Scratch detection system, scratch detection device, and scratch detection method

Abstract

To make it possible to identify persons responsible for scratches to vehicles and reduce the cost burden on a business operator for vehicles that are expected to be used by a plurality of users.SOLUTION: A scratch detection system 1 includes: a scratch detection device 120 having a plurality of cameras (scratch detection cameras 123) capable of photographing a plurality of ranges within a vehicle installation location 10; a management server 210 that stores photographic data taken by the plurality of cameras; and a detection engine that is mounted in at least either the management server 210 or the scratch detection device 120 and detects a scratch on a vehicle 100 from the photographic data. When the vehicle 100 is rented and returned, the plurality of cameras consecutively photograph the vehicle 100 moving within the vehicle installation location 10, and transmit the photographic data to the management server 210. The detection engine determines the presence or absence of a scratch on the vehicle 100 from the photographic data taken by the plurality of cameras. When detecting a scratch, the detection engine compares it with past photographic data stored in the management server 210 and determines whether the scratch is a newly generated scratch.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a damage detection system, a damage detection device, and a damage detection method, and is suitable for application to a damage detection system, a damage detection device, and a damage detection method for detecting damage to a vehicle used in carsharing, rental cars, and the like.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the rapid increase in the number of users of carsharing, the number of vehicles has been increasing rapidly. Similarly, the number of users of rental cars has been increasing year by year, and the number of target vehicles has been increasing. And due to the increase in the number of users of carsharing and rental cars, the number of accident troubles that damage the vehicle has also increased, resulting in frequent cases where the guarantee response cannot be properly implemented, and the operators of carsharing and rental cars are struggling to respond.

[0003] Specifically, when a vehicle is damaged, it is necessary to identify who damaged the vehicle for insurance application and penalty fee billing. If this cannot be identified, the operators of carsharing and rental cars will bear the burden. However, if the operator regularly checks the vehicle to avoid such a situation, the cost burden on the operator will increase. Therefore, it is required to reduce the cost burden on the operator by identifying the responsible person for the damage to the vehicle and suppressing the opportunity for the operator to regularly check the vehicle.

[0004] Here, for example, in Patent Document 1, data on the exterior surface of a rental car is stored in a storage medium before lending, and when returning, data on the exterior surface of the rental car is acquired again in the same manner as before lending. The stored data before lending and the new data at the time of return are compared and calculated, the different data parts between the two are picked out, that part is determined as damage, and the position data of the determined damage part is output from an output device as a numerical value or an image. A damage discovery device is described.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-144042 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] However, the scratch detection device disclosed in Patent Document 1 did not consider the coordination between detecting scratches on a vehicle and the procedures for lending or returning vehicles in car sharing or rental car services, or coordination with inspectors. As a result, even if scratches were detected on a vehicle, the person responsible for the scratches could not be identified, and there was a risk that the cost of repairing the scratches would be borne by the car sharing or rental car company. Furthermore, vehicles with scratches tend to be avoided by users, and if the person responsible for the scratches could not be identified and repairs took a long time, the opportunity to lend the vehicle would decrease, potentially leading to a decline in the company's profits. In addition, Patent Document 1 did not provide detailed disclosure of the lighting environment when photographing the vehicle, making it uncertain whether scratches on the vehicle could be detected accurately.

[0007] This invention was made in consideration of the above points, and aims to propose a scratch detection system, scratch detection device, and scratch detection method that can detect scratches on vehicles used in car sharing, rental cars, etc., i.e., vehicles that are expected to be used by multiple users, without requiring manual inspection by inspectors at the time of rental and return, thereby identifying the person responsible for scratches on the vehicle and reducing the cost burden on the operator. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problem, the present invention provides a scratch detection system for detecting scratches on vehicles rented to multiple users, comprising: a scratch detection device installed at a vehicle parking location where the vehicle is parked at the time of rental and return, having multiple cameras capable of capturing multiple areas within the vehicle parking location; a management server for storing the captured data from the multiple cameras; and a detection engine mounted on at least one of the management server or the scratch detection device for detecting scratches on the vehicle from the captured data. The plurality of cameras are installed at multiple locations on the floor of the vehicle installation location, distributed amongst themselves, in such a manner that the combined cameras can capture the front, sides, and rear of the vehicle as it moves within the vehicle installation location, and the shooting range of each camera partially overlaps with the shooting range of at least one of the other cameras. A scratch detection system is provided, characterized in that, when the vehicle is rented out and returned, the multiple cameras continuously photograph the vehicle as it moves within the vehicle installation location, transmit the captured data to the management server, and the detection engine determines whether there are any scratches on the vehicle from the captured data taken by the multiple cameras, and if scratches are detected, compares them with past captured data stored in the management server to determine whether the scratches are newly occurring.

[0009] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problem, the present invention provides a scratch detection device for detecting scratches on a vehicle that is rented out to multiple users, comprising: multiple cameras capable of photographing multiple areas within the vehicle installation location where the vehicle is parked at the time of rental and return; and a detection engine that detects scratches on the vehicle from the photographic data captured by the multiple cameras. The plurality of cameras are installed at multiple locations on the floor of the vehicle installation location, distributed amongst themselves, in such a manner that the combined cameras can capture the front, sides, and rear of the vehicle as it moves within the vehicle installation location, and the shooting range of each camera partially overlaps with the shooting range of at least one of the other cameras. The invention provides a scratch detection device characterized in that the plurality of cameras continuously photograph the vehicle as it moves within the vehicle installation location when the vehicle is rented out and returned, and transmit the photographic data to a management server connected via a communication network, and the detection engine determines whether or not there are scratches on the vehicle from the photographic data captured by the plurality of cameras, and if scratches are detected, compares them with past photographic data stored in the management server to determine whether or not the scratches are newly occurring scratches.

