Mobile body management system and mobile body management method

Abstract

A mobile body management system 1 comprises: a measurement unit 62 provided to a bicycle 2 including a tire 22, the measurement unit 62 measuring the air pressure of the tire 22; an output unit 67 that outputs information related to the air pressure to a user related to the bicycle 2 on the basis of the air pressure; an acquisition unit 52 that acquires action information related to an action for supplying air, the action being performed by the user; a specification unit 55 that specifies a user who has supplied air to the tire 22 on the basis of the action information; and a recording unit 56 that records the user who has supplied air to the tire 22.

Description

Mobile object management system and mobile object management method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a mobile object management system and a mobile object management method.

[0002] A known technology for managing moving objects such as vehicles is the tire pressure warning device described in Patent Document 1. This tire pressure warning device measures tire pressure and, based on the measured tire pressure, notifies the driver whether the tire pressure is too high or too low.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-170718

[0004] In recent years, sharing services for vehicles such as bicycles, electric kick scooters, gasoline-powered vehicles, and electric vehicles have become popular. In such vehicle sharing services, it is necessary to easily manage the tire pressure of the vehicles.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances, and aims to easily manage the air pressure of tires in a moving body.

[0006] A mobile object management system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is provided in a mobile object including a tire, and includes a measurement unit that measures the air pressure of the tire, an output unit that outputs information related to the air pressure to a user of the mobile object based on the air pressure, an acquisition unit that acquires behavioral information related to the user's behavior of supplying air to the tire, an identification unit that identifies the user who supplied air to the tire based on the behavioral information, and a recording unit that records the user who supplied air to the tire.

[0007] A mobile object management system according to one aspect of the present disclosure measures tire pressure and outputs information related to the tire pressure based on the tire pressure to a user of the mobile object. For example, by outputting the time-dependent change in tire pressure to the user as information related to the tire pressure, the user can be notified that the tire pressure is insufficient compared to the required amount. Furthermore, the system identifies the user who supplied air to the tire based on the behavioral information and records the identified user, allowing, for example, compensation to be paid to the user. As a result, the system provides an incentive for the user to proactively supply air, making it easier to manage the tire pressure of the mobile object.

[0008] A mobile object management method according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes the steps of measuring the air pressure of a tire of a mobile object including a tire, outputting information related to the air pressure to a user of the mobile object based on the air pressure, acquiring behavioral information related to the user's behavior of supplying air to the tire based on the behavioral information, identifying the user who supplied air to the tire based on the behavioral information, and recording the user who supplied air to the tire.

[0009] A mobile object management method according to another aspect of the present disclosure provides the same effects as the above-described mobile object management system.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, tire air pressure in a moving body can be easily managed.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a mobile object management system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a bicycle shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a mobile object management device shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a placement unit shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a mobile object management system according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing of a mobile object management system according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of mobile object management processing. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing after the processing shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of flat tire detection processing. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of voltage drop detection processing. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a mobile object management device according to a modified example. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of a mobile object management system according to an embodiment.

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a mobile object management system 1 according to an embodiment. The mobile object management system 1 is a system for managing mobile objects. The mobile object management system 1 is a system that is applied to, for example, a mobile object sharing service. Sharing services include, for example, services in which a mobile object is shared by multiple users. The mobile object includes tires. The mobile object is, for example, a bicycle, an electric kick scooter, a gasoline-powered vehicle, or an electric vehicle. The mobile object management system 1 manages a bicycle 2 as a mobile object. The mobile object management system 1 manages, for example, multiple bicycles 2.

[0014] The bicycle 2 is placed at a station S. The station S is a place for parking the bicycle 2. The station S may be located outdoors or indoors. For example, multiple stations S are provided in a city. When a user starts using the bicycle 2, the user rents the bicycle 2 parked at the station S. When the user finishes using the bicycle 2, the user returns the bicycle 2 to the station S. The station S may be, for example, a space provided in part of the grounds of a building. The station S may be, for example, a pre-set location where the bicycle 2 can be left behind. The type of station S is not particularly limited.

[0015] In this embodiment, the station S is provided with a placement unit 3. The placement unit 3 is a location where a supply device A (described later) is placed. Details of the placement unit 3 will be described later. The station S is provided with, for example, a plurality of placement units 3. However, the placement unit 3 may be provided in a location other than the station S.

