Management system, management method, management program, user terminal control method, user-side program, host terminal control method, and host-side program

Abstract

To provide a management system that can determine whether or not a user who is operating a user terminal uses a mobile charger.SOLUTION: A management system 1 comprises: a user communication unit 41; registration storage unit 51; and a start determination unit 61. The user communication unit 41 receives charger identification information I1 and start position information I2 from a user terminal 2. The charger identification information I1 is uniquely allocated to a mobile charger B1 used by a user X1 in a charging work. The start position information I2 indicates a position of the user terminal 2 before the user X1 starts the charging work. A registration storage unit 51 previously stores registration position information I3 indicating a position of the mobile charger B1 by associating with the charger identification information I1. The start determination unit 61 determines that utilization of the mobile charger B1 by the user X1 is justifiable, when a start condition is satisfied at start time of the charging work. The start condition includes that the registration position information I3 associated with the charger identification information I1 matches the start position information I2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , , , , ,

[0003] , , ,

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a management system, a management method, a management program, a control method for a user terminal, a user-side program, a control method for a host terminal, and a host-side program. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a management system, a management method, a management program, a control method for a user terminal, a user-side program, a control method for a host terminal, and a host-side program for managing the usage status of a mobile charger used in a charging operation for charging a battery of a mobile body by a user.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a charging system including a charging unit, an authentication device, and an aggregation device. The charging unit is installed in an apartment building and charges the battery of a vehicle. The authentication device authenticates the user of the charging unit. The aggregation device communicates with a household terminal through an in-house communication network laid in the apartment building. The household terminal outputs at least one of the time when it wants to start using the charging unit and the time when it wants to end using the charging unit to the aggregation device. After the household terminal receives the current identification information with a validity period set by the aggregation device and the current identification information is transferred to the authentication device together with the validity period by the aggregation device, when the current identification information is input to the authentication device, the use of the charging unit becomes possible.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Incidentally, in the charging process where a user charges the battery of a mobile device, the management system that manages the usage status of the mobile device charger managed by the host authenticates the user based on information transmitted from the user terminal. In this case, it is possible that the user operating the user terminal transmits the necessary authentication information from a location far from the mobile device charger, and that an operator who is not operating the user terminal may use the mobile device charger. In other words, there is a problem in that it is not possible to determine whether or not the user operating the user terminal is using the mobile device charger.

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a management system, a management method, a management program, a user terminal control method, a user-side program, a host terminal control method, and a host-side program that can determine whether or not a user operating a user terminal is using a mobile charger. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A management system according to one aspect of this disclosure is a management system for managing the usage status of a mobile charger used by a user in the charging operation of a mobile device's battery. The management system includes a user communication unit, a registration storage unit, a start determination unit, The department that makes the decision to terminate, The system includes the following: The user communication unit receives at least charger identification information and start location information from a user terminal operated by the user. The charger identification information is uniquely assigned to the mobile charger used by the user in the charging operation. The start location information indicates the location of the user terminal before the user starts the charging operation. The registration storage unit stores registration location information indicating the location of the mobile charger in advance, linked to the charger identification information. The start determination unit determines that the user's use of the mobile charger is legitimate when the start conditions are met at the start of the charging operation. The termination determination unit determines that the user has terminated their use of the mobile charger if the termination conditions are met after the start determination unit has determined that the user's use of the mobile charger is legitimate. The aforementioned start condition includes the matching of the registered location information associated with the charger identification information with the start location information.

[0007] A management method relating to one aspect of this disclosure is a management method for managing the usage status of a mobile charger used by a user in the charging operation of a mobile device's battery. The management method comprises a start information receiving step and a start determination step, Steps for determining termination, This includes the following. In the start information receiving step, at least charger identification information and start location information are received from the user terminal operated by the user. The charger identification information is uniquely assigned to the mobile charger used by the user for the charging operation. The start location information indicates the location of the user terminal before the user starts the charging operation. In the start determination step, if the start conditions are met, it is determined that the user's use of the mobile charger is legitimate. In the termination determination step, if it is determined in the start determination step that the user's use of the mobile charger is legitimate, and the termination conditions are met, it is determined that the user has terminated their use of the mobile charger. The aforementioned starting condition is that the registered location information, which indicates the location of the mobile charger and is stored in advance in association with the charger identification information, matches the starting location information.

[0008] A management program according to one aspect of this disclosure is a management program that causes a computer system to execute the management method described above.

[0009] A user terminal control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a method for controlling a user terminal that communicates with the management system. The user terminal control method includes an acquisition step, a start position creation step, and a start information transmission step. In the acquisition step, the charger identification information is acquired. In the start position creation step, the start position information is created. In the start information transmission step, the charger identification information and the start position information are transmitted to the management system.

[0010] A user-side program according to one aspect of this disclosure is a program that causes a computer system to execute the control method for the user terminal.

[0011] A host terminal control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a host terminal owned by a host that communicates with the management system and manages the mobile charger. The host terminal control method includes a decision result receiving step. In the decision result receiving step, the decision result of the start decision unit is received from the management system.

[0012] A host-side program according to one aspect of this disclosure is a program that causes a computer system to execute the control method for the host terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to this disclosure, there is an advantage in being able to determine whether or not the person operating the user terminal is using a portable charger. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the lending system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a sequence diagram showing the reservation operation of the same lending system. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the decision-making process for reservation operations in the management system described above. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a sequence diagram showing the normal check-in operation in the same lending system. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the normal check-in decision-making process in the management system described above. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of on-site check-in in the same lending system. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the on-site check-in decision-making process in the aforementioned management system. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing the normal checkout operation in the same lending system. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the determination process of normal checkout in the above management system. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of remote checkout in the above lending system. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the determination process of remote checkout in the above management system.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0015] (This Embodiment) (1) Overview Hereinafter, the overview of the management system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0016] The management system 1 according to this embodiment manages the usage status of a mobile charger used in a charging operation in which the user X1 charges the battery A11 of the mobile body A1. The mobile charger B1 of this embodiment is a mobile charger managed by a host X2 different from the user X1. Further, the mobile body A1 is a mobile body managed or owned by the user X1.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the management system 1 according to this embodiment includes a user communication unit 41, a registration storage unit 51, and a start determination unit 61.

[0018] The user communication unit 41 receives at least charger identification information I1 and start position information I2 from the user terminal 2 operated by the user X1. The charger identification information I1 is information uniquely assigned to the mobile charger B1 used by the user X1 in the charging operation. The start position information I2 is information indicating the position of the user terminal 2 before the user X1 starts the charging operation.

[0019] The registration storage unit 51 stores in advance registered location information I3, which indicates the location of the mobile charger B1, linked to the charger identification information I1. The start determination unit 61 determines that the use of the mobile charger B1 by user X1 is legitimate when the start condition C1 is met at the start of the charging operation. The start condition C1 includes the matching of the registered location information I3 and the start location information I2, which are linked to the charger identification information I1.

[0020] In the above configuration, for example, if user X1, who is operating user terminal 2, transmits the information necessary for authentication from a location away from the mobile charger B1, and a worker who is not operating user terminal 2 uses the mobile charger B1, the registered location information I3 linked to the charger identification information I1 and the start location information I2 will not match, and the start condition C1 will not be met. Here, "worker" refers to a person different from user X1. As a result, the start determination unit 61 can determine that user X1's use of the mobile charger B1 is not legitimate. In other words, the management system 1 of this embodiment has the advantage of being able to determine whether or not user X1, who is operating user terminal 2, is using the mobile charger B1.

[0021] (2) Detailed configuration (2-1) Loan System The detailed configuration of the lending system 100 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 11.

[0022] The rental system 100 is a system for managing the temporary use of a mobile charger B1 installed in a detached house, apartment building, or commercial facility. More specifically, the rental system 100 is a system that connects a user X1 who wants to use the mobile charger B1 with a host X2 that manages or owns the mobile charger B1, enabling user X1 to charge a mobile device A1 using the mobile charger B1 of host X2. In this disclosure, "host X2" refers to, for example, the owner of a detached house, or the manager of an apartment building or commercial facility.

[0023] The mobile charger B1 of this embodiment is a device for supplying power to charge the battery A11 (see Figure 1) of the mobile unit A1. In other words, the mobile charger B1 of this embodiment has a power supply unit B11 that supplies power to charge the battery A11 of the mobile unit A1. In this embodiment, the mobile charger B1 is a dedicated charger for the mobile unit. In this embodiment, the charger is a standard charger, but a fast charger may also be used.

[0024] The mobile charger B1 further includes a storage unit B12 that stores charger identification information I1, which is uniquely assigned to the mobile charger B1. In this embodiment, the storage unit B12 is a plate or paper medium on which a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code is printed, which is converted and stored according to certain rules for the charger identification information I1.

[0025] In this disclosure, "mobile body A1" is equipped with a storage battery A11 and moves using the electrical energy stored in the storage battery A11. In this embodiment, mobile body A1 is an electric vehicle. As shown in Figure 1, mobile body A1 includes a storage battery A11 and a charging circuit A12. The storage battery A11 is mounted on mobile body A1 and used as the power source for mobile body A1. The charging circuit A12 is a circuit that receives power from a mobile body charger B1 and performs charging of the storage battery A11.

[0026] In this embodiment, the mobile vehicle A1 is an electric vehicle, but is not limited to this. For example, it may be a plug-in hybrid vehicle that runs by combining the output of an engine and an electric motor, an electric cart, an electric motorcycle, an electric tricycle, an electric four-wheeled buggy, etc. The term "electric motorcycle" here includes motorcycles, electric bikes, and electric-assist motorcycles. Similarly, "electric tricycle" includes electric bikes and electric-assist tricycles. Furthermore, mobile vehicle A1 may also include flying objects such as drones and aircraft.

[0027] As shown in Figure 1, the lending system 100 includes at least one user terminal 2, at least one host terminal 3, and a management system 1.

[0028] (2-2) User terminals User terminal 2 is a terminal operated by user X1. User terminal 2 primarily consists of a computer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit) and memory. Specifically, user terminal 2 is a smartphone, tablet computer, or wearable device such as a smartwatch owned by user X1. In the following description, it is assumed that user terminal 2 is always carried by user X1. In this embodiment, user terminal 2 and mobile device A1 are included in user-side system X10 owned or managed by user X1.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1, the user terminal 2 comprises a display unit 21, an operation unit 22, a communication unit 23, an imaging unit 24, a reading unit 25, a location information creation unit 26, a setting unit 27, and a control unit 28. The user terminal 2 functions as a browser that displays content provided by at least the management system 1 by installing dedicated application software and launching this application software. The application software (program) may be pre-recorded in the computer's memory, provided via a telecommunications line, or provided on a recording medium such as a memory card.

[0030] The display unit 21 displays information to the user X1. The display unit 21 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, etc. The operation unit 22 has the function of receiving operations from the user X1. In this embodiment, the user terminal 2 is equipped with a touch panel display, and the touch panel display functions as both the display unit 21 and the operation unit 22. However, the operation unit 22 is not limited to a touch panel display, but may be, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, or a mechanical switch, etc.

[0031] The communication unit 23 is connected to the network NT1 and performs bidirectional communication with the management system 1 via the network NT1. More specifically, the communication unit 23 performs bidirectional communication with the user communication unit 41 of the management system 1, which will be described later, via the network NT1. In this embodiment, the communication unit 23 is connected to the network NT1, for example, via a mobile phone network (carrier network) or public wireless LAN (Local Area Network) provided by a telecommunications carrier. The communication unit 23 may also be connected to the network NT1 via a router or the like using wireless communication with radio waves as the medium. "Wireless communication" here refers to wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and unlicensed low-power wireless communication (specified low-power wireless communication).

[0032] The imaging unit 24 creates start image data D1, which is image data capturing the state of the mobile device A1 before user X1 starts the charging operation. Similarly, the imaging unit 24 also creates end image data D2, which is image data capturing the state of the mobile device A1 after user X1 has finished the charging operation. In this embodiment, start image data D1 includes image data capturing the amount of charge stored in the battery A11 of the mobile device A1 before user X1 starts the charging operation. Similarly, in this embodiment, end image data D2 includes image data capturing the amount of charge stored in the battery A11 of the mobile device A1 after user X1 has finished the charging operation. In this embodiment, the user terminal 2 has a camera function, and the camera function is the imaging unit 24.

[0033] The reading unit 25 reads the charger identification information I1 stored in the storage unit B12 (see Figure 1) of the mobile charger B1. In this embodiment, since the storage unit B12 is a plate or paper medium on which a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code is printed, the reading unit 25 reads the charger identification information I1 by imaging the storage unit B12. In this embodiment, the camera function of the user terminal 2 functions as the reading unit 25. That is, the imaging unit 24 and the reading unit 25 in this embodiment are realized by the camera function of the user terminal 2.

[0034] The location information creation unit 26 creates starting position information I2 that indicates the position of the user terminal 2 before the user X1 starts the charging operation. In this embodiment, the location information creation unit 26 creates starting position information I2 that indicates the position of the user terminal 2 when the display unit 21 displays the reading screen before the user X1 starts the charging operation.

[0035] Furthermore, the location information creation unit 26 creates termination position information I5 that indicates the position of the user terminal 2 after the user X1 has finished the charging operation. In this embodiment, the location information creation unit 26 creates termination position information I5 that indicates the position of the user terminal 2 when the display unit 21 displays the reading screen after the user X1 has finished the charging operation.

