Car sharing system, car sharing method, program and computer-readable recording medium

Abstract

To enable authentication processing to be performed in car sharing without using a use card.SOLUTION: An authentication apparatus in a car sharing system in which a plurality users share a vehicle includes a two-dimensional code that records information on car sharing, reading means that reads the two-dimensional code, and authentication means that performs authentication processing based on the information on the car sharing recorded in the two-dimensional code read by the reading means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an authentication device in a car-sharing system, an authentication method in a car-sharing system, a program, and a computer-readable recording medium.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to an authentication device in a car-sharing system, an authentication method in a car-sharing system, a program, and a computer-readable recording medium, which are suitable for use in authentication processing when a user actually gets on or off a vehicle in a car-sharing system.

Background Art

[0003] In recent years, as a new usage form of vehicles such as automobiles, so-called car-sharing, in which one or more vehicles are jointly used by a plurality of members, has attracted attention.

[0004] Here, car-sharing means that a user does not own a vehicle himself / herself, becomes a member of a car-sharing administrator (in this specification and claims, the "car-sharing administrator" is simply referred to as the "administrator" as appropriate), and borrows a vehicle provided by the administrator as needed.

[0005] In addition, there are many examples of car-sharing where members share vehicles within a community limited to a certain area and check the usage status of the vehicle and make reservations for use through an information communication network such as the Internet. Therefore, the lending procedure does not require time, and the lending location and return location are often set at convenient places for members to use, such as the parking lot of the condominium where the member lives or near the station where the member commutes.

[0006] Through car sharing, users can reduce various costs compared to owning a vehicle, such as the cost of acquiring and maintaining the vehicle, as well as parking fees.

[0007] Furthermore, the widespread adoption of car sharing is expected to reduce the total number of vehicles, such as automobiles, which is anticipated to alleviate traffic congestion in urban areas and reduce energy consumption, thereby mitigating global warming caused by carbon dioxide emissions.

[0008] By the way, in a car-sharing system as described above (in this specification and the claims, "car-sharing system" will be appropriately referred to as "car-sharing system"), the administrator prepares vehicles such as automobiles equipped with onboard devices for business purposes, and the administrator provides said vehicles to multiple registered users.

[0009] Here, the in-vehicle device mentioned above is a device used to manage vehicles through a car-sharing system.

[0010] Users share vehicles equipped with the onboard device and pay the administrator any fees incurred as a result of using the vehicle.

[0011] In other words, in such car-sharing systems, the administrator manages the car-sharing system itself, as well as maintaining and managing vehicles such as automobiles equipped with on-board devices for managing the car-sharing system.

[0012] Furthermore, the administrator recruits users to share the vehicle, enters into contracts with multiple users who respond to the recruitment regarding the use of the vehicle, and provides the vehicle equipped with the in-vehicle device to those multiple users.

[0013] Each user then reserves a vehicle (i.e., a vehicle equipped with an in-vehicle device) provided by the administrator before actually using it, thus sharing the vehicle among users.

[0014] Furthermore, the administrator will be responsible for making reservations for these vehicles and managing the reservation website used for making those reservations.

[0015] In a car-sharing system, users of a vehicle pay the administrator the fees incurred for using the vehicle when they return the vehicle.

[0016] Conventionally, in the car-sharing systems described above, for example, a car-sharing system like the one shown in Figure 1 is constructed, and various processes are appropriately executed by the car-sharing system, including reservation processing for users to reserve the use of vehicles such as automobiles, vehicle availability management processing for managing vehicles that can be reserved by users, cancellation processing for users to cancel the reservation of a vehicle before the start of use of the reserved vehicle, return processing for users to return the vehicle after use, and operation management processing for managing the operation of vehicles.

[0017] Specifically, Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram illustrating a conventional car-sharing system. This conventional car-sharing system 100 is connected via an information and communication network such as a mobile phone network or the internet (in Figure 1, the internet is shown as the information and communication network). This network includes various communication devices such as the personal computer 102 of the car-sharing system 100 administrator, the personal computers 104 of users who are members of the administrator, and information terminals 106 equipped with displays 106a, including mobile phones, smartphones, or tablets of the users. The system comprises a server 108, an in-vehicle unit 112 installed in a vehicle 110 used for car sharing, such as a car shared by members, and connected to the server 108 via an information and communication network such as a mobile phone network or the internet (Figure 1 shows a case where LTE communication of a mobile phone network is used as the information and communication network), a card reader 114 mounted in a predetermined location such as near the rear window of the vehicle 110 and connected to the in-vehicle unit 112, and a key box 116 provided in a predetermined location such as inside the dashboard of the vehicle 110 and connected to the in-vehicle unit 112.

[0018] In the above configuration, in order to reserve or use a vehicle 110 using the car-sharing system 100, the user must first register as a member with the administrator.

[0019] This membership registration process may be carried out over the internet by, for example, the user accessing the server 108 via an information and communication network using a personal computer 104 or information terminal 106, or by the user and administrator proceeding with the procedure by mail, or by the user proceeding with the procedure in person with the administrator.

[0020] When registering members as described above, the administrator creates a unique registration code for each user and issues an IC card containing this registration code as an authentication code, which serves as a user card 118 for using the car-sharing system 100, and provides it to each user.

[0021] In addition, instead of providing each user with an IC card that stores the registration code as an authentication code as described above, a method has also been proposed in which the driver's license information recorded on the user's driver's license is used as the registration code and authentication code, thereby using the driver's license as the user card 118 similar to the IC card described above.

[0022] In addition to the methods described above, another proposed method involves generating a registration code and authentication code based on an IC card already owned by the user when the user first uses the car-sharing system 100, and using that IC card as the user card 118.

[0023] When a user makes a reservation for vehicle 110, they access a reservation site on server 108 using a personal computer 104 or information terminal 106, check the reservation status of vehicle 110, and make a reservation for vehicle 110 that meets their needs.

[0024] Subsequently, when the reserved start time arrives, the reservation information is sent from the server 108 to the in-vehicle unit 112 via the information and communication network, and the card reader 114 is activated.

[0025] Then, when a user goes to the parking lot where the vehicle 110 is parked at the reserved start time and intends to get into the vehicle 110, the user holds the aforementioned user card 118 over the card reader 114 to allow the card reader 114 to read the user card 118.

[0026] Then, the information read from the usage card 118 by the card reader 114 is sent to the vehicle-mounted device 112, and the information sent to the vehicle-mounted device 112 is transmitted from the vehicle-mounted device 112 to the server 108 via the information communication network, and is compared with the registered information such as the reservation information stored in the server 108 to perform an authentication process for determining the start of use, that is, an authentication process at the time of lending when starting the use of the vehicle 110 (in this specification and the claims, the "authentication process at the time of lending when starting the use of the vehicle" is appropriately referred to as the "authentication process at the time of lending").

[0027] In the authentication process at the time of lending in this server 108, when an authentication result indicating that the information read from the usage card 118 matches the registered information such as the reservation information stored in the server 108, that is, when an authentication determination indicating authentication match is made, the authentication match as the authentication result is transmitted from the server 108 to the vehicle-mounted device 112 via the information communication network.

[0028] When the vehicle-mounted device 112 receives an authentication result indicating that the information read from the usage card 118 matches the registered information such as the reservation information stored in the server 108, the vehicle-mounted device 112 performs lending processes such as unlocking the lock of the door of the vehicle 110 and controlling to enable the key to be taken out from the key box 116, whereby the user can board the vehicle 110 and use the vehicle 110.

[0029] On the other hand, in the authentication process at the time of lending in the above-described server 108, when an authentication result indicating that the information read from the usage card 118 does not match the registered information such as the reservation information stored in the server 108, that is, when an authentication determination indicating authentication mismatch is made, the authentication mismatch as the authentication result is transmitted from the server 108 to the vehicle-mounted device 112 via the information communication network.

