped with a wireless communication device that complies with a short-range wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The power pack 2 transmits battery status information indicating the status of the power pack 2 and a battery ID (Identification) that uniquely identifies the power pack 2 to an external device via wireless communication. The power pack 2 may have a built-in secondary battery and be repeatedly chargeable and dischargeable. There are no restrictions on the type of storage battery of the rechargeable power pack 2, the electrode material, the electrolyte material, the battery capacity, the shape of the power pack 2, etc.

[0020] A user U who owns or uses a power pack 2 can be a lessor who rents out the power pack 2. A lessor who rents out a power pack 2 refers to a person who has the right to rent out 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 a power pack 2 that they have rented from an operator of the rental system 1. Additionally, any of users U1, U2, U3, and U4 can be a borrower who borrows a power pack 2. A borrower who borrows a power pack 2 can borrow the power pack 2 from a lender.

[0021] The borrower of the power pack 2 is, for example, a user U who is registered in advance in the rental system 1 as a person who can pay money or receive an incentive in exchange for renting the power pack 2.

[0022] A user U who owns or uses an item 3 can be a lessor who rents out the item 3. A lessor who rents out an item 3 refers to a person who has the right to rent the item 3 to a third party, such as the owner of the item 3. The lessor of an item 3 may also be a person who has the right to sublease an item 3 that he or she has rented from an operator of the rental system 1, etc.

[0023] Furthermore, any one of users U1, U2, U3, and U4 can be a borrower of item 3. A borrower of the item 3 can borrow the item 3 from the lender. The borrower is a user U who is pre-registered in the rental system 1 as a person who can pay money or receive incentives in exchange for borrowing the item 3, similar to a borrower who borrows a power pack 2, for example.

[0024] In this embodiment, a case where user U1 is a borrower who rents the power pack 2 and the item 3 is illustrated. In this embodiment, user U2 using the second vehicle 6 and user U4 using the fourth vehicle 8 can be lenders who lend the power pack 2. In addition, user U2 and user U3 using the third vehicle 7 can be lenders of the item 3. User U2 has the right to use or own the power pack 2 and the right to use or own the item 3. User U3 has the right to use or own at least the item 3. User U4 has the right to use or own at least the power pack 2. Although not mentioned in this embodiment, user U1 has the right to use or own the power pack 2 and may be the lender of the power pack 2. The vehicle used by user U, who can be the lender of the item 3, corresponds to an example of the second mobile body of the present invention. In this embodiment, one or more of the second vehicle 6 and the third vehicle 7 corresponds to the second mobile body. The vehicle used by user U, who can be the borrower of the item 3, corresponds to an example of the first mobile body of the present invention. In this embodiment, the first vehicle 4 corresponds to the first moving body.

[0025] The management server 9 is a server computer that provides the above-mentioned lending and borrowing service, and manages the lending and borrowing of the power packs 2 and the items 3 among the users U1, U2, U3, and U4.

[0026] The user terminal 5 is a device equivalent to a client computer that receives the rental / borrowing service from the management server 9. The user terminal 5 is, for example, a portable terminal device such as a smartphone or a laptop personal computer. The user terminal 5 has a display screen 51. The display screen 51 is a display configured with an LCD panel or the like. The user terminal 5 displays information received from the management server 9 on the display screen 51. The user U1 can request the rental of the item 3 and the rental of the power pack 2 by operating the user terminal 5 based on the information displayed on the display screen 51. In this case, the user terminal 5 functions as a terminal device that performs processing related to the rental of the power pack 2 and the item 3 on the management server 9 based on the operation of the user U1.

[0027] The second vehicle 6, the third vehicle 7, and the fourth vehicle 8 each have a device equivalent to a client that performs processing related to the rental of the power pack 2 with the management server 9. Specifically, these are a vehicle control device 60, an in-vehicle device 70, and a vehicle control device 80, which will be described later.

[0028] Here, the lending and borrowing service in the rental system 1 of this embodiment is based on the following first to ninth items. The first condition is that the lender of the power pack 2 lends out the power pack 2 using the current location of the vehicle used by the lender as the lending location. The second condition is that the lender of the item 3 lends out the item 3 using the current location of the vehicle used by the lender as the lending location. The third point is that the borrower of the power pack 2 can exchange the power pack 2 that the borrower borrows for the power pack 2 that the borrower is using. The fourth point is that a borrower of a power pack 2 can borrow a power pack 2 without exchanging the power pack 2 that the borrower is using for the power pack 2 that the borrower is borrowing. The fifth point is that the borrower of Item 3 may borrow Item 3 regardless of whether the borrower uses or possesses Item 3 and regardless of the type of Item 3. The sixth point is that if the Power Pack 2 is exchanged by the Lessee, the Lessor of the Power Pack 2 can rent out the Power Pack 2 acquired in exchange. In other words, the Lessor has the right to sublease the Power Pack 2 acquired in exchange. The eighth item is that the lessor of the power pack 2 and the lessor of the equipment 3 receive incentives from the operator of the rental system 1 or the like based on the rental performance. The ninth point is that a lender of a power pack 2 can lend the power pack 2 in a manner that the power pack 2 is delivered to the borrower's location.

[0029] According to the rental system 1, a lender of a power pack 2 or an item 3 can rent out the power pack 2 or the item 3 not only at the lender's home but also when traveling by vehicle. Here, "a place" includes, for example, a shopping mall, a public facility, or other place accessible to an unspecified number of people. The lender can also receive incentives for renting out the power pack 2 or the item 3. On the other hand, a borrower can borrow a power pack 2 from the lender when the remaining charge of the power pack 2 they are using is low or when they wish to use the power pack 2.

[0030] The configuration of each part of the rental system 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the first vehicle 4 and the user terminal 5. As shown in FIG. [2. Configuration of the first vehicle] First, the configuration of the first vehicle 4 will be described. The first vehicle 4 includes a vehicle control device 40, a first mobile communication device 41, a first communication device 42, a second communication device 43, a charging station 44, and a first position detection device 45.

[0031] The second communication device 43 is a device with a shorter communication distance than the first communication device 42, and includes a transmitter and a receiver for transmitting and receiving data to and from the power pack 2 provided in the first vehicle 4. The second communication device 43 communicates wirelessly using a communication method such as Bluetooth.

[0032] The vehicle control device 40 is a device that controls each part of the first vehicle 4. The vehicle control device 40 includes a processor 400 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), a memory 410, and an interface circuit 420 to which other devices and sensors are connected.

[0033] The memory 410 is a storage device that nonvolatilely stores programs and data executed by the processor 400. The memory 410 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 device. The memory 410 may also include a RAM (Random Access Memory) that configures a work area for the processor 400. The memory 410 may also include a nonvolatile storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The memory 410 stores data processed by the processor 400 and a control program 411 executed by the processor 400.

[0034] The vehicle control device 40 is connected to a first mobile communication device 41, a first communication device 42, a second communication device 43, a charging station 44, and a first position detection device 45.

[0035] The charging station 44 includes a holding unit 441 that detachably holds the power pack 2, and an electrical component unit 442 that houses various electric and electronic circuits. The electrical component unit 442 houses a charging station control device 443 and a charging device 444.

[0036] The holding unit 441 includes a charging connector 445 electrically connected to the electrodes of the power pack 2, and a locking mechanism 446 that prevents the power pack 2 from being removed in response to an instruction from the charging station control device 443. The locking mechanism 446 includes, for example, an electric key that locks the cover of the power pack removal port formed on the inside or outside of the first vehicle 4 so that it cannot be opened or closed, or an electrically controlled latching mechanism that hooks onto the power pack 2 stored in the holding unit 441 to prevent it from being removed.

[0037] The charging station control device 443 is a device that controls each part of the charging station 44, and includes a processor such as a CPU or 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 44.

[0038] The charging device 444 is a device that charges the power pack 2 using power supplied from an on-board battery 46 mounted on the first vehicle 4. The charging device 444 supplies power to the power pack 2 held in the holding unit 441 in accordance with a power supply instruction from the charging station control device 443. The charging station control device 443 manages the correspondence between the battery ID and the connecting charging connector 445 for the power pack 2 held in the holding unit 441. The charging station control device 443 can issue a power supply instruction for a specific power pack 2 by using this correspondence. The on-board battery 46 may be a battery that can be removed from the first vehicle 4, or may be a battery that cannot be removed from the first vehicle 4.

[0039] The first position detection device 45 is a device that detects the current position of the first vehicle 4, and is equipped with a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver that receives positioning signals transmitted from multiple positioning satellites. The first position detection device 45 outputs the detection result to the vehicle control device 40.

[0040] The processor 400 reads and executes a control program 411 stored in the memory 410, thereby functioning as a first communication control unit 401, a second communication control unit 402, a third communication control unit 403, and an instruction unit 404.

[0041] The first communication control unit 401 communicates with the management server 9 via the first mobile communication device 41. The first communication control unit 401 transmits upload information to the management server 9.

[0042] The uploaded information generated by the first vehicle 4 includes first battery information, location information indicating the current location of the first vehicle 4, and an ID (Identification) that uniquely identifies the user U1. The first battery information corresponds to battery information in this disclosure.

[0043] The first battery information includes, for each power pack 2 provided in the first vehicle 4, a battery ID that uniquely identifies the power pack 2 and battery status information. For example, if the first vehicle 4 is provided with three power packs 2, the first battery information includes a combination of a battery ID and battery status information for each of the three power packs 2. The status of the power pack 2 indicated by the battery status information indicates the charge amount of the power pack 2 and whether the power pack 2 is being charged. The current location of the first vehicle 4 indicated by the location information is the current location detected by the first location detection device 45. The battery ID is identification information that uniquely identifies each power pack 2.

[0044] The second communication control unit 402 communicates with the user terminal 5 via the first communication device 42 .

