Management systems, management methods, and programs

Abstract

To effectively use a product owned by an owner.SOLUTION: In a nail printer management system 1 (a management system) for managing a nail printer 30 deposited by an owner of a nail printer 30 (a product), a management server 10 receives a reservation of use of the nail printer 30 in relation to a user of the nail printer 30 and counts the number of times of conveyance that the nail printer 30 of the owner is conveyed to the owner in a predetermined period of time in association with a reservation made by the owner. The management server 10 stops accepting reservations of using the nail printer 30 of the owner by the owner in the predetermined period of time if the number of times of conveyance to the owner in the predetermined period of time has reached a predetermined threshold value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a management system , management method and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a printing device (nail printer) that prints various designs on fingernails has been known (see Patent Document 1). In such a nail printer, for example, a finger corresponding to the nail to be printed is placed on a finger rest, and printing processing such as an inkjet method is performed on the nail. In recent years, in addition to those used in nail salons and the like, nail printers for home use targeting individuals have also emerged.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Nail printers are generally expensive, but the frequency of use is often not very high. There are also heavy users who apply nails daily or at intervals of several days, but there are also many users who repaint their nails several times a month. Users with a low frequency of use often cannot bring themselves to purchase an expensive nail printer. In addition, since a certain amount of space is required to store a nail printer, if the nail printer is always placed at home or the like, it will take up space.

[0005] Thus, for expensive devices that are not always used, it is economical to lend them to others when not in use by the owner himself / herself to obtain profit.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the problems in the prior art described above, and aims to enable owners to make effective use of their products. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the present invention First aspect of the management system relating to this teeth, A management system for managing the product deposited by the product owner, A means for receiving reservations for the use of the said product, associated with the user of the said product, A counting means for counting the number of times the owner's product is delivered to the owner during a predetermined period in accordance with the reservation made by the owner, Equipped with, The receiving means stops accepting reservations for the use of the owner's product by the owner during the predetermined period when the number of transports reaches a predetermined threshold. It is characterized by the following:

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention Second aspect of the management system relating to this teeth, A management system for managing the product deposited by the product owner, A notification means for notifying the owner of the product of the amount obtained by subtracting the management fee for the management of the product from the consideration paid by the user for use of the product for a predetermined period, or the amount obtained by subtracting the management fee from the owner's share. and, A counting means for counting the number of times the owner's product was transported to the owner in connection with the owner's use during the predetermined period, An adjustment means for adjusting the management fee based on the number of transports, Equipped with It is characterized by the following: [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, owners can effectively utilize the products they own. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the system configuration of the nail printer management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing the control configuration of the management server. [Figure 3] (a) is a diagram showing the data configuration of the owner information table. (b) is a diagram showing the data configuration of the printer information table. (c) is a diagram showing the data configuration of the occasional user information table. [Figure 4] (a) is an example of the usage calendar data of the owner "A001". (b) is an example of the usage calendar data of the occasional user "T1001". (c) is an example of the usage calendar data of the occasional user "T2022". [Figure 5] (a) is an example of the usage calendar data of the nail printer "NA-0001". (b) is an example of the usage calendar data of the nail printer "NA-2201". [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing the control configuration of the user terminal. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing the control configuration of the nail printer. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing the control configuration of the warehouse terminal. [Figure 9] This is a ladder chart showing the owner usage date registration process (normal time). [Figure 10] This is an example of the owner usage date registration screen. [Figure 11] This is a ladder chart showing the owner usage date registration process (when the number of transports is equal to or greater than the threshold). [Figure 12] This is a ladder chart showing the occasional user usage date registration process. [Figure 13] This is a diagram for explaining a method of determining whether a nail printer can be lent out. [Figure 14] This is a ladder chart showing the process when the owner uses it. [Figure 15] This is a ladder chart showing the process when an occasional user uses it. [Figure 16] This is a ladder chart showing the processing that takes place each time a user uses the system. [Figure 17] This is a flowchart showing the process for calculating owner income and expenses. [Figure 18] This diagram illustrates a specific example of the process for calculating owner income and expenses. [Figure 19] This diagram illustrates a specific example of the process for calculating owner income and expenses. [Figure 20] This diagram illustrates a specific example of the process for calculating owner income and expenses. [Figure 21] This diagram illustrates a specific example of the process for calculating owner income and expenses. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the management system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. While the embodiments described below are subject to various technically preferred limitations for carrying out the present invention, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.

[0012] [Nail printer management system configuration] Figure 1 shows the system configuration of the Nail Printer Management System 1 as a management system. The Nail Printer Management System 1 is for managing nail printers 30 that have been deposited by their owners as products. The nail printers 30 are products purchased by their owners either in a lump sum or on an installment plan. The owners of the nail printers 30 deposit the nail printers 30 with the management company and have the nail printers 30 delivered to them only when they need to use them. The management company manages the nail printers 30 deposited by the owners in a management warehouse. When the owners of the nail printers 30 are not using them themselves, the management company leases the nail printers 30 to third parties (users on a per-use basis). The revenue obtained from leasing the nail printers 30 to third parties is shared between the management company and the owners.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the nail printer management system 1 is configured to include a management server 10, a user terminal 20, a warehouse terminal 40, and a payment server 50. Each device is capable of data communication via a network N such as the Internet.

[0014] The management server 10 manages the storage and lending of multiple nail printers 30 owned by multiple owners. The management server 10 has an operational database (DB) 151. The operational database 151 includes an owner information table T1, a printer information table T2, and a user information table T3.

[0015] The user terminal 20 is used by the owner of the nail printer 30, or by users who temporarily borrow and use the nail printer 30. The user terminal 20 is a portable device such as a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer. Each user operates the user terminal 20 to make reservations for the use of the nail printer 30 with the management server 10. In addition, the user terminal 20 can connect to the nail printer 30, which has been delivered to the owner or user each time, in a data communication manner, enabling various settings and controls for the nail printer 30.

[0016] The nail printer 30 prints nail designs onto the fingernails of the user's hands. The nail printer 30 has an opening (not shown) and a finger rest (not shown) inside this opening on which the finger with the nail to be printed is placed. However, the printing target of the nail printer 30 is not limited to fingernails; for example, toenails may be used as the printing target, or other objects such as nail tips or the surface of various accessories may be used as the printing target.

[0017] The warehouse terminal 40 is a computer device installed in the management warehouse where the nail printers 30 are stored, and is used to input various information regarding the inbound and outbound shipments of the nail printers 30.

[0018] The payment server 50 is a server device managed by the service company that provides payment services, and it processes payments when a user uses the nail printer management system 1. Payment processing includes credit card payments, bank transfers or direct debits to bank accounts, and payments from pre-charged amounts.

[0019] [Management Server Configuration] Figure 2 shows the control configuration of the management server 10. As shown in Figure 2, the management server 10 includes a control unit 11, an operation unit 12, a display unit 13, a communication unit 14, a storage unit 15, and the like.

[0020] The control unit 11 is equipped with a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and comprehensively controls the operation of each part of the management server 10. The control unit 11 works in cooperation with the program stored in the memory unit 15 to realize various functions for operating the management server 10.

[0021] The operation unit 12 is configured with a keyboard equipped with cursor keys, character / number input keys, and various function keys, and a pointing device such as a mouse. It outputs operation information input by key operations on the keyboard and mouse operations to the control unit 11. Furthermore, if the operation unit 12 is equipped with a touch panel superimposed on the display screen of the display unit 13, it accepts touch operations and outputs the position information of the touch operations to the control unit 11.

[0022] The display unit 13 is composed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, etc., and displays various display information on the display screen under the control of the control unit 11.

[0023] The communication unit 14 is an interface for performing data communication with external devices such as user terminals 20, warehouse terminals 40, and payment servers 50 via a network N or the like.

[0024] The storage unit 15 stores various programs and data necessary to operate the various parts of the management server 10. For example, the storage unit 15 may be an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), etc.

[0025] The memory unit 15 stores the operation database 151. The operational DB151 includes the owner information table T1, the printer information table T2, and the user information table T3.

[0026] The owner information table T1 is a table for managing information about the owner and the nail printers 30 owned by each owner of the nail printer 30. Figure 3(a) shows the data structure of the owner information table T1. The owner information table T1 associates each owner with their own user information and usage information.