[0030] When the in-vehicle unit 112 receives an authentication mismatch, which is an authentication result indicating that the information read from the user card 118 does not match the registered information such as reservation information stored in the server 108, it controls the vehicle 110 by not unlocking the doors and preventing the key from being removed from the key box 116, thereby preventing unauthorized use of the vehicle 110.

[0031] Furthermore, users use the vehicle 110 until the reserved end time. By parking the vehicle 110 in the designated parking area, storing the key in the key box 116, closing all doors, and having the user card 118 read by the card reader 114 for authentication, the return process for the vehicle 110 is completed, and the use of the vehicle 110 ends.

[0032] In other words, the user parks the vehicle 110 in the designated parking area, gets out of the vehicle, and then holds the user card 118 over the card reader 114 to allow the card reader 114 to read the user card 118.

[0033] Then, the information read from the user card 118 by the card reader 114 is sent to the in-vehicle unit 112, and the information sent to the in-vehicle unit 112 is transmitted from the in-vehicle unit 112 to the server 108 via the information and communication network, and an authentication process is performed to determine authentication for the end of use by matching it with registration information such as reservation information stored in the server 108, that is, an authentication process for the return of the vehicle, which is the end of use of the vehicle (in this specification and the claims, "authentication process for the return of the vehicle, which is the end of use of the vehicle" will be appropriately referred to as "return authentication process").

[0034] In the return authentication process at server 108, if an authentication result is obtained indicating that the information read from the user card 118 matches the registered information such as reservation information stored in server 108, that authentication result, the authentication match, is transmitted from server 108 to the in-vehicle unit 112 via the information and communication network.

[0035] When the in-vehicle unit 112 receives an authentication match, which is an authentication result indicating that the information read from the user card 118 matches the registration information such as reservation information stored in the server 108, it locks the doors of the vehicle 110 and terminates the use of the vehicle 110.

[0036] On the other hand, in the return authentication process at the server 108 described above, if the authentication result indicates that the information read from the user card 118 does not match the registration information such as reservation information stored in the server 108, that authentication result of authentication mismatch is transmitted from the server 108 to the in-vehicle unit 112 via the information and communication network.

[0037] When the in-vehicle unit 112 receives an authentication mismatch, which is an authentication result indicating that the information read from the user card 118 does not match the registered information such as reservation information stored in the server 108, it does not lock the doors of the vehicle 110 and does not terminate the use.

[0038] Then, when the use of vehicle 110 ends, the onboard unit 112 checks the usage time, mileage, and the condition of vehicle 110 as part of the return process. It calculates the fee incurred for using vehicle 110 by adding a distance charge based on the mileage to the time charge based on the confirmed usage time, and notifies the user of the calculated fee on their personal computer 104 or information terminal 106.

[0039] Furthermore, administrators can check the usage status of these users on personal computers 102, etc.

[0040] Furthermore, the administrator can also use this personal computer 102 to check for various problems on the car-sharing system 100.

[0041] In this conventional car-sharing system 100, authentication was performed using the user card 118 during the rental and return authentication processes described above.

[0042] Therefore, there was a problem in that if a user forgot to bring their user card 118 when starting to use vehicle 110, they would not be able to use vehicle 110.

[0043] Similarly, there was a problem in that if a user lost their user card 118 when they finished using vehicle 110, they would not be able to return vehicle 110.

[0044] Furthermore, since the prior art known to the applicant at the time of filing the patent application is not an invention related to a publicly known invention, there is no prior art document information to be included in the specification of this application. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0045] This invention has been made in view of the various problems of the prior art described above, and its purpose is to provide an authentication device for a car-sharing system, an authentication method for a car-sharing system, a program, and a computer-readable recording medium that enable authentication processing without the use of a user card. [Means for solving the problem]

[0046] To achieve the above objective, the present invention replaces the user card with a system that reads a two-dimensional code displayed on various communication devices, such as a two-dimensional code installed in a vehicle or on a user's information terminal, and performs authentication processing using the read result.

[0047] There are various types of 2D codes, such as QR codes (registered trademark) and data matrices, and the choice of which 2D code to use should be determined as appropriate.

[0048] Therefore, according to the present invention, authentication processing can be performed without requiring a user card.

[0049] Furthermore, according to the present invention, authentication processing can be performed without requiring a user card. Therefore, by using only various communication devices such as the user's information terminal, processes such as member registration to join the car-sharing system, reservation processing to use a vehicle, rental authentication processing at the time of rental to start using the vehicle, and return authentication processing when returning the vehicle to end the use of the vehicle can be completed using only various communication devices such as the user's information terminal.

[0050] Therefore, since there is no need to install card readers in the vehicles that make up the car-sharing system, the overall configuration of the car-sharing system can be simplified and costs can be reduced.

[0051] In other words, the authentication device for a car-sharing system according to the present invention is an authentication device for a car-sharing system in which multiple users share a vehicle, and comprises a two-dimensional code that records information about car sharing, a reading means for reading the two-dimensional code, and an authentication means for performing authentication processing based on the information about car sharing recorded in the two-dimensional code read by the reading means.

[0052] Furthermore, the authentication device in the car-sharing system according to the present invention is an authentication device in a car-sharing system in which multiple users share a vehicle, and is installed in a vehicle used for car-sharing, and comprises a two-dimensional code that records information about the car-sharing, a reading means for reading the two-dimensional code, a communication means capable of communicating the information about the car-sharing recorded in the two-dimensional code read by the reading means, and an authentication means that performs authentication processing based on the information about the car-sharing communicated by the communication means.

[0053] Furthermore, the authentication device in the car-sharing system according to the present invention is an authentication device in a car-sharing system in which multiple users share a vehicle, and comprises: a display means for displaying a two-dimensional code that records information about car sharing; a reading means installed in the vehicle used for car sharing and for reading the two-dimensional code displayed on the display means; a communication means capable of communicating the information about car sharing recorded in the two-dimensional code read by the reading means; and an authentication means for performing authentication processing based on the information about car sharing communicated by the communication means.

[0054] Furthermore, the authentication device in the car-sharing system according to the present invention is an authentication device in a car-sharing system in which multiple users share a vehicle, and includes: a display means for displaying a two-dimensional code that records information about car sharing; a reading means installed in the vehicle used for car sharing and for reading the two-dimensional code displayed on the display means; and an authentication means installed in the vehicle used for car sharing and for performing authentication processing based on the information about car sharing recorded in the two-dimensional code read by the reading means.

[0055] Furthermore, in the car-sharing system according to the present invention, the authentication device is configured such that the car-sharing information is the user's membership registration information, the authentication means stores reservation information which is the user's reservation information, and performs authentication processing based on the membership registration information and the reservation information.

[0056] Furthermore, in the car-sharing system according to the present invention, the authentication device is such that the car-sharing information is reservation authentication information, which is authentication information regarding the user's reservation, and the authentication means stores matching information, which is information for determining whether the reservation authentication information and the user's reservation information match, and performs authentication processing based on the reservation authentication information and the matching information.

[0057] Furthermore, the authentication method in a car-sharing system according to the present invention is an authentication method in a car-sharing system in which multiple users share a vehicle, wherein information regarding car sharing is recorded in a two-dimensional code, the two-dimensional code is read by a reading means, and authentication processing is performed based on the car-sharing information recorded in the two-dimensional code read by the reading means.