[0036] The location information generation unit 26 in this embodiment is a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor. The location information generation unit 26 receives GPS signals transmitted from multiple GPS satellites, determines the position of the user terminal 2 based on the GPS signals, and generates start position information I2 and end position information I5 based on the positioning results. In other words, the start position information I2 and end position information I5 in this embodiment represent the results of three-dimensional positioning of the user terminal 2 using GPS signals.

[0037] The setting unit 27 pre-configures user setting information, which is information about user X1, in the management system 1. More specifically, the operation unit 22 receives input from user X1 regarding the user setting information, and the setting unit 27 causes the communication unit 23 to transmit the information received by the operation unit 22 to the user communication unit 41 of the management system 1. The "user setting information" here includes, for example, information that can identify user X1, such as user X1's address, name, and date of birth, and information regarding the payment method for charges incurred by user X1 using the mobile charger B1 (reservation fee, or excess charge, etc.).

[0038] The control unit 28 controls the display unit 21, the operation unit 22, the communication unit 23, the imaging unit 24, the reading unit 25, the location information creation unit 26, and the setting unit 27. Preferably, the control unit 28 is equipped with a computer system. In the computer system, some or all of the functions of the control unit 28 are realized by a processor such as a CPU or MPU reading and executing a program stored in memory. The computer system is equipped with a processor that operates according to the program as its main hardware configuration. The type of processor does not matter as long as it can realize its function by executing a program. The processor is composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or LSI (Large Scale Integration). Here, we refer to them as IC and LSI, but the name changes depending on the degree of integration, and they may also be called system LSI, VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration), or ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration). Field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), which are programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or reconfigurable logic devices that allow for the reconfiguration of junction relationships within the LSI or the setup of circuit compartments within the LSI, can also be used for the same purpose. Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated on a single chip or provided on multiple chips. Multiple chips may be aggregated in a single device or provided in multiple devices.

[0039] (2-3) Host terminal Host terminal 3 is a terminal owned by host X2. Host terminal 3 mainly consists of a computer having a CPU or MPU and memory. Specifically, host terminal 3 is a smartphone, tablet computer, or wearable device such as a smartwatch owned by host X2. In this embodiment, host terminal 3 and mobile charger B1 are included in host-side system X20 owned or managed by host X2.

[0040] As shown in Figure 1, the host terminal 3 comprises a display unit 31, an operation unit 32, a communication unit 33, a setting unit 34, and a control unit 35. The host terminal 3 functions as a browser that displays content provided by at least the management system 1 by installing and launching dedicated application software. The application software (program) may be pre-recorded in the computer's memory, provided via a telecommunications line, or provided on a recording medium such as a memory card.

[0041] The display unit 31 presents information to the host X2. The display unit 31 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, etc. The operation unit 32 has the function of receiving operations from user X1. In this embodiment, the host terminal 3 is equipped with a touch panel display, and the touch panel display functions as both the display unit 31 and the operation unit 32. However, the operation unit 32 is not limited to a touch panel display, but may be, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, or a mechanical switch, etc.

[0042] The communication unit 33 is connected to the network NT1 and performs bidirectional communication with the management system 1 via the network NT1. In this embodiment, the communication unit 33 is connected to the network NT1, for example, via a mobile phone network (carrier network) or public wireless LAN provided by a telecommunications carrier. The communication unit 33 may also be connected to the network NT1 via a router or the like using wireless communication with radio waves as the medium. "Wireless communication" here refers to wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and unlicensed low-power wireless communication (specified low-power wireless communication).

[0043] The setting unit 34 pre-configures charger setting information, which is information about the mobile charger B1, in the management system 1. More specifically, the operation unit 32 receives input from host X2 regarding the charger setting information, and the setting unit 34 causes the communication unit 33 to transmit the information received by the operation unit 32 to the user communication unit 41 of the management system 1. The "charger setting information" here includes, for example, charger identification information I1 stored in the storage unit B12, registered location information I3 regarding the location where the mobile charger B1 is installed, or information regarding the time period during which user X1 can use the mobile charger B1.

[0044] The control unit 35 controls the display unit 31, the operation unit 32, the communication unit 33, and the setting unit 34. Preferably, the control unit 35 is equipped with a computer system. In the computer system, some or all of the functions of the control unit 35 are realized by a processor, such as a CPU or MPU, reading and executing a program stored in memory. The computer system primarily comprises a processor that operates according to a program. The type of processor is not limited as long as it can realize its functions by executing a program. The processor consists of one or more electronic circuits, including ICs or LSIs. Here, we refer to them as ICs and LSIs, but the name changes depending on the degree of integration; they may also be called system LSIs, VLSIs, or ULSIs. Field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), which are programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or reconfigurable logic devices that allow for the reconfiguration of internal junction relationships or the setup of internal circuit compartments, can also be used for the same purpose. Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated on a single chip or provided on multiple chips. Multiple chips may be aggregated in a single device or provided in multiple devices.

[0045] (2-4) Management System Management system 1 manages the usage status of the mobile charger used in the charging operation to charge the battery A11 of the mobile unit A1. As shown in Figure 1, management system 1 comprises a communication unit 4, a storage unit 5, a start determination unit 61, an end determination unit 62, a reservation acceptance unit 7, a settlement unit 8, and an anomaly confirmation unit 91. Management system 1 mainly consists of a computer having a CPU and memory. Management system 1 realizes the functions of the communication unit 4, storage unit 5, start determination unit 61, end determination unit 62, reservation acceptance unit 7, settlement unit 8, and anomaly confirmation unit 91 by executing a program recorded in the computer's memory using the CPU. The program may be pre-recorded in the computer's memory, provided via a telecommunications line, or provided recorded on a recording medium such as a memory card.

[0046] The communication unit 4 is connected to the network NT1, enabling bidirectional communication between the user terminal 2 and the host terminal 3 via the network NT1. In this embodiment, the communication unit 4 is connected to the network NT1, for example, by wired communication. Alternatively, the communication unit 4 may be connected to the network NT1 via wireless communication through a router or the like.

[0047] More specifically, the communication unit 4 includes a user communication unit 41 and a host communication unit 42. The user communication unit 41 performs bidirectional communication with the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2 via the network NT1, and the host communication unit 42 performs bidirectional communication with the host terminal 3 via the network NT1.

[0048] The storage unit 5 includes, for example, a rewritable non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). The storage unit 5 also includes a registration storage unit 51, a working storage unit 52, and a reserved storage unit 53.

[0049] The registration storage unit 51 stores user setting information set by the setting unit 27 of the user terminal 2 and charger setting information set by the setting unit 34 of the host terminal 3. This will be explained in more detail. The user communication unit 41 receives the user setting information set by the setting unit 27 of the user terminal 2 from the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2 and outputs it to the registration storage unit 51. The registration storage unit 51 stores the user setting information output from the user communication unit 41. Similarly, the host communication unit 42 receives the charger setting information set by the setting unit 34 of the host terminal 3 from the communication unit 33 of the host terminal 3 and outputs it to the registration storage unit 51. The registration storage unit 51 stores the charger setting information output from the host communication unit 42.

[0050] More specifically, the registration storage unit 51 stores registered location information I3 indicating the location of the mobile charger B1, linked to the charger identification information I1. More precisely, when the host X2 pre-sets the charger setting information in the management system 1, the registration storage unit 51 stores the registered location information I3 that the host X2 inputs to the operation unit 32 of the host terminal 3, linked to the charger identification information I1. If the host X2 pre-sets the charger setting information in the management system 1 near the mobile charger B1, the registration storage unit 51 may also store the location information of the host terminal 3 used by the host X2 when setting the information, linked to the charger identification information I1 as registered location information I3.

[0051] The work memory unit 52 stores the start image data D1 received by the user communication unit 41. In addition to the start image data D1, the work memory unit 52 also stores the end image data D2 received by the user communication unit 41. That is, the work memory unit 52 in this embodiment stores start image data D1, which includes image data capturing the amount of charge stored in the battery A11 of the mobile unit A1 before the user X1 starts the charging operation, and end image data D2, which includes image data capturing the amount of charge stored in the battery A11 of the mobile unit A1 after the user X1 has finished the charging operation. With this configuration, the work memory unit 52 in this embodiment outputs the start image data D1 and the end image data D2 to the abnormality confirmation unit 91, and the abnormality confirmation unit 91 can check for any abnormalities during the charging operation based on the start image data D1 and the end image data D2. In other words, the management system 1 has the advantage of being able to check for any abnormalities during the charging operation.

[0052] More specifically, the start image data D1 of this embodiment is at least one data set of images showing the amount of charge stored in the battery A11 of the mobile body A1 in terms of energy before user X1 starts the charging operation, an image showing the amount of charge stored in the battery A11 as a percentage, an image showing the amount of charge stored in the battery A11 as the number of symbols, and an image showing the amount of charge stored in the battery A11 as the driving range of the mobile body A1. Similarly, the end image data D2 of this embodiment is at least one data set of images showing the amount of charge stored in the battery A11 of the mobile body A1 in terms of energy after user X1 has finished the charging operation, an image showing the amount of charge stored in the battery A11 as a percentage, an image showing the amount of charge stored in the battery A11 as the number of symbols, and an image showing the amount of charge stored in the battery A11 as the driving range of the mobile body A1. The "image showing the charge level of battery A11 as a percentage" refers to an image showing the charge level of battery A11 before or after user X1 starts or finishes charging, with the charge level of battery A11 when fully charged set as the baseline at 100%. The "image showing the charge level of battery A11 as the number of symbols" refers, as an example, to an image showing the charge level of battery A11 before or after user X1 starts or finishes charging, represented by the number of lit light-emitting elements (e.g., LEDs). Specifically, the "image showing the charge level of battery A11 as the number of symbols" is an image showing the charge level of battery A11 before or after user X1 starts or finishes charging, represented by the number of segment bars. The "travel range of mobile unit A1" refers to the value calculated based on the charge level of battery A11 before or after user X1 starts or finishes charging, representing the distance that mobile unit A1 can travel. According to the above configuration, the work memory unit 52 of this embodiment outputs the start image data D1 and the end image data D2 to the abnormality confirmation unit 91, and the abnormality confirmation unit 91 can more easily confirm whether or not there is an abnormality during the charging operation based on the start image data D1 and the end image data D2. In other words, the management system 1 has the advantage of being able to more easily confirm whether or not there is an abnormality during the charging operation.

[0053] The reservation storage unit 53 stores reservation information Ia, which includes the reservation period for the charging operation reserved by user X1. In this embodiment, the reservation storage unit 53 stores reservation information Ia that includes user identification information uniquely assigned to user X1, in addition to the reservation period for the charging operation reserved by user X1. The reservation storage unit 53 also stores reservation time slots for other users other than user X1 to use the mobile charger B1.

[0054] The start determination unit 61 determines that the use of the mobile charger B1 by user X1 is legitimate if the start condition C1 is met. The start condition C1 is that the registered location information I3 associated with the charger identification information I1 matches the start location information I2. In this disclosure, "the registered location information I3 and the start location information I2 match" is not limited to the position indicated by the start location information I2 being a perfect match with the position registered as the registered location information I3, and a certain degree of error is permitted. For example, if the position indicated by the start location information I2 is within a 100m radius of the position registered as the registered location information I3, it may be considered that "the registered location information I3 and the start location information I2 match".

[0055] The starting condition C1 differs depending on whether the rental system 100 performs a normal check-in or an on-site check-in. In this disclosure, "normal check-in" refers to the start-up operation performed by the rental system 100 when user X1, who has made a reservation to use the mobile charger B1, begins to use the mobile charger B1. On the other hand, in this disclosure, "on-site check-in" refers to the start-up operation performed by the rental system 100 when user X1, who has not made a reservation to use the mobile charger B1, begins to use the mobile charger B1. More details are explained in sections "(3-2) Normal Check-in" and "(3-3) On-site Check-in". Upon completion of either a normal check-in or an on-site check-in, the rental system 100 recognizes that the mobile charger B1 is in use.

[0056] The start condition C1 for normal check-in further includes the fact that the registered location information associated with the charger identification information matches the start location information, and that the difference between the reception time, which is the time when the user communication unit 41 receives the charger identification information I1 and the start location information I2, and the start time of the reservation period of the reservation information Ia stored in the reservation storage unit 53 is within a predetermined range. Here, the "predetermined range" is set in advance, for example, between 0 minutes and 30 minutes. Preferably, the "predetermined range" is set in advance to 10 minutes. The start condition C1 for normal check-in in this embodiment further includes the fact that the user identification information of the start information matches the user identification information of the reservation made in advance by user X1. In other words, the start condition C1 for normal check-in in this embodiment further includes the fact that the user identification information of the start information matches the user identification information of the reservation information Ia of the reservation stored in the reservation storage unit 53.

[0057] On the other hand, the start condition C1 for on-site check-in includes not only that the registered location information linked to the charger identification information matches the start location information, but also that the reception time, which is the time when the user communication unit 41 receives the charger identification information I1 and the start location information I2, is outside the reserved time slot when other users will be using the mobile charger B1. Here, "reserved time slot when other users will be using the mobile charger B1" includes the time slots that other users have set as reservation information Ia in the reservation storage unit 53 when they wish to use the mobile charger B1 during on-site check-in. In this embodiment, the start condition C1 for on-site check-in further includes that at least a portion of the desired time slot when user X1 wishes to use the mobile charger B1 does not overlap with the reserved time slots of other users. In other words, the start condition C1 for on-site check-in includes not only that the registered location information linked to the charger identification information matches the start location information, but also that the reception time, which is the time when the user communication unit 41 receives the charger identification information I1 and the start location information I2, is outside of the reservation time slots of other users, and that the desired time slot is outside of the reservation time slots of other users.