[0027] User information includes user ID, personal information, credit card information, bank account information, expense information, serial number and purchase date of owned printer, and whether or not there is a loan agreement. The "User ID" is identification information used to identify the user who owns the item. "Personal information" includes the owner's address, name, age, telephone number, email address, etc. "Credit card information" includes the cardholder's credit card number, expiration date, etc. A "bank account" is a bank account used for making transfers or withdrawals to the owner. "Expense information" refers to information regarding the costs incurred by the owner when using the nail printer management system 1, and includes management fees, rental income, deposit and withdrawal history, etc. "Management fee" is an amount charged to the owner for each predetermined period (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "predetermined period"). The predetermined period is, for example, a period divided into months (July, August, etc.). The management fee for the predetermined period is a basic fee determined for the predetermined period until the number of times the nail printer 30 is transported for self-use during that period reaches a predetermined limit. If the number of times the nail printer 30 is transported for self-use during the predetermined period exceeds the limit, the management fee for the predetermined period will be the basic fee plus an additional charge. "Lending income" is the income the owner receives from lending their nail printer 30 to a third party for a predetermined period, and represents the owner's share of the amount paid by the third party. The "Deposit and Withdrawal History" includes information such as the amount and processing date of deposits and withdrawals made to the account holder. The "Serial Number of Owned Printer" is the unique serial number of the Nail Printer 30 owned by the owner. The "Date of Purchase" is the date the owner purchased the Nail Printer 30. "Existence of loan agreement" indicates whether or not there is a loan agreement for the nail printer 30 between the owner and the management contractor. The loan agreement is a contract that stipulates that the management contractor will lend the nail printer 30 to a third party.

[0028] Usage information is divided into personal use and borrowed use. Self-use includes a usage calendar and the number of trips. The "Usage Calendar" contains information indicating the days on which the owner uses the nail printer 30 for each specified period, as well as the days associated with use, such as moving dates and maintenance dates. Usage dates are the days on which the user uses the nail printer 30. Moving dates are the days on which the nail printer 30 moves between the storage warehouse and the user's location (address, etc.). Maintenance dates are the days on which the nail printer 30 is serviced. "Transportation frequency" refers to the number of times the nail printer 30 is transported to the owner at each predetermined time interval (the number of round trips between the management warehouse and the owner). The loan service includes information on available loan dates and a loan calendar. "Available rental dates" are the days within a specified period on which the owner's nail printer 30 can be rented out. The "Loan Calendar" is information that associates the days on which users other than the owner use the nail printer 30 for a predetermined period, as well as the days of relocation and maintenance associated with those usage days, with the user(s) (the user ID of each user).

[0029] Printer information table T2 is a table used to manage information about each nail printer 30 managed by the outsourced management company. Figure 3(b) shows the data structure of the printer information table T2. The printer information table T2 associates each nail printer with the serial number, purchase date, whether there is a storage agreement or loan agreement, usage calendar, current location, maintenance history, alert history, etc.

[0030] The "Serial No." is a unique serial number specific to the Nail Printer 30. The "Date of Purchase" is the date the owner purchased the Nail Printer 30. The "custody agreement" refers to information regarding the custody agreement for the nail printer 30 between the owner and the management contractor, including whether an agreement exists, the contract date, renewal information, and the planned date for re-contracting. The custody agreement is a contract that stipulates that the management contractor will receive the nail printer 30 from the owner and manage it. "Contract Status" indicates whether or not there is a contract between the owner and the management company for the safekeeping of the nail printer 30. The "contract date" refers to the date the deposit agreement was signed. "Update Information" refers to information regarding the renewal of the deposit agreement. The "scheduled renewal date" is the scheduled date on which the deposit contract will be renewed (the expiration date of the current contract). "Existence of loan agreement" indicates whether or not there is a loan agreement for the nail printer 30 between the owner and the management contractor.

[0031] The "Usage Calendar" is information that associates the user (owner / user ID of one-time user) who uses the nail printer 30 for a predetermined period with the usage date, as well as the moving date and maintenance date associated with the usage date. "Current location" is information indicating where the nail printer 30 is located (warehouse, owner's home, user's home, etc.). The "maintenance history" includes information indicating maintenance performed on the nail printer 30, such as inspections and ink replacements, and the date on which these were performed. The "Alert History" is a record of alerts issued when the location of the nail printer 30 predicted from the "Usage Calendar" differs from the location indicated by the "Current Location." The "Alert History" includes the content of the alert, the target user, the date, etc.

[0032] The user information table T3 is a table for managing information about each user and the nail printer 30 that the user uses. Figure 3(c) shows the data structure of the user information table T3. The user information table T3 associates each user's user information with their usage information.

[0033] User information includes user ID, personal information, credit card information, and expense information. The "User ID" is identification information used to identify the user each time they are using the service. "Personal information" includes the user's address, name, age, telephone number, email address, etc., on a case-by-case basis. "Credit card information" includes the user's credit card number, expiration date, etc., for each transaction. "Expense information" refers to information regarding the costs incurred each time a user uses the nail printer management system 1, and includes billing amounts, deposit and withdrawal history, etc. The "billing amount" is the amount billed to the user each time for each specified period. The billing amount for a specified period is the consideration (usage fee) for the user's use of the nail printer 30 each time during that period. The "Deposit and Withdrawal History" includes the amount and processing date of each deposit and withdrawal made to the user.

[0034] Usage information includes the usage calendar and the serial number of the printer being used. The "Usage Calendar" is information that associates the days on which a user uses the nail printer 30 for each predetermined period, as well as the days for relocation and maintenance associated with those usage days, with the "Serial No." of the nail printer 30 used by the user each time. The "Serial Number of the Printer Used" is a unique serial number specific to the nail printer 30 used by the user each time.

[0035] Figure 4(a) shows an example of the usage calendar data T11 for owner "A001," extracted from the owner information table T1, containing the "User ID," "Serial No. of owned printer," and "Usage Calendar" for the record corresponding to user ID "A001." The usage calendar data T11 includes reservations for owner "A001" to use their own nail printer "NA-0001." Here, the "Usage Calendar" includes the delivery date, usage date, return date, and completion date. The delivery date is the day the nail printer 30 is delivered from the management warehouse to the user (the first day of the transfer period). The return date is the day the nail printer 30 is returned from the user to the management warehouse (the last day of the transfer period). The completion date is the day the nail printer 30 is actually returned to the management warehouse.

[0036] Figure 4(b) shows an example of the usage calendar data T31 for user "T1001," obtained by extracting the "User ID" and "Usage Calendar" from the record corresponding to user ID "T1001" in the user information table T3. The usage calendar data T31 includes reservations for nail printer "NA-2201" and reservations for nail printer "NA-0001" by user "T1001."

[0037] Figure 4(c) shows an example of the usage calendar data T32 for user "T2022," obtained by extracting the "User ID" and "Usage Calendar" from the record corresponding to user ID "T2022" in the user information table T3. The usage calendar data T32 includes reservations for nail printer "NA-1111," nail printer "NA-2201," and nail printer "NA-0022" made by user "T2022."

[0038] Figure 5(a) shows an example of usage calendar data T21, which is extracted from the printer information table T2, containing the "Serial No." and "Usage Calendar" for the record corresponding to the nail printer "NA-0001". Usage calendar data T21 includes the usage calendar data T11 for owner "A001" in Figure 4(a) and a portion of the usage calendar data T31 for user "T1001" in Figure 4(b). For reference, the usage calendar data T21 includes the "Owner User ID" and "User Type." The "Owner User ID" is the user ID of the owner who owns the nail printer 30 corresponding to the "Serial No.," and can be obtained from the owner information table T1. The "User Type" indicates whether the user in each reservation is the owner of the nail printer 30 or a one-time user. If the "User User ID" and "Owner User ID" match, the "User Type" is "Owner." If the "User User ID" and "Owner User ID" do not match, the "User Type" is "One-time User."

[0039] Figure 5(b) shows an example of usage calendar data T22, which is obtained by extracting the "Serial No." and "Usage Calendar" from the printer information table T2 for the record corresponding to the nail printer "NA-2201". Usage calendar data T22 includes a portion of the usage calendar data T31 for the one-time user "T1001" in Figure 4(b) and a portion of the usage calendar data T32 for the one-time user "T2022" in Figure 4(c). Furthermore, the usage calendar data T22 also includes the "Owner User ID" and "User Type".

[0040] The control unit 11 manages the nail printer 30 (product) that has been deposited by its owner.

[0041] The control unit 11 receives reservations for the use of the nail printer 30, associating them with the users (owners, one-time users) of the nail printer 30. In other words, the control unit 11 functions as a reservation system.