[0016] The mobile object management system 1 includes a user terminal 4 and a server 5. The user terminal 4 is a mobile terminal owned by a user of the mobile object management system 1. A mobile terminal refers to a terminal that can be carried by a user. The mobile terminal is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The type of the user terminal 4 is not particularly limited. For example, an application for using the mobile object management system 1 is installed on the user terminal 4.

[0017] The server 5 is a server that comprehensively manages the mobile object management system 1. The server 5 stores the locations of the above-mentioned stations S in advance. The server 5 can communicate with the user terminal 4 via a network N. The network N is, for example, the Internet, a public line network, or a dedicated line network. The network N may include multiple different communication networks. The server 5 can communicate with each of the mobile object management device 6 (described below) of the bicycle 2 and the control unit 32 (described below) of the placement unit 3 via the network N.

[0018] In a mobile object sharing service, it is required to easily manage the tire pressure of the mobile object. For example, when the tire pressure decreases, it is required to supply air to the tire to increase the pressure. If the administrator of the mobile object management system 1 were to keep track of the tire pressure of the mobile object and supply air to the tire, the administrator's burden would be excessive, and it may become difficult to manage the tire pressure of the mobile object. In order to solve the above problem, the mobile object management system 1 has the configuration described below.

[0019] Next, the bicycle 2 and the arrangement unit 3 will be described in detail using Figures 2 to 4. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the bicycle 2 shown in Figure 1. The bicycle 2 includes a body 21 that forms the main body of the bicycle 2, tires 22 that are rotatably supported on the body 21, and handlebars 23 that are gripped by the user of the bicycle 2.

[0020] The bicycle 2 includes, for example, a pair of front and rear tires 22. The tires 22 are rotatable around an axle (not shown) supported by the body 21. The tires 22 include spokes (not shown) extending radially from the axle and a substantially annular rim (not shown) attached to the ends of the spokes. The rim is provided with a valve (not shown) for supplying air to the tires 22. The valve protrudes radially from the rim.

[0021] A user terminal 4 is attached to the bicycle 2 in a position visible to the user operating the bicycle 2. The user terminal 4 is attached, for example, to the handlebars 23. The user rides the bicycle 2 toward their destination while checking, for example, a map displayed on the user terminal 4. The user terminal 4 may display the map, for example, by known means for implementing a conventional map application.

[0022] The bicycle 2 includes a mobile object management device 6 for managing the mobile object. The mobile object management device 6 is attached, for example, to the rear tire 22 of the pair of tires 22. The mobile object management device 6 is attached, for example, to the inside of the tire 22. However, the location where the mobile object management device 6 is attached is not particularly limited. The functional configuration of the mobile object management device 6 will be described later.

[0023] A barcode B is provided on the body 21. The barcode B indicates mobile unit identification information for identifying the bicycle 2. The barcode B may be a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark). The barcode B may be any code that can be read by the user terminal 4. The body 21 may also have a chassis number written on it. The chassis number is a number that allows the user to identify the bicycle 2.

[0024] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the mobile object management device 6 shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 3 shows the mobile object management device 6 in a state where a cap 65, which will be described later, is attached to the valve of the tire 22.

[0025] The mobile object management device 6 is capable of communicating with the user terminal 4. The mobile object management device 6 is capable of communicating directly with the user terminal 4, for example. The mobile object management device 6 is capable of communicating with the user terminal 4, for example, via SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) communication, Wi-fi (Wireless Fidelity, registered trademark) communication, or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The mobile object management device 6 includes a base unit 61, a measurement unit 62, a power generation unit 63, a power storage unit 64, a cap 65, and a connection unit 66. The base unit 61 forms the base of the mobile object management device 6. The base unit 61 is embedded in the tire 22, for example. The base unit 61 may be provided on the rim of the tire 22.

[0026] The measuring unit 62 measures the air pressure of the tire 22. The measuring unit 62 is, for example, a known air pressure sensor. The type of the measuring unit 62 is not particularly limited. The power generating unit 63 generates a voltage for operating the measuring unit 62 and the output unit 67 (described later). The power generating unit 63 may generate a voltage, for example, by piezoelectric power generation, vibration power generation, or frictional heat power generation. The power generating unit 63 generates a voltage when the tire 22 rotates. For example, the power generating unit 63 generates power when the tire 22 rotates while the user is using the bicycle 2. When the power generating unit 63 generates a voltage by piezoelectric power generation or frictional heat power generation, the power generating unit 63 may be provided, for example, on the base unit 61 embedded in the tire 22. When the power generating unit 63 generates a voltage by vibration power generation, the power generating unit 63 may be provided on the cap 65.