[0045] The third communication control unit 403 communicates with the power packs 2 via the second communication device 43. The third communication control unit 403 receives a battery ID and battery state information from each of the power packs 2 provided in the first vehicle 4.

[0046] The instruction unit 404 issues various instructions to the charging station 44. The instruction unit 504 outputs an instruction to unlock the locking mechanism 446 to the charging station control device 443. When the instruction to unlock the locking mechanism 446 is input from the instruction unit 404, the charging station control device 443 unlocks the locked state of the locking mechanism 446. The instruction unit 404 outputs an instruction to charge the power pack 2 to the charging station control device 443. When the instruction to charge is input from the instruction unit 504, the charging station control device 443 outputs an instruction to supply power to the charging device 444.

[0047] [3. User device configuration] Next, the configuration of the user terminal 5 will be described. The user terminal 5 includes a terminal control device 50, a third communication device 51, and a touch panel 52.

[0048] The terminal control device 50 is a device that controls each part of the user terminal 5. The terminal control device 50 includes a processor 500 such as a CPU or MPU, a memory 510, and an interface circuit 520 to which other devices and sensors are connected.

[0049] The memory 510 is a storage device that non-volatilely stores programs and data executed by the processor 500. The memory 510 is configured by a magnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage element such as a flash ROM, or other types of non-volatile storage devices. The memory 510 may also include a RAM that configures a work area for the processor 500. The memory 510 may also include a non-volatile storage device such as an HDD or SSD. The memory 510 stores data processed by the processor 500 and a control program 511 executed by the processor 500.

[0050] The terminal control device 50 is connected to a third communication device 51 and a touch panel 52. The third communication device 51 is a device including a transmitter and a receiver for transmitting and receiving data to and from the first communication device 42. The third communication device 51 is a wireless communication device. The touch panel 52 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.

[0051] The processor 500 reads and executes a control program 511 stored in the memory 510, thereby functioning as a fourth communication control unit 501, a first display control unit 502, and a first reception unit 503.

[0052] The fourth communication control unit 501 communicates with the first communication device 42 via the third communication device 51 . The first display control unit 502 causes the touch panel 52 to display information. The first reception unit 503 receives an operation on the touch panel 52.

[0053] [4. Configuration of the second vehicle] Next, the configuration of the second vehicle 6 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the second vehicle 6. As shown in FIG. The second vehicle 6 includes a vehicle control device 60, a second mobile communication device 61, a fourth communication device 62, a charging station 64, and a second position detection device 65.

[0054] The vehicle control device 60 is a device that controls each part of the second vehicle 6. The vehicle control device 60 includes a processor 600 such as a CPU or MPU, a memory 610, an interface circuit 620 to which other devices and sensors are connected, and a touch panel 630.

[0055] 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.

[0056] The touch panel 630 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.

[0057] The vehicle control device 60 is connected to a second mobile communication device 61, a fourth communication device 62, a charging station 64, and a second position detection device 65.

[0058] The charging station 64 includes a holding unit 641 that detachably holds the power pack 2, and an electrical component unit 642 that houses various electric and electronic circuits. The electrical component unit 642 houses a charging station control device 643 and a charging device 644.

[0059] The holding unit 641 includes a charging connector 645 electrically connected to the electrodes of the power pack 2, and a locking mechanism 646 that prevents the power pack 2 from being removed in response to an instruction from the charging station control device 643. The locking mechanism 646 includes, for example, an electric key that locks the cover of the power pack removal port formed on the inside or outside of the second vehicle 6 so that it cannot be opened or closed, or an electrically controlled latching mechanism that hooks onto the power pack 2 stored in the holding unit 641 to prevent it from being removed.

[0060] The charging station control device 643 is a device that controls each part of the charging station 64, and includes a processor such as a CPU or 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 64.

[0061] The charging device 644 is a device that charges the power pack 2 using power supplied from an on-board battery 66 mounted on the second vehicle 6. The charging device 644 supplies power to the power pack 2 held in the holding unit 641 in accordance with a power supply instruction from the charging station control device 643. The charging station control device 643 manages the correspondence between the battery ID and the connecting charging connector 645 for the power pack 2 held in the holding unit 641. The charging station control device 643 can issue a power supply instruction for a specific power pack 2 by using this correspondence. The on-board battery 66 may be a battery that can be removed from the second vehicle 6, or may be a battery that cannot be removed from the second vehicle 6.

[0062] The second position detection device 65 is a device that detects the current position of the second vehicle 6, and is equipped with a GNSS receiver that receives positioning signals transmitted from multiple positioning satellites. The second position detection device 65 outputs the detection result to the vehicle control device 60.

[0063] The processor 600 functions as a fifth communication control unit 601, a sixth communication control unit 602, an instruction unit 603, a second display control unit 604, and a second reception unit 605 by reading and executing a control program 611 stored in the memory 610.

[0064] The fifth communication control unit 601 communicates with the management server 9 via the second mobile communication device 61. The fifth communication control unit 601 transmits the upload information to the management server 9.

[0065] The uploaded information generated by the second vehicle 6 includes second battery information, location information indicating the current location of the second vehicle 6, an ID that uniquely identifies the user U2, and product information related to the products 3 provided in the second vehicle 6. The product information includes, for example, the type or name of the product 3, the number of power packs 2 required for the product 3, and the number of products 3. The product information is input, for example, by the user U2 operating the touch panel 630, and is stored in the memory 610.

[0066] The second battery information includes, for each power pack 2 installed in the second vehicle 6, a battery ID that uniquely identifies the power pack 2 and battery status information. The current location of the second vehicle 6 indicated by the location information is the current location detected by the second location detection device 65. The battery ID and battery status information included in the second battery information are the same as those in the first battery information. In other words, the second battery information is the same as the first battery information generated by the first vehicle 4, and in this embodiment, the battery information generated by the first vehicle 4 used by the borrower of the power pack 2 is referred to as the first battery information. Furthermore, the battery information generated by the second vehicle 6 used by the lender of the power pack 2 is referred to as the second battery information.

[0067] The fifth communication control unit 601 communicates with the management server 9 via the second mobile communication device 61 . The sixth communication control unit 602 communicates with the power packs 2 via the fourth communication device 62. The sixth communication control unit 602 receives a battery ID and battery state information from each of the power packs 2 provided in the second vehicle 6.

[0068] The instruction unit 603 issues various instructions to the charging station 64. The instruction unit 603 outputs an instruction to unlock the locking mechanism 646 to the charging station control device 643. When the instruction to unlock the locking mechanism 646 is input from the instruction unit 603, the charging station control device 643 unlocks the locked state of the locking mechanism 646. The instruction unit 603 outputs an instruction to charge the power pack 2 to the charging station control device 643. When the instruction to charge is input from the instruction unit 603, the charging station control device 643 outputs an instruction to supply power to the charging device 644.

[0069] Second display control unit 604 causes touch panel 630 to display information. The second receiving unit 605 receives an operation on the touch panel 630.

[0070] [5. Configuration of the third vehicle] Next, the configuration of the third vehicle 7 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the third vehicle 7. The third vehicle 7 includes an in-vehicle device 70, a third mobile communication device 71, and a third position detection device 72.

[0071] The in-vehicle device 70 is a device that controls each part of the third vehicle 7. The in-vehicle device 70 includes a processor 700 such as a CPU or MPU, a memory 710, an interface circuit 720 to which other devices and sensors are connected, and a touch panel 730.

[0072] 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.

[0073] The touch panel 730 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.

[0074] The in-vehicle device 70 is connected to a third mobile communication device 71 and a third position detection device 72.

[0075] The third position detection device 72 is a device that detects the current position of the third vehicle 7, and is equipped with a GNSS receiver that receives positioning signals transmitted from multiple positioning satellites. The third position detection device 72 outputs the detection result to the in-vehicle device 70.

[0076] The processor 700 reads and executes a control program 711 stored in the memory 710, thereby functioning as a seventh communication control unit 701, a third display control unit 702, and a third reception unit 703.

[0077] The seventh communication control unit 701 communicates with the management server 9 via the third mobile communication device 71. The seventh communication control unit 701 transmits upload information to the management server 9. The uploaded information includes location information indicating the current location of the third vehicle 7, an ID that uniquely identifies the user U3, and product information regarding the product 3 provided in the third vehicle 7. The product information is input by the user U3 operating the touch panel 730, for example, and is stored in the memory 710.

[0078] The third display control unit 702 causes the touch panel 730 to display information. The third reception unit 703 receives an operation on the touch panel 730 .

[0079] The memory 710 stores the types or names of the items 3 placed in the third vehicle 7, the number of power packs 2 required by the items 3, and the number of items 3. This information is input by the user U3 operating the touch panel 730, for example.

[0080] [6. Configuration of the 4th vehicle] Next, the configuration of the fourth vehicle 8 will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the fourth vehicle 8. As shown in FIG. The fourth vehicle 8 includes a vehicle control device 80, a fourth mobile communication device 81, a fifth communication device 82, a charging station 84, and a fourth position detection device 85.

[0081] The vehicle control device 80 is a device that controls each part of the fourth vehicle 8. The vehicle control device 80 includes a processor 800 such as a CPU or MPU, a memory 810, an interface circuit 620 to which other devices and sensors are connected, and a touch panel 830.

[0082] The memory 810 is a storage device that non-volatilely stores programs and data executed by the processor 800. The memory 810 is configured by a magnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage element such as a flash ROM, or other types of non-volatile 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 non-volatile storage device such as an HDD or SSD. The memory 810 stores data processed by the processor 800 and a control program 811 executed by the processor 800.

[0083] The touch panel 830 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.

[0084] The vehicle control device 80 is connected to a fourth mobile communication device 81, a fifth communication device 82, a charging station 84, and a fourth position detection device 85.