[0042] For example, when the control unit 11 receives a reservation from the owner for the use of the nail printer 30 owned by the owner, the control unit 11 adds the usage dates (including the travel and maintenance dates associated with the usage dates) of the nail printer 30 to the "Usage Calendar" under "Self-Use" in the "Usage Information" section of the record corresponding to the owner's "User ID" in the owner information table T1, and adds 1 to the "Number of Transports" for the predetermined period including the usage dates under "Self-Use" in the "Usage Information". In addition, the control unit 11 excludes the usage dates, travel dates, and maintenance dates related to the current reservation from the "Available Rental Dates" for the predetermined period including the usage dates under "Rental Use" in the "Usage Information" section of the record corresponding to the owner's "User ID" in the owner information table T1. Furthermore, the control unit 11 records the user ID of the owner and the date of use (including the date of relocation and maintenance associated with the date of use) in the "Usage Calendar" for the record corresponding to the "Serial No." of the nail printer 30 owned by the owner in the printer information table T2.

[0043] When the control unit 11 receives a reservation for the use of the nail printer 30 from a user other than the owner (a one-time user), it adds the serial number of the reserved nail printer 30 to the "Serial No. of the Printer Used" in the "Usage Information" section of the record corresponding to the "User ID" of the one-time user in the one-time user information table T3. It also records the usage dates (including the moving and maintenance days associated with the usage dates) of the nail printer 30 in the "Usage Calendar" section of the "Usage Information," associating them with the serial number of the reserved nail printer 30. Furthermore, the control unit 11 adds the usage fee to the "Billing Amount" for a predetermined period including the usage dates in the record corresponding to the "User ID" of the one-time user in the one-time user information table T3. Furthermore, the control unit 11 records the user ID of the user and the date of use (including the date of relocation and maintenance associated with the date of use) in the "Usage Calendar" for each record corresponding to the "Serial No." of the reserved nail printer 30 in the printer information table T2. Furthermore, in the Owner Information Table T1, for records where the "Serial No. of Owned Printer" is the "Serial No." of the reserved nail printer 30, the Control Unit 11 excludes the usage date, relocation date, and maintenance date related to the current reservation from the "Available Rental Dates" for a predetermined period including the rental date in the "Usage Information" section, and records the rental dates (including relocation and maintenance dates associated with the rental date) of the nail printer 30 in the "Rental Calendar," associating them with the user's "User ID" each time. In addition, in the Owner Information Table T1, for records where the "Serial No. of Owned Printer" is the "Serial No." of the reserved nail printer 30, the Control Unit 11 adds the income the owner receives from renting out the nail printer 30 to the user each time (the owner's share of the amount paid by the user each time) to the "Rental Income" for a predetermined period including the rental date.

[0044] The control unit 11 counts the number of deliveries (number of reservations) in which the owner's nail printer 30 is delivered to the owner during a predetermined period, in accordance with the owner's reservation of the nail printer 30. In other words, the control unit 11 functions as a counting means. Specifically, the control unit 11 can obtain the number of deliveries during a predetermined period associated with the owner's reservation by retrieving the "number of deliveries" for a predetermined period in the "self-use" section of the "usage information" in the record corresponding to the owner's "user ID" in the owner information table T1.

[0045] The control unit 11 stops accepting reservations for the use of the owner's nail printer 30 for a predetermined period of time when the number of transports counted in connection with the owner's reservation reaches a predetermined threshold.

[0046] Since the nail printer 30 requires transportation (movement of location) to the user, a threshold (upper limit) has been set for the number of times the nail printer 30 can be transported in conjunction with a reservation by the owner, due to transportation costs, the effort required for packaging, etc.

[0047] Furthermore, even if the number of transports reaches a predetermined threshold, the control unit 11 will resume accepting reservations for the owner's use of the nail printer 30 for a predetermined period, provided that the owner agrees to pay an additional fee. In other words, reservations can be continued beyond the threshold at the owner's request. In this case, the processing for the "Usage Calendar," "Number of Transports," and "Available Rental Dates" corresponding to the owner's "User ID" in the owner information table T1, and the processing for the "Usage Calendar" corresponding to the "Serial No." of the nail printer 30 owned by the owner in the printer information table T2, are the same as described above. The control unit 11 adds an additional charge to the "management fee" for a predetermined period including the usage date, for the record corresponding to the "user ID" of the owner in the owner information table T1.

[0048] The control unit 11 notifies the owner of the nail printer 30 of the amount obtained by subtracting the owner's share of the payment made by the user for use during a predetermined period from the management fee for managing the nail printer 30, or the amount obtained by subtracting the management fee from the owner's share of the payment made by the user. In other words, the control unit 11 functions as a notification means.

[0049] The control unit 11 adjusts the management fee based on the number of times the owner's nail printer 30 has been delivered to the owner, in accordance with the owner's use of the nail printer 30 over a predetermined period. In other words, the control unit 11 functions as an adjustment means. Specifically, if the number of deliveries reaches a predetermined threshold and the owner wishes to use the nail printer 30 further within the predetermined period, the control unit 11 will set the management fee to the basic fee plus an additional charge.

[0050] [User terminal configuration] Figure 6 shows the control configuration of the user terminal 20. As shown in Figure 6, the user terminal 20 includes a control unit 21, an operation unit 22, a display unit 23, a communication unit 24, a storage unit 25, and the like.

[0051] The control unit 21 is equipped with a processor such as a CPU and comprehensively controls the operation of each part of the user terminal 20. The control unit 21 works in cooperation with the program stored in the memory unit 25 to realize various functions for operating the user terminal 20.

[0052] The operation unit 22 receives various inputs and settings in response to user operations and outputs input signals corresponding to the received operations to the control unit 21. Specifically, a touch panel serving as the operation unit 22 is integrally provided on the surface of the display unit 23, and the user can perform various input operations by touching the touch panel. Note that the operation unit 22 is not limited to a touch panel, and various operation buttons, a keyboard, a pointing device, etc., may also be provided as the operation unit 22.

[0053] The display unit 23 consists of an LCD, an organic EL display, or other flat display, and displays various display information on the display screen under the control of the control unit 21.

[0054] The communication unit 24 performs wired or wireless data communication with external devices such as the management server 10 via the network N, etc. The communication unit 24 also performs wireless data communication with the nail printer 30 using short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0055] The storage unit 25 stores various programs and data for operating the various parts of the user terminal 20. For example, the storage unit 25 stores various programs, including an operation program for the overall control of the various parts of the user terminal 20, as well as an application program (hereinafter referred to as "dedicated app 251") for using the nail printer management system 1.

[0056] [Nail printer configuration] Figure 7 shows the control configuration of the nail printer 30. As shown in Figure 7, the nail printer 30 includes a control unit 31, an operation unit 32, a display unit 33, a communication unit 34, a storage unit 35, a printing unit 36, and an imaging unit 37.

[0057] The control unit 31 is equipped with a processor such as a CPU and comprehensively controls the operation of each part of the nail printer 30. The control unit 31 works in cooperation with the program stored in the memory unit 35 to realize various functions for operating the nail printer 30.

[0058] The operation unit 32 receives various inputs and settings in response to user operations and outputs input signals corresponding to the received operations to the control unit 31. The operation unit 32 includes operation buttons for turning the nail printer 30 on and off.

[0059] The display unit 33 is composed of an LCD, an organic EL display, or other flat display, and displays various information on the display screen under the control of the control unit 31. The display unit 33 may also be equipped with various indicators.

[0060] The nail printer 30 is capable of operating in accordance with operation signals input from the user terminal 20. The user performs settings and operations on the nail printer 30 by operating the operation unit 22 on the settings and operation screen displayed on the display unit 23 of the user terminal 20 using the dedicated application 251.

[0061] The communication unit 34 performs wireless data communication with the user terminal 20 using short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth. However, the communication method of the communication unit 34 is not particularly limited as long as data communication with the user terminal 20 is possible. In addition, the communication unit 34 may also be able to communicate data with external devices such as the management server 10 via a network N or the like.

[0062] The memory unit 35 stores various programs and data for operating each part of the nail printer 30.

[0063] The printing unit 36 ​​prints on the claws that are to be printed. The printing unit 36 ​​includes a print head (not shown) that performs the printing operation, a head movement mechanism (not shown) that moves the print head, and the like. The print head is used to print designs onto the nails and is capable of ejecting inks of various colors, such as cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y). While there are no particular limitations on the print head, it is an inkjet head that can perform fine printing by spraying droplets of ink (liquid) onto the nail surface from the ink ejection surface. The head movement mechanism, through its drive, moves the print head relative to the surface of the fingernail placed on the finger rest.

[0064] The imaging unit 37 is located inside the nail printer 30, above the finger rest. The imaging unit 37 photographs the surface of the nail (including the nail and finger) and acquires an image of the nail (image of the finger including the nail). The imaging unit 37 is equipped with an imaging camera (not shown), an illumination light (not shown), and the like. An imaging camera is comprised of a solid-state image sensor, such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), and a lens, among other components. The lighting fixture is a light source positioned to the side of the imaging camera to illuminate the claws of the subject being photographed, and is, for example, a white LED.