[0058] The termination determination unit 62 determines that user X1 has finished using the mobile charger B1 if the start determination unit 61 has determined that user X1's use of the mobile charger B1 is legitimate and the termination condition C2 is met.

[0059] The termination condition C2 differs depending on whether the rental system 100 performs a normal checkout or a remote checkout. In this disclosure, "normal checkout" refers to the termination operation performed by the rental system 100 when a user X1 located near the mobile charger B1 finishes using the mobile charger B1. On the other hand, "remote checkout" refers to the termination operation performed by the rental system 100 when a user X1 not located near the mobile charger B1 finishes using the mobile charger B1. If the time at which user X1 finishes using the mobile charger B1 has not passed the end time of the reservation period in the reservation information Ia, the rental system 100 performs a normal checkout. On the other hand, if the time at which user X1 finishes using the mobile charger B1 has passed the end time of the reservation period in the reservation information Ia, user X1 can choose between a normal checkout and a remote checkout, and the rental system 100 performs the one chosen by user X1. More details are provided in sections "(3-4) Normal Checkout" and "(3-5) Remote Checkout". Upon completion of normal or remote checkout, the rental system 100 recognizes that the mobile charger B1 is in an unused state.

[0060] In a normal checkout, the termination condition C2 is that the first termination condition C2a and the second termination condition C2b are satisfied. The first termination condition C2a is that the user communication unit 41 receives work completion information I4 indicating that the charging work has been completed, and the termination location information I5 created by the location information creation unit 26, from the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2. The second termination condition C2b is that the registered location information I3 associated with the charger identification information I1 matches the termination location information I5. In other words, the termination condition C2 in a normal checkout includes the user communication unit 41 receiving the termination location information I5 from the user terminal 2 in addition to the work completion information I4, and that the registered location information I3 associated with the charger identification information I1 matches the termination location information I5. In this disclosure, "the registered location information I3 and the termination location information I5 match" is not limited to the location indicated by the termination location information I5 perfectly matching the location registered as the registered location information I3, and a certain degree of error is permitted. For example, if the location indicated by the end location information I5 is within a 100m radius of the location registered as the registered location information I3, then it may be considered that "the registered location information I3 and the end location information I5 match."

[0061] On the other hand, the termination condition C2 in remote checkout is that any one of the third termination condition C2c, the fourth termination condition C2d, and the fifth termination condition C2e is satisfied. The third termination condition C2c is that the user communication unit 41 receives the work completion information I4 from the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2. That is, the termination condition C2 in remote checkout includes the user communication unit 41 receiving the work completion information I4 from the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2.

[0062] The fourth termination condition C2d is that a predetermined set time has elapsed from the end time of the reservation period represented by the reservation information Ia before the user communication unit receives the work completion information I4 from the user terminal. In other words, termination condition C2 in remote checkout includes that a predetermined set time has elapsed from the end time of the reservation period represented by the reservation information Ia before the user communication unit receives the work completion information I4 from the user terminal. The set time here can be set to any time by the administrator of the management system 1 or the host X2. The set time is preferably, for example, one hour.

[0063] The fifth termination condition C2e is when the termination determination unit 62 has not determined that user X1 has finished using the mobile charger B1, and the start determination unit 61 determines that the use of the mobile charger B1 in a charging operation where another user uses the mobile charger B1 is legitimate. In other words, termination condition C2 in remote checkout includes when the termination determination unit 62 has not determined that user X1 has finished using the mobile charger B1, and the start determination unit 61 determines that the use of the mobile charger B1 in a charging operation where another user uses the mobile charger B1 is legitimate.

[0064] The reservation reception unit 7 receives reservation information Ia of the charging operation that user X1 wishes to use in advance from the user terminal 2 and determines whether or not the reservation is possible. "Reservation information Ia" here refers to user identification information uniquely assigned to user X1, information on the mobile charger B1 that user X1 wishes to use for the charging operation, and the start and end times of the charging operation. Specifically, the reservation reception unit 7 determines whether or not the start and end times of the charging operation that user X1 wishes to use in advance fall outside the reservation time slots when other users are using the mobile charger B1.

[0065] The reservation reception unit 7 determines that it is not possible to reserve the charging operation desired by user X1. More specifically, if the time period from the start time to the end time of the charging operation desired by user X1 does not overlap with the reservation time period when other users are using the mobile charger B1, the reservation reception unit 7 stores the reservation information Ia in the reservation storage unit 53.

[0066] The settlement unit 8 calculates the charges incurred by user X1 using the mobile charger B1 (reservation fee, excess charge, etc.) and settles the payment.

[0067] The settlement unit 8 includes a reservation settlement unit 81 and an excess settlement unit 82.

[0068] The reservation and settlement unit 81 calculates the reservation fee based on the start and end times of the charging work when user X1 makes a reservation for the charging work they wish to use in advance. If user X1 approves the advance payment, the reservation and settlement unit 81 settles the reservation fee according to the payment method information included in the user settings information. Furthermore, when the rental system 100 performs on-site check-in, the reservation and settlement unit 81 calculates the reservation fee based on the usage time period that user X1 wishes to use and settles the reservation fee according to the payment method information included in the user settings information.

[0069] If user X1 uses the mobile charger B1 beyond the scheduled end time of the charging operation, the excess charge unit 82 calculates the excess charge based on the time user X1 uses the mobile charger B1 beyond the scheduled end time of the charging operation and settles the excess charge according to the payment method information included in the user setting information.

[0070] The abnormality confirmation unit 91 checks for any abnormalities during the charging operation based on the start image data D1 and the end image data D2. In this embodiment, the abnormality confirmation unit 91 compares the amount of charge stored in the battery A11 of the mobile device A1 before user X1 starts the charging operation with the amount of charge stored in the battery A11 of the mobile device A1 after user X1 finishes the charging operation, based on the start image data D1 and the end image data D2, to check for any abnormalities during the charging operation. The abnormality confirmation unit 91 also causes the user communication unit 41 to send an inquiry to the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2 regarding the presence or absence of abnormalities during the charging operation.

[0071] (3) Operation (3-1) Reserved operation In this embodiment, the reservation operation performed by the lending system 100 when user X1 makes a reservation for the use of a mobile charger B1 in advance will be explained with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a sequence diagram showing in chronological order how the communication between the user terminal 2 and the management system 1, and between the management system 1 and the host terminal 3, takes place during the reservation operation. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of decision processing performed by the management system 1 during the reservation operation.

[0072] As shown in Figure 2, the management method of the management system 1 in the reservation operation includes a reservation information receiving step S104, a reservation feasibility determination step S105, a reservation fee calculation step S106, a payment approval request step S107, a payment execution step S110, a reservation information storage step S111, and a reservation result transmission step S112.

[0073] Furthermore, the control method for user terminal 2 in the reservation operation includes a reservation screen display step S101, a reservation information input step S102, a reservation information transmission step S103, a payment details display step S108, a payment approval step S109, a reservation result reception step S113, and a reservation result display step S114. The control method for host terminal 3 in the reservation operation includes a reservation result reception step S115 and a reservation result display step S116.

[0074] First, in the reservation screen display step S101, the user terminal 2 launches a dedicated application, and the user X1 selects the mobile charger B1 that user X1 wishes to use and selects the reservation acceptance button. The operation unit 22 of the user terminal 2 receives this operation, and the display unit 21 of the user terminal 2 displays the reservation acceptance screen. Then, in the reservation information input step S102, the operation unit 22 receives the operation of user X1 to input reservation information Ia related to the desired charging work into the reservation acceptance screen. Here, "reservation information Ia" refers to information including user identification information uniquely assigned to user X1, information on the mobile charger B1 that user X1 wishes to use for the charging work, and the reservation period for the charging work. In this embodiment, user X1 selects the mobile charger B1 that user X1 wishes to use on the reservation acceptance screen and inputs user identification information, the start time and end time of the charging work. Subsequently, in the reservation information transmission step S103, the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2 transmits the input reservation information Ia to the user communication unit 41 of the management system 1.

[0075] In the reservation information receiving step S104 shown in Figures 2 and 3, the user communication unit 41 of the management system 1 receives reservation information Ia from the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2 and outputs the reservation information Ia to the reservation acceptance unit 7. In the reservation feasibility determination step S105, the reservation acceptance unit 7 determines whether or not it is possible to reserve the charging operation desired by user X1, based on the reservation information Ia output from the reservation acceptance unit 7 and the usage information stored in the reservation storage unit 53. That is, the reservation acceptance unit 7 determines whether or not the time period from the start time to the end time of the charging operation desired by user X1 overlaps with the reservation time period when other users are using the mobile charger B1 (see S105a in Figure 3).

[0076] If the time period from the start time to the end time of the charging operation desired by user X1 overlaps with a reserved time period for another user to use the mobile charger B1 (S105a: No), the reservation acceptance unit 7 determines that it is not possible to reserve the charging operation desired by user X1. Then, in the reservation result transmission step S112, the user communication unit 41 transmits information including that it is not possible to reserve the charging operation desired by user X1 to the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2.

[0077] On the other hand, if the time period from the start time to the end time of the charging operation desired by user X1 does not overlap with the time period reserved for other users to use the mobile charger B1 (S105a: Yes), the reservation acceptance unit 7 determines that it is possible to reserve the charging operation desired by user X1. Then, in the reservation fee calculation step S106 shown in Figures 2 and 3, the reservation settlement unit 81 calculates the reservation fee based on the time period from the start time to the end time of the charging operation desired by user X1. Subsequently, in the settlement approval request step S107 shown in Figures 2 and 3, the reservation settlement unit 81 requests user communication unit 41 to approve the advance payment of the reservation fee from user terminal 2. More specifically, in the settlement approval request step S107, the reservation settlement unit 81 instructs user communication unit 41 to send information including the approval request for advance payment of the reservation fee to the communication unit 23 of user terminal 2.

[0078] In user terminal 2, during payment details display step S108, the communication unit 23 outputs an approval request for advance payment of the reservation fee to the display unit 21, and the display unit 21 displays the details of the advance payment of the reservation fee. Here, "details of advance payment of the reservation fee" refers to the reservation fee or payment method, etc. In payment approval step S109, in user terminal 2, the operation unit 22 receives an operation from user X1 to approve or reject the advance payment of the reservation fee, and the communication unit 23 transmits information including approval or rejection of the advance payment of the reservation fee to the user communication unit 41 of management system 1.

[0079] In the settlement execution step S110, the reservation settlement unit 81 executes the advance payment of the reservation fee when the user communication unit 41 receives information including approval for advance payment of the reservation fee. The settlement execution step S110 will be explained in more detail below with reference to Figure 3.

[0080] The reservation settlement unit 81 of the management system 1 determines whether or not there is a reply request for approval from the user terminal 2 after the user communication unit 41 has sent an approval request for advance payment of the reservation fee (S110a). If there is no reply request for approval from the user terminal 2 (S110a: No), the reservation settlement unit 81 further determines whether a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the user communication unit 41 sent the approval request for advance payment of the reservation fee to the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2, or whether the current time has elapsed to a predetermined amount of time before the start time of the charging work desired by user X1 (S110b). If a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the user communication unit 41 sent the approval request for advance payment of the reservation fee to the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2, or if the current time has elapsed to a predetermined amount of time before the start time of the charging work desired by user X1 (S110b: Yes), the user communication unit 41 sends information to the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2, including that it is not possible to reserve the charging work desired by user X1 (S112). Then, the display unit 21 of the user terminal 2 displays to user X1 that it is not possible to reserve the charging service that user X1 desires. Also, if the predetermined time has not elapsed since the user communication unit 41 sent the request for approval of advance payment of the reservation fee to the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2, and the current time has not elapsed to a predetermined time before the start time of the charging service that user X1 desires (S110b: No), then it is determined again whether or not a reply request for approval has been received from the user terminal 2 (S110a).

[0081] On the other hand, if the user terminal 2 sends a reply requesting approval (S110a: Yes), the reservation settlement unit 81 determines whether or not the advance payment of the reservation fee is approved (S110c). If the advance payment of the reservation fee is not approved (S110c: No), that is, if the advance payment of the reservation fee is not approved, the user communication unit 41 sends information to the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2, including that it is not possible to reserve the charging work that user X1 desires (S112). The display unit 21 of the user terminal 2 then displays to user X1 that it is not possible to reserve the charging work that user X1 desires. If the advance payment of the reservation fee is approved (S110c: No), the reservation settlement unit 81 performs the advance payment of the reservation fee (S110d).

[0082] Following the settlement execution step S110, in the reservation information storage step S111, the reservation acceptance unit 7 stores the reservation information Ia of the reservation request in the reservation storage unit 53. Specifically, the reservation acceptance unit 7 stores in the reservation storage unit 53 the user identification information uniquely assigned to user X1, information on the mobile charger B1 to be used in the charging operation, and the start and end times of the charging operation. In the reservation result transmission step S112, the user communication unit 41 transmits information including that the charging operation desired by user X1 can be reserved to the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2 and the communication unit 33 of the host terminal 3.