[0010] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problem, the present invention provides a scratch detection method using a scratch detection system for detecting scratches on vehicles rented to multiple users, wherein the scratch detection system includes a scratch detection device installed at a vehicle parking location where the vehicle is parked at the time of rental and return, and having multiple cameras capable of photographing multiple areas within the vehicle parking location; a management server for storing the photographic data from the multiple cameras; and a detection engine mounted on at least one of the management server or the scratch detection device for detecting scratches on the vehicle from the photographic data. The plurality of cameras are installed at multiple locations on the floor of the vehicle installation location, distributed amongst themselves, in such a manner that the combined cameras can capture the front, sides, and rear of the vehicle as it moves within the vehicle installation location, and the shooting range of each camera partially overlaps with the shooting range of at least one of the other cameras. A scratch detection method is provided, comprising: a shooting step in which the plurality of cameras of the scratch detection device continuously photograph the vehicle as it moves within the vehicle installation location when the vehicle is rented out and returned, and transmit the photographic data to the management server; and a scratch detection step in which the detection engine determines whether or not there is a scratch on the vehicle from the photographic data captured by the plurality of cameras in the shooting step, and if a scratch is detected, determines whether or not the scratch is a newly occurring scratch by comparing it with past photographic data stored in the management server. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, for vehicles that are expected to be used by multiple people, it is possible to identify the person responsible for damage to the vehicle and reduce the cost burden on the operator. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example configuration of a scratch detection system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing procedure for the operational handling of vehicle 100 when it is leased. [Figure 3] This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing procedure for operational procedures when vehicle 100 is returned. [Figure 4] This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing procedure for operational tasks when vehicle 100 is in standby mode. [Figure 5]It is a schematic diagram showing the information flow when customer 51 finds a scratch before the start of rental authentication. [Figure 6] It is a schematic diagram showing the information flow when a scratch is detected from a photographed image by the scratch detection device 120 when the vehicle is rented or returned. [Figure 7] It is a schematic diagram showing the information flow when inspector 52 finds a scratch when the vehicle is on standby. [Figure 8] It is a schematic diagram showing the information flow when the vehicle is in motion. [Figure 9] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the moving object detection by the scratch detection device 120. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the scratch detection device 120 according to the first installation method. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the scratch detection device 120 according to the second installation method. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the scratch detection device 120 according to the third installation method. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the scratch detection device 120 according to the fourth installation method. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing an example of the scratch detection system 1 applied to the unmanned car rental store 60.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following, an automobile will be taken as an example for explanation, but the present invention is applicable to vehicles in general.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a scratch detection system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a vehicle installation location 10 which is a parking location of a vehicle 100 rented out by car-sharing or car rental, etc., a scratch detection center 20 where a management server 210 is installed, and a vehicle management department 3 of a car-sharing or car rental operator are shown.

[0015] At the vehicle installation location 10, the vehicle 100 is equipped with a dedicated terminal 110. The dedicated terminal 110 is an information terminal capable of sending and receiving information to and from the management server 210 at any time, including while driving, and is a dedicated terminal for car sharing or rental cars. The dedicated terminal 110 is implemented as a computer terminal such as a tablet with a dedicated application installed, but it may also be implemented by being built into the car navigation system installed in the vehicle 100.

[0016] Furthermore, at the vehicle installation location 10, a scratch detection device 120 is installed near the parking position of the vehicle 100 to photograph the vehicle 100 when it is detected as a moving object. The scratch detection device 120 can be installed in various ways, as will be described later with reference to Figures 10 to 13, but as a common configuration, it includes at least a sensor (motion detection sensor not shown) that has the function of detecting a moving object (vehicle 100) within the vehicle installation location 10, a plurality of cameras (scratch detection cameras 123) that can continuously photograph a moving object (vehicle 100) within the vehicle installation location 10, and a control unit (control unit 126) that controls the shooting of the scratch detection cameras 123 based on the motion detection of the motion detection sensor.

[0017] Furthermore, in Figure 1, the vehicle installation location 10 shows a customer 51 who rents or returns vehicle 100, and an inspector 52 who is present during the rental or return of the vehicle. Customer 51 carries a customer terminal 510, and inspector 52 carries an inspector terminal 520. Specifically, the customer terminal 510 and inspector terminal 520 are smartphones, tablets, or laptop computers, etc. The customer terminal 510 connects to the management server 210 via the communication network 40 to perform various procedures in the damage detection system 1, take photographs when an abnormality is detected in vehicle 100, and upload the data. The customer terminal 510 can also connect to the management information terminal 310 via the communication network 40 to converse with the operator 31. The inspector terminal 520 connects to the management server 210 via the communication network 40 to take photographs when an abnormality is detected in vehicle 100 and upload the data. The inspector terminal 520 can also connect to the management information terminal 310 via the communication network 40 to converse with the operator 31.

[0018] A management server 210 is installed in the scratch detection center 20. The management server 210 is a computer with various functions, including storing photographic data taken by customer terminals 510 and inspector terminals 520, analyzing photographic data taken by the scratch detection device 120 to detect scratches on the vehicle 100 (determining the presence or absence of abnormalities), and communicating with the management information terminal 310. In other words, the management server 210 has a storage medium for storing data, a detection engine for analyzing photographic data to detect abnormalities such as scratches, a communication interface for communicating with other terminals, and a processor and memory necessary for executing various processes. The detection engine for detecting abnormalities such as scratches can be implemented by, for example, a conventional program that performs image analysis. Specifically, for example, it recognizes the presence or absence of abnormalities such as scratches from the photographic data (scratch recognition), and if an abnormality is detected, it performs a process to generate a scratch detection image showing the detected scratch. The detection engine operates in the processes of step S107 in Figure 2, steps S208 and S211 in Figure 3, and step S309 in Figure 4, which will be described later. Furthermore, the management server 210 according to this embodiment is not limited to a physical server, but may also be a virtual server operating in a virtual space, or it may utilize a cloud service.

[0019] A management information terminal 310 is set up in the vehicle management department 30. The management information terminal 310 is a computer operated by the operator 31. By operating the management information terminal 310, which is connected to the management server 210 via the communication network 40, the operator 31 can perform predetermined processing in the scratch detection system 1 and view the photographic data uploaded by the inspector 52 using the inspector terminal 520.

[0020] Each of the above-described devices and terminals is connected to communicate via the communication network 40. The scratch detection system 1 according to this embodiment is configured to include at least the scratch detection device 120 and the management server 210 from among the above-described devices. In Figure 1, the management server 210 is installed in a different location (scratch detection center 20) from the vehicle installation location 10 where the scratch detection device 120 is installed. However, as a modification, a configuration equivalent to the management server 210 may be installed at the vehicle installation location 10, and furthermore, the management server 210 may be configured on the same device as the scratch detection device 120.

[0021] The following describes the operational flow for a vehicle 100 that is rented out through car sharing or car rental services, including its rental, return, and waiting periods, with reference to Figures 2 to 4.

[0022] Figure 2 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing procedure for the operational procedures when vehicle 100 is leased. At the top of Figure 2, the locations where each process takes place are shown: the vehicle installation location 10, the vehicle management department 30, and the damage detection center 20. The actual entities responsible for each process will be shown in the descriptions of each process. This is also the case for Figures 3 and 4, which will be discussed later.

[0023] According to Figure 2, first, at the vehicle installation location 10, customer 51 initiates the rental authentication for vehicle 100 (step S101). During rental authentication, customer 51 checks vehicle 100 for any damage before rental and takes a photograph of vehicle 100 with customer terminal 510 (step S102). Customer terminal 510 uploads the photographed image of vehicle 100 to the management server 210 in the damage detection center 20 (step S103). After processing in step S103, the management server 210 stores the uploaded photographed image in a predetermined storage medium (step S104).

[0024] After step S104, customer 51 determines whether there are any abnormalities in vehicle 100 (step S105). The determination of whether there are any abnormalities in step S105 mainly involves checking for scratches on the vehicle body, but other factors such as distortion or dents in the vehicle body may also be checked.