[0065] The control unit 31 controls the imaging unit 37 to cause the imaging camera to capture an image of the fingernail of the finger placed on the finger rest. The control unit 31 extracts the nail region from the captured image and generates nail information representing the shape of the nail region. Furthermore, the control unit 21 generates print data based on the nail design data and nail information. Based on the print data, the control unit 21 outputs a control signal to the printing unit 36 ​​and controls the printing unit 36 ​​to perform printing according to this print data.

[0066] [Warehouse terminal configuration] Figure 8 shows the control configuration of the warehouse terminal 40. As shown in Figure 8, the warehouse terminal 40 includes a control unit 41, an operation unit 42, a display unit 43, a communication unit 44, a storage unit 45, and the like.

[0067] The control unit 41 is equipped with a processor such as a CPU and comprehensively controls the operation of each part of the warehouse terminal 40. The control unit 41 works in cooperation with the program stored in the memory unit 45 to realize various functions for operating the warehouse terminal 40.

[0068] The operation unit 42 is comprised of a keyboard equipped with cursor keys, character and number input keys, and various function keys, and a pointing device such as a mouse. It outputs operation information input via keyboard key operations and mouse operations to the control unit 41.

[0069] The display unit 43 consists of an LCD, an organic EL display, or other flat display, and displays various display information on the display screen under the control of the control unit 41.

[0070] The communication unit 44 performs data communication with external devices such as the management server 10 via the network N, etc.

[0071] The memory unit 45 stores various programs and data necessary for operating each part of the warehouse terminal 40.

[0072] [Operation in the Nail Printer Management System] Next, we will explain the operation of the nail printer management system 1.

[0073] <Owner Usage Date Registration Process (Normal Operation)> Figure 9 is a ladder chart showing the owner usage date registration process (normal operation) executed on the management server 10 and user terminal 20. The owner usage date registration process (normal operation) is the process by which the owner of the nail printer 30 registers their own usage dates for the nail printer 30 when the number of reservations made by the owner has not reached the threshold. Here, the "specified period" is set to "months," and the usage dates for "this month" are registered. The "specified threshold" set for the "number of transports" per month is set to "3 times."

[0074] First, when the owner operates the control unit 22 on their own user terminal 20 to open the dedicated application 251 and select to register the usage date for this month (step S1), the control unit 21 of the user terminal 20 transmits the owner's user ID to the management server 10 via the communication unit 24.

[0075] When the control unit 11 of the management server 10 receives a user ID from the user terminal 20 via the communication unit 14, it refers to the owner information table T1 of the operation DB 151 and identifies that the received user ID is the "owner's user ID" (step S2).

[0076] Next, the control unit 11 of the management server 10 retrieves the "transport count" for this month of "self-use" in the "usage information" corresponding to the "user ID" of the user terminal 20 from the owner information table T1 and confirms that the "transport count" is less than 3 (step S3). In other words, the "transport count," which indicates the number of reservations made by the owner, has not reached the "predetermined threshold (3 times)."

[0077] Next, the control unit 11 of the management server 10 retrieves the "Usage Calendar" for this month under "Self-Use" and the "Loan Calendar" for this month under "Loan Use" from the owner information table T1, corresponding to the "User ID" of the user on the user terminal 20, and generates a usage date registration screen for owned printers, specifying the usage dates that have already been reserved (including the moving and maintenance days associated with the usage dates) (step S4). The control unit 11 transmits the screen data of the usage date registration screen to the owner's user terminal 20 via the communication unit 14.

[0078] On the owner's user terminal 20, the control unit 21 displays the usage date registration screen on the display unit 23 based on the screen data (step S5). When the owner operates the operation unit 22 to select a usage date on the usage date registration screen (step S6), the control unit 21 of the user terminal 20 transmits the selected usage date to the management server 10 via the communication unit 24.

[0079] When the control unit 11 of the management server 10 receives the usage date from the user terminal 20 via the communication unit 14, it sets the two days before the usage date and the two days after the usage date as either a transfer date or a maintenance date. The control unit 11 registers the usage date, transfer date, and maintenance date in the "Usage Calendar" for this month under "Self-Use" in the "Usage Information" corresponding to the "User ID" of the user terminal 20 in the owner information table T1, and in the "Usage Calendar" for this month corresponding to the "Serial No." of the nail printer 30 scheduled for use in the printer information table T2 (step S7). The control unit 11 also stores the usage date, transfer date, maintenance date, and user (the "User ID" of the user terminal 20) in association with the "Usage Calendar" in the printer information table T2.

[0080] Furthermore, the control unit 11 of the management server 10 adds 1 to the "Number of Transports" for this month in the "Usage Information" corresponding to the "User ID" of the user terminal 20 in the owner information table T1 under "Self-Use" (Step S8).

[0081] Furthermore, the control unit 11 of the management server 10 updates the "available dates for loan" for this month from the "loaned usage" in the "usage information" corresponding to the "user ID" of the user terminal 20 in the owner information table T1, excluding the usage date, moving date, and maintenance date related to the newly added reservation (step S9).

[0082] Next, the control unit 11 of the management server 10 sends a registration completion notification to the owner's user terminal 20 via the communication unit 14 (step S10).

[0083] When the owner's user terminal 20 receives a registration completion notification from the management server 10 via the communication unit 24, the control unit 21 displays the registration data on the display unit 23 (step S11). This completes the owner usage date registration process (under normal circumstances).

[0084] Figure 10 shows an example of the owner usage date registration screen 231 displayed on the display unit 23 of the owner's user terminal 20. The owner usage date registration screen 231 includes a usage date selection area 60, a usage date display area 61, an OK button 62, etc. The usage date selection area 60 displays a calendar for the month for which the usage date is to be registered (in this case, August 2022). The owner selects the usage date in the usage date selection area 60 by touching the area corresponding to the usage date via the operation unit 22. In the usage date selection area 60, marks 63 to 66 indicating the usage date are displayed in the areas corresponding to August 5th, August 13th-14th, and August 27th. The usage date display area 61 displays the usage date selected in the usage date selection area 60. The OK button 62 is used to confirm the registration details on the owner usage date registration screen 231.

[0085] If August 5th, August 13th-14th, and August 27th are registered as usage dates, considering the travel and maintenance days before and after the usage dates, the period during which the owner will have exclusive use of the nail printer 30 will be August 3rd-7th, August 11th-16th, and August 25th-29th. As a result, the rental dates will be August 8-10, August 17-24, and August 30 onwards, in addition to the above-mentioned occupancy period.

[0086] <Owner usage date registration process (transportation count exceeds threshold)> Figure 11 is a ladder chart showing the owner usage date registration process (transport count exceeds threshold) executed on the management server 10 and user terminal 20. The owner usage date registration process (transport count exceeds threshold) is the process for registering the owner's own usage dates for the nail printer 30 when the number of reservations already exceeds the threshold. Here, "month" is used as the "specified period," and the usage dates for "this month" are registered. The "specified threshold" set for the "transport count" per month is set to "3 times."

[0087] The processes in steps S21 and S22 are the same as those in steps S1 and S2 of the owner usage date registration process (normal operation), so their explanation is omitted.

[0088] Next, the control unit 11 of the management server 10 retrieves the "transport count" for this month of "self-use" in the "usage information" corresponding to the "user ID" of the user on the user terminal 20 from the owner information table T1 and confirms that the "transport count" is 3 or more (step S23). Since the "transport count," which indicates the number of reservations made by the owner, has reached a "predetermined threshold (3 times)," the usage date to be registered this time will be a reservation that exceeds the threshold.

[0089] The control unit 11 of the management server 10 notifies the owner's user terminal 20 via the communication unit 14 that the reservation acceptance will be stopped (step S24).

[0090] On the owner's user terminal 20, a message such as, "Your reservation limit has already been reached 3, so we have stopped accepting reservations. An additional fee will be charged to resume reservations. Is that alright?" is displayed on the display unit 23.

[0091] Here, the control unit 21 of the user terminal 20 determines whether or not the OK button for the additional charge has been pressed based on the operation from the operation unit 22 (step S25). If the OK button is not pressed (Step S25; NO), the reservation is interrupted and the process ends.

[0092] In step S25, if the OK button is pressed (step S25; YES), that is, if the owner agrees to pay the additional fee, the control unit 21 of the user terminal 20 sends a continue instruction to the management server 10 via the communication unit 24.