[0083] In the user terminal 2 after the reservation result transmission step S112, in the reservation result reception step S113, the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2 receives information from the user communication unit 41, including whether or not it is possible to reserve the charging operation desired by user X1, and outputs it to the display unit 21. Then, in the reservation result display step S114, the display unit 21 displays whether or not it is possible to reserve the charging operation desired by user X1. More specifically, if it is possible to reserve the charging operation desired by user X1, the display unit 21 displays that the reservation has been completed. On the other hand, if it is not possible to reserve the charging operation desired by user X1, the display unit 21 displays that the reservation could not be completed.

[0084] Similarly, in the host terminal 3 after the reservation result transmission step S112, in the reservation result reception step S115, the communication unit 33 of the host terminal 3 receives information from the user communication unit 41, including whether or not it is possible to reserve the charging operation desired by user X1, and outputs it to the display unit 31. Then, in the reservation result display step S116, the display unit 31 displays whether or not it is possible to reserve the charging operation desired by user X1. More specifically, if it is possible to reserve the charging operation desired by user X1, the display unit 31 displays that the reservation has been completed. On the other hand, if it is not possible to reserve the charging operation desired by user X1, the display unit 21 displays that the reservation could not be completed.

[0085] (3-2) Standard Check-in In this embodiment, the normal check-in performed by the lending system 100 will be explained with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a sequence diagram showing, in chronological order, how the communication between the user terminal 2 and the management system 1, and between the management system 1 and the host terminal 3, takes place during a normal check-in. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of decision-making processes executed by the management system 1 during a normal check-in.

[0086] The management method of the management system 1 in a normal check-in is as shown in Figure 4 and includes a start information receiving step S205, a start determination step S206, a start image request step S207, a start image receiving step S210, a start image storage step S211, and a determination result transmission step S212.

[0087] Furthermore, the control method for user terminal 2 during normal check-in includes a reading screen display step S201, an acquisition step S202, a start position creation step S203, a start information transmission step S204, a start image acquisition step S208, a start image transmission step S209, a judgment result reception step S213, and a judgment result display step S214. The control method for host terminal 3 during normal check-in includes a judgment result reception step S215 and a judgment result display step S216. The start judgment step S206 corresponds to the start judgment step S2a of this disclosure when the lending system 100 performs a normal check-in.

[0088] First, in the reading screen display step S201, the user terminal 2's operation unit 22 receives an operation from user X1 who launches a dedicated application on the user terminal 2 and selects the "Start Use" button. This activates the user terminal 2's reading unit 25, and the display unit 21 displays the reading screen. In the acquisition step S202, the reading unit 25 acquires the charger identification information I1 by reading the charger identification information I1 stored in the storage unit B12 of the mobile charger B1. More specifically, the reading unit 25 acquires the charger identification information I1 by reading the charger identification information I1 stored in the storage unit B12 when user X1 uses the user terminal 2's camera function to image the storage unit B12. Then, in the start position creation step S203, the position information creation unit 26 creates start position information I2 indicating the position of the user terminal 2 before user X1 starts the charging operation. In this embodiment, the position information creation unit 26 acquires start position information I2 indicating the position of the user terminal 2 when the display unit 21 displays the reading screen. Subsequently, in the start information transmission step S204, the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2 transmits start information to the user communication unit 41 of the management system 1. The start information includes charger identification information I1 and start location information I2. In this embodiment, the start information further includes user identification information in addition to the charger identification information I1 and start location information I2.

[0089] Then, in the start information reception step S205, the user communication unit 41 of the management system 1 receives start information from the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2 and outputs it to the start determination unit 61. That is, in the start information reception step S205, the user communication unit 41 of the management system 1 receives charger identification information I1, which is obtained when the reading unit 25 of the user terminal 2 reads the storage unit B12, and start location information I2, which is created by the location information creation unit 26, from the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2 and outputs it to the start determination unit 61. In the start information reception step S205 of this embodiment, the user communication unit 41 of the management system 1 further receives user identification information from the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2 and outputs it to the start determination unit 61.

[0090] Subsequently, in the start determination step S206, the start determination unit 61 determines whether the use of the mobile charger B1 by user X1 is legitimate based on the start condition C1. The start condition C1 in a normal check-in is that the first start condition C1a, the second start condition C1b, and the third start condition C1c are satisfied. The first start condition C1a is that the start location information I2 and the registered location information I3 match. The second start condition C1b is that the user identification information of the start information matches the user identification information of the reservation information Ia stored in the reservation storage unit 53. The third start condition C1c is that the difference between the reception time when the user communication unit 41 receives the start information and the start time of the reservation period of the reservation information Ia stored in the reservation storage unit 53 is within a predetermined range.

[0091] The start decision step S206 will be explained in more detail using Figure 5.

[0092] First, the start determination unit 61 reads the registered location information I3, which is stored in association with the charger identification information I1, from the registration storage unit 51 (S206a). Then, the start determination unit 61 determines whether or not the first start condition C1a is met (S206b). In other words, the start determination unit 61 determines whether or not the start location information I2 and the registered location information I3 match.

[0093] If the starting location information I2 and the registered location information I3 do not match (S206b: No), the start determination unit 61 determines that the user's use of the mobile charger B1 is not legitimate (S206g). Then, the user communication unit 41 performs the determination result transmission step S212, which transmits the determination result of the start determination unit 61 to the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2 and the communication unit 33 of the host terminal 3.

[0094] On the other hand, if the start position information I2 and the registered position information I3 match (S206b: Yes), the start determination unit 61 reads the reservation information Ia of the reservation made in advance by user X1 from the reservation storage unit 53 (S206c). Then, the start determination unit 61 further determines whether the second start condition C1b is met (S206d). In other words, the start determination unit 61 further determines whether the user identification information of the start information matches the user identification information of the reservation information Ia stored in the reservation storage unit 53.

[0095] If the user identification information in the start information does not match the user identification information in the reservation information Ia stored in the reservation storage unit 53 (S206d: No), the start determination unit 61 determines that the use of the mobile charger B1 by user X1 is not legitimate (S206g). Then, the user communication unit 41 performs the determination result transmission step S212, which transmits the determination result of the start determination unit 61 to the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2 and the communication unit 33 of the host terminal 3.

[0096] On the other hand, if the user identification information of the start information matches the user identification information of the reservation information Ia stored in the reservation storage unit 53 (S206d: Yes), the start determination unit 61 further determines whether the third start condition C1c is satisfied (S206e). In other words, the start determination unit 61 further determines whether the difference between the reception time when the user communication unit 41 received the start information and the start time of the reservation period of the reservation information Ia stored in the reservation storage unit 53 is within a predetermined range.

[0097] If the difference between the reception time when the user communication unit 41 receives the start information and the start time of the reservation period of the reservation information Ia stored in the reservation storage unit 53 is not within a predetermined range (S206e: No), the start determination unit 61 determines that the use of the mobile charger B1 by user X1 is not legitimate (S206g). Then, the user communication unit 41 performs the determination result transmission step S212, which transmits the determination result of the start determination unit 61 to the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2 and the communication unit 33 of the host terminal 3.

[0098] On the other hand, if the difference between the reception time when the user communication unit 41 receives the start information and the start time of the reservation period of the reservation information Ia stored in the reservation storage unit 53 is within a predetermined range (S206e: Yes), the start determination unit 61 performs a start image request step S207 in which it requests the user terminal 2 to provide start image data D1 that shows the amount of charge stored in the battery A11 of the mobile unit A1 before the user X1 starts the charging operation.

[0099] In the initial image acquisition step S208 shown in Figure 4, the imaging unit 24 creates initial image data D1 which includes image data of the amount of charge stored in the battery A11 of the mobile device A1 before the user X1 starts the charging operation. Then, in the initial image transmission step S209, the communication unit 23 transmits the initial image data D1 created by the imaging unit 24 in the initial image acquisition step S208 to the user communication unit 41 of the management system 1.

[0100] In the start image reception step S210 shown in Figures 4 and 5, the user communication unit 41 receives the start image data D1 from the communication unit 23 and outputs it to the work memory unit 52. Subsequently, in the start image storage step S211, the work memory unit 52 stores the start image data D1.

[0101] Then, in the judgment result transmission step S212, the user communication unit 41 transmits the judgment result of the start judgment unit 61 to the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2 and the communication unit 33 of the host terminal 3. More specifically, in the judgment result transmission step S212, the user communication unit 41 transmits to the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2 and the communication unit 33 of the host terminal 3 the result of the start judgment unit 61's determination in the start judgment step S206 whether or not the use of the mobile charger B1 by user X1 is legitimate.

[0102] In the user terminal 2, during the judgment result reception step S213, the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2 receives the judgment result of the start judgment unit 61 from the user communication unit 41 and outputs it to the display unit 21. Subsequently, in the judgment result display step S214, the display unit 21 displays the judgment result of the start judgment unit 61. More specifically, if the start judgment unit 61 determines that the use of the mobile charger B1 by user X1 is legitimate, the display unit 21 displays that normal check-in has been completed successfully and that user X1 may start using the mobile charger B1. On the other hand, if the start judgment unit 61 determines that the use of the mobile charger B1 by user X1 is not legitimate, the display unit 21 displays that normal check-in has not been completed.

[0103] Similarly, in the host terminal 3, during the decision result reception step S215, the communication unit 33 of the host terminal 3 receives the decision result of the start decision unit 61 from the user communication unit 41 and outputs it to the display unit 31. Then, in the decision result display step S216, the display unit 31 displays the decision result of the start decision unit 61. More specifically, if the start decision unit 61 determines that the use of the mobile charger B1 by user X1 is legitimate, the display unit 31 displays that normal check-in has been completed successfully and user X1 has started using the mobile charger B1. On the other hand, if the start decision unit 61 determines that the use of the mobile charger B1 by user X1 is not legitimate, the display unit 31 displays that normal check-in has not been completed.

[0104] (3-3) Local check-in In this embodiment, the on-site check-in performed by the lending system 100 will be explained with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing, in chronological order, how the communication between the user terminal 2 and the management system 1, and between the management system 1 and the host terminal 3, takes place during on-site check-in. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of decision-making processes executed by the management system 1 during on-site check-in.

[0105] As shown in Figure 6, the management method of the management system 1 for on-site check-in includes a start information reception step S305, a first start determination step S306, a time zone inquiry step S307, a time zone reception step S310, a second start determination step S311, a time zone storage step S312, a start image request step S313, a start image reception step S316, a start image storage step S317, and a determination result transmission step S318. The first start determination step S306, the time zone inquiry step S307, the time zone reception step S310, and the second start determination step S311 correspond to the start determination step S3a of this disclosure when the lending system 100 performs on-site check-in.

[0106] Furthermore, the control method for user terminal 2 during on-site check-in includes the equipment selection step S301, acquisition step S302, start position creation step S303, start information transmission step S304, time zone setting step S308, time zone transmission step S309, start image acquisition step S314, start image transmission step S315, judgment result reception step S319, and judgment result display step S320. The control method for host terminal 3 during on-site check-in includes the judgment result reception step S321 and the judgment result display step S322.

[0107] First, in the equipment selection step S301, the operation unit 22 of the user terminal 2 launches a dedicated application, accepts the user X1's operation to select the mobile charger B1 that user X1 wishes to use and select the on-site check-in button, and the display unit 21 displays the reading screen. In the acquisition step S302, the reading unit 25 acquires the charger identification information I1 by reading the charger identification information I1 stored in the storage unit B12 of the mobile charger B1. More specifically, the reading unit 25 acquires the charger identification information I1 by reading the charger identification information I1 stored in the storage unit B12 when user X1 takes an image of the storage unit B12 using the camera function of the user terminal 2. Then, in the start position creation step S303, the location information creation unit 26 creates start position information I2 that indicates the position of the user terminal 2 before user X1 starts the charging work. In the start position creation step S303 of this embodiment, the location information creation unit 26 creates start position information I2 that indicates the position of the user terminal 2 when the display unit 21 displays the reading screen. Subsequently, in the start information transmission step S304, the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2 transmits start information to the user communication unit 41 of the management system 1. The start information includes charger identification information I1 and start location information I2. In this embodiment, the start information further includes user identification information in addition to the charger identification information I1 and start location information I2.

[0108] Then, in the start information reception step S305, the user communication unit 41 of the management system 1 receives start information from the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2 and outputs it to the start determination unit 61. That is, in the start information reception step S305, the user communication unit 41 of the management system 1 receives charger identification information I1, which is obtained when the reading unit 25 of the user terminal 2 reads the storage unit B12, and start location information I2, which is created by the location information creation unit 26, from the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2 and outputs it to the start determination unit 61. In the start information reception step S305 of this embodiment, the user communication unit 41 of the management system 1 further receives user identification information from the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2 and outputs it to the start determination unit 61.

[0109] Subsequently, in the first start determination step S306, the start determination unit 61 determines whether the use of the mobile charger B1 by user X1 is legitimate based on the first start condition C1a and the fourth start condition C1d. The first start condition C1a is that the start location information I2 and the registered location information I3 match. The fourth start condition C1d is that the reception time when the user communication unit 41 received the start information is outside of the reserved time slots of other users.

[0110] The first start determination step S306 will be explained in more detail using Figure 7.