[0085] The charging station 84 includes a holding unit 841 that detachably holds the power pack 2, and an electrical component unit 842 that houses various electric and electronic circuits. The electrical component unit 842 houses a charging station control device 843 and a charging device 844.

[0086] The holding unit 841 includes a charging connector 845 electrically connected to the electrodes of the power pack 2, and a locking mechanism 846 that prevents the power pack 2 from being removed in response to an instruction from the charging station control device 843. The locking mechanism 846 includes, for example, an electric key that locks the cover of the power pack removal port formed on the inside or outside of the fourth vehicle 8 so that it cannot be opened or closed, or an electrically controlled latching mechanism that hooks onto the power pack 2 stored in the holding unit 841 to prevent it from being removed.

[0087] The charging station control device 843 is a device that controls each part of the charging station 84, and includes a processor such as a CPU or 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 84.

[0088] The charging device 844 is a device that charges the power pack 2 using power supplied from an on-board battery 86 mounted on the fourth vehicle 8. The charging device 844 supplies power to the power pack 2 held in the holding unit 841 in accordance with a power supply instruction from the charging station control device 843. The charging station control device 843 manages the correspondence between the battery ID and the connecting charging connector 845 for the power pack 2 held in the holding unit 841. The charging station control device 843 can issue a power supply instruction for a specific power pack 2 by using this correspondence. The on-board battery 86 may be a battery that can be removed from the fourth vehicle 8, or may be a battery that cannot be removed from the fourth vehicle 8.

[0089] The fourth position detection device 85 is a device that detects the current position of the fourth vehicle 8, and is equipped with a GNSS receiver that receives positioning signals transmitted from multiple positioning satellites. The fourth position detection device 85 outputs the detection result to the vehicle control device 80.

[0090] The processor 800 functions as an eighth communication control unit 801, a ninth communication control unit 802, an instruction unit 803, a fourth display control unit 804, and a fourth reception unit 805 by reading and executing a control program 811 stored in memory 810.

[0091] The eighth communication control unit 801 communicates with the management server 9 via the fourth mobile communication device 81. The eighth communication control unit 801 transmits upload information to the management server 9. The upload information generated by the eighth communication control unit 801 includes second battery information, location information indicating the current location of the fourth vehicle 8, and an ID that uniquely identifies the user U4. Furthermore, if the fourth vehicle 8 is equipped with a product 3, the eighth communication control unit 801 may generate upload information that includes product information regarding the product 3 provided on the fourth vehicle 8. The product information is input, for example, by the user U4 operating the touch panel 830, and is stored in the memory 810.

[0092] The second battery information generated by the fourth vehicle 8 includes, for each power pack 2 provided in the fourth vehicle 8, a battery ID that uniquely identifies the power pack 2 and battery status information. The current location of the fourth vehicle 8 indicated by the location information is the current location detected by the fourth location detection device 85. In this embodiment, the user U4 is a user U who can be the lender of the power pack 2, and therefore the battery information generated by the fourth vehicle 8 is the second battery information.

[0093] The eighth communication control unit 801 communicates with the user terminal 5 via the fourth mobile communication device 81 . The ninth communication control unit 802 communicates with the power packs 2 via the fifth communication device 82. The ninth communication control unit 802 receives a battery ID and battery state information from each of the power packs 2 provided in the fourth vehicle 8.

[0094] The instruction unit 803 issues various instructions to the charging station 84. The instruction unit 803 outputs an instruction to unlock the locking mechanism 846 to the charging station control device 843. When the instruction to unlock the locking mechanism 846 is input from the instruction unit 803, the charging station control device 843 unlocks the locked state of the locking mechanism 846. The instruction unit 803 outputs an instruction to charge the power pack 2 to the charging station control device 843. When the instruction to charge is input from the instruction unit 803, the charging station control device 843 outputs an instruction to supply power to the charging device 844.

[0095] The fourth display control unit 804 causes the touch panel 830 to display information. The fourth reception unit 805 receives an operation on the touch panel 830.

[0096] [7. Management Server Configuration] Next, the configuration of the management server will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the management server 9. The management server 9 includes a server control device 90 and a server communication device 91 .

[0097] The server control device 90 is a device that controls each part of the management server 9. The server control device 90 includes a processor 900 such as a CPU or MPU, a memory 910, and an interface circuit 920 to which the server communication device 91 is connected.

[0098] The memory 910 is a storage device that non-volatilely stores programs and data executed by the processor 900. The memory 910 is configured by a magnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage element such as a flash ROM, or other types of non-volatile storage devices. The memory 910 may also include a RAM that configures a work area for the processor 900. The memory 910 may also include a non-volatile storage device such as an HDD or SSD. The memory 910 stores data processed by the processor 900, a control program 911 executed by the processor 900, a lessor management database 912, a lessee management DB 913, an upload information management DB 914, and map data 915.

[0099] The lender management DB 912 stores information about each user U who has become a lender. The information about the lender includes a lender ID and communication information for communicating with the first vehicle 4 operated by the lender. The lender ID is the ID of the user U who has become the lender. An example of this communication information is the address information of the first mobile communication device 41.

[0100] The borrower management DB 913 stores information about each user U who has become a borrower. The information about the borrower includes a borrower ID and borrower information indicating the borrower's name and face photograph. The borrower ID is the ID of the user U who has become a borrower.

[0101] User U1 can be a lender who lends out the power pack 2 or the item 3. Users U2, U3, and U4 can be borrowers who borrow the power pack 2 or the item 3. In other words, each user U can be both a lender and a borrower. Therefore, information about the same user U may be stored in both the lender management DB 912 and the borrower management DB 913.

[0102] The upload information management DB 914 stores the upload information.

[0103] The map data 915 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 915 includes image data of the map.

[0104] The server communication device 91 is a device including a transmitter and a receiver for transmitting and receiving data between the first vehicle 4, the second vehicle 6, the third vehicle 7, and the fourth vehicle 8. The server communication device 91 may be a wired communication device or a wireless communication device.

[0105] The processor 900 reads and executes a control program 911 stored in a memory 910, thereby functioning as a server receiving unit 901, a server transmitting unit 902, a generating unit 903, a searching unit 904, and an analyzing unit 905. The server receiving unit 901 corresponds to the receiving unit in this disclosure. The server transmitting unit 902 corresponds to the transmitting unit in this disclosure.

[0106] The server receiving unit 901 receives data from the first mobile communication device 41 and the second mobile communication device 61 via the server communication device 91. The server transmitting unit 902 transmits data from the first mobile communication device 41 and the second mobile communication device 61 via the server communication device 91.

[0107] The generating unit 903 generates a first map image, a second map image, and a route-added map image, which will be described later.

[0108] The search unit 904 refers to the map data 915 and searches for a route from the current location of the user U, who is the renter, to the destination. In this embodiment, the search unit 904 searches for a route from the current location of the first vehicle 4 as the current location of the user U1.

[0109] The analysis unit 905 generates preference information indicating the preferences of the user U1 by analyzing the history of borrowing items 3 by the borrower user U1. The preference information is stored in the borrower management DB 913 in association with the borrower ID. The preference information is information indicating, for example, the types, categories, and product names of the items 3 that the borrower likes. Specifically, the analysis unit 905 generates preference information for outdoor items, camping items, sporting items, cooking utensils, household goods, clothing, and the like.

[0110] [8. Operation of each part of the rental system] Next, the operation of each part of the rental system 1 will be described. First, the operation of each part of the rental system 1 related to the uploaded information will be described.

[0111] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rental system 1. In Fig. 7, the flowchart FA shows the operation executed by any one of the vehicle control device 40, vehicle control device 60, in-vehicle device 70, and vehicle control device 80, and the flowchart FB shows the operation of the management server 9. First, an example will be described in which the first vehicle 4 executes the operation of the flowchart FA.

[0112] As shown in flowchart FA, first communication control unit 401 determines whether a trigger for transmitting upload information has occurred (step SA1). Examples of this trigger include the passage of a predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes) since the previous upload information was transmitted, the ignition of first vehicle 4 being turned on, or the ignition of first vehicle 4 being turned off.

[0113] When first communication control unit 401 determines that a trigger for transmitting upload information has occurred (step SA1: YES), first communication control unit 401 generates upload information (step SA2).

[0114] In step SA2, the first communication control unit 401 acquires a combination of the battery ID and battery state information received by the second communication device 43 from the second communication device 43. The first communication control unit 401 also acquires location information from the first location detection device 45. The first communication control unit 401 also acquires the ID of user U1 from the memory 410. The first communication control unit 401 generates upload information including the acquired information.

[0115] The ID of the user U1 is stored in advance in the memory 410, for example, when the first communication device 42 and the user terminal 5 establish a communication connection.

[0116] The second communication device 43 may acquire the battery ID and the battery status information by directly communicating with the power pack 2. Alternatively, the second communication device 43 may receive the battery ID and the battery status information from, for example, a charging station control device 443 or a charging device 444.

[0117] Returning to the explanation of the flowchart FA, the first communication control unit 401 transmits the generated upload information to the management server 9 (step SA3).

[0118] As shown in the flowchart FB, the server receiving unit 901 receives upload information from the first vehicle 4 (step SB1).

[0119] Next, the server receiving unit 901 stores the upload information received in step SB1 in the upload information management DB 914 (step SB2).

[0120] In step SB2, if upload information having the same ID as the ID of user U1 included in the upload information received in step SB1 exists in the upload information management DB 914, the server receiving unit 901 updates the upload information having the same ID to the upload information received in step SB1.

[0121] The fifth communication control unit 601 provided in the second vehicle 6, the seventh communication control unit 701 provided in the third vehicle 7, and the eighth communication control unit 801 provided in the fourth vehicle 8 each perform the operations of the flowchart FA.