[0025] If an abnormality is detected in step S105 (YES in step S105), customer 51 operates customer terminal 510 to notify vehicle management department 30 of the abnormality (step S106). In the notification from customer terminal 510 to vehicle management department 30, for example, notification data is sent from customer terminal 510 to management information terminal 310. On the other hand, if customer 51 determines in step S105 that there is no abnormality (NO in step S105), the process proceeds to step S111, which will be described later.

[0026] Upon receiving the notification in step S106, the vehicle management department 30 has an operator 31 who checks the captured images stored in the management server 210 in step S121 (step S107) and determines whether or not the vehicle 100 is available for rental (step S108). The decision on whether or not to rent the vehicle in step S108 involves checking for the presence or absence of damage, etc., notified in step S106, and determining whether or not the vehicle 100 is available for rental based on the condition of the damage, etc. Note that the determination of whether or not to rent the vehicle in steps S107 to S108 may be automatically performed by the detection engine. In this case, the detection engine refers to the captured data taken by the customer 51 in step S102, or, if necessary, captured data taken earlier and stored in the management server 210, and determines whether or not the notified damage or other abnormality is such that it affects the rental.

[0027] If it is determined in step S108 that the vehicle cannot be rented (NO in step S108), operator 31 calls customer terminal 510 and explains to customer 51 by phone that vehicle 100 cannot be rented (step S109). Note that the customer explanation in step S109 may be performed by data transmission from management information terminal 310 to customer terminal 510 instead of by phone. After that, operator 31 performs the prescribed response processing (vehicle abnormality processing) in vehicle management department 30 for the abnormal vehicle 100 (step S110) and terminates the vehicle rental process for vehicle 100. A detailed explanation is omitted, but vehicle abnormality processing may include recording the abnormality in the management information terminal 310, requesting repairs for damage to vehicle 100, and arranging a replacement vehicle. If another vehicle 100 that can be rented is arranged as a result of vehicle abnormality processing, the rental authentication process in step S101 is started again for the new vehicle 100.

[0028] If it is determined in step S108 that the vehicle can be rented (YES in step S108), operator 31 notifies customer 51 that the rental authentication has been completed (step S111). As a result, customer 51 is able to retrieve vehicle 100. It is preferable that operator 31 notifies customer 51 of the completion of rental authentication by data transmission or telephone call using the management information terminal 310 and customer terminal 510, and that a record of the completion of rental authentication is left on the management information terminal 310 and customer terminal 510. It is also preferable that a record is left on the management information terminal 310 and customer terminal 510 when rental authentication is completed by moving from NO in step S105 to step S111.

[0029] After the vehicle 100 is authenticated for rental in step S111, customer 51 gets into vehicle 100 and begins to leave the vehicle parking location 10 (step S112).

[0030] While the vehicle 100 is leaving the depot, the scratch detection device 120 performs motion detection (step S113) and takes an image of the vehicle 100 (step S114). The scratch detection device 120 then uploads the image taken in step S114 to the management server 210 in the scratch detection center 20 (step S115). After processing in step S115, the management server 210 stores the uploaded image in a predetermined storage medium (step S116).

[0031] After completing steps S115 and S116 described above, the vehicle 100 completes its departure from the vehicle installation location 10 (step S117).

[0032] Figure 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing procedure for the operational procedures when vehicle 100 is returned. The procedures shown in Figure 3 are executed after the operational procedures for lending shown in Figure 2.

[0033] According to Figure 3, first, customer 51 begins to bring vehicle 100 into the vehicle storage area 10 for return (step S201).

[0034] While vehicle 100 is leaving the depot, the scratch detection device 120 performs motion detection (step S202) and takes an image of vehicle 100 (step S203). The scratch detection device 120 then uploads the image taken in step S203 to the management server 210 in the scratch detection center 20 (step S204). After processing in step S204, the management server 210 stores the uploaded image in a predetermined storage medium (step S205).

[0035] The processes in steps S202 to S205 above, which are performed while vehicle 100 is entering the parking area, are the same as the processes in steps S113 to S116 in Figure 2, which are performed while vehicle 100 is leaving the parking area. Then, after steps S204 and S205, vehicle 100 completes entering (parking) the vehicle parking area 10 (step S206).

[0036] Once vehicle entry is complete, the return authentication of vehicle 100 begins (step S207), and customer 51 waits during the return authentication.

[0037] In the return authentication process, the management server 210 first recognizes any scratches on the vehicle 100 from the captured image (image taken at the time of storage) of the vehicle 100 stored in step S205 (step S208), and determines whether or not there are any abnormalities (scratches, etc.) (step S209). Conventional image analysis methods can be used to recognize (detect) scratches from the captured image. In addition to recognizing scratches, the system may also recognize distortions or dents in the vehicle body.

[0038] If an abnormality is detected in step S209 (YES in step S209), the management server 210 notifies the dedicated terminal 110 installed in the vehicle 100 and the management information terminal 310 installed in the vehicle management department 30 of the abnormality (step S210). At this time, it is preferable that the management information terminal 310 receives, in addition to the result of the damage detection by the management server 210, an image taken at the time of arrival (damage detection image) that shows where the damage was detected. The dedicated terminal 110 that received the abnormality notification in step S210 then displays the fact that an abnormality has occurred on its image device.

[0039] Furthermore, in step S210, the management information terminal 310 receives notification of an anomaly, and the operator 31 views the results of the damage detection by the management server 210 and the damage detection images, as well as the images of the vehicle 100 taken at the time of departure and arrival (step S211), and determines whether or not the damage occurred during the rental period (step S212). Note that the determination of when the damage occurred, performed in steps S211 to S212, may be automatically performed by the detection engine. In this case, the detection engine can compare the photographic data at the time of departure and arrival, and if a damage that was not present at the time of departure is found at the time of arrival, it can determine that the damage occurred during the current rental period.

[0040] If, in step S212, it is determined that the damage occurred during the rental period, i.e., that there is an abnormality (YES in step S212), the operator 31 calls the customer terminal 510 and explains to the customer 51 by phone that the vehicle 100 cannot be rented out (step S213). Note that the customer explanation in step S213 may be performed by transmitting data from the management information terminal 310 to the customer terminal 510 instead of by phone. After that, the operator 31 performs the prescribed response processing (vehicle abnormality processing) in the vehicle management department 30 for the abnormal vehicle 100 (step S214), and the return processing of the vehicle 100 is completed. In the vehicle abnormality processing in step S214, for example, a request for repair of the detected damage and an invoice for the cost of repairing the damage are made to the customer 51.

[0041] On the other hand, if the management server 210 determines in step S209 that there is no abnormality (NO in step S209), or if the operator 31 determines in step S212 that the damage was not caused during the rental period, i.e., there is no abnormality (NO in step S212), the management server 210 or operator 31 (or the management information terminal 310) notifies the customer 51 that there is no abnormality with the vehicle 100 and that the return authentication has been completed (step S215). As a result, the rental of the vehicle 100 ends (step S216), and the vehicle 100 enters a standby state (step S217). It is preferable that, when notifying the customer of the completion of return authentication in step S215, a record of the completion of return authentication is left on the management information terminal 310 and the customer terminal 510, similar to when notifying the customer of the completion of rental authentication (step S111 in Figure 2).