[0093] When the control unit 11 of the management server 10 receives a continue instruction from the user terminal 20 via the communication unit 14, it proceeds to step S26. The processing in steps S26 to S31 is the same as the processing in steps S4 to S9 of the owner usage date registration process (normal operation), so the explanation is omitted.

[0094] Next, the control unit 11 of the management server 10 adds the additional charge for this reservation to the "management fee" for this month for the record corresponding to the "user ID" of the user terminal 20 in the owner information table T1 (step S32). The processes in steps S33 and S34 are the same as those in steps S10 and S11 of the owner usage date registration process (normal operation), so their explanation is omitted. This completes the owner usage date registration process (when the number of transports exceeds the threshold).

[0095] <User usage date registration process each time> Figure 12 is a ladder chart showing the process of registering the user's usage date each time it is performed on the management server 10 and the user terminal 20. The process of registering the user's usage date each time is performed when a user registers the date they will use the nail printer 30. Here, "months" are used as the "specified period," and the user registers the usage date for "this month."

[0096] First, each time a user operates the operation unit 22 on their own user terminal 20 to open the dedicated application 251 and select to register the usage date (step S41), the control unit 21 of the user terminal 20 transmits the user's user ID to the management server 10 via the communication unit 24.

[0097] When the control unit 11 of the management server 10 receives a user ID from the user terminal 20 via the communication unit 14, it refers to the user information table T3 in the operation DB 151 and identifies that the received user ID is the "user ID of the user on a case-by-case basis" (step S42).

[0098] Next, the control unit 11 of the management server 10 generates a usage date registration screen (step S43). The control unit 11 transmits the screen data of the usage date registration screen to the user terminal 20 of the user each time via the communication unit 14.

[0099] Each time a user uses the user terminal 20, the control unit 21 displays the usage date registration screen on the display unit 23 based on the screen data (step S44). Each time a user operates the operation unit 22 and selects a usage date on the usage date registration screen (step S45), the control unit 21 of the user terminal 20 transmits the selected usage date to the management server 10 via the communication unit 24.

[0100] When the control unit 11 of the management server 10 receives the usage date from the user terminal 20 via the communication unit 14, it extracts the available nail printers 30 based on the usage date (step S46). Specifically, the control unit 11 extracts records from the owner information table T1 in which the "available rental dates" include the period from two days before the usage date to two days after the usage date, with the two days before and two days after the usage date designated as moving days or maintenance days. Then, the control unit 11 identifies the nail printer 30 with the "Owned Printer Serial No." corresponding to the extracted record as the available nail printer 30.

[0101] For example, if a user requests "August 19th and 20th" as their usage dates, the control unit 11 searches for a nail printer 30 whose "available rental dates" include "August 17th to 22nd," which includes the two days before and two days after the usage dates. If, as shown in Figure 13, a certain nail printer 30 already has a reservation set by one of the users, with a rental period 70-72 including the usage dates (August 5th, August 13th-14th, August 27th), then the period 73 of "August 17th to 22nd," which includes the usage dates requested by the user, is included in the "available rental dates" of this nail printer 30, which is "August 17th to 24th," and therefore this nail printer 30 can be rented to the user.

[0102] The control unit 11 of the management server 10 registers the usage date, relocation date, and maintenance date each time in the "Usage Calendar" for this month in the "Usage Information" section of the user information table T3, corresponding to the "User ID" of the user on the user terminal 20, and in the "Usage Calendar" for this month in the printer information table T2, corresponding to the "Serial No." of the nail printer 30 to be used (step S47). The control unit 11 also stores the usage date, relocation date, and maintenance date in association with the "Serial No." of the nail printer 30 to be used in the "Usage Calendar" section of the user information table T3 each time. Furthermore, the control unit 11 stores the usage date, relocation date, and maintenance date in association with the user (the "User ID" of the user on the user terminal 20) in the "Usage Calendar" section of the printer information table T2.

[0103] Furthermore, the control unit 11 of the management server 10 removes the usage date, transfer date, and maintenance date related to the newly added reservation from the "available dates for loan" for this month in the "rental usage" section of the "usage information" corresponding to the "user ID" of the owner of the nail printer 30 scheduled for use in the owner information table T1, and updates the "loan calendar" for this month by adding the newly added reservation details (step S48). Specifically, the control unit 11 stores the usage date, transfer date, and maintenance date in association with the user (the "user ID" of the user of the user terminal 20) in the "loan calendar".

[0104] Next, the control unit 11 of the management server 10 adds the usage fee to the "billing amount" for this month for each record in the user information table T3 corresponding to the "user ID" of the user on the user terminal 20 (step S49).

[0105] Next, the control unit 11 of the management server 10 sends a registration completion notification to the user's terminal 20 via the communication unit 14 each time (step S50).

[0106] Each time a user terminal 20 receives a registration completion notification from the management server 10 via the communication unit 24, the control unit 21 displays the registration data on the display unit 23 (step S51).

[0107] Furthermore, the control unit 11 of the management server 10 notifies the owner of the nail printer 30 to be used via the communication unit 14 that a rental reservation has been made (step S52). Specifically, based on the "User ID" of the owner of the nail printer 30 to be used in the owner information table T1, the control unit 11 notifies the owner on the dedicated application 251 on the user terminal 20 of the period during which the printer was unavailable due to rental. This completes the user usage date registration process.

[0108] <Processing when used by the owner> Figure 14 is a ladder chart showing the owner-operated processing performed on the management server 10, user terminal 20, and warehouse terminal 40. Owner-operated processing refers to the processing performed when the owner of the nail printer 30 uses their own nail printer 30. Figure 14 also shows the owner, who is the operator of the user terminal 20, and the management warehouse worker, who is the operator of the warehouse terminal 40.

[0109] First, the control unit 11 of the management server 10 refers to the owner information table T1 and extracts records from the "Usage Calendar" under "Self-Use" in "Usage Information" for which the shipping date (two days before the usage date) is approaching. The control unit 11 then communicates the shipping date to the user terminal 20 with the "User ID" corresponding to the extracted record via the communication unit 14 (step S61).

[0110] On the owner's user terminal 20, the shipping date of the owner's nail printer 30 is displayed on the dedicated application 251 on the display unit 23. When the confirmation button is pressed on the user terminal 20 by operation from the operation unit 22 (step S62), the control unit 21 of the user terminal 20 transmits to the management server 10 via the communication unit 24 that the confirmation button has been pressed.

[0111] When the control unit 11 of the management server 10 receives notification via the communication unit 14 that the confirmation button has been pressed from the user terminal 20, it checks to confirm that the confirmation has been made by the owner (step S63).

[0112] Next, the control unit 11 of the management server 10 sends a shipping instruction to the warehouse terminal 40 via the communication unit 14 (step S64). The shipping instruction includes the serial number of the nail printer 30 to be shipped, the shipping address (owner's user ID, address, name, telephone number, etc.), and the schedule (scheduled shipping date, scheduled usage date, scheduled return date, etc.).

[0113] On the warehouse terminal 40, the shipping instruction is displayed on the display unit 43 (step S65). The warehouse worker confirms the shipping instructions. The warehouse worker retrieves the nail printer 30 to be shipped from the warehouse, packs it, and ships it to the owner on the scheduled shipping date (step S66). The nail printer 30 is delivered to the owner by courier.

[0114] The owner receives the delivered nail printer 30 (step S67). When the user terminal 20 receives input from the owner's operation unit 22 indicating that delivery has been completed (step S68), the control unit 21 of the user terminal 20 sends a delivery completion notification to the management server 10 via the communication unit 24.

[0115] When the control unit 11 of the management server 10 receives a delivery completion notification from the user terminal 20 via the communication unit 14, it changes the "current location" corresponding to the "serial number" of the delivered nail printer 30 in the printer information table T2 to "owner's home" (step S69).

[0116] The owner uses the nail printer 30 (step S70). When using the nail printer 30, data communication is performed directly between the user terminal 20 and the nail printer 30, and the nail printer 30 is operated from the dedicated application 251 on the user terminal 20.

[0117] After using the nail printer 30, the owner packs the nail printer 30 and returns it to the management warehouse (step S71). The nail printer 30 is returned to the management warehouse by courier.

[0118] The warehouse worker receives the returned nail printer 30 (step S72). When the warehouse terminal 40 receives input from the control unit 42 of the warehouse management worker indicating that the delivery has been completed (step S73), the control unit 41 of the warehouse terminal 40 sends a delivery completion notification to the management server 10 via the communication unit 44.