[0111] First, the start determination unit 61 performs a registration location information reading step S306a, which reads the registration location information I3, which is stored in association with the charger identification information I1, from the registration storage unit 51. Then, the start determination unit 61 determines whether or not the first start condition C1a is met (S306b). In other words, the start determination unit 61 determines whether or not the start location information I2 and the registration location information I3 match.

[0112] If the starting location information I2 and the registered location information I3 do not match (S306b: No), the start determination unit 61 determines that the use of the mobile charger B1 by user X1 is not legitimate (S311c). The user communication unit 41 then transmits the determination result of the start determination unit 61 to the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2 and the communication unit 33 of the host terminal 3 (S318).

[0113] On the other hand, if the starting position information I2 and the registered position information I3 match (S306b: Yes), the start determination unit 61 further determines whether the fourth start condition C1d is met (S306c). In other words, the start determination unit 61 further determines whether the time at which the user communication unit 41 received the start information falls outside of the reserved time slots of other users.

[0114] If the reception time is not outside of another user's reserved time slot (S306c: No), that is, if the reception time is included in another user's reserved time slot, the start determination unit 61 determines that user X1's use of the mobile charger B1 is not legitimate (S311c). The user communication unit 41 then transmits the determination result of the start determination unit 61 to the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2 and the communication unit 33 of the host terminal 3 (S318).

[0115] On the other hand, if the reception time falls outside of another user's reserved time slot (S306c:Yes), that is, if the reception time is not included in another user's reserved time slot, the start determination unit 61 performs a time slot inquiry step S307 inquiring with the user terminal 2 about the time slot in which user X1 wishes to use the mobile charger B1.

[0116] Then, in the time zone setting step S308 shown in Figure 6, the control unit 28 of the user terminal 2 sets the end time of the charging operation for which user X1 wishes to use the mobile charger B1, based on the content of the operation received by the operation unit 22 from user X1. Then, in the time zone transmission step S309, the communication unit 23 transmits the end time set in the time zone setting step S308 to the user communication unit 41 of the management system 1.

[0117] In the time zone reception step S310, the user communication unit 41 receives the end time that user X1 wishes to use the mobile charger B1 from the communication unit 23 and outputs it to the start determination unit 61. Then, in the second start determination step S311, the start determination unit 61 first determines whether or not user X1's use of the mobile charger B1 is legitimate based on the fifth start condition C1e (see S311a in Figure 7). The fifth start condition C1e is that the time zone from the start time to the end time that user X1 wishes to use does not overlap with the reserved time zones of other users.

[0118] If at least a portion of the time slot that user X1 wishes to use overlaps with a time slot reserved by another user (S311a: No), the start determination unit 61 determines that user X1's use of the mobile charger B1 is not legitimate (S311c). The user communication unit 41 then transmits the determination result of the start determination unit 61 to the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2 and the communication unit 33 of the host terminal 3 (S318).

[0119] On the other hand, if the time slot that user X1 wishes to use does not overlap with the reserved time slot of another user (S311a: Yes), the start determination unit 61 determines that user X1's use of the mobile charger B1 is legitimate (S311b).

[0120] In other words, in the start determination step S3a of on-site check-in, the start determination unit 61 determines whether or not the use of the mobile charger B1 by user X1 is legitimate, based on the start condition C1. The start condition C1 in on-site check-in is that the first start condition C1a, the fourth start condition C1d, and the fifth start condition C1e are satisfied.

[0121] After the start determination unit 61 determines that user X1's use of the mobile charger B1 is legitimate (S311b), in the time slot storage step S312, the start determination unit 61 stores the time slot that user X1 wishes to use as reservation information Ia in the reservation storage unit 53. This prevents other users from making reservations for the time slot that user X1 wishes to use. Subsequently, the reservation settlement unit 81 calculates the reservation fee based on the time slot that user X1 wishes to use and settles the reservation fee according to the payment method information included in the user setting information. Then, in the start image request step S313, the start determination unit 61 requests the user terminal 2 for start image data D1 showing the amount of charge stored in the battery A11 of the mobile device A1 before user X1 starts the charging operation.

[0122] In the initial image acquisition step S314 shown in Figure 6, the imaging unit 24 creates initial image data D1 which includes image data of the amount of charge stored in the battery A11 of the mobile device A1 before the user X1 starts the charging operation. Then, in the initial image transmission step S315, the communication unit 23 transmits the initial image data D1 created by the imaging unit 24 in the initial image acquisition step S314 to the user communication unit 41 of the management system 1.

[0123] In the start image reception step S316, the user communication unit 41 receives the start image data D1 from the communication unit 23 and outputs it to the work memory unit 52. Then, in the start image storage step S317, the work memory unit 52 stores the start image data D1.

[0124] Then, in the decision result transmission step S318, the user communication unit 41 transmits the decision result of the start decision unit 61 to the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2 and the communication unit 33 of the host terminal 3. More specifically, in the decision result transmission step S318, the user communication unit 41 transmits to the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2 and the communication unit 33 of the host terminal 3 the result of the start decision unit 61's decision in the start decision step S3a regarding whether or not the use of the mobile charger B1 by user X1 is legitimate.

[0125] In the user terminal 2, during the judgment result reception step S319, the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2 receives the judgment result of the start judgment unit 61 from the user communication unit 41 and outputs it to the display unit 21. Subsequently, in the judgment result display step S320, the display unit 21 displays the judgment result of the start judgment unit 61. More specifically, if the start judgment unit 61 determines that the use of the mobile charger B1 by user X1 is legitimate, the display unit 21 displays that on-site check-in has been successfully completed and user X1 may start using the mobile charger B1. On the other hand, if the start judgment unit 61 determines that the use of the mobile charger B1 by user X1 is not legitimate, the display unit 21 displays that on-site check-in has not been completed.

[0126] Similarly, in the host terminal 3, during the decision result reception step S321, the communication unit 33 of the host terminal 3 receives the decision result of the start decision unit 61 from the user communication unit 41 and outputs it to the display unit 31. Then, in the decision result display step S322, the display unit 31 displays the decision result of the start decision unit 61. More specifically, if the start decision unit 61 determines that the use of the mobile charger B1 by user X1 is legitimate, the display unit 31 displays that on-site check-in has been successfully completed and user X1 has started using the mobile charger B1. On the other hand, if the start decision unit 61 determines that the use of the mobile charger B1 by user X1 is not legitimate, the display unit 31 displays that on-site check-in has not been completed.

[0127] (3-4) Standard Checkout In this embodiment, the normal checkout performed by the lending system 100 when user X1 has finished charging will be explained with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing in chronological order how the communication between user terminal 2 and management system 1, and between management system 1 and host terminal 3 takes place during a normal checkout. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of decision-making processes executed by management system 1 during a normal checkout.

[0128] As shown in Figure 8, the management method of the management system 1 in a normal checkout includes a completion determination step S406, a completion image reception step S410, a completion image storage step S411, a determination result transmission step S412, an excess determination step S417, an excess charge calculation step S418, a settlement execution step S419, and an abnormality confirmation step S420.

[0129] Furthermore, the control method for user terminal 2 during normal checkout includes an acquisition step S403, an end position creation step S404, an end information transmission step S405, an end image capture step S408, an end image transmission step S409, a judgment result reception step S413, a judgment result display step S414, and an abnormality report step S421. The control method for host terminal 3 during normal checkout includes a judgment result reception step S415 and a judgment result display step S416.

[0130] The display unit 21 of the user terminal 2 displays a normal check-out button when user X1 launches a dedicated application after normal check-in or on-site check-in is completed (S401). Subsequently, when the operation unit 22 detects that user X1 has selected the normal check-out button (S402), the display unit 21 displays a reading screen. The reading unit 25 then performs an acquisition step S403 to acquire the charger identification information I1 by reading the charger identification information I1 stored in the storage unit B12 of the mobile charger B1. More specifically, in the acquisition step S403, the reading unit 25 reads the charger identification information I1 stored in the storage unit B12 when user X1 takes an image of the storage unit B12 using the camera function of the user terminal 2, and acquires the charger identification information I1. Then, in the end position creation step S404, the location information creation unit 26 creates end position information I5 indicating the position of the user terminal 2 after user X1 has finished the charging work. In the completion position creation step S404 of this embodiment, the position information creation unit 26 creates completion position information I5 that indicates the position of the user terminal 2 when the display unit 21 displays the reading screen. Subsequently, in the completion information transmission step S405, the communication unit 23 transmits the completion information. In a normal checkout, the completion information includes work completion information I4 and completion position information I5. In this disclosure, "work completion information I4" is information indicating that user X1 has completed the charging work, that is, information for notifying the management system 1 that user X1 has completed the charging work.

[0131] Meanwhile, the termination determination unit 62 of the management system 1 performs a termination determination step S406 to determine whether user X1 has finished using the mobile charger B1 based on termination condition C2 after normal check-in or on-site check-in is completed. Termination condition C2 in normal check-out is that the first termination condition C2a and the second termination condition C2b are satisfied. The first termination condition C2a is that the user communication unit 41 receives termination information, namely work completion information I4 and termination location information I5, from the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2. The second termination condition C2b is that the registered location information I3 associated with charger identification information I1 matches the termination location information I5.

[0132] The termination decision step S406 will be explained in more detail using Figure 9.

[0133] First, the termination determination unit 62 determines whether the first termination condition C2a is met (S406a). In other words, the termination determination unit 62 determines whether the user communication unit 41 has received the work completion information I4 and the termination position information I5 from the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2.

[0134] If the user communication unit 41 has not received the work completion information I4 and the completion location information I5 from the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2 (S406a: No), the termination determination unit 62 determines again whether the first termination condition C2a is met (S406a). On the other hand, if the user communication unit 41 has received the work completion information I4 and the completion location information I5 from the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2 (S406a: Yes), the termination determination unit 62 performs the registration location information reading step S407b, which reads the registration location information I3 stored in association with the charger identification information I1 from the registration storage unit 51. Then, the termination determination unit 62 further determines whether the second termination condition C2b is met (S406c). In other words, the termination determination unit 62 further determines whether the registration location information I3 and the completion location information I5 linked to the charger identification information I1 match.

[0135] If the registered location information I3 and the termination location information I5 do not match (S406c: No), the termination determination unit 62 determines that user X1 has not properly terminated their use of the mobile charger B1 (S406e). Subsequently, in the determination result transmission step S422, the user communication unit 41 transmits the determination result of the termination determination unit 62 to the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2 and the communication unit 33 of the host terminal 3. More specifically, in the determination result transmission step S422, the user communication unit 41 transmits to the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2 and the communication unit 33 of the host terminal 3 the result of the termination determination unit 62's determination in the termination determination step S406 that user X1 has not terminated their use of the mobile charger B1.

[0136] On the other hand, if the registered location information I3 and the termination location information I5 match (S406c: Yes), the termination determination unit 62 determines that user X1 has finished using the mobile charger B1 (S406d). Subsequently, in the termination image request step S407, the termination determination unit 62 requests image data from the user terminal 2 showing the amount of charge stored in the battery A11 of the mobile device A1 after user X1 has finished the charging operation.

[0137] In the completion image acquisition step S408 shown in Figure 8, the imaging unit 24 creates completion image data D2, which includes image data of the amount of charge stored in the battery A11 of the mobile device A1 after the user X1 has finished the charging operation. Then, in the completion image transmission step S409, the communication unit 23 transmits the completion image data D2 created by the imaging unit 24 in the completion image acquisition step S408 to the user communication unit 41 of the management system 1.

[0138] In the completion image reception step S410, the user communication unit 41 receives the completion image data D2 from the communication unit 23 and outputs it to the work memory unit 52. Then, in the completion image storage step S411, the work memory unit 52 stores the completion image data D2.

[0139] Then, in the decision result transmission step S412, the user communication unit 41 transmits the decision result of the termination decision unit 62 to the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2 and the communication unit 33 of the host terminal 3. More specifically, in the decision result transmission step S412, the user communication unit 41 transmits to the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2 and the communication unit 33 of the host terminal 3 the result of the termination decision unit 62's determination in the termination decision step S406 that user X1 has terminated the use of the mobile charger B1.

[0140] In the user terminal 2, during the judgment result reception step S413, the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2 receives the judgment result of the termination judgment unit 62 from the user communication unit 41 and outputs it to the display unit 21. Subsequently, in the judgment result display step S414, the display unit 21 displays the judgment result of the termination judgment unit 62. More specifically, if the termination judgment unit 62 determines that user X1 has finished using the mobile charger B1, the display unit 21 displays that normal checkout has been completed. On the other hand, if the termination judgment unit 62 determines that user X1 has not properly finished using the mobile charger B1, the display unit 21 displays that normal checkout could not be completed.

[0141] Similarly, in the host terminal 3, during the decision result reception step S415, the communication unit 33 of the host terminal 3 receives the decision result of the termination decision unit 62 from the user communication unit 41 and outputs it to the display unit 31. Then, in the decision result display step S416, the display unit 31 displays the decision result of the termination decision unit 62. More specifically, if the termination decision unit 62 determines that user X1 has finished using the mobile charger B1, the display unit 31 displays that user X1 has completed a normal checkout. On the other hand, if the termination decision unit 62 determines that user X1 has not properly finished using the mobile charger B1, the display unit 31 displays that user X1 has not completed a normal checkout.