[0122] In this case, in step SA2, the fifth communication control unit 601 acquires a combination of the battery ID and battery status information of the power pack 2 equipped in the second vehicle 6, and the ID of the user U2. Furthermore, the fifth communication control unit 601 acquires product information related to the product 3 placed in the second vehicle 6 from the memory 410. The fourth communication control unit 501 generates upload information including the acquired information. If the product 3 is not installed in the second vehicle 6, the fifth communication control unit 601 may generate upload information that does not include the product information.

[0123] Furthermore, in step SA2, the seventh communication control unit 701 acquires the ID of the user U3 and product information related to the product 3 placed in the third vehicle 7 from the memory 710. The seventh communication control unit 701 generates upload information including the acquired information. If the product 3 is not loaded on the third vehicle 7, the seventh communication control unit 701 may generate upload information that does not include the product information.

[0124] Furthermore, in step SA2, the eighth communication control unit 801 acquires a combination of the battery ID and battery status information of the power pack 2 provided in the fourth vehicle 8, and the ID of the user U4. The eighth communication control unit 801 generates upload information including the acquired information. If the fourth vehicle 8 is equipped with a product 3, the eighth communication control unit 801 may acquire the product information from the memory 810 and generate upload information including the product information.

[0125] In this way, each of the first vehicle 4, second vehicle 6, third vehicle 7, and fourth vehicle 8 included in the rental system 1 sends upload information to the management server 9, allowing the management server 9 to accumulate information regarding the power packs 2 and accessories 3 of each vehicle.

[0126] Next, the operation of the rental system 1 related to the search for the item 3 that is being rented will be described. 8, 10, 12, and 14 are flowcharts showing the operation of the rental system 1. With reference to these figures, an example of the operation when user U1 borrows an item 3 from one of users U2, U3, or U4 will be described. In this example, user U1 is the borrower, and one of users U2, U3, or U4 is the lender.

[0127] In FIG. 8, a flowchart FC shows the operation of the management server 9, and a flowchart FD shows the operation of the user terminal 5 and the vehicle control device 40. As shown in the flowchart FD, the vehicle control device 40 determines whether to search for a rental item 3 (step SD1). For example, when the first reception unit 503 receives an instruction to search for an item 3 via the touch panel 52, the vehicle control device 40 makes a positive determination in step SD1 (step SD1; YES).

[0128] When the vehicle control device 40 determines that a search for the product 3 is to be performed (step SD1: YES), the vehicle control device 40 generates search request information (step SD2). In step SD2, the vehicle control device 40 acquires location information from the first location detection device 45. Then, the vehicle control device 40 generates search request information including the acquired location information. Here, if the first reception unit 503 has accepted input of a destination from the user U1, the vehicle control device 40 includes the destination information accepted by the first reception unit 503 in the search request information to be generated.

[0129] Next, the vehicle control device 40 transmits the search request information to the management server 9 (step SD3).

[0130] As shown in the flowchart FC, the server receiving unit 901 receives search request information (step SC1).

[0131] Next, the generation unit 903 acquires a map image of the reference predetermined range from the map data 915 based on the search request information received in step SC1 (step SC2). The reference predetermined range is a predetermined range based on the current location indicated by the location information in the search request information. The reference predetermined range is, for example, a range with a radius of 10 km centered on the reference. The size of this range is determined in advance.

[0132] Next, the generating unit 903 extracts, from the uploaded information management DB 914, uploaded information that includes product information that satisfies a predetermined condition from among the position information that indicates a position within the reference predetermined range.

[0133] The generation unit 903 performs the process of step SC4 on the extracted upload information. That is, the generation unit 903 generates the first map image 101 based on the upload information extracted from the upload information management DB 914 (step SC4).

[0134] The first map image 101 is a map image that displays, at a position on a map within a reference predetermined range corresponding to the current position of the first vehicle 4, information on equipment that satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0135] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the first map image 101. The map shown by the first map image 101 is a map that includes at least a part of the reference predetermined range. The map shown by the first map image 101 may be a map of the entire reference predetermined range centered on the current position of the first vehicle 4, which is the reference. Furthermore, the map shown by the first map image 101 may be a map that enlarges the area in which the items 3 are located within the reference predetermined range, as shown in Fig. 9.

[0136] The first map image 101 displays the equipment information using icons and text. More specifically, information display units 122 and 123 are arranged in the first map image 101 corresponding to the positions of the equipment 3. In this embodiment, the equipment 3 installed in the vehicle is the subject of the present invention. For this reason, the first map image 101 shown in FIG. 9 has a vehicle image 112 indicating the position of the second vehicle 6 on which the equipment 3 is installed, and a vehicle image 113 indicating the position of the equipment 3. The information display unit 122 is arranged in a position corresponding to the vehicle image 112, and displays equipment information related to the equipment 3 installed in the second vehicle 6 using icons and text on the information display unit 122. The equipment information icons indicate the type and number of the equipment 3, and the text indicating the equipment information indicates the type and name of the equipment 3 and the number of power packs 2 required to use the equipment 3. Similarly, the information display unit 123 is arranged in a position corresponding to the vehicle image 113, and displays equipment information related to the equipment 3 installed in the third vehicle 7 using icons and text on the information display unit 123. A vehicle image 111 indicating the position of the first vehicle 4 may be displayed on the first map image 101 so that the user U1 can easily grasp the position.

[0137] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 8, the server transmission unit 902 transmits the map image data of the first map image 101 generated in step SC4 to the first vehicle 4 (step SC5).

[0138] As shown in the flowchart FD, the vehicle control device 40 receives the map image data of the first map image 101 (step SD4).

[0139] The first display control unit 502 displays the first map image 101 corresponding to the map image data received by the first vehicle 4 in step SD4 on the touch panel 52 (step SD5). When displaying the first map image 101, the first display control unit 502 displays, for example, icons of the information display units 122 and 123 arranged on the first map image 101 in a selectable manner.

[0140] 10, 12, and 14 show the operation when a user U1 requests the rental of an item 3 based on the first map image 101. At the start of the operation in FIG. 10, the first map image 101 is displayed on the touch panel 52 of the user terminal 5.

[0141] In FIG. 10, a flowchart FE shows the operation of the management server 9, and a flowchart FF shows the operation of the user terminal 5 and the vehicle control device 40. As shown in flowchart FF, the vehicle control device 40 determines whether the user U1 has made a rental request (step SD11). The rental request by the user U1 corresponds to a request to use the item 3. For example, when the first display control unit 502 has caused the touch panel 52 to display the first map image 101 and the first reception unit 503 has received a predetermined operation for a rental request, the vehicle control device 40 makes an affirmative determination in step SD11 (step SD11; YES).

[0142] When the vehicle control device 40 determines that a rental request is to be made (step SD11: YES), it selects the item 3 that is the subject of the request based on the operation of the user U1 (step SD12). In step SD12, the vehicle control device 40 selects, for example, the item 3 that corresponds to the icon that the user U1 touched on the first map image 101.

[0143] The vehicle control device 40 transmits a rental request to the management server 9 (step SD13). The rental request includes information indicating the item 3 selected in step SD12. This item 3 indicates the item 3 requested to be rented. The rental request may include one or more of the ID of the user U1 and information on the current location of the first vehicle 4.

[0144] As shown in the flowchart FC, the server receiving unit 901 receives a request for lending (step SC11). The analysis unit 905 analyzes the loan request received in step SC11, and updates the preference information corresponding to the ID of the user U1 stored in the borrower management DB 913 (step SC12). Here, the analysis unit 905 corresponds to an example of a preference management unit.

[0145] Next, the generation unit 903 extracts upload information corresponding to the item 3 requested to be rented from the upload information management DB 914 based on the rental request received in step SC11 (step SC13). Based on the extracted upload information, the generation unit 903 obtains the number of batteries required to operate the item 3 requested to be rented, i.e., the number of power packs 2 (step SC14).

[0146] The generation unit 903 determines whether the item 3 requested for rental can be operated by the batteries installed in the vehicles of both the lender and the borrower (step SC15). The processing of step SC15 will be described in detail. The generation unit 903 identifies the user U who will be the lender based on the uploaded information extracted in step SC13. The generation unit 903 acquires the number of power packs 2 installed in the vehicle used by the lender user U and battery status information of the power packs 2 based on the second battery information included in the uploaded information. The generation unit 903 acquires first battery information from the uploaded information of the borrower user U1. The generation unit 903 acquires the number of power packs 2 installed in the first vehicle 4 used by the user U1 and battery status information of the power packs 2 from the first battery information. The generation unit 903 makes a determination based on the number of power packs 2 required to operate the item 3 requested to be rented, the information acquired from the first battery information, and the information acquired from the second battery information. That is, the generation unit 903 selects, as the power packs 2 that can be used to operate the item 3, the power packs 2 that are charged at a predetermined level or more from among the power packs 2 installed in the first vehicle 4 used by the lender and the power packs 2 installed in the vehicle used by the lender. Then, the generation unit 903 determines whether the number of selected power packs 2 satisfies the number of power packs 2 required to operate the item 3. If the number of selected power packs 2 satisfies the number of power packs 2 required to operate the item 3, the generation unit 903 makes a positive determination in step SC15. If the number of selected power packs 2 does not satisfy the number of power packs 2 required to operate the item 3, the generation unit 903 makes a negative determination in step SC15.

[0147] If it is determined that the item 3 requested for rental can be operated by the batteries installed in both the lender's and borrower's vehicles (step SC15; YES), the server control device 90 proceeds to step SE1 in Fig. 14. In this case, the vehicle control device 40 proceeds to step SG1 in Fig. 14.

[0148] If it is determined that the item 3 requested for loan cannot be operated using the batteries installed in both the lender's and borrower's vehicles (step SC15; NO), the generation unit 903 performs a process to change the display mode of the item 3 requested for loan in the first map image 101 (step SC16), and generates a second map image 102 with the changed display mode (step SC17).