[0058] Furthermore, the authentication method in a car-sharing system according to the present invention is an authentication method in a car-sharing system in which a vehicle is shared by multiple users, wherein a two-dimensional code containing information about car sharing is placed on the vehicle, the two-dimensional code is read by a reading means, the car-sharing information recorded in the two-dimensional code read by the reading means is transmitted to an authentication means, and the authentication means performs authentication processing based on the car-sharing information.

[0059] Furthermore, the authentication method in a car-sharing system according to the present invention is an authentication method in a car-sharing system in which multiple users share a vehicle, wherein a two-dimensional code containing information about car sharing is displayed on a display means, the two-dimensional code displayed on the display means is read by a reading means installed in the vehicle used for car sharing, the car-sharing information recorded in the two-dimensional code read by the reading means is transmitted to an authentication means, and the authentication means performs authentication processing based on the car-sharing information.

[0060] Furthermore, the authentication method in a car-sharing system according to the present invention is an authentication method in a car-sharing system in which a vehicle is shared by multiple users, wherein a two-dimensional code containing information about car sharing is displayed on a display means, the two-dimensional code displayed on the display means is read by a reading means installed in the vehicle used for car sharing, and an authentication means installed in the vehicle used for car sharing performs an authentication process based on the information about car sharing recorded in the two-dimensional code read by the reading means.

[0061] Furthermore, the authentication method in the car-sharing system according to the present invention is such that the car-sharing information is the user's membership registration information, the authentication means stores reservation information which is the user's reservation information, and performs authentication processing based on the membership registration information and the reservation information.

[0062] Furthermore, in the authentication method for the car-sharing system according to the present invention, the car-sharing information is reservation authentication information, which is authentication information for a user's reservation, and the authentication means stores matching information, which is information for determining whether the reservation authentication information and the user's reservation information match, and performs authentication processing based on the reservation authentication information and the matching information.

[0063] Furthermore, the program according to the present invention is a program for causing a computer to function as an authentication device in the car-sharing system described above.

[0064] Furthermore, the program according to the present invention is a program that causes a computer to execute the authentication method in the car-sharing system described above.

[0065] Furthermore, the computer-readable recording medium according to the present invention is a computer-readable recording medium on which the above-described program is recorded. [Effects of the Invention]

[0066] As described above, the present invention has the excellent effect of enabling authentication processing without the use of a user card. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0067] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a conventional car-sharing system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a car-sharing system equipped with an authentication device in a car-sharing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a car-sharing system equipped with an authentication device in a car-sharing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a car-sharing system equipped with an authentication device in a car-sharing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a car-sharing system equipped with an authentication device in a car-sharing system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0068] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, an example of an embodiment of the authentication device, authentication method, program, and computer-readable recording medium in the car-sharing system according to the present invention will be described in detail.

[0069] In the following description, as processes related to the implementation of the present invention, we will explain in detail authentication processes such as the rental authentication process at the time of rental to start using the vehicle, and the return authentication process at the time of vehicle return to end the use of the vehicle. Processes such as member registration for joining a car-sharing system using conventional technology, reservation processes for using a vehicle, rental processes after rental authentication, and return processes after return authentication will be omitted as appropriate.

[0070] Furthermore, in the following explanation, configurations and operations that are the same as or equivalent to those of the conventional car-sharing system described with reference to Figure 1 will be indicated using the same symbols as those used above, and detailed explanations of their configurations and operations will be omitted as appropriate.

[0071] (I) Description of a car-sharing system equipped with an authentication device in a car-sharing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention

[0072] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram illustrating a car-sharing system equipped with an authentication device in a car-sharing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] The car-sharing system 10 equipped with an authentication device according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 2 differs from the conventional car-sharing system 100 described above in the following differences.

[0074] Specifically, regarding the first difference, in the car-sharing system 10, unlike conventional car-sharing 100, a two-dimensional code 12 containing information for identifying the vehicle 110 as information related to car-sharing (in this specification and the claims, "information for identifying the vehicle" will be appropriately referred to as "vehicle identification information") is attached to any suitable location on the vehicle 110, such as the front, side, or rear.

[0075] Next, regarding the second difference, unlike the conventional car-sharing system 100, the car-sharing system 10 has an information terminal 14 equipped with a display 14a used by the user as a communication device. Similar to the conventional information terminal 106, the information terminal 14 stores information for identifying the member using the information terminal 106 (in this specification and the claims, "information for identifying the member" will be appropriately referred to as "member registration information"). In addition to the functions of the conventional information terminal 106, it is equipped with a reading device such as a camera that reads a two-dimensional code 12. The reading device links the vehicle identification information and member registration information recorded in the two-dimensional code 12 read by the reading device, and transmits the linked vehicle identification information and member registration information to the server 108.

[0076] Next, regarding the third difference, unlike the conventional car-sharing system 100, the car-sharing system 10 has a server 108 that performs authentication processing using vehicle identification information and member registration information sent linked from the information terminal 106.

[0077] Next, regarding the fourth difference, the car-sharing system 10 differs from the conventional car-sharing system 100 in that it does not have a card reader 114.

[0078] In other words, in the car-sharing system 10, a two-dimensional code 12 is placed on the vehicle 110, and when a user reads the two-dimensional code 12 with an information terminal 14, the information terminal 14 links the vehicle identification information and member registration information, which are the reading results, and sends them to the server 108. The server 108 then uses the vehicle identification information and member registration information to perform authentication processing at the time of rental and authentication processing at the time of return.

[0079] More specifically, when a user goes to the parking lot where the vehicle 110 is parked at the reserved start time and attempts to board the vehicle 110, the information terminal 14 reads the 2D code 12 installed on the vehicle 110. The information terminal 14 connects to the server 108 via the information and communication network. The information terminal 14 links the vehicle identification information, which is the result of the reading, with the member registration information stored in the information terminal 14, and transmits the vehicle identification information and the member registration information to the server 108.

[0080] In order to link the vehicle identification information read by the information terminal 14 with the member registration information stored in the information terminal 14 and send it to the server 108, for example, the information terminal 14 can be used to read the 2D code 12 from the site where the member is logged in to use the car sharing system 10.

[0081] Alternatively, server 108 may implement user verification using an ID / password.

[0082] In the car-sharing system 10, the server 108, which receives the linked vehicle identification information and member registration information as described above, performs rental authentication processing using the received linked vehicle identification information and member registration information.

[0083] Specifically, as part of the rental authentication process, if server 108 determines that the member registration information linked to the vehicle identification information matches the member registration information in the reservation information, and that the vehicle identification information linked to the member registration information matches the vehicle identification information in the reservation information, that authentication result, the authentication match, is transmitted from server 108 to the in-vehicle device 112 via the information and communication network.

[0084] The processing after the authentication result of authentication matching is transmitted from the server 108 to the in-vehicle unit 112 via the information and communication network is the same as the processing when the authentication result of authentication matching is transmitted from the server 108 to the in-vehicle unit 112 via the information and communication network in the conventional car-sharing system 100 described above, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0085] On the other hand, in the rental authentication process at the server 108 described above, if the authentication result indicates that the member registration information linked to the vehicle identification information does not match the member registration information in the reservation information, and / or the vehicle identification information linked to the member registration information does not match the vehicle identification information in the reservation information, i.e., an authentication mismatch, then the authentication mismatch result is transmitted from the server 108 to the in-vehicle device 112 via the information and communication network.

[0086] The processing after an authentication mismatch is transmitted from the server 108 to the in-vehicle unit 112 via the information and communication network is the same as the processing when an authentication mismatch is transmitted from the server 108 to the in-vehicle unit 112 via the information and communication network in the conventional car-sharing system 100 described above, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0087] Furthermore, the authentication result of the lending authentication process on server 108, i.e., whether the authentication matches or does not match, may be transmitted from server 108 to information terminal 14 via the information communication network, and the authentication result, i.e., whether the authentication matches or does not match, may be displayed on the display 14a of information terminal 14 to improve user convenience.