[0042] Furthermore, during the period from the completion of vehicle 100's departure as shown in step S117 of Figure 2 until the start of vehicle 100's return as shown in step S201 of Figure 3, that is, while vehicle 100 is in motion during its rental period, as will be described later with reference to Figure 8, recording or video recording may be made by equipment installed in vehicle 100 in case of any potential malfunctions. If such recording or video recording is made, during the return authentication process described in Figure 3, this data may be taken into consideration when checking for any damage to vehicle 100.

[0043] Figure 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing procedure for operational procedures when vehicle 100 is in standby mode. Vehicles rented out through car sharing or car rental services are typically inspected by an inspector while in standby mode, and Figure 4 shows an example of the processing procedure for operational procedures performed on vehicle 100 in such standby mode. The processing shown in Figure 4 is performed before the operational procedures at the time of rental shown in Figure 2, or after the operational procedures at the time of return shown in Figure 3.

[0044] According to Figure 4, first, inspector 52 begins inspecting vehicle 100 parked at vehicle placement location 10 (step S301). During the vehicle inspection, inspector 52 checks vehicle 100 for scratches, etc., and takes a photograph of vehicle 100 with inspector terminal 520 (step S302). Inspector terminal 520 uploads the photographed image of vehicle 100 (inspection image) to management server 210 in scratch detection center 20 (step S303). After processing in step S303, management server 210 stores the uploaded photographed image in a predetermined storage medium (step S304).

[0045] After step S304, the inspector 52 determines whether the vehicle 100 has any damage (step S305). The determination of damage in step S305 may be made by the inspector 52 visually inspecting the vehicle 100, or it may be done using damage detection by the management server 210, as explained in steps S208 to S209 in Figure 3.

[0046] If vehicle 100 has damage (YES in step S305), inspector 52 connects inspector terminal 520 to management server 210 and checks the captured images previously uploaded to management server 210 (step S306) to determine whether there is an abnormality (step S307). The determination of "whether there is an abnormality" in step S307 determines whether the detected damage to vehicle 100 occurred while it was on loan to customer 51. By comparing the captured image at the time of loan to a certain customer 51, the captured image at the time of return, and the current captured image (the captured image uploaded in step S303), it is possible to identify the period in which the damage occurred. The same determination of "whether there is an abnormality" is made in step S310, which will be described later.

[0047] If an abnormality is detected in step S307 (YES in step S307), the inspector 52 operates the inspector terminal 520 to notify the management information terminal 310 installed in the vehicle management department 30 of the abnormality (step S308), and proceeds to the process from step S309 onwards.

[0048] On the other hand, if no damage is found in step S305 (step S305 NO), or if no abnormalities are found in step S307 (step S307 NO), inspector 52 terminates the vehicle inspection (step S317).

[0049] After the vehicle management department 30 is notified in step S308 that there is an abnormality in vehicle 100, the operator 31 views the captured images and scratch detection images (step S309) and determines whether there is actually an abnormality (step S310). Alternatively, instead of the abnormality determination by the operator 31 in step S309, the detection engine may be configured to automatically determine whether there is an abnormality such as a scratch. In this case, the detection engine refers to the captured data taken by the inspector 52 in step S302, or, if necessary, the captured data taken earlier and stored in the management server 210, and determines whether the notified abnormality such as a scratch occurred during the previous rental period (this can be done by comparing it with the captured data before the rental), or whether the abnormality is serious enough to affect future rentals of vehicle 100, etc.

[0050] If no abnormality is found in step S310 (NO in step S310), operator 31 notifies inspector 52 that no abnormality is found (step S311), and inspector 52 completes the vehicle inspection with the result of no abnormality (step S317). At this time, operator 31 also completes the processing related to the vehicle inspection.

[0051] On the other hand, if an abnormality is determined in step S310 (YES in step S310), operator 31 notifies inspector 52 of the abnormality (step S312), and inspector 52 ends the vehicle inspection with the result of an abnormality (step S317). Furthermore, operator 31 performs a rental suspension process to stop the rental of the vehicle 100 (step S313), and identifies the customer 51 who was using the vehicle 100 when the damage occurred (step S314). Then, operator 31 explains to the customer 51 identified in step S314, by phone or other means (e.g., email), that an abnormality (such as damage) occurred to the vehicle 100 at the time of rental, and obtains their consent regarding the burden of repair costs, etc. (step S315). Finally, operator 31 performs a vehicle abnormality process (step S316).

[0052] The following describes the flow of information in the scratch detection system 1 when an abnormality such as a scratch is detected on vehicle 100, referring to Figures 5 to 8. Note that in each process, any parts that overlap with the explanations given earlier with reference to Figures 2 to 4 will be omitted or simplified.

[0053] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of information when customer 51 finds damage before the start of loan authentication. Figure 5 shows the situation in which customer 51 checks the vehicle 100 waiting at the vehicle location 10 before the start of loan authentication (step S101 in Figure 2).

[0054] According to Figure 5, when customer 51 detects an abnormality such as a scratch on vehicle 100, they take a picture of the abnormal area with customer terminal 510, upload the image to the management server 210 of the scratch detection center 20, and also notify the vehicle management department 30 from customer terminal 510. Upon receiving this notification, operator 31 of vehicle management department 30 operates management information terminal 310 to check the image uploaded to the management server 210 of the scratch detection center 20 (scratch recognition). If operator 31 recognizes an abnormality such as a scratch as a result of the above check, they contact customer 51's customer terminal 510 to explain the situation and perform vehicle abnormality processing for vehicle 100.

[0055] In Figure 5, the procedure is explained in which customer 51 checks for damage to vehicle 100 before the start of loan authentication. However, in this embodiment, as explained in Figure 2, the procedure may be adopted in which customer 51 checks for damage to vehicle 100 after the start of loan authentication.

[0056] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of information when a scratch is detected from an image captured by the scratch detection device 120 during vehicle rental or vehicle return. Figure 6 shows the situation in which the scratch detection device 120 checks the vehicle 100 when the customer 51 takes the vehicle 100 out of the vehicle storage location 10 after the completion of rental authentication (step S111 in Figure 2), or when the customer 51 puts the vehicle 100 into the vehicle storage location 10 before the start of return authentication (step S207 in Figure 3).