[0149] The second map image 102 is a map image obtained by changing the display mode of the item 3 requested to be rented from the first map image 101.

[0150] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the second map image 102. The map range included in the second map image 102 illustrated in Fig. 11 is the same as that of the first map image 101 in Fig. 9. The map shown in the second map image 102 does not have to be the same as the first map image 101, and may be, for example, a map enlarged and centered on the location of the vehicle carrying the item 3 requested for rental.

[0151] The second map image 102, like the first map image 101, has information display areas 122 and 123 arranged therein, and equipment information is displayed in the information display areas 122 and 123. Also common to the first map image 101 is that vehicle images 112 and 113 are displayed to indicate the location of the equipment 3.

[0152] In the example of FIG. 11 , the item 3 requested for rental is the item 3 carried by the third vehicle 7. Therefore, the display mode of the item information displayed on the information display unit 123 corresponding to the third vehicle 7 is different from that of the first map image 101. For example, a decorative display 131 is added to the icon of the item information displayed on the information display unit 123. The decorative display 131 creates a visual effect indicating that the state of the icon indicating the item 3 requested for rental, among the icons displayed on the second map image 102, is different from that of the first map image 101. The decorative display 131 is, for example, an image, symbol, character, or the like that is displayed superimposed on the icon or arranged around the icon. Specifically, the decorative display 131 may be a shaded display, a grayed-out display, a fluorescent display, a blacked-out display, or the like. When the decorative display 131 is displayed superimposed on the icon, the decorative display 131 may make the icon visible or may make the icon invisible. When icons of a plurality of items 3 are displayed in the information display section 123, the decorative display 131 is given only to the icon corresponding to the item 3 requested for lending.

[0153] By adding the decorative display 131 to the icon in the information display section 123, the second map image 102 becomes an example of a means of notifying the user U1 that there is a shortage of power packs 2 to operate the equipment 3 that the user U1 has requested to be loaned.

[0154] 10, the server transmission unit 902 transmits the map image data of the second map image 102 generated in step SC17 to the first vehicle 4 (step SC18). After that, the operation of the server control device 90 proceeds to step SC21 in FIG.

[0155] As shown in the flowchart FF, the vehicle control device 40 receives the map image data of the second map image 102 (step SD14).

[0156] The first display control unit 502 displays on the touch panel 52 the second map image 102 corresponding to the map image data received by the first vehicle 4 in step SD14 (step SD15). In displaying the second map image 102, the first display control unit 502 displays, for example, icons of the information display units 122 and 123 arranged on the second map image 102 so that they can be selected. Thereafter, the operation of the user terminal 5 and the vehicle control device 40 proceeds to step SD21 in FIG. 12.

[0157] In FIG. 12, a flowchart FG shows the operation of the management server 9, and a flowchart FH shows the operation of the user terminal 5 and the vehicle control device 40. As shown in flowchart FH, the vehicle control device 40 determines whether the user U1 has made a rental request (step SD11). The user U1 has made a rental request in step SD11, but has been notified by the second map image 102 that there is a shortage of power packs 2 for operating the item 3. In step SD21, after the user terminal 5 displays the second map image 102, it is determined whether the user U1 has requested to rent the item 3. For example, if the first reception unit 503 has received a predetermined operation for a rental request based on the second map image 102 displayed on the first display control unit 502, the vehicle control device 40 makes an affirmative determination in step SD21 (step SD21; YES).

[0158] When the vehicle control device 40 determines that a rental request should be made (step SD21: YES), it transmits a rental request based on the second map image 102 to the management server 9 (step SD22). The rental request transmitted in step SD22 may be the same as the request transmitted in step SD13, or may include a flag indicating that the request is based on the second map image 102.

[0159] As shown in flowchart FG, the server receiving unit 901 receives a loan request (step SC21).

[0160] Based on the rental request received in step SC21, the generation unit 903 extracts, from the upload information management DB 914, upload information corresponding to a position within a predetermined range from the position of the item 3 for which rental is requested (step SC22). The generation unit 903 extracts upload information including battery state information that satisfies a predetermined condition from the upload information extracted in step SC22 (step SC23).

[0161] In this embodiment, the battery state information for which the predetermined condition is met is battery state information for which the first predetermined condition or the second predetermined condition is met. The battery state information that satisfies the first predetermined condition is battery state information that indicates that the charge amount of the power pack 2 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount (for example, 50% of the charge amount when fully charged). The battery status information that satisfies the second predetermined condition is battery status information of the power pack 2 that is receiving power from the on-board battery 46 that has a charge amount equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, and is battery status information that indicates that the power pack 2 is being charged. This second predetermined condition is valid when the battery status information transmitted by the second vehicle 6 and the fourth vehicle 8 includes information indicating the charge amount of the on-board battery 46.

[0162] The generating unit 903 determines whether the battery state information satisfies a predetermined condition as follows: When the battery state information to be determined indicates a charge amount equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the generating unit 903 determines that the battery state information to be determined is battery state information for which a first predetermined condition is satisfied; When the battery state information to be determined indicates charging and second battery information in the uploaded information including the battery state information to be determined indicates a charge amount equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the generating unit 903 determines that the battery state information to be determined is battery state information for which a second predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0163] Here, if there is no uploaded information containing battery status information that satisfies the specified condition, the generation unit 903 may send information indicating that rental is not possible to the first vehicle 4 and terminate this process.

[0164] The generation unit 903 identifies a location where a battery required to operate the item 3 requested for rental, i.e., a power pack 2, can be borrowed based on the extracted upload information (step SC24). In detail, the generation unit 903 selects one piece of upload information that includes location information close to the current location of the user U1 from the upload information extracted in step SC23. The generation unit 903 sets the location indicated by the location information included in the selected upload information as the location where the power pack 2 can be borrowed.

[0165] Next, the search unit 904 searches for a route from the current location of the user U1 to the location identified in step SC24 (step SC25). The generation unit 903 generates a route-added map image 103 including information indicating the route searched by the search unit 904.

[0166] The route-added map image 103 is a map image in which a route to a place where a power pack 2 can be rented is added to the second map image 102.

[0167] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the route-added map image 103. As shown in FIG. The range of the map included in the route-added map image 103 illustrated in Fig. 13 is the same as that of the first map image 101 in Fig. 9 and the second map image 102 in Fig. 11. The map shown in the route-added map image 103 does not have to be the same as the first map image 101 or the second map image 102. For example, it may be a map that enlarges the range including the route.

[0168] The route-added map image 103, like the second map image 102, has information display areas 122 and 123 arranged therein, and product information is displayed in the information display areas 122 and 123. Also common to the second map image 102 is that vehicle images 112 and 113 are displayed to indicate the location of the product 3, and that a decorative display 131 is added to the icon of the product information of the product 3 that has been requested to be rented.

[0169] The route-added map image 103 has a route display 133 arranged thereon, which includes a route for the user U1 to rent the power pack 2. The route display 133 is, for example, a straight line, an arrow, a symbol, or any other image that indicates the route along which the user U1 should travel.

[0170] The routed map image 103 displays an image indicating the number of power packs 2 used or owned by the user U who will be lending the power packs 2 and the charge levels of the power packs 2. Specifically, the content of the second battery information included in the uploaded information selected in step SC24 is displayed as an icon. FIG. 13 shows an example in which a user U1 can borrow a power pack 2 installed in a fourth vehicle 8 used by a user U4. In this example, a vehicle image 114 indicating the fourth vehicle 8 and an information display section 124 corresponding to the vehicle image 114 are displayed in the routed map image 103. The information display section 124 displays an icon indicating the charge level or charge status of each power pack 2, depending on the number of power packs 2 installed in the fourth vehicle 8. The icon for the power pack 2 can be in a variety of modes, indicating a state in which the charge level of the power pack 2 is low, a state in which the charge level of the power pack 2 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and a state in which the power pack 2 is being charged. The information display section 124 in FIG. 13 displays two icons corresponding to two power packs 2. These two icons indicate that the charge level of the power pack 2 is above a predetermined value.

[0171] The route display 133 included in the route-added map image 103 shows a route from the current location of the user U1 to a location where the power pack 2 can be rented. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 13, the route display 133 may also include a route from a location where the power pack 2 can be rented to a location where the item 3 can be rented. Fig. 13 shows a route in which the user U1 first rents the power pack 2 and then rents the item 3, but the order in which the power pack 2 and the item 3 are rented is not limited. The route display 133 may also show a route in which the user U1 first rents the power pack 2 and then rents the item 3.

[0172] 13, an information display unit 121 may be arranged in the routed map image 103 in association with a vehicle image 111 indicating the first vehicle 4 used by the user U1. The information display unit 121 may also have icons indicating the number of power packs 2 mounted on the first vehicle 4 and the status of the power packs 2. The information display unit 121 in FIG. 13 displays three icons corresponding to three power packs 2. These three icons indicate that one power pack 2 is being charged and that the charge levels of two power packs 2 are lower than a predetermined value.

[0173] 12, the server transmission unit 902 transmits the map image data of the route-added map image 103 generated in step SC26 to the first vehicle 4 (step SC27). After that, the operation of the server control device 90 proceeds to step SE1 in FIG.

[0174] As shown in the flowchart FH, the vehicle control device 40 receives the map image data of the route-added map image 103 (step SD23).

[0175] The first display control unit 502 displays the route-added map image 103 corresponding to the map image data received by the first vehicle 4 in step SD23 on the touch panel 52 (step SD24). After that, the operations of the user terminal 5 and the vehicle control device 40 proceed to step SG1 in FIG.