[0142] In the management system 1, after the judgment result transmission step S412, the excess settlement unit 82 performs an excess determination step S417 to determine whether the reception time at which the user communication unit 41 receives the work completion information I4 and completion position information I5 from the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2 exceeds the completion time stored in the reservation storage unit 53.

[0143] As shown in Figure 9, if the reception time does not exceed the end time (S417: No), the abnormality confirmation unit 91 performs an abnormality confirmation step S420 to confirm with the user terminal 2 whether there is an abnormality during the charging operation. On the other hand, if the reception time exceeds the end time (S417: Yes), the excess settlement unit 82 performs an excess charge calculation step S418 to calculate the excess charge based on the difference between the reception time and the end time. Then, in the settlement execution step S419, the excess settlement unit 82 executes the settlement of the excess charge. After that, in the abnormality confirmation step S420, the abnormality confirmation unit 91 checks for any abnormalities during the charging operation based on the start image data D1 and the end image data D2, and further inquires with the user terminal 2 about the presence or absence of abnormalities during the charging operation.

[0144] In the abnormality reporting step S421, the operation unit 22 receives input from user X1 regarding the presence or absence of an abnormality during the charging operation, and the communication unit 23 transmits the information regarding the presence or absence of an abnormality during the charging operation to the user communication unit 41 of the management system 1.

[0145] In this embodiment, the lending system 100 performs the anomaly confirmation step S420 after the excess determination step S417, the excess charge calculation step S418, and the settlement execution step S419. However, the lending system 100 may also perform the anomaly confirmation step S420 before the excess determination step S417, the excess charge calculation step S418, and the settlement execution step S419.

[0146] (3-5) Remote Checkout In this embodiment, the remote checkout performed by the lending system 100 will be explained with reference to Figures 10 and 11. Figure 10 is a sequence diagram showing, in chronological order, how the communication between the user terminal 2 and the management system 1, and between the management system 1 and the host terminal 3, takes place during remote checkout. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of decision-making processes executed by the management system 1 during remote checkout.

[0147] As shown in Figure 10, the management method of the management system 1 in remote checkout includes a work completion inquiry step S501, a completion determination step S506, a completion image request step S507, a completion image reception step S510, a completion image storage step S511, a determination result transmission step S512, an excess charge calculation step S517, a settlement execution step S518, and an abnormality confirmation step S519.

[0148] Furthermore, the control method for user terminal 2 in remote checkout includes a completion information transmission step S504, a completion image acquisition step S508, a completion image transmission step S509, a decision result reception step S513, and a decision result display step S514. The control method for host terminal 3 in remote checkout includes a decision result reception step S515 and a decision result display step S516.

[0149] First, after the start determination unit 61 determines that the use of the mobile charger B1 by user X1 for charging work is legitimate, the user communication unit 41 performs a work inquiry step S501, which sends an inquiry to the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2 asking whether the charging work has been completed or not, when the current time reaches the end time of the reservation period represented by the reservation information Ia. In other words, after the normal check-in or on-site check-in for charging work is completed, the user communication unit 41 performs a work inquiry step S501, which sends an inquiry to the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2 asking whether the charging work has been completed or not, when the current time reaches the end time of the reservation period represented by the reservation information Ia.

[0150] Then, in the user terminal 2, the communication unit 23 receives an inquiry about whether the charging operation has been completed, outputs the received inquiry to the display unit 21, and the display unit 21 displays the inquiry. Subsequently, the display unit 21 displays a remote checkout button in addition to the normal checkout button (S501). After that, when the operation unit 22 detects that the remote checkout button has been selected by user X1 (S502), the communication unit 23 transmits completion information. The completion information in remote checkout includes work completion information I4 and remote checkout information I7. "Work completion information I4" as referred to in this disclosure is information indicating that user X1 has completed the charging operation, similar to the case of normal checkout, that is, information for notifying the management system 1 that user X1 has completed the charging operation. "Remote checkout information I7" as referred to in this disclosure is information for notifying the management system 1 that the remote checkout button has been selected.

[0151] On the other hand, after the user communication unit 41 sends an inquiry about whether the charging work has been completed, the termination determination unit 62 of the management system 1 performs a termination determination step S506 to determine whether user X1 has finished using the mobile charger B1 based on termination condition C2. In a normal checkout, termination condition C2 is that any one of the third termination condition C2c, fourth termination condition C2d, and fifth termination condition C2e is satisfied. The third termination condition C2c is that the user communication unit 41 receives work completion information I4 from the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2. The fourth termination condition C2d is that a preset time has elapsed from the end time of the reservation period represented by the reservation information Ia before the user communication unit receives the work completion information I4 from the user terminal. The preset time here can be set to any time by the administrator of the management system 1 or the host X2. In this embodiment, the preset time is, for example, 1 hour. The fifth termination condition C2e is when the termination determination unit 62 has not determined that user X1 has finished using the mobile charger B1, and the start determination unit 61 determines that the use of the mobile charger B1 is legitimate in a charging operation in which another user uses the mobile charger B1.

[0152] The termination decision step S506 will be explained in more detail using Figure 11.

[0153] First, the termination determination unit 62 determines whether the third termination condition C2c is met (S506a). In other words, the termination determination unit 62 determines whether the user communication unit 41 has received the work completion information I4 from the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2.

[0154] If the user communication unit 41 receives the work completion information I4 from the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2 (S506a: Yes), the termination determination unit 62 determines that the use of the mobile charger B1 by user X1 has ended (S506d). On the other hand, if the user communication unit 41 has not received the work completion information I4 from the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2 (S506a: No), the termination determination unit 62 further determines whether the fourth termination condition C2d is met (S506b). In other words, the termination determination unit 62 further determines whether a preset time has elapsed from the end time of the reservation period represented by the reservation information Ia.

[0155] If a predetermined set time has elapsed from the end time of the reservation period represented by the reservation information Ia (S506d: Yes), the termination determination unit 62 determines that user X1's use of the mobile charger B1 has ended (S506e). On the other hand, if a predetermined set time has not elapsed from the end time of the reservation period represented by the reservation information Ia (S506d: No), the termination determination unit 62 further determines whether the fifth termination condition C2e is met (S506c). In other words, the termination determination unit 62 determines whether the start determination unit 61 has determined that the use of the mobile charger B1 is legitimate in a charging operation in which another user uses the mobile charger B1.

[0156] If the start determination unit 61 determines that the use of the mobile charger B1 is legitimate in a charging operation in which another user is using the mobile charger B1 (S506c:Yes), the end determination unit 62 determines that the use of the mobile charger B1 by user X1 has ended (S506e). On the other hand, if the start determination unit 61 does not determine that the use of the mobile charger B1 is legitimate in a charging operation in which another user is using the mobile charger B1 (S506c:Yes), the end determination unit 62 determines again whether the third end condition C2c is met (S506a).

[0157] If the termination determination unit 62 determines that user X1 has finished using the mobile charger B1 based on the third termination condition C2c (S506d), in the termination image request step S507, the termination determination unit 62 requests the user terminal 2 to provide image data showing the amount of charge stored in the battery A11 of the mobile device A1 after user X1 has finished the charging operation.

[0158] In the completion image acquisition step S508 shown in Figure 10, the imaging unit 24 creates completion image data D2, which includes image data of the amount of charge stored in the battery A11 of the mobile device A1 after the user X1 has finished the charging operation. Then, in the completion image transmission step S509, the communication unit 23 transmits the completion image data D2 created by the imaging unit 24 in the completion image acquisition step S508 to the user communication unit 41 of the management system 1.

[0159] In the completion image reception step S510, the user communication unit 41 receives the completion image data D2 from the communication unit 23 and outputs it to the work memory unit 52. Then, in the completion image storage step S511, the work memory unit 52 stores the completion image data D2.

[0160] Then, in the decision result transmission step S512, the user communication unit 41 transmits the decision result of the termination decision unit 62 to the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2 and the communication unit 33 of the host terminal 3. More specifically, in the decision result transmission step S512, the user communication unit 41 transmits to the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2 and the communication unit 33 of the host terminal 3 that in the termination decision step S506, user X1 has terminated the use of the mobile charger B1.

[0161] In the user terminal 2, during the decision result reception step S513, the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2 receives the decision result of the termination decision unit 62 from the user communication unit 41 and outputs it to the display unit 21. Subsequently, in the decision result display step S514, the display unit 21 displays the decision result of the termination decision unit 62. More specifically, in the decision result display step S514, the display unit 21 displays that user X1 has finished using the mobile charger B1.

[0162] Similarly, in the host terminal 3, during the decision result reception step S515, the communication unit 33 of the host terminal 3 receives the decision result of the termination decision unit 62 from the user communication unit 41 and outputs it to the display unit 31. Subsequently, in the decision result display step S516, the display unit 31 displays the decision result of the termination decision unit 62. More specifically, the display unit 31 displays that the termination decision unit 62 has determined that user X1 has finished using the mobile charger B1.

[0163] In the management system 1, after the judgment result transmission step S512, the excess settlement unit 82 performs an excess charge calculation step S517, which calculates the excess charge based on the difference between the reception time and the end time. Then, in the settlement execution step S518, the excess settlement unit 82 executes the settlement of the excess charge. Subsequently, in the abnormality confirmation step S519, the abnormality confirmation unit 91 checks for any abnormalities during the charging operation based on the start image data D1 and the end image data D2, and further inquires with the user terminal 2 about the presence or absence of abnormalities during the charging operation.

[0164] In the abnormality reporting step S520, the operation unit 22 receives input from user X1 regarding the presence or absence of an abnormality during the charging operation, and the communication unit 23 transmits the information regarding the presence or absence of an abnormality during the charging operation to the user communication unit 41 of the management system 1.

[0165] Furthermore, if the termination determination unit 62 determines that user X1 has finished using the mobile charger B1 based on the fourth termination condition C2d and the fifth termination condition C2e (S506e), the user communication unit 41 performs a determination result transmission step S521, in which it transmits the determination result of the termination determination unit 62 to the communication unit 23 of the user terminal 2 and the communication unit 33 of the host terminal 3. Then, in the excess charge calculation step S522, the excess settlement unit 82 calculates the excess charge based on the difference between the reception time and the termination time. Subsequently, in the settlement execution step S523, the excess settlement unit 82 executes the settlement of the excess charge.

[0166] In other words, if the termination determination unit 62 determines that user X1 has finished using the mobile charger B1 based on the fourth termination condition C2d and the fifth termination condition C2e, the management method of the management system 1 omits the termination image request step S507, the termination image reception step S510, the termination image storage step S511, and the abnormality confirmation step S519.

[0167] (4) Variations The embodiments described above are merely one of many embodiments of this disclosure. The embodiments described above can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the objectives of this disclosure are achieved. Furthermore, functions similar to those of the management system 1 according to the embodiments described above may be embodied in a management program which is a computer program, or in a non-temporary recording medium which the management program is recorded. A management program according to one embodiment is a program that causes a computer system to execute the management method of the management system 1 in the embodiments described above.

[0168] Furthermore, functions similar to those of the user terminal 2 according to the above embodiment may be implemented in a user-side program, which is a computer program, or in a non-temporary recording medium that stores the user-side program. One embodiment of the user-side program is a program that causes a computer system to execute the control method of the user terminal 2 in the above embodiment.

[0169] Similarly, functions similar to those of the host terminal 3 according to the above embodiment may be embodied in a host-side program, which is a computer program, or in a non-temporary recording medium that stores the host-side program. One host-side program according to one embodiment is a program that causes a computer system to execute the control method of the host terminal 3 in the above embodiment.

[0170] The management program, user-side program, and host-side program may be pre-recorded in the computer system's memory, provided via a telecommunications line, or provided on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive that is readable by the computer system.

[0171] The following are examples of modifications of the above-described embodiment. These modifications may be implemented by combining them as appropriate.

[0172] In the user terminal 2 of the above-described embodiment, the reading unit 25 obtains the charger identification information I1 by reading the charger identification information I1 stored in the storage unit B12 of the mobile charger B1. However, the operation unit 22 of the user terminal 2 may also receive the charger identification information I1 manually entered by the user X1 and obtain the charger identification information I1.

[0173] In other words, the user communication unit 41 of the management system 1 in the above embodiment receives charger identification information I1 obtained when the reading unit 25 of the user terminal 2 reads the storage unit B12, but it may also receive charger identification information I1 manually entered into the user terminal 2 by the user X1. With this configuration, even if the reading unit 25 of the user terminal 2 cannot read the storage unit B12 due to dirt or other debris adhering to the surface of the storage unit B12, the management system 1 can still receive the charger identification information I1. That is, it has the advantage of suppressing situations in which the charger identification information I1 cannot be received.

[0174] In the above-described embodiment, the location information creation unit 26 acquires starting location information I2 indicating the position of the user terminal 2 when the display unit 21 displays the reading screen during normal check-in and on-site check-in. However, the location information creation unit 26 may also acquire starting location information I2 indicating the position of the user terminal 2 when the reading unit 25 acquires the charger identification information I1 during normal check-in and on-site check-in.

[0175] Furthermore, the location information creation unit 26 in the above embodiment acquires the end position information I5, which indicates the position of the user terminal 2 when the display unit 21 displays the reading screen during normal checkout. However, the location information creation unit 26 may also acquire the end position information I5, which indicates the position of the user terminal 2 when the reading unit 25 acquires the charger identification information I1 during normal checkout.