[0088] Furthermore, in the car-sharing system 10, the server 108, which receives the linked vehicle identification information and member registration information as described above, performs a return authentication process using the received linked vehicle identification information and member registration information.

[0089] More specifically, the user uses the vehicle 110 until the reserved end time. By the reserved end time, the user parks the vehicle 110 in the designated parking area, stores the key in the key box 116, closes all doors, reads the 2D code 12 installed on the vehicle 110 using the information terminal 14, connects the information terminal 14 to the server 108 via the information and communication network, links the vehicle identification information (the reading result) with the member registration information stored in the information terminal 14, and transmits the vehicle identification information and the member registration information to the server 108.

[0090] In order to link the vehicle identification information read by the information terminal 14 with the member registration information stored in the information terminal 14 and send it to the server 108, for example, the information terminal 14 can be used to read the 2D code 12 from the site where the member is logged in to use the car sharing system 10.

[0091] Alternatively, server 108 may implement user verification using an ID / password.

[0092] In the car-sharing system 10, the server 108, which receives the linked vehicle identification information and member registration information as described above, performs a return authentication process using the received linked vehicle identification information and member registration information.

[0093] Specifically, as part of the return authentication process, if server 108 determines that the member registration information linked to the vehicle identification information matches the member registration information in the reservation information, and that the vehicle identification information linked to the member registration information matches the vehicle identification information in the reservation information, that authentication result, the authentication match, is transmitted from server 108 to the in-vehicle device 112 via the information and communication network.

[0094] The processing after the authentication result of authentication matching is transmitted from the server 108 to the in-vehicle unit 112 via the information and communication network is the same as the processing when the authentication result of authentication matching is transmitted from the server 108 to the in-vehicle unit 112 via the information and communication network in the conventional car-sharing system 100 described above, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0095] On the other hand, in the return authentication process at the server 108 described above, if the authentication result indicates that the member registration information linked to the vehicle identification information does not match the member registration information in the reservation information, and / or the vehicle identification information linked to the member registration information does not match the vehicle identification information in the reservation information, that is, if the authentication result indicates an authentication mismatch, the authentication mismatch is transmitted from the server 108 to the in-vehicle device 112 via the information and communication network.

[0096] The processing after an authentication mismatch is transmitted from the server 108 to the in-vehicle unit 112 via the information and communication network is the same as the processing when an authentication mismatch is transmitted from the server 108 to the in-vehicle unit 112 via the information and communication network in the conventional car-sharing system 100 described above, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0097] Furthermore, the authentication result of the return authentication process on server 108, i.e., whether the authentication matches or does not match, may be transmitted from server 108 to information terminal 14 via the information communication network, and the authentication result, i.e., whether the authentication matches or does not match, may be displayed on the display 14a of information terminal 14 to improve user convenience.

[0098] As described above, according to the car-sharing system 10 of the first embodiment of the present invention, authentication processing can be performed without requiring a user card.

[0099] Furthermore, according to the car-sharing system 10 of the first embodiment of the present invention, authentication processing can be performed without requiring a user card. Therefore, by using only various communication devices such as the user's information terminal 14, it becomes possible to complete processes such as member registration to join the car-sharing system, reservation processing to use a vehicle, rental authentication processing at the time of rental to start using the vehicle, and return authentication processing when returning the vehicle to end the use of the vehicle, thereby improving user convenience.

[0100] Furthermore, according to the car-sharing system 10 of the first embodiment of the present invention, since there is no need to install a card reader inside the vehicle 110 that constitutes the car-sharing system 10, the overall configuration of the car-sharing system can be simplified and costs can be reduced.

[0101] (II) Description of a car-sharing system equipped with an authentication device in a car-sharing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention

[0102] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram illustrating a car-sharing system equipped with an authentication device in a car-sharing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] The car-sharing system 20 equipped with an authentication device in the second embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 3 differs from the conventional car-sharing system 100 described above in the following differences.

[0104] Specifically, to explain the first difference, in the car-sharing system 20, unlike the conventional car-sharing system 100, when a user registers as a member with the administrator, the administrator issues a two-dimensional code (see code 22b in Figure 3) to each member that records the member registration information as car-sharing information.

[0105] Next, to explain the second difference, in the car-sharing system 20, unlike the conventional car-sharing system 100, the information terminal 22 equipped with a display 22a used by the user displays a two-dimensional code 22b containing member registration information on the display 22a, in addition to the functions of the conventional information terminal 106.

[0106] Next, regarding the third difference, unlike the conventional car-sharing system 100, the car-sharing system 20 is equipped with a reading device 24, such as a camera that reads the 2D code 22b, at any appropriate location on the vehicle 110, such as the front, side, or rear.

[0107] Next, regarding the fourth difference, the car-sharing system 20, unlike the conventional car-sharing system 100, does not have a card reader 114.

[0108] In the conventional car-sharing system 100, the on-board unit 112 stores vehicle identification information in advance to identify the vehicle 110. Similarly, the on-board unit 112 of the car-sharing system 20 also stores vehicle identification information in advance to identify the vehicle 110.

[0109] In other words, in the car-sharing system 10, a reader 24 for reading a two-dimensional code 22b is installed in the vehicle 110, the reader 24 reads the two-dimensional code 22b displayed on the display 22a of the information terminal 22 by the user, the reader 24 transmits the member registration information, which is the reading result, to the in-vehicle unit 112, the in-vehicle unit 112 links the member registration information, which is the reading result, with vehicle identification information and transmits it to the server 108, and the server 108 performs rental authentication processing and return authentication processing using the member registration information and vehicle identification information.

[0110] More specifically, when a user goes to the parking lot where the vehicle 110 is parked at the reserved start time and attempts to actually get into the vehicle 110, the user displays a two-dimensional code 22b containing their membership registration information on the display 22a of the information terminal 22, and has this two-dimensional code 22b read by the reader 24 installed in the vehicle 110.

[0111] The reader 24 transmits the member registration information, which is the result of reading the 2D code 22b, to the in-vehicle unit 112. The in-vehicle unit 112 connects to the server 108 via the information and communication network, links the member registration information, which is the result of reading by the reader 24, with the stored vehicle identification information, and transmits the member registration information and the vehicle identification information to the server 108.

[0112] In the car-sharing system 20, the server 108, which receives the linked vehicle identification information and member registration information as described above, performs rental authentication processing using the received linked vehicle identification information and member registration information.

[0113] Specifically, as part of the rental authentication process, if server 108 determines that the member registration information linked to the vehicle identification information matches the member registration information in the reservation information, and that the vehicle identification information linked to the member registration information matches the vehicle identification information in the reservation information, that authentication result, the authentication match, is transmitted from server 108 to the in-vehicle device 112 via the information and communication network.

[0114] The processing after the authentication result of authentication matching is transmitted from the server 108 to the in-vehicle unit 112 via the information and communication network is the same as the processing when the authentication result of authentication matching is transmitted from the server 108 to the in-vehicle unit 112 via the information and communication network in the conventional car-sharing system 100 described above, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0115] On the other hand, in the rental authentication process at the server 108 described above, if the authentication result indicates that the member registration information linked to the vehicle identification information does not match the member registration information in the reservation information, and / or the vehicle identification information linked to the member registration information does not match the vehicle identification information in the reservation information, i.e., an authentication mismatch, then the authentication mismatch result is transmitted from the server 108 to the in-vehicle device 112 via the information and communication network.