[0176] In FIG. 14, flowchart FI shows the operations of the vehicle control device 40 and the user terminal 5, and flowchart FJ shows the operation of the management server 9. Flowchart FH shows the operations of the devices installed in the vehicle used by the lender. That is, flowchart FH shows the operations of one or more of the vehicle control device 60, the in-vehicle device 70, and the vehicle control device 80. Here, as an example, a case will be described in which user U3 is the lender of the item 3, and user U4 is the lender of the power pack 2. In this example, flowchart FK corresponds to the operations of the in-vehicle device 70 and the vehicle control device 80.

[0177] As shown in the flowchart FJ, the server transmitting unit 902 transmits a request for rental of the item 3 to the third vehicle 7 (step SE1).

[0178] As shown in flowchart FH, the seventh communication control unit 701 receives a rental request sent by the management server 9 (step SF1). The third display control unit 702 displays the content of the request received in step SF1 on the touch panel 730 (step SF2). The seventh communication control unit 701 then determines whether the third reception unit 703 has received an operation on the touch panel 730 (step SF3). The operation specifically refers to an operation indicating acceptance or rejection of the request displayed in step SF2. While no operation is performed (step SF3; NO), the seventh communication control unit 701 waits. If an operation is performed (step SF3; YES), the seventh communication control unit 701 transmits the result of the operation received by the third reception unit 703 to the management server 9 (step SF4).

[0179] As shown in flowchart FJ, the server receiving unit 901 receives the operation result transmitted by the third vehicle 7 (step SE2). Based on the result received from the third vehicle 7, the server receiving unit 901 updates information in the lender management DB 912, borrower management DB 913, and uploaded information management DB 914, etc. (step SE3). For example, if the server receiving unit 901 receives a result from the third vehicle 7 indicating that the request to lend the item 3 has been accepted, in step SE3 the server receiving unit 901 updates the lender management DB 912 corresponding to user U3 who will be using the third vehicle 7. In other words, because user U3 will be the lender of the item 3, the server receiving unit 901 performs a process of newly registering information corresponding to the ID of user U3 in the lender management DB 912, or a process of updating the information in the lender management DB 912 corresponding to the ID of user U3. In this case, the server receiving unit 901 updates the borrower management DB 913 in response to user U1 becoming the borrower. The server transmitting unit 902 transmits the result received from the third vehicle 7 in step SE2 to the first vehicle 4 (step SE4).

[0180] The above operation is performed when the user U1 requests to borrow the product 3. Specifically, this is the operation performed when the management server 9 transitions from step SC15 in FIG. 10 to step SE1 in the flowchart FJ. When the management server 9 transitions from step SC27 in Figure 12 to step SE1 in flowchart FJ, i.e., when user U1 requests to borrow item 3 and power pack 2, operations to borrow power pack 2 are performed.

[0181] In this case, the server transmitting unit 902 transmits a request for lending of the power pack 2 to the fourth vehicle 8 (step SE1) in parallel with the processing of step SE1 for the third vehicle 7. As shown in flowchart FH, the eighth communication control unit 801 receives a loan request sent by the management server 9 (step SF1). The fourth display control unit 804 displays the content of the request received in step SF1 on the touch panel 830 (step SF2). The eighth communication control unit 801 then determines whether the fourth reception unit 805 has received an operation on the touch panel 830 (step SF3). While no operation has been performed (step SF3; NO), the eighth communication control unit 801 waits. If an operation has been performed (step SF3; YES), the eighth communication control unit 801 transmits the result of the operation received by the fourth reception unit 805 to the management server 9 (step SF4).

[0182] Then, as shown in the flowchart FJ, the server receiving unit 901 receives the result of the operation transmitted by the fourth vehicle 8 in step SE2 (step SE2). In this case, the server receiving unit 901 updates the information in the lessor management DB 912, the lessee management DB 913, the uploaded information management DB 914, etc. based on the result received from the fourth vehicle 8 (step SE3).

[0183] That is, if user U1 requests to borrow item 3 from user U3 and power pack 2 from user U4, the management server 9 transmits a rental request to both the third vehicle 7 and the fourth vehicle 8. The management server 9 may execute step SE4 after receiving results in step SE2 from both the third vehicle 7 and the fourth vehicle 8. The management server 9 may also execute step SE4 each time it receives a result from either the third vehicle 7 or the fourth vehicle 8.

[0184] The above-described operation is performed when the user U1 operates the user terminal 5 to request to rent the power pack 2. In the rental system 1, the user U1 can also request that the power pack 2 be delivered to the user U1's current location or to the user U1's destination. In this case, the operation shown in FIG. 15 is executed instead of the operation shown in FIG. 12.

[0185] In FIG. 15, a flowchart FL shows the operation of the management server 9, and a flowchart FM shows the operation of the user terminal 5 and the vehicle control device 40. As shown in the flowchart FM, the vehicle control device 40 determines whether the user U1 requests rental (step SD31). In step SD31, after the user terminal 5 displays the second map image 102, it is determined whether the user U1 requests rental of the item 3. Here, for example, if the first reception unit 503 receives a predetermined operation requesting rental of the item 3 and the power pack 2 and delivery of the power pack 2 based on the second map image 102 displayed on the first display control unit 502, the vehicle control device 40 makes an affirmative determination in step SD31 (step SD31; YES).

[0186] If the vehicle control device 40 determines that a rental and delivery request is to be made (step SD31: YES), it sends a rental and delivery request based on the second map image 102 to the management server 9 (step SD32). The rental request sent in step SD32 is, for example, the request sent in step SD22 plus a delivery request.

[0187] As shown in the flowchart FL, the server receiving unit 901 receives a loan request (step SC31).

[0188] Based on the rental request received in step SC31, the generation unit 903 extracts from the upload information management DB 914 upload information corresponding to the current location of the borrower who requested the rental or a location within a predetermined range from the destination (step SC32). The generation unit 903 extracts upload information including battery status information for which a predetermined condition is satisfied from the upload information extracted in step SC32 (step SC33). The battery status information for which the predetermined condition is satisfied is as described in the processing of step SC22.

[0189] The generation unit 903 identifies a vehicle that can deliver the power pack 2 based on the uploaded information extracted in step SC33 (step SC34). In particular, the generation unit 903 selects one piece of uploaded information that includes information indicating that delivery of the power pack 2 is possible from the uploaded information extracted in step SC33. The generation unit 903 sets the vehicle that sent the selected uploaded information as a location where the power pack 2 can be delivered. Information identifying the vehicle can be obtained from the lender management DB 912 or the borrower management DB 913 based on the ID of the user U corresponding to the uploaded information.

[0190] Next, the server receiving unit 901 generates a request for rental of the item 3 and a request for rental and delivery of the power pack 2 (step SC34), and proceeds to step SE1 in Fig. 14. Accordingly, the operation of the user terminal 5 and the vehicle control device 40 proceeds to step SG1 in Fig. 14.

[0191] [9. Variations] When the user U1 makes a rental request, the management server 9 may generate an item map image that displays item information about items 3 related to the requested item 3. Examples of items 3 related to the requested item 3 include items 3 extracted or selected based on the preference information of the user U1. This configuration will be described as a modified example.

[0192] Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rental system 1 in the modified example. The operation in Fig. 16 is executed in place of the operation in Fig. 10. In Fig. 16, the same step numbers are assigned to processes that are common to Fig. 10, and explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0193] 16, a flowchart FN shows the operation of the management server 9. The flowchart FN is the operation of the flowchart FE with new steps SC41 to SC43 added. The flowchart FO shows the operation of the user terminal 5 and the vehicle control device 40. The flowchart FO is the operation of the flowchart FF with new steps SD41 to SD42 added.

[0194] After executing step SC12, the generation unit 903 acquires preference information corresponding to the ID of user U1 from the borrower management DB 913, and extracts uploaded information including product information that matches the preference information from the uploaded information management DB 914 (step SD41). In step SD41, the generation unit 903 extracts, for example, uploaded information that includes location information that falls within a range wider than the reference predetermined range centered on the reference, from the uploaded information stored in the uploaded information management DB 914. The product information that matches the preference information is, for example, product information that matches the type, category, and product name of the product 3 indicated by the preference information.

[0195] The generation unit 903 generates the equipment map image 105 based on the uploaded information extracted in step SC41. The equipment map image 105 is a map image that displays equipment information that satisfies a predetermined condition and equipment information that matches the preference information at a position on a map within a reference predetermined range that corresponds to the current position of the first vehicle 4.

[0196] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the equipment map image 105. As shown in FIG. The map range included in the accessory map image 105 illustrated in Fig. 17 is the same as that of the first map image 101 in Fig. 9. As with the first map image 101, the accessory map image 105 has information display areas 122 and 123 arranged therein, and accessory information is displayed in the information display areas 122 and 123. Also common to the first map image 101 is the display of vehicle images 112 and 113 to indicate the position of the accessory 3.

[0197] Furthermore, in the equipment map image 105, equipment information related to the equipment 3 requested for lending by the user U1 is displayed in the information display section 125. The information display section 125 is arranged corresponding to the vehicle image 115. The vehicle image 115 is an image showing any one of the second vehicle 6, the third vehicle 7, and the fourth vehicle 8, or a vehicle different from these. The information display section 125 displays equipment information of the equipment 3 provided in the vehicle shown in the vehicle image 115, similar to the information display sections 122 and 123. The equipment information displayed in the information display section 125 is equipment information of the equipment 3 related to the equipment 3 requested for lending by the user U1, based on the preference information of the user U1.

[0198] Here, the product information of the product 3 related to the product 3 requested for lending by the user U1 may be displayed in a display format different from the product information of other products 3. For example, in Fig. 17, the icon and text of the product information arranged in the information display unit 125 are decorated with a frame. In this way, by displaying the product information of the product 3 related to the product 3 requested for lending by the user U1 in a display format different from the product information of the product 3 requested for lending, for example, the user U1 can be notified that the product information is suggested based on preference information.

[0199] 16, the server transmission unit 902 transmits the map image data of the equipment map image 105 generated in step SC42 to the first vehicle 4 (step SC43). After that, the operation of the server control device 90 proceeds to step SC13.