[0027] The power storage unit 64 stores the power generated by the power generation unit 63. The power storage unit 64 is, for example, a small battery. The type of the power storage unit 64 is not particularly limited. The power storage unit 64 is provided, for example, in the base unit 61. The power storage unit 64 may also be provided in the cap 65.

[0028] The cap 65 is attached to the valve of the tire 22. When the cap 65 is attached to the valve, the air hole in the valve is closed. Conversely, when the cap 65 is removed from the valve, the inside of the tire 22 is connected to the outside of the tire 22 via the valve. This makes it possible to supply air to the tire 22. The cap 65 is made of, for example, rubber. The connecting portion 66 connects the base portion 61 and the cap 65. The connecting portion 66 includes a string portion 66a having one end connected to the cap 65, and a detachable portion 66b connected to the other end of the string portion 66a. The detachable portion 66b is detachably attached to the base portion 61. The detachable portion 66b may be attached to the base portion 61 via a known terminal.

[0029] The user rides the bicycle 2 with the cap 65 attached to the valve. When the user wants to supply air to the tire 22, he or she removes the cap 65 from the valve. At this time, the detachable part 66b is detached from the base part 61 via the string part 66a attached to the cap 65. The user inserts the supply device A into the air hole of the valve and starts supplying air to the tire 22. When the user has finished supplying air, he or she removes the supply device A from the valve, attaches the cap 65 to the valve, and attaches the detachable part 66b to the base part 61.

[0030] The mobile object management device 6 includes a device information acquisition unit (not shown) that acquires device identification information for identifying the supply device A. The device information acquisition unit is, for example, a reading device that can read barcodes, etc. The device information acquisition unit may be provided in a position where it can read the device identification information of the supply device A.

[0031] 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the placement unit 3 shown in FIG. The placement unit 3 includes, for example, a housing 31, a control unit 32, and a barcode B1. The housing 31 houses the supply device A. The housing 31 is, for example, box-shaped. The housing 31 includes an opening / closing unit (not shown) that can be opened and closed. When the opening / closing unit is open, a user can remove the supply device A from the housing 31 through the opening / closing unit.

[0032] The control unit 32 controls the operation of the placement unit 3. The barcode B1 indicates placement unit identification information for identifying the placement unit 3. The type of the barcode B1 may be the same as or different from the type of the barcode B. The barcode B1 is provided in a position visible to the user from outside the housing 31.

[0033] The supply device A is a device for supplying air to the tires 22 of the bicycle 2. The supply device A may be, for example, a manual device or an automatic device including a supercharger such as a compressor. The type of supply device A is not particularly limited. A barcode (not shown) indicating device identification information is attached to the supply device A. The barcode only needs to be attached in a position where it can be read by the device information acquisition unit of the mobile object management device 6 described above.

[0034] Next, the functional configuration of the mobile object management system 1 will be described in detail. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the mobile object management system 1 according to the embodiment. The mobile object management device 6 is capable of communicating with the user terminal 4. The control unit 32 is capable of communicating with the server 5. First, the functional configuration of the mobile object management device 6 will be described. The mobile object management device 6 has, as its functional configuration, a measurement unit 62, an output unit 67, a supply detection unit 68, a puncture detection unit 69, and a power generation unit 63.

[0035] The output unit 67 outputs information related to the air pressure to the user of the bicycle 2 based on the air pressure of the tire 22 measured by the measurement unit 62. The output unit 67 outputs, for example, the change in the air pressure value of the tire 22 over time as the information related to the air pressure. The user of the bicycle 2 is, for example, a user who rents and uses the bicycle 2. The output unit 67 displays the information related to the air pressure on the user terminal 4.

[0036] The supply detection unit 68 detects the supply of air to the tire 22. The supply detection unit 68 detects, for example, the attachment and detachment of the detachable unit 66b to and from the base unit 61. When the detachable unit 66b is detached from the base unit 61, the supply detection unit 68 detects the start of the air supply. When the detachable unit 66b is attached to the base unit 61, the supply detection unit 68 detects the end of the air supply.