[0116] The processing after an authentication mismatch is transmitted from the server 108 to the in-vehicle unit 112 via the information and communication network is the same as the processing when an authentication mismatch is transmitted from the server 108 to the in-vehicle unit 112 via the information and communication network in the conventional car-sharing system 100 described above, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0117] Furthermore, the authentication result of the lending authentication process on server 108, i.e., whether the authentication matches or does not match, may be transmitted from server 108 to information terminal 22 via the information communication network, and the authentication result, i.e., whether the authentication matches or does not match, may be displayed on the display 22a of information terminal 22 to improve user convenience.

[0118] Furthermore, in the car-sharing system 20, the server 108, which receives the linked vehicle identification information and member registration information as described above, performs a return authentication process using the received linked vehicle identification information and member registration information.

[0119] More specifically, the user uses the vehicle 110 until the reserved end time. By the reserved end time, the user parks the vehicle 110 in the designated parking area, stores the key in the key box 116, closes all doors, displays a two-dimensional code 22b containing the user's registration information on the display 22a of the information terminal 22, and has the reader 24 installed in the vehicle 110 read this two-dimensional code 22b.

[0120] The reader 24 transmits the member registration information, which is the result of reading the 2D code 22b, to the in-vehicle unit 112. The in-vehicle unit 112 connects to the server 108 via the information and communication network, links the member registration information, which is the result of reading by the reader 24, with the stored vehicle identification information, and transmits the member registration information and the vehicle identification information to the server 108.

[0121] In the car-sharing system 20, the server 108, which receives the linked vehicle identification information and member registration information as described above, performs a return authentication process using the received linked vehicle identification information and member registration information.

[0122] Specifically, as part of the return authentication process, if server 108 determines that the member registration information linked to the vehicle identification information matches the member registration information in the reservation information, and that the vehicle identification information linked to the member registration information matches the vehicle identification information in the reservation information, that authentication result, the authentication match, is transmitted from server 108 to the in-vehicle device 112 via the information and communication network.

[0123] The processing after the authentication result of authentication matching is transmitted from the server 108 to the in-vehicle unit 112 via the information and communication network is the same as when the authentication result of authentication matching is transmitted from the server 108 to the in-vehicle unit 112 via the information and communication network in the conventional car-sharing system 100 described above, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0124] On the other hand, in the return authentication process at the server 108 described above, if the authentication result indicates that the member registration information linked to the vehicle identification information does not match the member registration information in the reservation information, and / or the vehicle identification information linked to the member registration information does not match the vehicle identification information in the reservation information, that is, if the authentication result indicates an authentication mismatch, the authentication mismatch is transmitted from the server 108 to the in-vehicle device 112 via the information and communication network.

[0125] The processing after an authentication mismatch is transmitted from the server 108 to the in-vehicle unit 112 via the information and communication network is the same as the processing when an authentication mismatch is transmitted from the server 108 to the in-vehicle unit 112 via the information and communication network in the conventional car-sharing system 100 described above, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0126] Furthermore, the authentication result of the return authentication process on server 108, i.e., whether the authentication matches or does not match, may be transmitted from server 108 to information terminal 22 via the information communication network, and the authentication result, i.e., whether the authentication matches or does not match, may be displayed on the display 22a of information terminal 22 to improve user convenience.

[0127] As described above, according to the car-sharing system 20 of the second embodiment of the present invention, authentication processing can be performed without requiring a user card.

[0128] Furthermore, according to the car-sharing system 20 of the second embodiment of the present invention, authentication processing can be performed without requiring a user card. Therefore, by using only various communication devices such as the user's information terminal 22, it becomes possible to complete processes such as member registration to join the car-sharing system, reservation processing to use a vehicle, rental authentication processing at the time of rental to start using the vehicle, and return authentication processing when returning the vehicle to end the use of the vehicle.

[0129] Furthermore, since there is no need to install a card reader inside the vehicle 110 that makes up the car-sharing system 20, the overall configuration of the car-sharing system can be simplified, leading to cost reductions.

[0130] (III) Description of a car-sharing system equipped with an authentication device in a car-sharing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention

[0131] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram illustrating a car-sharing system equipped with an authentication device in a car-sharing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0132] The car-sharing system 30 equipped with an authentication device in the third embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 4 differs from the conventional car-sharing system 100 described above in the following differences.

[0133] Specifically, regarding the first difference, in the car-sharing system 30, unlike the conventional car-sharing system 100, when a user registers as a member with the administrator, the administrator issues a two-dimensional code (see code 32b in Figure 4) to each member, which contains the member registration information as car-sharing information.

[0134] Next, regarding the second difference, in the car-sharing system 30, unlike the conventional car-sharing system 100, the information terminal 32 equipped with a display 32a used by the user displays a two-dimensional code 32b containing member registration information issued by the administrator on the display 32a, in addition to the functions of the conventional information terminal 106.

[0135] Next, regarding the third difference, unlike the conventional car-sharing system 100, the car-sharing system 30 is equipped with a reading device 34, such as a camera, that reads the two-dimensional code 32b at any appropriate location on the vehicle 110, such as the front, side, or rear.

[0136] Next, regarding the fourth difference, in the car-sharing system 30, unlike the conventional car-sharing system 100, reservation information, which is information related to a member's reservation, is transmitted from the server 108 to the in-vehicle unit 36. This reservation information is held and stored in the in-vehicle unit 36, and authentication processing is performed in the in-vehicle unit 36.

[0137] Next, regarding the fifth difference, the car-sharing system 30, unlike the conventional car-sharing system 100, does not have a card reader 114.

[0138] In the conventional car-sharing system 100, the on-board unit 112 stores vehicle identification information in advance to identify the vehicle 110. Similarly, the on-board unit 36 ​​of the car-sharing system 30 also stores vehicle identification information in advance to identify the vehicle 110.

[0139] In other words, in the car-sharing system 30, a reader 34 for reading a two-dimensional code 32b is installed in the vehicle 110, the reader 34 reads the two-dimensional code 32b displayed on the display 32a of the information terminal 32 by the user, the reader 34 transmits the member registration information, which is the reading result, to the on-board unit 36, and the on-board unit 36 ​​performs rental authentication processing and return authentication processing using the reading result and the vehicle identification information and reservation information stored in the on-board unit 36.

[0140] More specifically, when a user goes to the parking lot where the vehicle 110 is parked at the reserved start time and intends to actually get into the vehicle 110, the user displays a two-dimensional code 32b containing the user's membership registration information on the display 32a of the information terminal 32, and has this two-dimensional code 32b read by the reader 34 installed in the vehicle 110.

[0141] The reader 34 transmits the member registration information, which is the result of reading the 2D code 32b, to the on-board unit 36. The on-board unit 36 ​​then performs rental authentication processing using the member registration information, which is the result of reading by the reader 34, along with the stored vehicle identification information and reservation information.

[0142] Specifically, as part of the rental authentication process, if the in-vehicle unit 36 ​​determines that the member registration information matches the member registration information in the reservation information, and that the vehicle identification information matches the vehicle identification information in the reservation information, that is, if it determines that the authentication matches, it performs the same processing as when the authentication result of the authentication match is transmitted from the server 108 to the in-vehicle unit 112 via the information and communication network in the conventional car-sharing system 100 described above.

[0143] On the other hand, in the rental authentication process in the in-vehicle unit 112 described above, if the authentication result indicates that the member registration information and the member registration information in the reservation information do not match, and / or the vehicle identification information and the vehicle identification information in the reservation information do not match, i.e., an authentication mismatch is determined, the same processing as when an authentication mismatch is transmitted from the server 108 to the in-vehicle unit 112 via the information and communication network in the conventional car-sharing system 100 described above is performed.