[0200] As shown in the flowchart FO, the vehicle control device 40 receives map image data of the equipment map image 105 (step SD41).

[0201] The first display control unit 502 displays on the touch panel 52 the accessory map image 105 corresponding to the map image data received by the first vehicle 4 in step SD41 (step SD42). In displaying the accessory map image 105, the first display control unit 502 displays, for example, an icon of the information display unit 125 arranged on the accessory map image 105 so that the icon can be selected. Thereafter, the user terminal 5 proceeds to step SC14.

[0202] After the equipment map image 105 is displayed in step SD42, the first reception unit 503 may be capable of receiving a request for lending an additional equipment 3 based on the equipment map image 105 by operating the touch panel 52. When the first reception unit 503 receives a request for lending an additional equipment 3, the fourth communication control unit 501 may return to step SD13 and transmit a request for lending multiple items 3. In this case, the server receiving unit 901 may receive the request for lending multiple items 3, and the generation unit 903 may perform the operations from step SC15 onwards based on the request for lending multiple items 3.

[0203] 10. Other Embodiments The above-described embodiment is merely one example, and any modifications and applications are possible.

[0204] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which a power pack 2 installed in a vehicle is rented and borrowed. However, the rental system 1 may be configured to rent and borrow a power pack 2 stored and charged at a location other than the vehicle. For example, the rental system 1 may be configured to include a battery station. The battery station is, for example, a device that can store multiple power packs 2. The battery station is configured to allow a user U to store a power pack 2 in the battery station and to remove the power pack 2 from the battery station. In other words, the user U can rent a power pack 2 from the battery station and return the power pack 2 to the battery station by operating the battery station. The battery station is, for example, a device managed by an operator of the rental system 1. Furthermore, the battery station not only stores power packs 2 but also charges the stored power packs 2. The battery station is installed, for example, at a dealership that sells vehicles such as the first vehicle 4, the second vehicle 6, and the fourth vehicle 8. The battery station may also be installed in a repair shop that performs vehicle maintenance, or in a store that operates a business unrelated to vehicles, such as a convenience store. The battery station may also be installed in a parking lot or on a road. The battery station may also be called a battery storage device. When a user U borrows a power pack 2 from a battery station and returns the power pack 2 to the battery station, the above-mentioned incentives associated with borrowing and lending the power pack 2 are generated. In this case, the management server 9 detects the number and charge state of power packs 2 arranged in the battery station, or the number of power packs 2 available for loan at the battery station.

[0205] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which, when the user U1 selects the item 3 displayed on the second map image 102, a route for renting the power pack 2 arranged in the third vehicle 7 is generated, and the route-with-map image 103 including the route display 133 is displayed. If the rental system 1 includes a battery station, the management server 9 may indicate the location of the battery station as a location where the user U can rent the power pack 2. That is, in response to the selection of the item 3 displayed on the second map image 102, the management server 9 may generate a route from the first vehicle 4 to the battery station located within a predetermined range. In this case, the management server 9 generates the route-with-map image 103 including the generated route, and transmits data of the route-with-map image 103 to the first vehicle 4.

[0206] Furthermore, when a vehicle equipped with a power pack 2 and a battery station are located within a predetermined range from the first vehicle 4, the management server 9 may select the battery station in preference to other vehicles such as the second vehicle 6 and the fourth vehicle 8, and generate a route to the battery station. When the user U borrows the power pack 2 from the battery station, for example, the operations shown in steps SE1 to SE2 and SF1 to SF4 in Fig. 14 can be omitted. Therefore, by having the management server 9 show the user U the route to the battery station rather than the vehicle, the user U who selected the item 3 can borrow the power pack 2 without making a request to borrow it from the second vehicle 6 or the fourth vehicle 8.

[0207] In this way, a configuration example in which a route to the battery station is displayed can be applied to a rental system 1 including a battery station. This configuration example can be another example of generating a routed map image 103. That is, the generation unit 903 identifies information that satisfies a predetermined condition from information received from battery stations located within a predetermined range from the current position of the first moving object, and generates a routed map image in which a route to the battery station corresponding to the identified information is arranged.

[0208] In the above-described embodiment, an electric four-wheeled vehicle is exemplified as a moving body of the present disclosure. However, the moving body of the present disclosure is not limited to an electric four-wheeled vehicle, and may be an object that moves on land, in the air, on the sea, or in water by being operated by a lessor. Such an object may be, for example, a vehicle, an aircraft, a ship, or the like.

[0209] In the above-described embodiment, the terminal used by the user U1, who is the borrower of the present disclosure, is exemplified as the user terminal 5. However, the terminal used by the borrower is not limited to the user terminal 5 and may be, for example, an in-vehicle device such as a vehicle control device 40.

[0210] The processors 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, and 900 may be configured with multiple processors or a single processor. The processors 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, and 900 may be hardware programmed to implement the functions of each unit described below. In this case, the processors 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, and 900 may be configured with, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0211] Furthermore, the components of the devices constituting the rental system 1 shown in Figures 2-6 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.

[0212] 7, 8, 10, 12, and 14-16 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 units 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.

[0213] 11. Configurations Supported by the Above Embodiments The above embodiment supports the following configurations.

[0214] (Configuration 1) A management server that manages information transmitted by a plurality of mobile bodies including a first mobile body and a second mobile body, comprising: a receiving unit that receives first battery information from the first mobile body, including the number of batteries provided in the first mobile body and the status of each of the batteries, and receives from the second mobile body product information of products provided in the second mobile body and associated with the batteries; a generating unit that generates a first map image based on the first battery information and the product information, displaying the product information corresponding to the battery provided in the first mobile body on a map corresponding to the current location of the first mobile body; and a transmitting unit that transmits map image data of the first map image to a user terminal associated with the user of the first mobile body. According to the management server of the first configuration, a first map image showing the location of the battery and related items installed in the mobile object is transmitted to the user terminal used by the user. This allows a user who needs an item to easily know the location of items used or managed by other users. This allows users to easily lend or borrow items installed in the mobile object.

[0215] (Configuration 2) The receiving unit receives second battery information from the second mobile body, the second battery information including the number of batteries provided in the second mobile body and the status of each of the batteries; the generating unit determines whether the item can be operated using either the battery provided in the first mobile body or the battery provided in the second mobile body based on the first battery information and the second battery information, and generates a second map image in which the display mode of the item information for the item determined to be inoperable is different from that of the first map image; and the transmitting unit transmits second map image data of the second map image to the user terminal. According to the management server of configuration 2, it is possible to determine whether the item the user wishes to borrow can be operated by the batteries provided in the first and second mobile bodies, and the user terminal can acquire a second map image based on the determination result. Therefore, the user can know whether the item can be operated before the item is borrowed or rented. In the second map image, items determined to be inoperable are displayed in a different manner from the first map image, so the user can easily identify items that are inoperable. This makes it possible to avoid, for example, a situation where the item cannot be operated due to insufficient battery power after being borrowed. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience of users who borrow items.

[0216] (Configuration 3) The receiving unit receives from the user terminal a request to use the item based on the item information displayed on the first map image, and the generating unit determines whether the item that is the subject of the request for use can be operated using either the battery provided on the first mobile body or the battery provided on the second mobile body, and generates the second map image by changing the display mode of the item information for the item that is determined to be inoperable from that of the first map image. According to the management server of configuration 3, when a user requests the use of an item, it determines whether the item is operable or not, and if necessary, it determines whether the item is operable or not and generates a second map image, thereby reducing the operational load of the management server and improving processing efficiency.

[0217] (Configuration 4) The receiving unit receives third battery information from a third mobile body different from the first mobile body and the second mobile body, the third battery information including the number of batteries installed in the third mobile body and the status of each of the batteries, and when the receiving unit receives a request from the user terminal to use the equipment based on the equipment displayed in the second map image, the generating unit identifies the third battery information received from the third mobile body located within a predetermined range from the current position of the first mobile body, that satisfies a predetermined condition, and generates a routed map image that maps a route to the third mobile body corresponding to the identified third battery information, and the transmitting unit transmits routed map image data of the routed map image generated by the generating unit to the user terminal. According to the management server of configuration 4, when the equipment cannot be operated by the batteries provided in the first and second mobile bodies, a route-attached map image including a route to obtain a battery is transmitted to the user terminal. This notifies the user that the equipment cannot be operated and provides a route to obtain a battery that will enable the equipment to be operated. Therefore, the user can know how to operate the equipment, thereby improving user convenience.

[0218] (Configuration 5) The management server described in configuration 3, wherein the receiving unit receives third battery information from a third mobile body different from the first mobile body and the second mobile body, the third battery information including the number of batteries installed in the third mobile body and the status of each of the batteries, the generating unit identifies the third battery information received from the third mobile body located within a predetermined range from the current location of the first mobile body, that satisfies a predetermined condition, and generates a third map image in which the identified third battery information is arranged, the transmitting unit transmits third map image data of the third map image to the user terminal, and when the receiving unit receives from the user terminal a request for delivery of the battery based on the third battery information displayed in the third map image, the transmitting unit transmits a delivery request to the third mobile body that is the target of the delivery request. According to the management server of configuration 5, when the battery provided in the first moving body and the second moving body cannot operate the equipment, it is possible to request the delivery of a battery. This allows the user to request the delivery of a battery as a means to operate the equipment, further improving user convenience.

[0219] (Configuration 6) A management server described in any one of configurations 3 to 5, wherein the receiving unit receives the product information regarding the product provided on the fourth mobile body from a fourth mobile body different from the first mobile body and the second mobile body, the generating unit identifies the product information related to the product that is the subject of the request for use from the user terminal from the product information received from the fourth mobile body located within a predetermined range from the current position of the first mobile body based on the request for use of the product, and generates a product map image in which the identified product information is placed at a position on a map corresponding to the current position of the first mobile body, and the transmitting unit transmits the product map image generated by the generating unit to the user terminal. According to the management server of configuration 6, an equipment map image in which equipment information related to the equipment requested for use by the user terminal is arranged on a map is transmitted to the user terminal. This allows the user to know about other equipment related to the equipment requested for use. This saves the user the trouble of searching for the equipment, further improving convenience.