[0119] When the control unit 11 of the management server 10 receives a delivery completion notification from the warehouse terminal 40 via the communication unit 14, it changes the "current location" corresponding to the "serial number" of the delivered nail printer 30 in the printer information table T2 to "warehouse" (step S74).

[0120] The warehouse worker prepares the returned nail printer 30 and stores it in the warehouse (step S75). This completes the owner usage process.

[0121] Furthermore, at the timing of step S69, the control unit 11 of the management server 10 notifies the owner's user terminal 20 of an alert if the "current location" does not match the "current serial number" of the nail printer 30 to be delivered in the printer information table T2, as indicated in the "usage calendar" for this month. The administrator of the management server 10 may also confirm the delivery with the delivery company. Furthermore, at the timing of step S74, the control unit 11 of the management server 10 notifies the warehouse terminal 40 of an alert if the "current location" does not match the "current serial number" of the nail printer 30 to be delivered in the printer information table T2, as indicated in the "usage calendar" for this month. The administrator of the management server 10 may also confirm the delivery with the courier company.

[0122] Furthermore, the control unit 11 of the management server 10 may use the courier tracking system to obtain information that delivery has been completed and then perform the processing in steps S69 and S74. For example, a return shipping label may be enclosed when shipping the nail printer 30, and the management numbers of the shipping label and the return shipping label may be registered with the management server 10 at the warehouse terminal 40 before shipping.

[0123] Furthermore, in step S70, when the owner uses the nail printer 30, the user terminal 20 may use a dedicated application 251 to send a notification to the management server 10 indicating that the nail printer 30 is at the owner's location. The control unit 11 of the management server 10 may change the "current location" corresponding to the "serial number" of the printer to be processed in the printer information table T2 to "owner's home" in response to this notification. The control unit 11 of the management server 10 reconfirms that the nail printer 30 is at the owner's location by comparing the notification from the dedicated application 251 with the "usage calendar" in the owner information table T1 or the printer information table T2.

[0124] <Processing each time the user uses the service> Figures 15 and 16 are ladder charts showing the processing performed when a user temporarily borrows and uses the nail printer 30, which is executed on the management server 10, the user terminal 20 of the user who uses the device on a one-time basis, the warehouse terminal 40, and the owner's user terminal 20. The processing when a user temporarily borrows and uses the device on a one-time basis is the process that takes place when a user temporarily borrows and uses the nail printer 30. Figures 15 and 16 also show the user who operates the user terminal 20 and the warehouse worker who operates the warehouse terminal 40.

[0125] First, the control unit 11 of the management server 10 refers to the user information table T3 each time, extracts records from the "usage calendar" for which the shipping date (two days before the usage date) is approaching, and identifies the "serial number" of the nail printer 30 used by the user each time. The control unit 11 then communicates the shipping date to the user terminal 20 (the user terminal 20 of the user each time) with the "user ID" corresponding to the extracted record via the communication unit 14 (step S81).

[0126] Each time a user terminal 20 is used, the shipping date of the nail printer 30 to be used is displayed on the dedicated application 251 on the display unit 23. Each time the user's terminal 20 is operated from the operation unit 22 and the confirmation button is pressed (step S82), the control unit 21 of the user terminal 20 transmits to the management server 10 via the communication unit 24 that the confirmation button has been pressed.

[0127] Whenever the control unit 11 of the management server 10 receives notification via the communication unit 14 that the confirmation button has been pressed from the user terminal 20 of the user, it checks that the confirmation has been made by the user (step S83).

[0128] Next, the control unit 11 of the management server 10 sends a shipping instruction to the warehouse terminal 40 via the communication unit 14 (step S84). The shipping instruction includes the serial number of the nail printer 30 to be shipped, the shipping address (user ID, address, name, telephone number, etc. of the user each time), and the schedule (scheduled shipping date, scheduled usage date, scheduled return date, etc.).

[0129] On the warehouse terminal 40, the shipping instruction is displayed on the display unit 43 (step S85). The warehouse worker confirms the shipping instructions. The warehouse worker retrieves the nail printer 30 to be shipped from the warehouse, packs it, and ships it to the user on the scheduled shipping date (step S86). The nail printer 30 is delivered to the user by courier service.

[0130] Each time, the user receives the nail printer 30 that has been delivered (step S87). When the user terminal 20 of each individual user receives input from the operation unit 22 indicating that delivery has been completed (step S88), the control unit 21 of the user terminal 20 of each individual user sends a delivery completion notification to the management server 10 via the communication unit 24.

[0131] When the control unit 11 of the management server 10 receives a delivery completion notification from the user terminal 20 of the user via the communication unit 14, it changes the "current location" corresponding to the "serial number" of the delivered nail printer 30 in the printer information table T2 to "user's home" (step S89).

[0132] Each user uses the nail printer 30 (step S90). When using the nail printer 30, data communication is performed directly between the user's terminal 20 and the nail printer 30, and the user operates the nail printer 30 from the dedicated application 251 on the user's terminal 20.

[0133] After using the nail printer 30, the user packs it up and returns it to the management warehouse (step S91). The nail printer 30 is returned to the management warehouse by courier service.

[0134] The warehouse worker receives the returned nail printer 30 (step S92). When the warehouse terminal 40 receives input from the control unit 42 of the warehouse management worker indicating that the delivery has been completed (step S93), the control unit 41 of the warehouse terminal 40 sends a delivery completion notification to the management server 10 via the communication unit 44.

[0135] When the control unit 11 of the management server 10 receives a delivery completion notification from the warehouse terminal 40 via the communication unit 14, it changes the "current location" corresponding to the "serial number" of the delivered nail printer 30 in the printer information table T2 to "warehouse" (step S94).

[0136] The warehouse worker prepares the returned nail printer 30 and stores it in the warehouse (step S95).

[0137] Moving to Figure 16, in the warehouse terminal 40, in response to an operation from the operation unit 42 by the warehouse management worker, the control unit 41 transmits a loan completion report to the management server 10 via the communication unit 44 (step S96).

[0138] When the control unit 11 of the management server 10 receives a loan completion report from the warehouse terminal 40 via the communication unit 14, it executes payment for the loan of the nail printer 30 (step S97). Specifically, the control unit 11 obtains the "credit card information" corresponding to the user's "user ID" from the user information table T3 each time. Then, the control unit 11 accesses the payment server 50 via the communication unit 14 and performs credit card payment to the user for the loan of the nail printer 30 each time.

[0139] Next, the control unit 11 of the management server 10 notifies the user terminal 20 of the completion of the loan of the nail printer 30 and the execution of payment via the communication unit 14 each time (step S98). Specifically, the control unit 11 notifies the user on the dedicated application 251 on the user terminal 20 each time based on the user's "user ID".

[0140] Each time a user terminal 20 is used, the dedicated application 251 on the display unit 23 displays that the nail printer 30 has been rented and that payment has been processed (step S99).

[0141] Furthermore, the control unit 11 of the management server 10 distributes the revenue obtained from the rental of the nail printer 30 (the amount paid by the user each time) to the management contractor and the owner (step S100). For example, if the amount paid by the user each time to use the nail printer 30 (usage fee) is 3,000 yen, 2,000 yen will be distributed to the management contractor and 1,000 yen to the owner. The management contractor's share includes transportation costs, equipment maintenance costs, and the management contractor's profit. In the owner information table T1, the control unit 11 adds the amount distributed to the owner (owner's share) to the "rental revenue" for this month for the record where the "serial number of the owned printer" is the "serial number" of the rented nail printer 30.

[0142] The control unit 11 of the management server 10 notifies the owner's user terminal 20 via the communication unit 14 of the completion of the loan of the nail printer 30 and the distribution of revenue (step S101). Specifically, the control unit 11 notifies the owner of the nail printer 30 that was loaned out via the dedicated application 251 on the owner's user terminal 20, based on the owner's "user ID".

[0143] On the owner's user terminal 20, the dedicated application 251 on the display unit 23 displays that the rental of the nail printer 30 has been completed and the distributed revenue has been shown (step S102). This completes the user-initiated processing for each user.

[0144] Furthermore, at the timing of step S89, the control unit 11 of the management server 10 notifies the user terminal 20 of an alert each time if the "current location" does not match the "current serial number" of the nail printer 30 to be delivered in the printer information table T2 in the "usage calendar" for this month. The administrator of the management server 10 may also confirm the delivery with the delivery company. Furthermore, at the timing of step S94, the control unit 11 of the management server 10 notifies the warehouse terminal 40 of an alert if the "current location" does not match the "current serial number" of the nail printer 30 to be delivered in the printer information table T2, as indicated in the "usage calendar" for this month. The administrator of the management server 10 may also confirm the delivery with the delivery company.