[0144] Furthermore, the authentication result from the in-vehicle unit 36, i.e., whether the authentication matches or does not, may be transmitted from the in-vehicle unit 36 ​​to the information terminal 32 via the information and communication network, and the authentication result, i.e., whether the authentication matches or does not, may be displayed on the display 32a of the information terminal 32 to improve user convenience.

[0145] Furthermore, it is preferable that the authentication result in the in-vehicle unit 36, i.e., whether the authentication matches or does not match, be transmitted from the in-vehicle unit 36 ​​to the server 108 via the information and communication network at an appropriate time, so that the in-vehicle unit 36 ​​and the server 108 can share the information.

[0146] Furthermore, in the car-sharing system 30, the authentication process at the time of return is performed using the member registration information, which is the reading result read by the reader device 34, along with the stored vehicle identification information and reservation information.

[0147] More specifically, the user uses the vehicle 110 until the reserved end time. By the reserved end time, the user parks the vehicle 110 in the designated parking area, stores the key in the key box 116, closes all doors, displays a two-dimensional code 32b containing the user's membership registration information on the display 32a of the information terminal 32, and has the reader 34 installed in the vehicle 110 read this two-dimensional code 32b.

[0148] The reader 34 transmits the member registration information, which is the result of reading the 2D code 32b, to the on-board unit 36. The on-board unit 36 ​​then performs the return authentication process using the member registration information, which is the result of reading by the reader 34, along with the stored vehicle identification information and reservation information.

[0149] Specifically, as part of the return authentication process, if the in-vehicle unit 36 ​​determines that the member registration information matches the member registration information in the reservation information, and that the vehicle identification information matches the vehicle identification information in the reservation information, that is, if it determines that the authentication matches, it performs the same processing as in the conventional car-sharing system 100 described above when the authentication result of the authentication match is transmitted from the server 108 to the in-vehicle unit 112 via the information and communication network.

[0150] On the other hand, in the return authentication process in the in-vehicle unit 36 ​​described above, if the authentication result indicates that the member registration information and the member registration information in the reservation information do not match, and / or the vehicle identification information and the vehicle identification information in the reservation information do not match, i.e., an authentication mismatch is determined, the same processing as when an authentication mismatch result is transmitted from the server 108 to the in-vehicle unit 112 via the information and communication network in the conventional car-sharing system 100 described above is performed.

[0151] Furthermore, the authentication result in the in-vehicle unit 36, i.e., whether the authentication matches or does not match, may be transmitted from the in-vehicle unit 112 to the information terminal 32 via the information and communication network, and the authentication result, i.e., whether the authentication matches or does not match, may be displayed on the display 32a of the information terminal 32 to improve user convenience.

[0152] Furthermore, it is preferable that the authentication result in the in-vehicle unit 36, i.e., whether the authentication matches or does not match, be transmitted from the in-vehicle unit 36 ​​to the server 108 via the information and communication network at an appropriate time, so that the in-vehicle unit 36 ​​and the server 108 can share the information.

[0153] As described above, according to the car-sharing system 30 of the third embodiment of the present invention, authentication processing can be performed without requiring a user card.

[0154] Furthermore, according to the car-sharing system 30 of the third embodiment of the present invention, authentication processing can be performed without requiring a user card. Therefore, by using only various communication devices such as the user's information terminal 32, it becomes possible to complete processes such as member registration to join the car-sharing system, reservation processing to use a vehicle, rental authentication processing at the time of rental to start using the vehicle, and return authentication processing when returning the vehicle to end the use of the vehicle.

[0155] Furthermore, since there is no need to install a card reader inside the vehicle 110 that makes up the car-sharing system 30, the overall configuration of the car-sharing system can be simplified, leading to cost reductions.

[0156] Furthermore, according to the car-sharing system 30 of the third embodiment of the present invention, since the authentication process can be completed in the in-vehicle unit 36, there is no need for communication between the in-vehicle unit 36 ​​and the server 108 for the authentication process. Therefore, even if a failure occurs in the information and communication network, the authentication process at the time of rental and the authentication process at the time of return can be reliably performed.

[0157] Therefore, according to the car-sharing system 30, even if a failure occurs in the information and communication network, the lending and return of vehicles 110 to users can be carried out without interruption.

[0158] (IV) Description of a car-sharing system equipped with an authentication device in a car-sharing system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention

[0159] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram illustrating a car-sharing system equipped with an authentication device in a car-sharing system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0160] The car-sharing system 40 equipped with an authentication device in the fourth embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 5 differs from the conventional car-sharing system 100 described above in the following differences.

[0161] Specifically, regarding the first difference, in the car-sharing system 40, unlike the conventional car-sharing system 100, when a user makes a reservation, the server 108 issues a two-dimensional code (see reference numeral 42b in Figure 5; in this specification and the claims, "reservation authentication information" will be appropriately referred to simply as "reservation authentication information") that records authentication information related to the reservation as information related to the car-sharing, and transmits it to the user's information terminal 42. The reservation authentication information includes instructions for unlocking and locking the doors of the vehicle 110.

[0162] Next, to explain the second difference, in the car-sharing system 40, the information terminal 42 equipped with a display 42a used by the user displays a two-dimensional code 42b transmitted by the server 108 on the display 42a, in addition to the functions of the conventional information terminal 106.

[0163] Next, regarding the third difference, the car-sharing system 40 is equipped with a reading device 44, such as a camera, that reads the two-dimensional code 42b, at any appropriate location on the vehicle 110, such as the front, side, or rear.

[0164] Next, to explain the fourth difference, in the car-sharing system 40, the server 108 transmits to the in-vehicle unit 46 information for determining whether the reservation authentication information recorded in the two-dimensional code 42b matches the reservation information which is information about the user's reservation (in this specification and the claims, "information for determining whether the reservation authentication information matches the reservation information which is information about the user's reservation" will be appropriately referred to as "matching information").

[0165] Next, regarding the fifth difference, in the car-sharing system 40, the matching information is held and stored in the in-vehicle unit 46, and authentication processing is performed in the in-vehicle unit 46.

[0166] Next, regarding the sixth difference, the car-sharing system 40 does not have a card reader 114.

[0167] In other words, in the car-sharing system 40, a reader 44 for reading a two-dimensional code 42b is installed in the vehicle 110, the reader 44 reads the two-dimensional code 42b displayed on the display 42a of the information terminal 42 by the user, the reader 44 transmits the reservation authentication information, which is the reading result, to the on-board unit 46, and the on-board unit 46 performs rental authentication processing and return authentication processing using the reservation authentication information, which is the reading result, and the matching information stored in the on-board unit 46.

[0168] More specifically, when a user goes to the parking lot where the vehicle 110 is parked at the reserved start time and intends to actually get into the vehicle 110, the user displays the two-dimensional code 42b on the display 42a of the information terminal 42, and has the reader 44 installed in the vehicle 110 read this two-dimensional code 42b.

[0169] The reader 44 transmits the reservation authentication information, which is the reading result of the 2D code 42b, to the on-board unit 46. The on-board unit 46 then performs rental authentication processing using the reservation authentication information, which is the reading result of the reader 44, and the matching information it has stored.

[0170] Specifically, as part of the rental authentication process, if the reservation authentication information, which is the reading result, matches the matching information, that is, if an authentication determination indicating an authentication match is made, the in-vehicle unit 46 performs the same processing as when the authentication result of an authentication match is transmitted from the server 108 to the in-vehicle unit 112 via the information and communication network in the conventional car-sharing system 100 described above.

[0171] Furthermore, since the 2D code 42b contains instructions for unlocking the doors of vehicle 110, the on-board unit 46 can unlock the doors of vehicle 110.