[0057] According to Figure 6, for example, when a vehicle is returned, a scratch detection device 120 installed at the vehicle storage location 10 detects the movement of a vehicle 100 attempting to enter the vehicle storage location 10, takes an image of the vehicle 100, and uploads the image to the management server 210 of the scratch detection center 20. Upon receiving the image data, the management server 210 recognizes the presence or absence of abnormalities such as scratches (scratch recognition). If an abnormality is detected, it notifies the dedicated terminal 110 installed in the vehicle 100, the customer terminal 510 of the customer 51, and the management information terminal 310 of the vehicle management department 30 of the abnormality. This notification includes an image showing the scratches detected by the management server 210 (scratch detection image). The operator 31 then views the captured image and the scratch detection image to confirm whether the scratches occurred while the vehicle 100 was on loan to the customer 51. Furthermore, the operator 31 calls the identified customer terminal 510 of the customer 51, explains the abnormal condition to the customer 51 through a phone call, and then performs vehicle abnormality processing on the vehicle 100.

[0058] Furthermore, the same process as described above is performed when a vehicle is being rented out, for any vehicle 100 that is attempting to leave the vehicle storage area 10.

[0059] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of information when inspector 52 finds damage while the vehicle is waiting. Figure 7 shows the situation when inspector 52 checks the vehicle 100 that is waiting at the vehicle placement location 10 during vehicle inspection (steps S301 to S317 in Figure 4).

[0060] According to Figure 7, during the vehicle inspection of vehicle 100, inspector 52 takes a photograph of vehicle 100 with inspector terminal 520 and uploads the captured image to the management server 210 of the scratch detection center 20. Next, if inspector 52 detects an abnormality such as a scratch on vehicle 100, inspector 520 operates inspector terminal 520 to check the captured image uploaded to the management server 210 and determine if there is an abnormality. If inspector 52 determines that there is an abnormality from checking the captured image, inspector 520 uses inspector terminal 520 to notify the management information terminal 310 of the abnormality. Upon receiving this notification, operator 31 of vehicle management department 30 operates the management information terminal 310 to view the captured image and the scratch detection image, recognize whether there is indeed an abnormality such as a scratch (scratch recognition), and further confirm whether the scratch occurred while vehicle 100 was on loan to customer 51. After that, operator 31 notifies inspector 52 of the result of the scratch recognition and, if there is an abnormality, processes to suspend the loan of vehicle 100. Furthermore, if the damage occurred while the vehicle was on loan to customer 51, operator 31 will call the identified customer 51's customer terminal 510, explain the abnormal condition to customer 51 during the call, and then perform vehicle malfunction processing on the vehicle 100.

[0061] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of information during vehicle operation. Figure 8 illustrates the situation during vehicle operation while the vehicle is on loan (i.e., between step S117 in Figure 2 and step S201 in Figure 3), where peripheral devices connected to the in-vehicle control terminal 130 mounted on vehicle 100 record information about vehicle 100.

[0062] Peripheral devices connected to the in-vehicle control terminal 130 include, for example, a drive recorder 131, an all-around recording device 132, and a microphone array 133. The drive recorder 131 is a recording device that captures the front and rear of the vehicle 100. The all-around recording device 132 is a recording device that captures all-around footage of the area around the vehicle 100. The microphone array 133 is a recording device that records sounds from inside or around the vehicle 100. The in-vehicle control terminal 130 may also be the same device as the dedicated terminal 110.

[0063] In the case of Figure 8, in a moving vehicle 100, the drive recorder 131 and the omnidirectional recording device 132 repeatedly record continuously for a certain period of time, and at the timing of saving the recording data based on vibration detection by the vibration sensors equipped in each device, the recording data around that timing is stored in the main unit (which may be each device, or the in-vehicle control terminal 130 or the dedicated terminal 110) in a mode that prevents overwriting. In addition, the microphone array 133 also repeatedly records continuously for a certain period of time, and at the timing of detecting an anomaly such as an impact sound, the recording data around that timing is stored in the main unit (which may be the microphone array 133, or the in-vehicle control terminal 130 or the dedicated terminal 110) in a mode that prevents overwriting.

[0064] Furthermore, the drive recorder 131 and the omnidirectional recording device 132 and the microphone array 133 may cooperate with each other to synchronize the saving timing for recording in an overwrite-free mode. Specifically, the drive recorder 131 or the omnidirectional recording device 132 may record video data at the saving timing of the microphone array 133, or the microphone array 133 may record audio data at the saving timing of the drive recorder 131 or the omnidirectional recording device 132.

[0065] Furthermore, while the above description states that video and audio data are saved in an overwrite-free state only at saving times when damage or other issues may occur to the vehicle 100, this embodiment is not limited to methods for storing video and audio data other than the saving times described above. In other words, all video and audio data, including those at the saving times described above, may be saved in an overwrite-free state.

[0066] The video and audio data stored in the "main unit" are then uploaded to the management server 210 in the scratch detection center 20 via the communication network 40. The management server 210 notifies the operator 31 (management information terminal 310) via the communication network 40 that it has received the video and audio data. Upon receiving this notification, the operator 31 can use the management information terminal 310 to view the video data stored in the management server 210 and listen to the audio data to confirm whether any accidents or other abnormalities that could cause scratches on the vehicle 100 have occurred.

[0067] The following will provide a detailed explanation of the scratch detection device 120 with reference to Figures 9 to 13.

[0068] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating motion detection by the scratch detection device 120. Figures 9(A) to 9(C) show, in chronological order, how the scratch detection device 120 performs motion detection when the vehicle 100 leaves the vehicle storage area 10 during rental. Figures 9(D) to 9(F) also show, in chronological order, how the scratch detection device 120 performs motion detection when the vehicle 100 returns to the vehicle storage area 10.

[0069] Initially, when the vehicle 100 is parked in the vehicle parking area 10 before being released, the motion detection sensor (hereinafter referred to as the motion detection sensor) mounted on the scratch detection device 120 does not detect any motion, and the camera mounted on the scratch detection device 120 (the scratch detection camera 123, described later) does not take any pictures. From this state, as shown in Figure 9(A), when the vehicle 100 starts moving to be released, the motion detection sensor detects the front of the vehicle 100 as a moving object, and based on this detection, the scratch detection camera 123 starts taking pictures. The scratch detection camera 123 may take a series of still images or a video. As shown in Figure 9(B), while the vehicle 100 is moving within the vehicle parking area 10, the motion detection sensor continues to detect motion, so the scratch detection camera 123 continues to take pictures. Then, as shown in Figure 9(C), when the vehicle 100 leaves the vehicle installation location 10, the motion detection sensor no longer detects motion, and the scratch detection camera 123 stops capturing images.

[0070] When returning the vehicle, as shown in Figure 9(D), when the vehicle 100 enters the vehicle parking area 10 for parking, the motion detection sensor detects motion at its front end, and based on this detection, the scratch detection camera 123 starts taking images. In Figure 9(D), the vehicle 100 enters the parking area from the rear end, but there is no problem if it enters from the front end. As shown in Figure 9(E), the motion detection sensor continues to detect motion until the vehicle 100 stops in the vehicle parking area 10, so the scratch detection camera 123 continues to take images. Then, as shown in Figure 9(F), when the vehicle 100 has finished entering the vehicle parking area 10 and stopped, the motion detection sensor no longer detects motion, so the scratch detection camera 123 stops taking images.