[0220] (Configuration 7) The management server described in Configuration 6 includes a preference management unit that generates preference information of the user of the first mobile body based on the history of the use requests received from the user terminal, and the generation unit identifies the product information related to the preference information of the user of the first mobile body based on the request for use of the product from the user terminal, and generates the product map image in which the identified product information is placed at a position on a map corresponding to the current location of the first mobile body. According to the management server of configuration 7, a product map image in which product information selected based on the user's preferences is arranged on a map is transmitted to the user terminal. This allows the user to know about using products related to the user's preferences. This saves the user the trouble of searching for products, further improving convenience.

[0221] (Configuration 8) A management system including a first mobile communication device provided on a first mobile body, a second mobile communication device provided on a second mobile body, a management server, and a user terminal associated with a user of the first mobile body, wherein the first mobile communication device transmits first battery information to the management server, the first battery information including the number of batteries provided on the first mobile body and the status of each of the batteries, and the second mobile communication device transmits product information of products provided on the second mobile body and associated with the batteries to the management server, and the management server comprises a receiving unit that receives the first battery information from the first mobile communication device and receives the product information from the second mobile communication device, a generating unit that generates a first map image based on the first battery information and the product information, displaying the product information corresponding to the battery provided on the first mobile body on a map corresponding to the current location of the first mobile body, and a transmitting unit that transmits map image data of the first map image generated by the generating unit to the user terminal, and the user terminal receives the map image data from the management server and displays the first map image indicated by the received map image data. According to the management system of configuration 8, a user who needs supplies can easily find out the location of supplies used or managed by other users, and users can easily lend and borrow supplies installed on mobile objects.

[0222] (Configuration 9) A control method for an administrative server that communicates with a first mobile communication device installed on a first mobile body, a second mobile communication device installed on a second mobile body, and a user terminal associated with a user of the first mobile body, the control method for an administrative server including the steps of: receiving first battery information from the first mobile communication device, the first battery information including the number of batteries installed on the first mobile body and the status of each of the batteries; receiving product information from the second mobile communication device about products installed on the second mobile body and associated with the batteries; generating a first map image based on the first battery information and the product information, in which the product information corresponding to the battery installed on the first mobile body is displayed on a map corresponding to the current location of the first mobile body; and transmitting map image data of the first map image to a user terminal. According to the control method for the management server of the ninth configuration, the same effects as those of the management server of the first configuration are achieved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0223] 1... rental system (management system), 2... power pack, 3... accessories, 4... first vehicle (first mobile body), 5... user terminal, 6... second vehicle (second mobile body), 7... third vehicle (second mobile body), 8... fourth vehicle (second mobile body), 9... management server, 10... communication network, 40, 60, 80... vehicle control device, 41... first mobile body communication device, 52... touch panel, 61... second mobile body communication device, 70... in-vehicle device, 71... third mobile body communication device, 81... fourth mobile body Communication device, 90...server control device, 91...server communication device, 101...first map image, 102...second map image, 103...map image with route, 105...accessory map image, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900...processor, 630, 730, 830...touch panel, 901...server receiving unit, 902...server transmitting unit (transmitting unit), 903...generation unit, 904...searching unit, 905...analysis unit (preference management unit), 910...memory, 911...control program.

Claims

1. A management server that manages information transmitted by a plurality of mobile units including a first mobile unit and a second mobile unit, a receiving unit that receives, from the first mobile body, first battery information including the number of batteries provided in the first mobile body and the state of each of the batteries, and receives, from the second mobile body, product information of products provided in the second mobile body that operate using the batteries as a power source, and second location information indicating the current location of the second mobile body; a generation unit that generates a first map image based on the first battery information, the second location information, and the product information, in which the product information of the product that operates using the battery provided in the first moving body as a power source is displayed at a position corresponding to the second location information on a map that includes at least a part of a reference predetermined range centered on the current location of the first moving body; a transmitting unit that transmits map image data of the first map image to a user terminal associated with a user of the first mobile object.

2. the receiving unit receives second battery information from the second mobile body, the second battery information including the number of batteries provided in the second mobile body and the state of each of the batteries; the product information includes the number of batteries required to operate the product; The generation unit determining whether or not a total number of the batteries with charge levels equal to or higher than a predetermined level and installed in the first moving body and the second moving body satisfies the number of the batteries required to operate the equipment, based on the first battery information, the equipment information, and the second battery information; generating a second map image in which the display mode of the product information of the product for which it has been determined that the total number of the batteries with charge amounts equal to or higher than the predetermined level provided in the first moving body and the second moving body does not satisfy the number of the batteries required for operation is different from that of the first map image; The management server according to claim 1 , wherein the transmission unit transmits second map image data of the second map image to the user terminal.

3. the receiving unit receives, from the user terminal, a request for use of the product based on the product information displayed on the first map image; The generation unit determining whether the number of batteries required to operate the equipment that is the subject of the request for use is satisfied by the total number of batteries that are provided in the first moving body and the second moving body and that have a charge level equal to or higher than the predetermined level; The management server described in claim 2 generates the second map image by displaying the item information of the item in a manner different from the first map image for items determined to have a total number of batteries with a charge level above the specified level installed in the first mobile body and the second mobile body that does not meet the number of batteries required for operation.

4. the receiving unit receives, from a third moving body different from the first moving body and the second moving body, third battery information including the number of batteries provided in the third moving body and the state of each of the batteries, and third location information indicating a current location of the third moving body; When the receiving unit receives a request for use of the product based on the product displayed on the second map image from the user terminal, the generation unit identifies, from the third battery information received from the third mobile body located within a predetermined range from the current position of the first mobile body, third battery information indicating that the third mobile body is equipped with a battery with a charge amount equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, or indicating that the third mobile body is equipped with a battery that is receiving power supply from an on-board battery with a charge amount equal to or greater than a predetermined amount and is currently being charged, and generates, using the third position information, a route-added map image on which a route to the third mobile body corresponding to the identified third battery information and the number of batteries equipped in the third mobile body and the state of each battery, which are included in the identified third battery information, are arranged; The management server according to claim 3 , wherein the transmission unit transmits the route-added map image data of the route-added map image generated by the generation unit to the user terminal.

5. the receiving unit receives, from a third moving body different from the first moving body and the second moving body, third battery information including the number of batteries provided in the third moving body and the state of each of the batteries, and third location information indicating a current location of the third moving body; the generation unit identifies, from the third battery information received from the third mobile body located within a predetermined range from the current position of the first mobile body, third battery information indicating that the third mobile body is equipped with the battery with a charge amount equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, or that the third mobile body is equipped with the battery that is receiving power supply from an on-board battery with a charge amount equal to or greater than a predetermined amount and is currently being charged, and generates a third map image in which the identified third battery information is arranged; The transmission unit transmitting third map image data of the third map image to the user terminal; The management server of claim 3, wherein when the receiving unit receives a request for delivery of the battery based on the third battery information displayed on the third map image from the user terminal, the management server sends a delivery request to the third mobile body that is the target of the delivery request.

6. the receiving unit receives, from a fourth moving body different from the first moving body and the second moving body, the product information of the product provided on the fourth moving body and fourth location information indicating a current location of the fourth moving body; the generation unit, based on the request for use of the product from the user terminal, identifies the product information related to the product that is the subject of the request for use from the product information received from the fourth mobile body located within a predetermined range from the current location of the first mobile body, and generates a product map image in which the identified product information is placed at a position corresponding to the fourth position information on a map including at least a part of a reference predetermined range centered on the current location of the first mobile body; The management server according to claim 3 , wherein the transmission unit transmits the equipment map image generated by the generation unit to the user terminal.

7. A management system including a first mobile communication device provided in a first mobile body, a second mobile communication device provided in a second mobile body, a management server, and a user terminal associated with a user of the first mobile body, the first mobile communication device transmits first battery information to the management server, the first battery information including the number of batteries provided in the first mobile device and the state of each of the batteries; the second mobile body communication device transmits to the management server product information of the product that is provided to the second mobile body and operates using the battery as a power source, and second location information that indicates a current location of the second mobile body; The management server a receiving unit that receives the first battery information from the first mobile communication device and receives the product information and the second location information from the second mobile communication device; a generation unit that generates a first map image based on the first battery information, the second location information, and the product information, in which the product information of the product that operates using the battery provided in the first moving body as a power source is displayed at a position corresponding to the second location information on a map that includes at least a part of a reference predetermined range centered on the current location of the first moving body; a transmission unit that transmits map image data of the first map image generated by the generation unit to the user terminal, the user terminal receives the map image data from the management server and displays the first map image indicated by the received map image data. Management system.

8. A control method for a management server that communicates with a first mobile communication device provided in a first mobile body, a second mobile communication device provided in a second mobile body, and a user terminal associated with a user of the first mobile body, the method comprising: receiving, by the management server, first battery information from the first mobile communication device, the first battery information including the number of batteries provided in the first mobile device and the status of each of the batteries; a step of the management server receiving, from the second mobile communication device, product information of a product provided on the second mobile body and operating using the battery as a power source, and second location information indicating a current location of the second mobile body; the management server generates a first map image based on the first battery information, the second location information, and the product information, in which the product information of the product that operates using the battery provided in the first mobile body as a power source is displayed at a position corresponding to the second location information on a map including at least a part of a reference predetermined range centered on the current location of the first mobile body; the management server transmitting map image data of the first map image to a user terminal. How to control the management server.

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