[0172] On the other hand, in the rental authentication process in the above-mentioned in-vehicle unit 46, if the reservation authentication information, which is the reading result, does not match the matching information, that is, if an authentication judgment indicating an authentication mismatch is made, the same processing as when an authentication mismatch result is transmitted from the server 108 to the in-vehicle unit 112 via the information and communication network in the above-mentioned conventional car-sharing system 100 is performed.

[0173] Furthermore, the authentication result from the in-vehicle unit 46, i.e., whether the authentication matches or does not match, may be transmitted from the in-vehicle unit 46 to the information terminal 42 via the information and communication network, and the authentication result, i.e., whether the authentication matches or does not match, may be displayed on the display 42a of the information terminal 42 to improve user convenience.

[0174] Furthermore, it is preferable that the authentication result in the in-vehicle unit 46, i.e., whether the authentication matches or does not match, be transmitted from the in-vehicle unit 46 to the server 108 via the information and communication network at an appropriate time, so that the in-vehicle unit 46 and the server 108 can share the information.

[0175] Furthermore, in the car-sharing system 40, the reservation authentication information and matching information, which are the reading results read by the reader device 44, are used to perform authentication processing upon return.

[0176] More specifically, the user uses the vehicle 110 until the reserved end time. By the reserved end time, the user parks the vehicle 110 in the designated parking area, stores the key in the key box 116, closes all doors, displays the two-dimensional code 42b on the display 42a of the information terminal 42, and has the reader 44 installed in the vehicle 110 read this two-dimensional code 42b.

[0177] The reader 44 transmits the reservation authentication information, which is the reading result of the 2D code 42b, to the on-board unit 46. The on-board unit 46 then performs the return authentication process using the reservation authentication information, which is the reading result read by the reader 34, and the matching information it has stored.

[0178] Specifically, as part of the return authentication process, if the reservation authentication information, which is the reading result, matches the matching information, that is, if an authentication determination indicating an authentication match is made, the in-vehicle unit 46 performs the same processing as in the conventional car-sharing system 100 described above when an authentication result indicating an authentication match is transmitted from the server 108 to the in-vehicle unit 112 via the information and communication network.

[0179] Furthermore, since the 2D code 42b contains instructions for locking the doors of vehicle 110, the on-board unit 112 can lock the doors of vehicle 110.

[0180] On the other hand, in the return authentication process in the in-vehicle unit 46 described above, if the reservation authentication information, which is the reading result, does not match the matching information, that is, if an authentication judgment indicating an authentication mismatch is made, the same process as when an authentication mismatch result is transmitted from the server 108 to the in-vehicle unit 112 via the information and communication network in the conventional car-sharing system 100 described above is performed.

[0181] Furthermore, the authentication result from the in-vehicle unit 46, i.e., whether the authentication matches or does not match, may be transmitted from the in-vehicle unit 46 to the information terminal 42 via the information and communication network, and the authentication result, i.e., whether the authentication matches or does not match, may be displayed on the display 42a of the information terminal 42 to improve user convenience.

[0182] Furthermore, it is preferable that the authentication result in the in-vehicle unit 46, i.e., whether the authentication matches or does not match, be transmitted from the in-vehicle unit 46 to the server 108 via the information and communication network at an appropriate time, so that the in-vehicle unit 46 and the server 108 can share the information.

[0183] As described above, according to the car-sharing system 40 of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, authentication processing can be performed without requiring a user card.

[0184] Furthermore, according to the car-sharing system 40 of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, authentication processing can be performed without requiring a user card. Therefore, by using only various communication devices such as the user's information terminal 42, it becomes possible to complete processes such as member registration to join the car-sharing system, reservation processing to use a vehicle, rental authentication processing at the time of rental to start using the vehicle, and return authentication processing when returning the vehicle to end the use of the vehicle.

[0185] Furthermore, since there is no need to install a card reader inside the vehicle 110 that makes up the car-sharing system 40, the overall configuration of the car-sharing system can be simplified, leading to cost reductions.

[0186] Furthermore, according to the car-sharing system 40 of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, since the authentication process can be completed in the in-vehicle unit 46, there is no need for communication between the in-vehicle unit 46 and the server 108 for the authentication process. Therefore, even if a failure occurs in the information and communication network, the authentication process at the time of lending and the authentication process at the time of return can be reliably performed.

[0187] Therefore, according to the car-sharing system 40, even if a failure occurs in the information and communication network, the lending and return of vehicles 110 to users can be carried out without interruption.

[0188] (V) Description of the effects of the authentication device, authentication method, program, and computer-readable recording medium in a car-sharing system according to the present invention.

[0189] As described above, the authentication device, authentication method, program, and computer-readable recording medium in a car-sharing system according to the present invention make it possible to perform authentication processing without requiring a user card.

[0190] Furthermore, according to the authentication device, authentication method, program, and computer-readable recording medium in the car-sharing system of the present invention, authentication processing can be performed without requiring a user card. Therefore, by using only various communication devices such as the user's information terminal, processes such as member registration to join the car-sharing system, reservation processing to use a vehicle, rental authentication processing at the time of rental to start using the vehicle, and return authentication processing when returning the vehicle to end the use of the vehicle can be completed using only various communication devices such as the user's information terminal.

[0191] Furthermore, since there is no need to install card readers in the vehicles that make up the car-sharing system, the overall configuration of the car-sharing system can be simplified, leading to cost reductions. (VI) Description of other embodiments and variations

[0192] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative, and the present invention can be implemented in various other forms. In other words, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0193] For example, the above-described embodiment may be modified as shown in (VI-1) to (VI-5) below.

[0194] (VI-1) In the embodiments described above, the car-sharing information recorded in the two-dimensional code was described in a case where the car-sharing information itself is recorded in the two-dimensional code, but of course, this is not the only case. For example, the two-dimensional code may only store addresses for accessing various types of information, and the various types of information may be stored in the area indicated by those addresses.

[0195] (VI-2) In the embodiments described above, an information terminal was used as an example of a communication device used by the user. However, the communication device used by the user is not limited to an information terminal, and various existing communication devices can be used.

[0196] (VI-3) In the embodiments described above, a detailed explanation of the form of the information terminal used by the user has been omitted, but it goes without saying that various forms of information terminals, including mobile phones, smartphones, and tablets, may be used.

[0197] (VI-4) In the embodiments described above, LTE communication and the Internet were given as examples of information and communication networks, but of course, the invention is not limited to these, and various existing information and communication networks can be used.

[0198] (VI-5) Of course, the embodiments described above, as well as the various other embodiments and modifications shown in (VI-1) to (VI-4) above, may be combined as appropriate. [Industrial applicability]

[0199] This invention can be used in a car-sharing system in which multiple users share a vehicle. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0200] 10 Car Sharing Systems 12 2D codes 14. Information terminals (reading means, communication means) 14a Display 20 Car Sharing Systems 22 Information terminal (display means) 22a Display (display means) 22b 2D code 24 Reading device (reading means) 30 Car Sharing Systems 32 Information terminal (display means) 32a Display (display means) 32b 2D code 34 Reading device (reading means) 36. In-vehicle devices (authentication methods) 40 Car Sharing Systems 42 Information terminal (display means) 42a Display (display means) 42b 2D code 44 Reading device (reading means) 46. ​​In-vehicle devices (authentication methods) 100 Car Sharing Systems 102 Personal Computers 104 Personal Computers 106 Information Terminals 106a Display 108 Server (Authentication Method) 110 vehicles 112 Onboard equipment (communication means) 114 Card Reader 116 Key Box 118 User Card