[0037] The puncture detection unit 69 detects a puncture in the tire 22 based on the air pressure measured by the measurement unit 62. The puncture detection unit 69 detects a puncture in the tire 22, for example, when the air pressure suddenly decreases. A sudden decrease in air pressure means, for example, that the air pressure decreases by a certain threshold value or more in a certain period of time (for example, one second). The threshold value is, for example, set in advance.

[0038] The server 5 has, as its functional configuration, a reception unit 51, an acquisition unit 52, a position acquisition unit 53, a time acquisition unit 54, an identification unit 55, and a recording unit 56. The server 5 pre-stores placement unit identification information for each of the multiple placement units 3. For each placement unit identification information, the server 5 pre-stores device identification information of the supply device A placed on the placement unit 3 identified by the placement unit identification information.

[0039] The receiving unit 51 receives consent information that consents to the supply of air to the tire 22. The consent information is, for example, information indicating that the user has consented to the supply of air. The receiving unit 51 receives the consent information from, for example, the user terminal 4.

[0040] The acquisition unit 52 acquires behavioral information related to the user's behavior of supplying air. The behavioral information includes, for example, information indicating the user's behavior when supplying air to the tire 22. The behavioral information includes, for example, retrieval user information indicating the user who retrieved the supply device A from the arrangement unit 3 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the retrieval user), retrieval device information indicating the supply device A retrieved from the arrangement unit 3 by the retrieval user, and retrieval device information indicating the supply device A used to supply air to the tire 22.

[0041] The position acquisition unit 53 acquires the position of the bicycle 2. The position acquisition unit 53 acquires, for example, the current location of the bicycle 2. The position acquisition unit 53 may acquire the position of the bicycle 2 by known means such as a GPS (Global Positioning System). The position of the bicycle 2 includes, for example, latitude and longitude.

[0042] The time acquisition unit 54 acquires the time. The time acquisition unit 54 acquires the current time when the user is using the bicycle 2. The time acquisition unit 54 may acquire the time by a known means such as NTP (Network Time Protocol). The time includes, for example, the date and time.

[0043] The identification unit 55 identifies the user who supplied air to the tire 22 (hereinafter, may be referred to as the supplying user) based on the behavior information acquired by the acquisition unit 52. The recording unit 56 records the supplying user identified by the identification unit 55. The recording unit 56 records the identified supplying user in a database or the like of the server 5.

[0044] Next, the processing of the mobile object management system 1 (including an example of a mobile object management method) will be described in detail. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing of the mobile object management system 1 according to the embodiment. First, a user using a bicycle 2 heads to a station S located indoors or outdoors. The bicycle 2 parked at the station S is, for example, locked and unavailable. The user selects the bicycle 2 to be used from among the multiple bicycles 2 arranged at the station S. The user terminal 4 reads the barcode B attached to the bicycle 2 selected by the user. The user terminal 4 acquires the mobile object identification information indicated by the barcode B (step S1).

[0045] Next, the user terminal 4 transmits the mobile object identification information and user information acquired in step S1 to the server 5 (step S2). The user information is information for identifying a user. The user information is, for example, an ID for uniquely identifying a user. The user information is generated in advance, for example, when an application that realizes the mobile object management system 1 is installed in the user terminal 4. The user terminal 4 stores the generated user information in advance.

[0046] Next, the server 5 identifies the bicycle 2 used by the user based on the mobile unit identification information received in step S2. The server 5 transmits an unlock command to the identified bicycle 2 to unlock the bicycle 2 and make it available for use. The server 5 also identifies the user who will use the bicycle 2 based on the user information received in step S2.

[0047] Next, the time acquisition unit 54 acquires the time at which the mobile object identification information and the user information were received from the user terminal 4 (step S3). Next, the server 5 transmits a measurement start command to the mobile object management device 6 (step S4). The measurement start command is a command to the measurement unit 62 of the mobile object management device 6 to start measuring the air pressure.

[0048] Next, the measurement unit 62 measures the air pressure of the tire 22 (step S5, measuring step). In step S5, when a measurement start command is received from the server 5, the measurement unit 62 starts measuring the air pressure of the tire 22.