[0145] Furthermore, in step S90, when a user uses the nail printer 30 each time, the user terminal 20 may use a dedicated application 251 to send a notification to the management server 10 indicating that the nail printer 30 is at the user's location. The control unit 11 of the management server 10 may change the "current location" corresponding to the "serial number" of the printer to be processed in the printer information table T2 to "user each time" in response to this notification. The control unit 11 of the management server 10 reconfirms that the nail printer 30 is at the user's location by comparing the notification from the dedicated application 251 with the "usage calendar" in the printer information table T2 or the user information table T3.

[0146] Furthermore, billing and payment to users on a per-use basis may be consolidated and processed at predetermined intervals (e.g., monthly).

[0147] <Ownership Income and Expenditure Calculation Process> Figure 17 is a flowchart showing the owner income and expenditure calculation process executed on the management server 10. Here, "month" is used as the "specified period". The owner income and expenditure calculation process is performed on the closing date of each month (end of the month, etc.).

[0148] First, the control unit 11 of the management server 10 retrieves the "transport count" for this month from the owner information table T1, which is the "usage information" corresponding to the "user ID" of the owner to be processed, for "self-use" (step S111). Next, the control unit 11 determines whether the acquired "transportation count" is 3 or less (step S112).

[0149] If the "number of transports" is 3 or less (step S112; YES), the control unit 11 sets the management fee to a monthly basic fee (for example, 3,000 yen) (step S113).

[0150] In step S112, if the "number of transports" is more than 3 (step S112; NO), the control unit 11 calculates the management fee by adding an additional charge corresponding to the "number of transports" (for example, 500 yen per transport) to the monthly basic charge (step S114). For example, if the "number of transports" is 4, the additional charge will be the usage fee for one transport.

[0151] Alternatively, instead of processing steps S112 to S114, the control unit 11 may retrieve the monthly "management fee" corresponding to the "user ID" of the owner to be processed from the owner information table T1. The "management fee" retrieved here is the basic fee if the "number of transports" is 3 or less, and the amount obtained by adding an additional charge to the basic fee if the "number of transports" is more than 3.

[0152] After step S113 or step S114, the control unit 11 refers to the owner information table T1 and obtains the number of loans from the current month's "loan calendar" for "loan usage" in the "usage information" corresponding to the "user ID" of the owner to be processed (step S115). Next, the control unit 11 calculates the loan revenue (the owner's share of the amount paid by the user each time) based on the number of times the item has been borrowed (step S116).

[0153] Alternatively, instead of performing the processes in steps S115 and S116, the control unit 11 may obtain the "loan income" for this month corresponding to the "user ID" of the owner to be processed from the owner information table T1.

[0154] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether the management fee is greater than the loan income (step S117). If the management fee is greater than the loan income (step S117; YES), the control unit 11 sets the amount obtained by subtracting the loan income from the management fee as the credit charge amount to the owner (step S118).

[0155] The control unit 11 notifies the owner's user terminal 20 of the credit billing amount via a dedicated application 251 (step S119). For example, the display unit 23 of the owner's user terminal 20 is notified of the breakdown of management fees (basic fee and additional fees), rental income, and the final billing amount based on the difference between management fees and rental income.

[0156] In step S117, if the management fee is not greater than the loan income (step S117; NO), the control unit 11 determines whether the management fee is less than the loan income (step S120). If the management fee is less than the loan income (step S120; YES), the control unit 11 will set the amount obtained by subtracting the management fee from the loan income as the amount to be transferred to the owner's account (step S121).

[0157] The control unit 11 notifies the owner's user terminal 20 of the amount to be transferred to the account via a dedicated application 251 (step S122). For example, the display unit 23 of the owner's user terminal 20 is notified of the breakdown of management fees (basic fee and additional fees), rental income, and the final payment amount to the owner based on the difference between rental income and management fees.

[0158] In step S120, if the management fee is not less than the rental income (step S120; NO), that is, if the management fee is equal to the rental income, the control unit 11 notifies the owner's user terminal 20 of the balance of income and expenses via the dedicated application 251 (step S123). For example, the display unit 23 of the owner's user terminal 20 will be notified that there are no invoices or payments to be made to the owner, as well as a breakdown of the management fee (basic fee, additional charges), rental income, etc.

[0159] After step S119, step S122, or step S123, the owner income and expenditure calculation process is completed.

[0160] Next, we will explain a specific example of the owner income and expenditure calculation process with reference to Figures 18 to 21. Here, the continuation of the storage contract will be confirmed on the 15th of the target month, the billing amount will be determined with the end of the month as the closing date, and the settlement date will be the 5th of the following month. In addition, the basic management fee will be 3,000 yen, the additional fee will be 500 yen per rental, and the owner's income from each rental will be 1,000 yen.

[0161] In the example for July shown in Figure 18, the number of times the owner transported the vehicle for their own use was below the threshold, so the management fee was the basic fee (3,000 yen), and there was no income from rental use. In this case, the owner's income and expenditure calculation process is performed on the closing date (July 31), and the amount billed to the owner is "3,000 yen". On the settlement date of the following month (August 5), the owner pays "3,000 yen" to the management contractor via credit card payment by the owner.

[0162] In the example for August shown in Figure 19, the number of times the owner transports goods for their own use is below the threshold, so the management fee will be the basic fee (3,000 yen). Additionally, there were two loan transactions in August (August 8th and August 20th), generating loan revenue of 2,000 yen. In this case, the owner's income and expenditure calculation process is performed on the closing date (August 31st), and the amount billed to the owner will be 1,000 yen, which is the management fee of 3,000 yen minus the rental income of 2,000 yen. On the settlement date of the following month (September 5th), the owner will pay 1,000 yen to the management company via credit card payment by the owner.

[0163] In the example for September shown in Figure 20, the number of times the owner transports goods for their own use is below the threshold, so the management fee will be the basic fee (3,000 yen). Additionally, there were four loan transactions in September (September 3rd, September 10th, September 18th, and September 25th), generating loan revenue of 4,000 yen. In this case, the owner's income and expenditure calculation process is performed on the closing date (September 30th), and the amount to be transferred to the owner is 1,000 yen, which is the rental income of 4,000 yen minus the management fee of 3,000 yen. On the settlement date of the following month (October 5th), 1,000 yen is transferred from the management company to the owner's bank account.

[0164] In the example for October shown in Figure 21, the owner used the service four times (October 2nd, October 12th, October 19th, and October 29th). Since the number of transports exceeds the threshold (3 times), the management fee will be 3,500 yen, which is the basic fee (3,000 yen) plus an additional charge (500 yen). Additionally, there were two loan transactions in October (October 7th and October 24th), generating loan revenue of 2,000 yen. In this case, the owner's income and expenditure calculation process is performed on the closing date (October 31st), and the amount billed to the owner will be 1,500 yen, which is the management fee of 3,500 yen minus the rental income of 2,000 yen. On the settlement date of the following month (November 5th), the owner will pay 1,500 yen to the management company via credit card payment by the owner.

[0165] As explained above, according to the nail printer management system 1 of this embodiment, nail printers 30 (products) that are not used on a regular basis are received from the owner and transported to the owner only when needed, so that the nail printers 30 owned by the owner can be used effectively. Furthermore, if the number of times the nail printer 30 is transported to the owner within a predetermined period due to a reservation by the owner reaches a predetermined threshold, the acceptance of reservations by the owner for that period will be stopped. This prevents excessive costs and effort from being incurred when transporting the nail printer 30 to the owner for the business of receiving and managing the nail printer 30 from the owner.

[0166] However, even if the number of transports reaches a predetermined threshold, if the owner agrees to pay an additional fee, the acceptance of reservations from the owner will be resumed for a predetermined period, allowing for more reservations to be accepted according to the owner's wishes.

[0167] Furthermore, when the owner is not using the nail printer 30, they can lend it to a third party (a user on a case-by-case basis) and earn a profit, thus making effective use of the nail printer 30 owned by the owner. Furthermore, if a user other than the owner of the nail printer 30 uses the nail printer 30 for a predetermined period, the amount obtained by deducting the owner's share (rental income) from the management fee, or the amount obtained by deducting the management fee from the owner's share, will be notified to the owner of the nail printer 30, so that the owner can be reported on the income and expenses.

[0168] Furthermore, the management fee is adjusted based on the number of times the owner's nail printer 30 is delivered to the owner within a predetermined period, so the amount charged to the owner can be changed according to the owner's own usage.