[0071] As described above, the scratch detection device 120 can capture images of the entire vehicle 100 from various angles when the vehicle 100 enters and leaves the vehicle installation location 10, thereby improving the accuracy of scratch recognition using these captured images.

[0072] Next, with reference to Figures 10 to 13, several examples of installation methods for the scratch detection device 120 according to this embodiment will be shown. In each installation method of the scratch detection device 120, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the repetition of their descriptions will be omitted.

[0073] Figure 10 shows an example of the structure of a scratch detection device 120 according to the first installation method. The scratch detection device 120 according to the first installation method includes a scratch detection camera pole 122, a scratch detection camera 123, a scratch detection base plate 124, a solar power generator 125, a control unit 126, a commercial power supply 127, and lighting 128.

[0074] As shown in Figure 10, in the first installation method for the scratch detection device 120, a scratch detection base plate 124 is installed on the floor surface within the parking space 121 of the vehicle installation location 10. The scratch detection base plate 124 is a plate-shaped member that serves as a base for installing some or all of the other components of the scratch detection device 120. The scratch detection camera pole 122 is then fixed on the scratch detection base plate 124. The scratch detection camera pole 122 is a columnar member on which one or more scratch detection cameras 123 are mounted. Preferably, one or more scratch detection camera poles 122 are installed on both the left and right ends of the entrance / exit side of the vehicle installation location 10.

[0075] With the above arrangement, the scratch detection camera 123 of the scratch detection device 120 can photograph the front, side, and rear of the vehicle 100 as it passes by. The scratch detection device 120 may also be configured without a scratch detection base plate 124, in which case the scratch detection camera pole 122 is directly fixed to the floor surface within the parking space 121.

[0076] The scratch detection camera 123 is powered by a commercial power supply 127 or a solar power generator 125 installed on a scratch detection base plate 124, and is controlled by a control unit 126 implemented inside the scratch detection camera pole 122. The captured images and related data taken by the scratch detection camera 123 are uploaded from the control unit 126 to the management server 210 via the communication network 40. In addition, each scratch detection camera pole 122 may have multiple lights 128 built in. In this case, the control unit 126 can turn on the lights 128 according to the lighting environment when the scratch detection camera 123 photographs the vehicle 100, for example, so that the scratch detection camera 123 can accurately photograph the vehicle 100 even at night.

[0077] The first installation method described above has the advantage that, since the scratch detection camera pole 122 and scratch detection base plate 124 etc. are installed on the floor surface, it is relatively easy to add the scratch detection device 120 to existing parking lots, etc., and the installation cost is also relatively low.

[0078] Figure 11 shows an example of the structure of the scratch detection device 120 according to the second installation method. As shown in Figure 11, in the scratch detection device 120 according to the second installation method, multiple scratch detection cameras 123 are directly embedded in the floor surface within the parking space 121, facing the vehicle 100. Therefore, the scratch detection device 120 according to the second installation method does not require the scratch detection camera pole 122 and scratch detection base plate 124 that were necessary in the first installation method. With multiple scratch detection cameras 123 embedded in the floor surface in this way, the scratch detection device 120 according to the second installation method can photograph the front, side, and rear of the vehicle 100 when it is stopped or passing by.

[0079] In the second installation method, the scratch detection camera 123 is controlled by a control unit 126 that is powered by a commercial power supply 127, and the captured images and related data are uploaded from the control unit 126 to the management server 210 via the communication network 40. In addition, lighting 128 that illuminates upwards and to the sides may be buried near the burial point of each scratch detection camera 123, and as in the first installation method, the control unit 126 turns on the lighting 128 depending on the lighting environment when the scratch detection camera 123 photographs the vehicle 100.

[0080] The second installation method described above requires the embedding of the scratch detection camera 123 and lighting 128, etc., into the floor surface, which increases installation costs and effort compared to the first installation method. However, it has the advantage of allowing the road surface to be leveled after installation.

[0081] Figure 12 shows an example of the structure of the scratch detection device 120 according to the third installation method. As shown in Figure 12, in the scratch detection device 120 according to the third installation method, multiple scratch detection base plates 124 are placed on the floor surface within the parking space 121, and multiple scratch detection cameras 123 are mounted inside each scratch detection base plate 124, facing the vehicle 100. Therefore, the scratch detection device 120 according to the third installation method does not require the scratch detection camera pole 122 that was necessary in the first installation method.

[0082] In the third installation method, the scratch detection base plate 124 may be placed on the floor surface with its own weight so as not to move easily, or it may be fixed to the floor surface by a predetermined method (for example, by being attached). In addition, the scratch detection base plate 124 is installed on at least both sides of the vehicle 100, but more preferably it is also installed under the vehicle body of the vehicle 100 as shown in Figure 12.

[0083] With the above arrangement, the scratch detection camera 123 of the scratch detection device 120 can capture images of the front, sides, and rear of the vehicle 100 when it is stopped or passing by. Furthermore, if the scratch detection base plate 124 is also installed under the vehicle body, the scratch detection camera 123 mounted on the scratch detection base plate 124 can capture images of the bottom of the vehicle 100.

[0084] In the third installation method, the scratch detection camera 123 is controlled by a control unit 126 powered by a commercial power supply 127 or a solar power generator 125, and the captured images and related data are uploaded from the control unit 126 to the management server 210 via the communication network 40. The scratch detection base plates 124 are installed on both sides of the parking position of the vehicle 100, and the control unit 126 is implemented inside one of the scratch detection base plates 124. In addition, each scratch detection base plate 124 may have multiple lights 128 built in. In this case, the control unit 126 can turn on the lights 128 depending on the lighting environment when the scratch detection camera 123 photographs the vehicle 100, so that the scratch detection camera 123 can accurately photograph the vehicle 100 even at night.

[0085] The third installation method described above has the advantage of allowing the scratch detection device 120 to be installed very easily and inexpensively, since the scratch detection base plate 124 only needs to be placed or attached to the floor surface. In addition, since the scratch detection camera pole 122 is not required, there is also the advantage of reducing spatial constraints.

[0086] Figure 13 shows an example of the structure of the scratch detection device 120 according to the fourth installation method. As shown in Figure 13, in the scratch detection device 120 according to the fourth installation method, a scratch detection gate 129 is fixed on a scratch detection base plate 124 installed on the floor surface within the parking space 121, instead of the scratch detection camera pole 122 used in the first installation method. While the scratch detection camera pole 122 had a columnar structure (see Figure 10), the scratch detection gate 129 has an arch-shaped (inverted U-shaped) structure through which a vehicle 100 can pass, as shown in Figure 13.