Claims

1. In a car-sharing system where multiple users share a vehicle, A vehicle equipped with a 2D code that records vehicle identification information, which is information used to identify the vehicle, A communication device that stores member registration information, which is information for identifying members of a car-sharing system, and is equipped with a reader that reads the aforementioned two-dimensional code, The authentication means stores member registration information and vehicle identification information as reservation information related to reservations made by members of the car-sharing system, and communicates with the communication device to perform authentication processing. It has, The communication device links the vehicle identification information stored in the two-dimensional code read by the reader with the stored member registration information and transmits it to the authentication means. The authentication means performs authentication processing using the stored reservation information and the vehicle identification information and member registration information transmitted linked from the communication device. It determines that authentication matches when the member registration information linked to the vehicle identification information transmitted from the communication device matches the member registration information as stored reservation information, and the vehicle identification information linked to the member registration information transmitted from the communication device matches the vehicle identification information as stored reservation information. On the other hand, it determines that authentication does not match when the member registration information linked to the vehicle identification information transmitted from the communication device does not match the member registration information as stored reservation information, and / or when the vehicle identification information linked to the member registration information transmitted from the communication device does not match the vehicle identification information as stored reservation information. A car-sharing system characterized by the following:

2. In a car-sharing system where multiple users share a vehicle, A communication device equipped with a display that shows a 2D code containing member registration information, which is information used to identify members of a car-sharing system, A vehicle comprising a reader that reads a two-dimensional code displayed on the display of the communication device, and an on-board unit that stores vehicle identification information, which is information for identifying the vehicle, and communicates with the reader, The authentication means stores member registration information and vehicle identification information as reservation information related to reservations made by members of the car-sharing system, and communicates with the in-vehicle device to perform authentication processing. It has, When the reading device reads the two-dimensional code displayed on the display of the communication device, it transmits the member registration information recorded in the read two-dimensional code to the in-vehicle unit. The in-vehicle device links the member registration information transmitted from the reader with the stored vehicle identification information and transmits it to the authentication means. The authentication means performs authentication processing using the stored reservation information and the vehicle identification information and member registration information transmitted linked from the in-vehicle device. It determines that authentication matches when the member registration information linked to the vehicle identification information transmitted from the in-vehicle device matches the member registration information as stored reservation information, and the vehicle identification information linked to the member registration information transmitted from the in-vehicle device matches the vehicle identification information as stored reservation information. On the other hand, it determines that authentication does not match when the member registration information linked to the vehicle identification information transmitted from the in-vehicle device does not match the member registration information as stored reservation information, and / or when the vehicle identification information linked to the member registration information transmitted from the in-vehicle device does not match the vehicle identification information as stored reservation information. A car-sharing system characterized by the following:

3. In a car-sharing system where multiple users share a vehicle, A communication device equipped with a display that shows a 2D code containing member registration information, which is information used to identify members of a car-sharing system, A vehicle equipped with a reader that reads a two-dimensional code displayed on the display of the communication device, and an in-vehicle unit that stores vehicle identification information, which is information for identifying the vehicle, and member registration information and vehicle identification information, which are reservation information related to reservations of members of the car-sharing system, and communicates with the reader. It has, When the reading device reads the two-dimensional code displayed on the display of the communication device, it transmits the member registration information recorded in the read two-dimensional code to the in-vehicle unit. The in-vehicle device performs authentication processing using the member registration information transmitted from the reader and the stored vehicle identification information and reservation information. It determines that authentication matches when the member registration information transmitted from the reader matches the member registration information stored as reservation information, and the stored vehicle identification information matches the vehicle identification information in the reservation information. On the other hand, it determines that authentication does not match when the member registration information transmitted from the reader does not match the member registration information stored as reservation information, and / or the stored vehicle identification information does not match the vehicle identification information in the reservation information. A car-sharing system characterized by the following:

4. In a car-sharing method in which multiple users share a vehicle, A vehicle equipped with a 2D code that records vehicle identification information, which is information used to identify the vehicle, A communication device that stores member registration information, which is information for identifying members of a car-sharing system, and is equipped with a reader that reads the aforementioned two-dimensional code, The authentication means stores member registration information and vehicle identification information as reservation information related to reservations made by members of the car-sharing system, and communicates with the communication device to perform authentication processing. A car-sharing method having, The communication device links the vehicle identification information stored in the two-dimensional code read by the reader with the stored member registration information and transmits it to the authentication means. The authentication means performs authentication processing using the stored reservation information and the vehicle identification information and member registration information transmitted linked from the communication device. It determines that authentication matches when the member registration information linked to the vehicle identification information transmitted from the communication device matches the member registration information as stored reservation information, and the vehicle identification information linked to the member registration information transmitted from the communication device matches the vehicle identification information as stored reservation information. On the other hand, it determines that authentication does not match when the member registration information linked to the vehicle identification information transmitted from the communication device does not match the member registration information as stored reservation information, and / or when the vehicle identification information linked to the member registration information transmitted from the communication device does not match the vehicle identification information as stored reservation information. A car-sharing method characterized by the following features.

5. In a car-sharing method in which multiple users share a vehicle, A communication device equipped with a display that shows a 2D code containing member registration information, which is information used to identify members of a car-sharing system, A vehicle comprising a reader that reads a two-dimensional code displayed on the display of the communication device, and an on-board unit that stores vehicle identification information, which is information for identifying the vehicle, and communicates with the reader, The authentication means stores member registration information and vehicle identification information as reservation information related to reservations made by members of the car-sharing system, and communicates with the in-vehicle device to perform authentication processing. A car-sharing method having, When the reading device reads the two-dimensional code displayed on the display of the communication device, it transmits the member registration information recorded in the read two-dimensional code to the in-vehicle unit. The in-vehicle device links the member registration information transmitted from the reader with the stored vehicle identification information and transmits it to the authentication means. The authentication means performs authentication processing using the stored reservation information and the vehicle identification information and member registration information transmitted linked from the in-vehicle device. It determines that authentication matches when the member registration information linked to the vehicle identification information transmitted from the in-vehicle device matches the member registration information as stored reservation information, and the vehicle identification information linked to the member registration information transmitted from the in-vehicle device matches the vehicle identification information as stored reservation information. On the other hand, it determines that authentication does not match when the member registration information linked to the vehicle identification information transmitted from the in-vehicle device does not match the member registration information as stored reservation information, and / or when the vehicle identification information linked to the member registration information transmitted from the in-vehicle device does not match the vehicle identification information as stored reservation information. A car-sharing method characterized by the following features.

6. In a car-sharing method in which multiple users share a vehicle, A communication device equipped with a display that shows a 2D code containing member registration information, which is information used to identify members of a car-sharing system, A vehicle equipped with a reader that reads a two-dimensional code displayed on the display of the communication device, and an in-vehicle unit that stores vehicle identification information, which is information for identifying the vehicle, and member registration information and vehicle identification information, which are reservation information related to reservations of members of the car-sharing system, and communicates with the reader. A car-sharing method having, When the reading device reads the two-dimensional code displayed on the display of the communication device, it transmits the member registration information recorded in the read two-dimensional code to the in-vehicle unit. The in-vehicle device performs authentication processing using the member registration information transmitted from the reader and the stored vehicle identification information and reservation information. It determines that authentication matches when the member registration information transmitted from the reader matches the member registration information stored as reservation information, and the stored vehicle identification information matches the vehicle identification information in the reservation information. On the other hand, it determines that authentication does not match when the member registration information transmitted from the reader does not match the member registration information stored as reservation information, and / or the stored vehicle identification information does not match the vehicle identification information in the reservation information. A car-sharing method characterized by the following features.

7. A program for causing a computer to function as a car-sharing system according to any one of claims 1, 2, or 3.

8. A program for causing a computer to execute the car-sharing method according to any one of claims 4, 5, or 6.

9. A computer-readable recording medium on which the program described in claim 7 is recorded.

10. A computer-readable recording medium having the program described in claim 8 recorded on it.

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