[0169] Furthermore, notification to the owner of the amount obtained by deducting rental income from management fees, or the amount obtained by deducting management fees from rental income, is not limited to notification on the dedicated application 251 on the user terminal 20. For example, the owner may be notified of the above amount by email, or the information may be made available for viewing at a site accessed by the owner. In addition, bank transfers to the owner's bank account, withdrawals from the owner's bank account, and credit card payment processing are also included in notification to the owner, as the owner can be aware of the respective amounts.

[0170] Furthermore, the owner does not have to worry about storage space when not using the nail printer 30, as it is only transported when needed. Additionally, the owner can make a profit by lending the nail printer 30 to a third party when not using it. Furthermore, since the owner has entrusted the management of the nail printer 30 to a management company, it becomes easier to receive maintenance services. Furthermore, since the nail printer 30 itself belongs to the owner, the owner can take it back at any time by terminating the contract.

[0171] Furthermore, if the management company also acts as a distributor for the Nail Printer 30, it becomes easier to recommend the purchase of the Nail Printer 30 to buyers who will become owners of the Nail Printer 30. Furthermore, by receiving the nail printer 30 from the owner, the management company can easily secure inventory when lending out the nail printer 30. This makes it easier to stimulate the lending and use of the nail printer 30. Furthermore, since the nail printer 30 itself is being held by the management company on behalf of the owner, it can simply be returned to the owner after the contract ends, and there is no need to sell or dispose of the nail printer 30.

[0172] Furthermore, users can rent and use the nail printer 30 only when needed. Additionally, users can utilize the nail printer 30 at a lower usage fee compared to its purchase price.

[0173] The above-described embodiments are examples of the management system according to the present invention and are not limited thereto. The detailed configuration and operation of each device constituting the system can also be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0174] For example, the method for updating the "current location" in the printer information table T2 of the management server 10 is not limited to the above example; the serial number sticker (barcode) affixed to the nail printer 30 during manufacturing may also be used. Specifically, when a nail printer is received or shipped from the management warehouse, the serial number of the nail printer 30 is read from the barcode using a barcode reader connected to or built into the warehouse terminal 40, updating the "current location" of the printer being processed in the printer information table T2 of the management server 10. When the nail printer 30 is shipped from the management warehouse to the user, the serial number of the nail printer 30 is read by the warehouse terminal 40, and the "current location" of the printer being processed in the printer information table T2 becomes "the user's home, the destination." On the other hand, when the nail printer 30 is returned from the user to the management warehouse, the serial number of the nail printer 30 is read by the warehouse terminal 40, and the "current location" of the printer being processed in the printer information table T2 becomes "the warehouse."

[0175] As mentioned above, the nail printer 30 operates via a dedicated application 251 on the user terminal 20. When a user uses the nail printer 30, the dedicated application 251 and the nail printer 30 are linked (the nail printer 30 can be operated from the dedicated application 251) by reading the "serial number" from the barcode of the nail printer 30 using a barcode reader connected to or built into the user terminal 20. By sending the "serial number" of the nail printer 30 to be used from the user terminal 20 to the management server 10 via the dedicated application 251 and network N, the management server 10 can determine which nail printer 30 (serial number) is being used by which user (user ID). The management server 10 sets the "current location" of the printer to be processed in the printer information table T2 to the "user's home" of the user using the nail printer 30.

[0176] Furthermore, if the nail printer 30 has its own "serial number" stored internally (storage unit 35), the nail printer 30 sends the "serial number" to the dedicated application 251 on the user terminal 20 when communicating with the dedicated application 251. The user terminal 20 then sends the "serial number" of the nail printer 30 to the management server 10 via the dedicated application 251 and the network N. The subsequent processing is the same as in the case described above. In this case, the user terminal 20 does not need to read the "serial number" from the barcode of the nail printer 30.

[0177] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, "months" were used as the period (predetermined period) for defining the number of transports, management costs, etc., but the system is not limited to this. For example, a year, a week, etc., may be used as the predetermined period.

[0178] Furthermore, unlike a typical printer that can be placed anywhere in the room where it is used, the nail printer 30 is used very close to the user (within reach). Typically, it is assumed that the user will use it in a relaxed state, such as in the living room of their home. Therefore, the user will only move the nail printer 30 to a convenient location for applying nail polish when using it, and put it away afterward. In other words, the nail printer 30 is not meant to be permanently installed in a specific location, and if left in the living room or elsewhere, it will get in the way. Thus, while the nail printer 30 is convenient to use in a typical home, it is one of those products that takes up space if left permanently. Therefore, applying the management system according to the present invention to the nail printer 30 is particularly effective.

[0179] Furthermore, the nail printer 30 can be delivered to the user's home, travel destination, wedding venue, party venue, or other location. This allows the user to use the nail printer 30 without having to carry it around themselves.

[0180] Furthermore, the system can be applied to products that are purchased by the average household but not used on a daily basis, such as beauty devices, kitchen appliances, inkjet printers, and video cameras.

[0181] Furthermore, given the operational aspect of transporting the product to the user when it is needed, the country could be divided into multiple regions, and the product could be lent out within those regions.

[0182] Furthermore, the management server 10 may also maintain "Usage History" and "Loan History," which record actual usage (including troubles, malfunctions, complaints, etc.), in addition to the "Usage Calendar" and "Loan Calendar" included in the owner information table T1, printer information table T2, and user information table T3. [Explanation of symbols]

[0183] 1. Nail printer management system 10 Management Server 11 Control Unit 14 Communications Department 15 Storage section 20 User Terminals 21 Control Unit 22 Control section 23 Display section 24 Communications Department 25 Memory section 30 Nail Printers 40 Warehouse terminals 151 Operational Database 251 Dedicated app T1 Owner Information Table T2 Printer Information Table T3 User Information Table (for each user) N Network

Claims

1. A management system for managing the product deposited by the product owner, A means for receiving reservations for the use of the said product, associated with the user of the said product, A counting means for counting the number of times the owner's product is delivered to the owner during a predetermined period in accordance with the reservation made by the owner, Equipped with, The receiving means stops accepting reservations for the use of the owner's product by the owner during the predetermined period when the number of transports reaches a predetermined threshold. A management system characterized by the following features.

2. Even if the number of transports reaches the predetermined threshold, the receiving means will resume accepting reservations for the use of the owner's product by the owner during the predetermined period if the owner agrees to pay an additional fee. The management system according to feature 1.

3. A management system for managing the product deposited by the product owner, A notification means for notifying the owner of the product of the amount obtained by subtracting the management fee for managing the product from the consideration paid by the user for use during a predetermined period, or the amount obtained by subtracting the management fee from the owner's share, when the product is used by a user other than the owner of the product for a predetermined period. A counting means for counting the number of times the owner's product was transported to the owner in connection with the owner's use during the predetermined period, An adjustment means for adjusting the management fee based on the number of transports, A management system characterized by having the following features.

4. A management method performed by a management system for managing a product deposited by the owner of the product, A reservation process for the use of the aforementioned product is accepted in association with the user of the aforementioned product, A counting process that counts the number of times the owner's product is delivered to the owner during a predetermined period in accordance with the reservation made by the owner, Includes, The aforementioned acceptance process stops accepting reservations for the use of the owner's product by the owner during the predetermined period when the number of transports reaches a predetermined threshold. A management method characterized by the following features.

5. A management method performed by a management system for managing a product deposited by the owner of the product, When a user other than the owner of the product uses the product for a predetermined period, a notification process is performed to notify the owner of the product of the amount obtained by subtracting the owner's share of the consideration paid by the user for use during that predetermined period from the management fee for managing the product, or the amount obtained by subtracting the management fee from the owner's share. A counting process that counts the number of times the owner's product was delivered to the owner in connection with the owner's use during the predetermined period, Based on the number of transports, an adjustment process is performed to adjust the management fee. A management method characterized by including the following.

6. The computer of the management server that manages the product, which is deposited by the product owner, A means for receiving reservations for the use of the aforementioned product, associated with the user of the aforementioned product. A counting means for counting the number of times the owner's product is delivered to the owner during a predetermined period in accordance with the reservation made by the owner, To make it function as, The receiving means stops accepting reservations for the use of the owner's product by the owner during the predetermined period when the number of transports reaches a predetermined threshold. A program characterized by the following features.

7. A computer of a management server that manages the product deposited by the product owner, A notification means for notifying the owner of the product of the amount obtained by subtracting the management fee for the management of the product from the consideration paid by the user for use during a predetermined period, or the amount obtained by subtracting the management fee from the owner's share, when the product is used by a user other than the owner of the product for a predetermined period. A counting means for counting the number of times the owner's product was transported to the owner in connection with the owner's use during the predetermined period, An adjustment means for adjusting the management fee based on the number of transports, A program characterized by being designed to function as such.

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