[0087] The scratch detection gate 129 is equipped with multiple scratch detection cameras 123, each positioned to capture different areas of the vehicle 100 from different angles and directions. Multiple areas of the vehicle are expected to be located on the top, front, sides, and rear of the vehicle. By enabling the scratch detection cameras 123 to capture each area from different directions, the scratch detection device 120 can acquire images that reduce reflections from ambient light and glare. This arrangement of multiple scratch detection cameras 123 can also be used in the first installation method. In addition, the scratch detection gate 129 can be equipped with multiple lights 128 on the left, right, and top. The control unit 126, for example, turns on the lights 128 according to the lighting environment when the scratch detection cameras 123 are capturing images of the vehicle 100. The scratch detection gate 129 may be fixed directly to the floor surface within the parking space 121, rather than on the scratch detection base plate 124. The scratch detection camera 123 is controlled by the control unit 126, and the captured images and related data are uploaded from the control unit 126 to the management server 210 via the communication network 40. The control unit 126 is powered by the commercial power supply 127 or by a solar power generator 125 installed on top of the scratch detection base plate 124 or the scratch detection gate 129.

[0088] The fourth installation method described above has the advantage that, since the scratch detection camera 123 can also be mounted on top of the vehicle 100, it is possible to detect whether there are any abnormalities such as scratches on the upper part of the vehicle 100, which is normally difficult to detect.

[0089] As described above, the scratch detection system 1 according to this embodiment allows for the detection of scratches on a vehicle 100 used in car sharing or rental services, i.e., a vehicle 100 that is expected to be used by multiple users, at the time of rental without requiring manual inspection by an inspector 52. Similarly, at the time of return, scratches on the vehicle 100 can be detected at the time of return without requiring manual inspection by an inspector 52. Furthermore, at the time of rental and return, if no abnormalities such as scratches are found, the operator 31 of the vehicle management department 30 is not required. In addition, although the scratch detection system 1 according to this embodiment does not normally require on-site personnel from the business operator, if an abnormality such as a scratch occurs on the vehicle 100, the person responsible for that scratch can be identified.Therefore, the scratch detection system 1 according to this embodiment allows for the early detection of scratches on the vehicle 100, easy identification of the person responsible, and a reduction in the business operator's costs.

[0090] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are included. For example, the embodiments described above are described in detail for the purpose of clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described. Some of the configurations of the embodiments can be added, deleted, or replaced with other configurations.

[0091] For example, in the embodiment described above, the scratch detection device 120 or the management server 210 performed scratch detection or abnormality determination. However, in order to improve the accuracy of the determination and increase persuasiveness to the customer 51, the final decision may be made by a person (inspector 52 or operator 31). In this case, when the scratch detection device 120 or the management server 210 detects or determines an abnormality, it can notify a person with an alarm, and the person who receives the notification can make the final decision.

[0092] For example, in the embodiment described above, the detection engine for detecting abnormalities such as scratches is provided in the management server 210 of the scratch detection center 20, but it may also be configured to be mounted on the scratch detection device 120 side. In this case, when the scratch detection device 120 detects abnormalities such as scratches using the detection engine, it may communicate with the management server 210 to acquire or refer to the image data stored in the management server 210, or it may keep the image data uploaded to the management server 210 itself and refer to it. Alternatively, the detection engine may be mounted in the management information terminal 310 of the vehicle management department 30.

[0093] Furthermore, the scratch detection system 1 according to this embodiment is applicable not only to manned car-sharing or car rental stores as shown in Figure 1, but also to unmanned stores. Therefore, a modified example of this embodiment, in which the scratch detection system 1 is applied to an unmanned car rental store, will be described below with reference to Figure 14.

[0094] Figure 14 shows an example of a scratch detection system 1 applied to an unmanned rental car store 60. The rental car store 60 is an unmanned rental car store where the operator's personnel handling the rental and return of vehicles 100 are not present. Rental vehicles 100 are waiting at the vehicle storage area 10 on the premises of the rental car store 60, and the scratch detection device 120 is connected to the management server 210 of the scratch detection center 20 and the management information terminal 310 of the vehicle management department 30 via the communication network 40.

[0095] A control terminal 620 connected to the communication network 40 is installed at the reception counter 610 of the rental car store 60. The control terminal 620 is a general-purpose computer or a dedicated terminal and is connected to and controls various devices related to the rental of vehicles 100 at the rental car store 60 (identity verification device 630, payment terminal 640, cash handling machine 650, key management device 660).

[0096] The identity verification device 630 is a device for verifying the identity of customer 51, and can utilize an existing identity verification device. For example, the identity verification device 630 verifies the identity of customer 51 based on the input of personal information (name, date of birth, address, etc.) by customer 51 and the capture of identity verification documents and facial images, and notifies the control terminal 620 of the result of the identity verification.

[0097] The payment terminal 640 is a terminal for settling vehicle usage fees, etc., using a credit card or electronic money. The cash handling machine 650 is a terminal for settling vehicle usage fees, etc., using cash. When the identity of the customer 51 has been verified by the identity verification device 630, the payment terminal 640 and the cash handling machine 650 accept payment of usage fees, etc., from the customer 51 in accordance with the control of the control terminal 620.

[0098] The key management device 660 is a device that manages the keys to the vehicle 100, which is a vehicle available for rental. The key management device 660 is a so-called key box, and provides the managed keys to the customer 51 based on permission from the control terminal 620.

[0099] At the rental car store 60 shown in Figure 14, after the customer 51 has their identity verified by the identity verification device 630 and pays the usage fee at the payment terminal 640 or cash handling machine 650, they can receive the key to the vehicle 100 from the key management device 660. After that, the customer 51 moves to the vehicle storage location 10 and starts the rental authentication for the vehicle 100 (step S101 in Figure 2). Once the rental authentication is complete (step S111 in Figure 2), the customer 51 gets into the vehicle 100 and starts using it. As mentioned above, when the vehicle 100 is taken out of the vehicle storage location 10, the scratch detection device 120 takes a picture of the vehicle 100 upon detecting motion and uploads the captured image to the management server 210 (steps S113-S116 in Figure 2).

[0100] Furthermore, if the rental car store 60 has already entered their identity verification information and made advance payment for the rental fee via web payment using the customer terminal 510, the rental car store 60 may allow the customer to omit the above procedures at the location.

[0101] Furthermore, if a problem occurs during the above procedure, the control terminal 620 will notify the management information terminal 310 of the vehicle management department 30. In this case, the operator 31 of the vehicle management department 30 can respond to the problem by conducting a video call with the customer 51 using the identity verification device 630 connected to the control terminal 620.

[0102] Thus, the scratch detection system 1 according to this embodiment can also be applied to an unmanned rental car store 60, allowing customers 51 to rent a vehicle 100 without the presence of an inspector 52 at the time of rental. The same applies to returns, although this is not explained in detail. Although the above example was for rental cars, it can be similarly applied to car sharing.