[0176] The start condition C1 for on-site check-in may further include the reception time, which is the time when the user communication unit receives the charger identification information and the start location information, being within the available time period, which is the time period during which the mobile charger B1 can be used. The "available time period" here is included in the charger setting information. That is, the "available time period" is set in advance by the setting unit 34 of the host terminal 3 based on the input of the host X2 regarding the time period during which the mobile charger B1 can be used.

[0177] Furthermore, the start condition C1 for on-site check-in may also include the condition that the usage period from the start time to the end time desired by user X1 overlaps with the available period during which the mobile charger B1 is available.

[0178] In the above embodiment, the start image data D1 and the end image data D2 each include image data capturing the amount of charge stored in the battery A11 of the mobile device A1 before user X1 starts the charging operation and after user X1 finishes the charging operation. However, the start image data D1 and the end image data D2 may each include image data capturing the cumulative amount supplied by the mobile device charger B1 before user X1 starts the charging operation and after user X1 finishes the charging operation. Here, "cumulative amount supplied" refers to the cumulative amount indicating how much power the mobile device charger B1 has supplied so far.

[0179] Furthermore, the start image data D1 and the end image data D2 may each include image data capturing the distance traveled by the mobile device A1 before user X1 starts the charging operation and after user X1 finishes the charging operation. In other words, the start image data D1 may include image data capturing the distance traveled by the mobile device A1 before user X1 starts the charging operation, and the end image data D2 may include image data capturing the distance traveled by the mobile device A1 after user X1 finishes the charging operation. For example, if the mobile device A1 moves during the charging operation, the amount of charge stored in the mobile device A1's battery A11 decreases according to the distance traveled, making it difficult to determine whether or not charging was performed normally during the charging operation. However, with the above configuration, the management system 1 can determine whether or not the mobile device A1 moved during the charging operation, thus having the advantage of being able to more accurately determine whether or not charging was performed normally during the charging operation.

[0180] Furthermore, each of the start image data D1 and end image data D2 may include image data capturing the appearance of at least one of the mobile charger B1 and the assets owned by host X2 before user X1 starts the charging operation and after user X1 finishes the charging operation. Here, "assets owned by host X2" refers to, for example, structures (gates, posts, walls, fences, etc.) located on the premises of host X2 where the mobile charger B1 is installed, or obstacles (luggage, bicycles, etc.) placed near the mobile charger B1. This configuration has the advantage that the management system 1 can determine whether user X1 has damaged the mobile charger B1 and the assets owned by host X2 during the charging operation.

[0181] Furthermore, each of the start image data D1 and end image data D2 may include image data capturing the location of the assets owned by host X2 before user X1 starts the charging operation and after user X1 finishes the charging operation. This configuration has the advantage that if user X1 moves the assets owned by host X2 during the charging operation, the management system 1 can store the start image data D1 and end image data D2 as evidence that user X1 moved the assets owned by host X2 during the charging operation.

[0182] Therefore, each of the start image data D1 and end image data D2 should be image data that captures at least one state of the mobile unit A1, mobile charger B1, and assets owned by host X2 before user X1 starts the charging operation and after user X1 finishes the charging operation. In other words, the start image data D1 should be image data that captures at least one state of the mobile unit A1, mobile charger B1, and assets owned by host X2 before user X1 starts the charging operation. On the other hand, the end image data D2 should be image data that captures at least one state of the mobile unit A1, mobile charger B1, and assets owned by host X2 before user X1 starts the charging operation. The "at least one state of the mobile unit A1, mobile charger B1, and assets owned by host X2" here refers to, for example, the state showing how much charge the battery A11 of mobile unit A1 has, the state showing how much power the mobile charger B1 has supplied so far, or the state showing how far mobile unit A1 has traveled. Furthermore, "at least one state of the mobile charger B1 and the assets owned by host X2" may also refer to the external appearance of the mobile charger B1 and the assets owned by host X2. According to the above configuration, the management system 1 has the advantage of being able to store image data as evidence when an abnormality occurs in the charging operation.

[0183] In the above-described embodiment, the start determination unit 61 determines that the user's use of the mobile charger B1 is legitimate when the registered location information I3 associated with the charger identification information I1 matches the start location information I2, and the work storage unit 52 stores the start image data D1 and the end image data D2. However, the operation of the work storage unit 52 to store the start image data D1 and the end image data D2 is not limited to a configuration in which it is performed only when the start determination unit 61 determines that the user X1's use of the mobile charger B1 is legitimate based on the registered location information I3 and the start location information I2. In other words, even if the method by which the start determination unit 61 determines that the user X1's use of the mobile charger B1 is legitimate differs from that of this embodiment, the work storage unit 52 may still store the start image data D1 and the end image data D2.

[0184] The start condition C1 may further include the user communication unit 41 receiving the start image data D1. More specifically, the start condition C1 for both normal check-in and on-site check-in may include the user communication unit 41 receiving the start image data D1.

[0185] In other words, the starting condition C1 for normal check-in in this case is that the registered location information I3 associated with the charger identification information I1 matches the starting location information I2, the difference between the reception time (the time when the user communication unit 41 receives the charger identification information I1 and the starting location information I2) and the starting time stored in the reservation storage unit 53 is within a predetermined range, and the user communication unit 41 receives the starting image data D1. On the other hand, the starting condition C1 for on-site check-in in this case is that the registered location information I3 associated with the charger identification information I1 matches the starting location information I2, the reception time (the time when the user communication unit 41 receives the charger identification information I1 and the starting location information I2) is outside the reservation time slot when other users will be using the mobile charger B1, and the user communication unit 41 receives the starting image data D1.

[0186] According to the above configuration, if the user communication unit 41 does not receive the start image data D1, normal check-in or on-site check-in will not be completed, and the display unit 21 of the user terminal 2 will display that normal check-in or on-site check-in has not been completed. As a result, it has the effect of prompting user X1 to have the imaging unit 24 capture images of at least one state of the mobile unit A1, the mobile unit charger B1, and the assets owned by host X2 before starting the charging operation. In other words, the work memory unit 52 has the advantage of being able to store the start image data D1 more reliably.

[0187] (summary) The first embodiment of the management system (1) is a management system that manages the usage status of a mobile charger (B1) used by a user (X1) in the charging operation of charging the battery (A11) of a mobile device (A1). The management system comprises a user communication unit (41), a registration storage unit (51), and a start determination unit (61). The user communication unit (41) receives at least charger identification information (I1) and start location information (I2) from a user terminal (2) operated by the user (X1). The charger identification information (I1) is uniquely assigned to the mobile charger (B1) used by the user (X1) in the charging operation. The start location information (I2) indicates the location of the user terminal (2) before the user (X1) starts the charging operation. The registration storage unit (51) stores in advance registration location information (I3) indicating the location of the mobile charger (B1) linked to the charger identification information (I1). The start determination unit (61) determines that the use of the mobile charger (B1) by the user (X1) is legitimate if the start condition (C1) is met at the start of the charging operation. The start condition (C1) includes the fact that the registered location information (I3) associated with the charger identification information (I1) matches the start location information (I2).

[0188] This embodiment has the advantage of being able to determine whether or not the user (X1) operating the user terminal (2) is using the mobile charger (B1).

[0189] In the management system (1) of the second embodiment, in the first embodiment, the user communication unit (41) receives charger identification information (I1). The charger identification information (I1) is obtained by the user terminal (2) reading the storage unit (B12) in which the charger identification information (I1) is stored.

[0190] This embodiment has the advantage of preventing the user communication unit (41) from receiving incorrect charger identification information (I1).

[0191] In the management system (1) of the third embodiment, in the first embodiment, the user communication unit (41) receives charger identification information (I1). The charger identification information (I1) is manually entered into the user terminal (2) by the user (X1).

[0192] This embodiment has the advantage of suppressing situations in which the user communication unit (41) is unable to receive the charger identification information (I1).

[0193] In the management system (1) of the fourth embodiment, in any of the first to third embodiments, the user communication unit (41) further receives start image data (D1) from the user terminal (2) in addition to charger identification information (I1) and start position information (I2). The start image data (D1) is image data capturing at least one state of the mobile body (A1), the mobile body charger (B1), and an asset owned by the host (X2) that manages the mobile body charger (B1) before the user (X1) starts the charging operation. The management system (1) further includes a work memory unit (52) that stores the start image data (D1).

[0194] This embodiment has the advantage of being able to store image data as evidence in the event of an abnormality during the charging process.

[0195] In the fifth embodiment of the management system (1) according to the embodiment, in the fourth embodiment, the start condition (C1) further includes the user communication unit (41) receiving start image data (D1).

[0196] This configuration has the advantage of more reliably storing image data as evidence in the event of an abnormality during the charging process.

[0197] In the management system (1) of the sixth embodiment, in the fourth or fifth embodiment, the user communication unit (41) receives completion image data (D2) from the user terminal (2). The completion image data (D2) is image data capturing at least one state of the mobile unit (A1), the mobile unit charger (B1), and the asset after the user (X1) has finished the charging operation. The work storage unit (52) stores the completion image data (D2) in addition to the start image data (D1).

[0198] This embodiment has the advantage of being able to store image data as evidence in the event of an abnormality during the charging process.

[0199] In the seventh embodiment of the management system (1) according to the embodiment, in the sixth embodiment, the start image data (D1) includes image data capturing the amount of charge stored in the battery (A11) of the mobile unit (A1) before the user (X1) starts the charging operation. The end image data (D2) includes image data capturing the amount of charge stored in the battery (A11) of the mobile unit (A1) after the user (X1) has finished the charging operation.

[0200] This embodiment has the advantage of being able to determine whether or not charging was performed correctly during the charging process.

[0201] In the management system (1) of the eighth embodiment according to the embodiment, in the seventh embodiment, the start image data (D1) is at least one data of an image showing the amount of charge stored in the battery (A11) of the mobile body (A1) in terms of electrical energy before the user (X1) starts the charging operation, an image showing the amount of charge stored in the battery (A11) as a percentage, an image showing the amount of charge stored in the battery (A11) as the number of symbols, and an image showing the amount of charge stored in the battery (A11) as the travelable distance of the mobile body (A1). The end image data (D2) is at least one data of an image showing the amount of charge stored in the battery (A11) of the mobile body (A1) in terms of electrical energy after the user (X1) has finished the charging operation, an image showing the amount of charge stored in the battery (A11) as a percentage, an image showing the amount of charge stored in the battery (A11) as the number of symbols, and an image showing the amount of charge stored in the battery (A11) as the travelable distance of the mobile body (A1).

[0202] This embodiment has the advantage of making it easier to determine whether or not charging was performed correctly during the charging process.

[0203] In the management system (1) of the ninth embodiment, in any of the sixth to eighth embodiments, the start image data (D1) includes image data capturing the distance traveled by the mobile unit (A1) before the user (X1) starts the charging operation. The end image data (D2) includes image data capturing the distance traveled by the mobile unit (A1) after the user (X1) has finished the charging operation.

[0204] This embodiment has the advantage of allowing for a more accurate determination of whether or not charging was performed correctly during the charging process.

[0205] In the tenth embodiment of the management system (1), in any of the first to ninth embodiments, a reservation storage unit (53) further stores reservation information (Ia) including the reservation period for charging work reserved by a user (X1). The start condition (C1) further includes that the difference between the reception time, which is the time when the user communication unit (41) receives the charger identification information (I1) and the start position information (I2), and the start time of the reservation period is within a predetermined range.

[0206] This approach has the advantage of preventing the completion of regular check-in outside of the reservation period.

[0207] In the management system (1) of the 11th embodiment, in the 10th embodiment, the user communication unit (41) sends an inquiry to the user terminal (2) asking whether the charging work has been completed or not, once the start determination unit (61) has determined that the use of the mobile charger (B1) by the user (X1) is legitimate and the current time reaches the end time of the reservation period.

[0208] This embodiment has the advantage of allowing confirmation of whether or not the charging process has been completed at the end of the reservation period.

[0209] In the management system (1) of the 12th embodiment, in any of the first to 11th embodiments, the start condition (C1) further includes that the reception time, which is the time when the user communication unit (41) receives the charger identification information (I1) and the start location information (I2), is outside the reserved time slot when another user uses the mobile charger (B1).

[0210] This embodiment has the advantage of preventing users (X1) from using the mobile charger (B1) outside of the available time slots.

[0211] In the management system (1) of the thirteenth embodiment, in the twelfth embodiment, the start condition (C1) further includes that the reception time is within the available time period, which is the time period during which the mobile charger (B1) is available.

[0212] This configuration has the advantage of preventing on-site check-in from being completed during the reserved time slot when other users are using the mobile charger (B1).

[0213] In the management system (1) of the 14th embodiment, in the 12th or 13th embodiment, the user communication unit (41) receives information from the user terminal (2) about the desired time period during which the user (X1) wishes to use the mobile charger (B1) for charging work. The start condition (C1) further includes that the desired time period does not overlap with the reserved time period.

[0214] This embodiment has the advantage of preventing other users from being unable to use the mobile charger (B1).

[0215] In the management system (1) of the 15th embodiment, in any of the first to 14th embodiments, a host communication unit (42) is further provided which can communicate with a host terminal (3) owned by a host (X2) that manages a mobile charger (B1). The host communication unit (42) transmits the determination result of the start determination unit (61) to the host terminal (3).