[0103] Furthermore, each of the configurations, functions, processing units, and processing means described above may be implemented in hardware, in whole or in part, for example, by designing them as integrated circuits. Alternatively, each of the above configurations and functions may be implemented in software by having the processor interpret and execute programs that realize each function. Information such as programs, tables, and files that realize each function can be stored in memory, a recording device such as a hard disk or SSD (Solid State Drive), or a recording medium such as an IC card, SD card, or DVD.

[0104] Furthermore, the control lines and information lines shown in the drawings are those deemed necessary for explanatory purposes, and not all control lines and information lines are necessarily shown in the actual product. In reality, it can be assumed that almost all components are interconnected. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1. Scratch detection system 10 Vehicle installation locations 20. Scratch Detection Center 30. Vehicle Management Department 31 Operators 40 Communication Network 51 Customer 52 Inspectors 60 rental car locations 100 vehicles 110 Dedicated terminal 120 Damage detection device 121 parking spaces 122 Scratch detection camera pole 123 Scratch detection camera 124 Scratch detection base plate 125 Solar power generators 126 Control Unit 127 Commercial power supply 128 Lighting 129 Scratch detection gate 130 In-vehicle control terminal 131 Dashcam 132 Omnidirectional Recording Device 133 Microphone Array 210 Management Server 310 Management Information Terminal 510 Customer terminal 520 Inspector terminal 610 Reception Desk 620 Control Terminal 630 Identity Verification Device 640 Payment terminals 650 Cash Processing Machines 660 Key management device

Claims

1. A scratch detection system that detects scratches on vehicles rented to multiple users, A scratch detection device is installed at the vehicle parking location where the vehicle is parked at the time of rental and return, and has multiple cameras capable of capturing images of multiple areas within the vehicle parking location. A management server that stores the captured data from the aforementioned multiple cameras, A detection engine is installed in at least one of the management server or the scratch detection device, and detects scratches on the vehicle from the captured data, Equipped with, The plurality of cameras are installed at multiple locations on the floor of the vehicle installation location, distributed amongst themselves, in such a manner that the combined cameras can capture the front, sides, and rear of the vehicle as it moves within the vehicle installation location, and the shooting range of each camera partially overlaps with the shooting range of at least one of the other cameras. When the vehicle is rented out and returned, the multiple cameras continuously photograph the vehicle as it moves within the vehicle installation location and transmit the captured data to the management server. The detection engine determines whether there are any scratches on the vehicle from the image data captured by the multiple cameras. If scratches are detected, it compares them with past image data stored in the management server to determine whether the scratches are newly occurring. A scratch detection system characterized by the following features.

2. The aforementioned damage detection device has a motion detection sensor that detects moving objects within the vehicle installation location, When the vehicle is rented out or returned, if the motion detection sensor detects the vehicle moving within the vehicle installation area, the multiple cameras continuously photograph the moving vehicle and transmit the captured data to the management server. The scratch detection system according to feature 1.

3. When the detection engine detects damage to the vehicle from the image data captured by the multiple cameras at the time of the vehicle's return, it compares the detected image data with the image data captured by the multiple cameras at the time of the vehicle's rental to determine when the damage occurred. The scratch detection system according to feature 1.

4. The detection engine, triggered by the discovery of damage to the vehicle by a customer renting the vehicle or an inspector inspecting the vehicle, performs a determination of damage to the vehicle using the captured data. The scratch detection system according to feature 1.

5. The vehicle further comprises an in-vehicle control terminal mounted on the vehicle, peripheral equipment connected to the in-vehicle control terminal capable of recording video or audio around the vehicle, and a sensor that detects predetermined conditions that trigger the start of recording video or audio by the peripheral equipment. When the in-vehicle control terminal detects the predetermined conditions using the sensor while the vehicle is in motion, it performs video recording or audio recording for a predetermined period using the peripheral device, and transmits the recorded data to the management server for storage in a mode that prevents overwriting. The scratch detection system according to feature 1.

6. When the management server receives recorded data from the peripheral device via the in-vehicle control terminal, it notifies the operator of the scratch detection system of the reception. The scratch detection system according to feature 5.

7. At the aforementioned multiple installation locations, the multiple cameras are installed embedded in the floor surface. The scratch detection system according to feature 1.

8. Three or more plate-shaped scratch detection base plates, which serve as the base, are placed on the floor surface of the vehicle installation location. The multiple cameras are distributed and mounted within each of the aforementioned scratch detection base plates. The scratch detection base plate is installed at least at positions corresponding to both sides and the rear of the vehicle when it is parked at the vehicle installation location. The scratch detection system according to feature 1.

9. The aforementioned scratch detection device is further equipped with a camera that photographs the bottom surface of the vehicle at a position corresponding to the underside of the vehicle body when the vehicle is parked at the vehicle installation location. The scratch detection system according to feature 1.

10. Lighting is installed to illuminate the shooting range of each of the aforementioned multiple cameras. A scratch detection system according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

11. A scratch detection device that detects scratches on vehicles rented to multiple users, Multiple cameras capable of capturing multiple areas within the vehicle parking area where the vehicle is parked at the time of rental and return, A detection engine that detects damage to the vehicle from the image data captured by the multiple cameras, Equipped with, The plurality of cameras are installed at multiple locations on the floor of the vehicle installation location, distributed amongst themselves, in such a manner that the combined cameras can capture the front, sides, and rear of the vehicle as it moves within the vehicle installation location, and the shooting range of each camera partially overlaps with the shooting range of at least one of the other cameras. The aforementioned multiple cameras continuously photograph the vehicle as it moves within the vehicle installation location when the vehicle is rented out and returned, and transmit the photographic data to a management server connected via a communication network. The detection engine determines whether there are any scratches on the vehicle from the image data captured by the multiple cameras. If scratches are detected, it compares them with past image data stored in the management server to determine whether the scratches are newly occurring. A scratch detection device characterized by the following features.

12. A method for detecting scratches on a vehicle that is rented out to multiple users, using a scratch detection system. The aforementioned damage detection system is A scratch detection device is installed at the vehicle parking location where the vehicle is parked at the time of rental and return, and has multiple cameras capable of capturing images of multiple areas within the vehicle parking location. A management server that stores the captured data from the aforementioned multiple cameras, A detection engine is installed in at least one of the management server or the scratch detection device, and detects scratches on the vehicle from the captured data, It has, The plurality of cameras are installed at multiple locations on the floor of the vehicle installation location, distributed amongst themselves, in such a manner that the combined cameras can capture the front, sides, and rear of the vehicle as it moves within the vehicle installation location, and the shooting range of each camera partially overlaps with the shooting range of at least one of the other cameras. The multiple cameras of the scratch detection device continuously photograph the vehicle as it moves within the vehicle installation location when the vehicle is rented out and returned, and transmit the captured data to the management server (a shooting step). The detection engine determines whether there are any scratches on the vehicle from the image data captured by the multiple cameras in the shooting step, and if a scratch is detected, it compares it with past image data stored in the management server to determine whether the scratch is a newly occurring scratch. A scratch detection method characterized by comprising the following features.

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