[0216] This embodiment has the advantage that the host (X2) can confirm the decision result of the start determination unit (61).

[0217] The management system (1) of the 16th embodiment further comprises a termination determination unit (62) in any of the first to 15 embodiments. The termination determination unit (62) determines that the user (X1) has terminated their use of the mobile charger (B1) if the start determination unit (61) determines that the user's (X1) use of the mobile charger (B1) is legitimate and the termination condition (C2) is met.

[0218] This configuration has the advantage of allowing detailed control over the charging process performed by the user (X1).

[0219] In the management system (1) of the 17th embodiment, in the 16th embodiment, the termination condition (C2) includes the user communication unit (41) receiving work completion information (I4) from the user terminal (2) indicating that the charging work has been completed.

[0220] This configuration has the advantage of allowing for more detailed control over the charging process performed by the user (X1).

[0221] In the management system (1) of the 18th embodiment, in the 17th embodiment, the termination condition (C2) further includes, in addition to the work completion information (I4), the user communication unit (41) receiving from the user terminal (2) termination location information (I5), which is the location information of the user terminal (2) after the user (X1) has finished the charging work, and the registration location information (I3) associated with the charger identification information (I1) matching the termination location information (I5).

[0222] This embodiment has the advantage of being able to determine whether or not the person operating the user terminal (2) was using the mobile charger (B1).

[0223] The management system (1) of the 19th embodiment further comprises a reservation storage unit (53) that stores reservation information (Ia) representing the reservation period for a charging operation reserved by a user (X1), in any of the 16th to 18th embodiments. The termination condition (C2) further includes a predetermined set time elapsed from the end time of the reservation period before the user communication unit (41) receives work completion information (I4) from the user terminal (2) indicating that the charging operation has been completed.

[0224] This embodiment has the advantage that even if the user terminal (2) does not send work completion information (I4), it can be determined that the user (X1) has finished using the mobile charger (B1).

[0225] In the management system (1) of the 20th embodiment, in any of the 16th to 19th embodiments, the termination condition (C2) includes the start determination unit (61) determining that the use of the mobile charger (B1) is legitimate in a charging operation in which another user (X1) uses the mobile charger (B1), when the termination determination unit (62) has not determined that the user (X1) has ended the use of the mobile charger (B1).

[0226] This embodiment has the advantage that even if the user terminal (2) does not send work completion information (I4), another user (X1) can use the mobile charger (B1).

[0227] The management system (1) of the 21st embodiment further comprises a host communication unit (42) that can communicate with a host terminal (3) owned by a host (X2) that manages a mobile charger (B1) in any of the 16th to 20th embodiments. The host communication unit (42) transmits the determination result of the termination determination unit (62) to the host terminal (3).

[0228] This embodiment has the advantage that the host (X2) can confirm the decision result of the termination determination unit (62).

[0229] A management method according to the embodiment of the 22nd aspect is a management method for managing the usage status of a mobile charger (B1) used by a user (X1) in a charging operation to charge the battery (A11) of a mobile device (A1). The above management method includes a start information reception step (S205, S305) and a start determination step (S2a, S3a). In the start information reception step (S205, S305), at least charger identification information (I1) and start location information (I2) are received from a user terminal (2) operated by the user (X1). The charger identification information (I1) is uniquely assigned to the mobile charger (B1) used by the user (X1) in the charging operation. The start location information (I2) indicates the location of the user terminal (2) before the user (X1) starts the charging operation. In the start determination step (S2a, S3a), if the start condition (C1) is met, it is determined that the use of the mobile charger (B1) by the user (X1) is legitimate. The start condition (C1) is that the registered location information (I3), which indicates the location of the mobile charger (B1) and is stored in advance in association with charger identification information (I1), matches the start location information (I2).

[0230] This embodiment has the advantage that it is possible to determine whether or not the person operating the user terminal (2) is using the mobile charger (B1) without using a dedicated management system (1).

[0231] The management program of the 23rd embodiment is a program that causes a computer system to execute the management method of the 22nd embodiment.

[0232] This embodiment has the advantage of being able to determine whether or not the person operating the user terminal (2) is using the mobile charger (B1).

[0233] The control method for a user terminal (2) according to the embodiment of the 24th embodiment is a control method for a user terminal (2) that communicates with a management system (1) according to any of the first to 21 embodiments. The control method for the user terminal (2) includes an acquisition step (S202, S302), a start position creation step (S203, S303), and a start information transmission step (S204, S304). In the acquisition step (S202, S302), charger identification information (I1) is acquired. In the start position creation step (S203, S303), start position information (I2) is created. In the start information transmission step (S204, S304), the charger identification information (I1) and start position information (I2) are transmitted to the management system.

[0234] This embodiment has the advantage that the user terminal (2) can be controlled in a way that allows it to determine whether or not the person operating the user terminal (2) is using the mobile charger (B1).

[0235] The user-side program of the 25th embodiment is a program that causes a computer system to execute the control method of the user terminal (2) of the 24th embodiment.

[0236] This embodiment has the advantage that the user terminal (2) can be controlled in a way that allows it to determine whether or not the person operating the user terminal (2) is using the mobile charger (B1).

[0237] The host terminal (3) control method of the 26th embodiment is a control method for a host terminal (3) owned by a host (X2) that manages a mobile charger (B1) and communicates with a management system (1) of any of the first to 21 embodiments. The host terminal (3) control method includes a decision result reception step (S215, S321). In the decision result reception step (S215, S321), the decision result of the start decision unit (61) is received from the management system.

[0238] This embodiment has the advantage that the host terminal (3) can be controlled to determine whether or not the person operating the user terminal (2) is using the mobile charger (B1).

[0239] The host-side program of the 27th embodiment is a program that causes a computer system to execute the control method of the host terminal (3) of the 26th embodiment.

[0240] This embodiment has the advantage that the host terminal (3) can be controlled to determine whether or not the person operating the user terminal (2) is using the mobile charger (B1). [Explanation of symbols]

[0241] 1 Management System 2 User terminals 3 Host terminal 41 User Communications Section 42 Host Communications Department 51 Registration Storage Unit 52 Working memory unit 53 Reservation memory unit 61 Start judgment part 62 Termination Determination Unit A1 Mobile Unit A11 Battery A12 charging circuit B1 mobile charger B11 Power supply section B12 Storage Unit C1 start condition C2 Termination Condition D1 Starting image data D2 End Image Data I1 Charger identification information I2 Starting position information I3 Registered Location Information I4 Work Completion Information I5 End position information Ia Reservation Information X1 User X2 Host Steps to obtain S202 and S302 S203, S303 Starting position creation step S204, S304 Start information transmission step S205, S305 Start information reception step S2a, S3a Start Decision Step S215, S321 Decision result reception step

Claims

1. A management system for managing the usage status of mobile chargers used by users in the charging process of charging the batteries of mobile devices, A user communication unit that receives from a user terminal operated by the user, at least charger identification information uniquely assigned to the mobile charger used by the user in the charging operation, and start position information indicating the position of the user terminal before the user starts the charging operation. A registration storage unit that stores registered location information indicating the location of the mobile charger in advance, linked to the charger identification information, A start determination unit that determines that the user's use of the mobile charger is legitimate when the start conditions are met at the start of the charging operation, The system includes a start determination unit that determines, after the start determination unit has determined that the user's use of the mobile charger is legitimate, and if the termination conditions are met, the termination determination unit determines that the user has terminated their use of the mobile charger, The aforementioned start condition includes the matching of the registered location information associated with the charger identification information with the start location information. A management system characterized by the following features.

2. The user communication unit receives the charger identification information obtained when the user terminal reads the storage unit in which the charger identification information is stored. The management system according to feature 1.

3. The user communication unit receives the charger identification information manually entered by the user into the user terminal. The management system according to feature 1.

4. In addition to the charger identification information and the start position information, the user communication unit further receives from the user terminal start image data, which is image data capturing the state of at least one of the mobile body, the mobile body charger, and an asset owned by the host managing the mobile body charger before the user starts the charging operation. The system further includes a work memory unit that stores the aforementioned start image data. The management system according to feature 1.

5. The aforementioned start condition further includes the user communication unit receiving the start image data. The management system according to feature 4.

6. The user communication unit receives from the user terminal completion image data, which is image data capturing at least one state of the mobile body, the mobile body charger, and the asset after the user has completed the charging operation. The work memory unit stores the start image data as well as the end image data. The management system according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The start image data includes image data capturing the amount of charge stored in the battery of the mobile body before the user starts the charging operation. The aforementioned termination image data includes image data capturing the amount of charge stored in the battery of the mobile unit after the user has finished the charging operation. The management system according to claim 6.

8. The start image data is at least one of the following: an image showing the amount of charge stored in the battery of the mobile body in terms of electrical energy before the user starts the charging operation; an image showing the amount of charge stored in the battery as a percentage; an image showing the amount of charge stored in the battery as the number of symbols; and an image showing the amount of charge stored in the battery as the travelable distance of the mobile body. The aforementioned termination image data is at least one of the following: an image showing the amount of charge stored in the battery of the mobile body in terms of electrical energy after the user has finished the charging operation; an image showing the amount of charge stored in the battery as a percentage; an image showing the amount of charge stored in the battery as the number of symbols; and an image showing the amount of charge stored in the battery as the travelable distance of the mobile body. The management system according to feature 7.

9. The start image data includes image data capturing the distance traveled by the mobile body before the user starts the charging operation. The aforementioned termination image data includes image data capturing the distance traveled by the mobile body after the user has completed the charging operation. The management system according to claim 6.

10. The system further includes a reservation storage unit that stores reservation information, including the reservation period for the charging operation reserved by the user. The aforementioned start condition further includes the difference between the reception time, which is the time when the user communication unit receives the charger identification information and the start position information, and the start time of the reservation period, being within a predetermined range. The management system according to feature 1.

11. After the start determination unit determines that the user's use of the mobile charger is legitimate, the user communication unit sends an inquiry to the user terminal asking whether the charging operation has been completed when the current time reaches the end time of the reservation period. The management system according to feature 10.

12. The aforementioned start condition further includes the reception time, which is the time when the user communication unit receives the charger identification information and the start location information, being outside the reserved time slot when other users use the mobile charger. The management system according to feature 1.

13. The aforementioned start condition further includes that the reception time falls within the available time period, which is the time period during which the mobile charger is available. The management system according to feature 12.

14. The user communication unit receives information from the user terminal regarding the desired time period during which the user wishes to use the mobile charger for the charging operation. The aforementioned start conditions further include the fact that the desired time slot does not overlap with the reserved time slot. The management system according to claim 12 or 13.

15. The mobile charger further comprises a host communication unit capable of communicating with a host terminal owned by the host managing the mobile charger, The host communication unit transmits the determination result of the start determination unit to the host terminal. The management system according to feature 1.

16. The termination condition includes the user communication unit receiving work completion information from the user terminal indicating that the charging work has been completed. The management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

17. The termination condition further includes: In addition to the aforementioned work completion information, the user communication unit further receives completion location information, which is the location information of the user terminal after the user has completed the charging work, from the user terminal, and This includes the matching of the registered position information and the end position information associated with the charger identification information. The management system according to claim 16.

18. The system further comprises a reservation storage unit that stores reservation information representing the reservation period for the charging work reserved by the user, The termination condition further includes the elapsed time from the end of the reservation period before the user communication unit receives work completion information from the user terminal indicating that the charging work has been completed. The management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

19. The termination condition includes, when the termination determination unit has not determined that the user has terminated using the mobile charger, the start determination unit determines that the use of the mobile charger is legitimate in a charging operation in which another user uses the mobile charger. The management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

20. The mobile charger further comprises a host communication unit capable of communicating with a host terminal owned by the host managing the mobile charger, The host communication unit transmits the determination result of the termination determination unit to the host terminal. The management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

21. A management method for managing the usage status of a mobile charger used by a user in charging operations to charge the battery of a mobile device, A start information receiving step, which receives from a user terminal operated by the user, at least charger identification information that is uniquely assigned to the mobile charger used by the user in the charging operation, and start position information indicating the position of the user terminal before the user starts the charging operation. A start determination step in which, if the start conditions are met, it is determined that the use of the mobile charger by the user is legitimate, The process includes: after the start determination step determines that the user's use of the mobile charger is legitimate, and if the termination conditions are met, the termination determination step determines that the user has terminated their use of the mobile charger; The aforementioned starting condition is that the registered location information, which indicates the location of the mobile charger and is stored in advance in association with the charger identification information, matches the aforementioned starting location information. A management method characterized by the following features.

22. In a computer system, A management program for causing the management method described in claim 21 to be executed.

23. A control method for a user terminal that communicates with the management system described in Claim 1, The acquisition step of acquiring the aforementioned charger identification information, The creation of the aforementioned starting position information, starting position creation step, The process includes a start information transmission step of transmitting the charger identification information and the start position information to the management system, A method for controlling a user terminal, characterized by the following features.

24. In a computer system, A user-side program for causing the user terminal control method described in claim 23 to be executed.

25. A method for controlling a host terminal owned by a host that communicates with the management system described in Claim 1 and manages the mobile charger, The process includes a decision result receiving step in which the decision result of the start decision unit is received from the management system, A method for controlling a host terminal, characterized by the features described above.

26. In a computer system, A host-side program for causing the host terminal control method described in claim 25 to be executed.

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