[0049] Next, the output unit 67 outputs information related to the air pressure to the user terminal 4 based on the air pressure measured in step S5 (step S6, outputting step). In step S6, the output unit 67 outputs the time change in the air pressure value measured in step S5 as information related to the air pressure. In step S6, the output unit 67 displays the information related to the air pressure on the user terminal 4. The output unit 67 outputs the information related to the air pressure at certain time intervals. The time intervals are, for example, set in advance.

[0050] For example, the user rides the bicycle 2 toward their destination. The power generation unit 63 generates a voltage for operating the measurement unit 62 and the output unit 67 while the tire 22 rotates. The power storage unit 64 stores the power generated by the power generation unit 63.

[0051] For example, when the user finishes using the bicycle 2, the user heads to another station S different from the station S from which the user started. The user stops using the bicycle 2 after parking the bicycle 2 at the other station S. When the user finishes using the bicycle 2, the user transmits an end signal to the server 5 via the user terminal 4 (step S7). In step S7, the user transmits the end signal by, for example, operating the user terminal 4.

[0052] Between the time when the mobile object management system 1 executes step S6 and the time when it executes step S7, the air pressure of the tire 22 may fall below a certain threshold. The threshold may be set in advance, for example. In this case, the mobile object management system 1 executes the mobile object management process described below. As long as the air pressure of the tire 22 does not fall below the threshold, the mobile object management system 1 does not execute the mobile object management process.

[0053] Between the time when the mobile object management system 1 executes step S6 and the time when it executes step S7, the puncture detection unit 69 may detect a puncture in the tire 22. In this case, the mobile object management system 1 executes a puncture detection process, which will be described later. Unless a puncture in the tire 22 is detected, the mobile object management system 1 does not execute the puncture detection process.

[0054] Between the time when the mobile object management system 1 executes step S6 and the time when it executes step S7, the voltage generated by the power generation unit 63 may fall below a certain threshold. The threshold may be set in advance, for example. In this case, the mobile object management system 1 executes a voltage drop detection process, which will be described later. As long as the voltage does not fall below the threshold, the mobile object management system 1 does not execute the voltage drop detection process.

[0055] Next, the time acquisition unit 54 acquires the time at which the end signal was received from the user terminal 4 (step S8). Next, the server 5 transmits a measurement end command to the mobile object management device 6 (step S9). The measurement end command is a command instructing the measurement unit 62 to end the air pressure measurement. When the mobile object management device 6 receives the measurement end command, the measurement unit 62 ends measuring the air pressure of the tire 22, and the output unit 67 ends outputting information related to the air pressure.

[0056] Next, the server 5 calculates the amount of the usage fee for the bicycle 2 (step S10). In step S10, the server 5 calculates the time (e.g., minutes) from the time acquired in step S3 to the time acquired in step S8. The server 5 calculates the amount of the usage fee based on the calculated time. Specifically, the server 5 multiplies the calculated time by a certain coefficient (e.g., 30) to calculate the amount of the usage fee.

[0057] Next, the server 5 transmits amount information indicating the calculated amount to the user terminal 4 (step S11). In step S11, the server 5 displays the amount information on the user terminal 4. The user pays the usage fee in the amount indicated by the amount information output to the user terminal 4. After the above processing, the mobile object management system 1 ends the series of processing.

[0058] Next, the above-mentioned mobile object management process will be described in detail. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the mobile object management process. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process subsequent to the process shown in FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 7, first, the user terminal 4 outputs an alert based on the information related to the air pressure output in step S6 (step S21). In step S21, the user terminal 4 outputs an alert when the air pressure value of the tire 22 falls below a threshold value. The user terminal 4 displays information indicating that the air pressure value has fallen below the threshold value as an alert. For example, the alert is a warning requesting the user to replenish air.

[0059] When the user's consent to the supply of air is received, the user terminal 4 transmits consent information to the server 5 (step S22). The consent information is information consenting to the supply of air to the tire 22. In step S22, the user inputs the consent information via, for example, the user terminal 4. The user terminal 4 transmits the input consent information to the server 5.

[0060] Next, the server 5 transmits the pre-stored position of the station S to the user terminal 4 (step S23). In step S23, for example, the server 5 displays the position of the station S on a map displayed by the user terminal 4. In step S23, the position acquisition unit 53 acquires the current location of the bicycle 2. Then, the server 5 transmits the positions of stations S that are located within a certain distance from the acquired current location of the bicycle 2. This distance is, for example, set in advance.

[0061] Next, the time acquisition unit 54 acquires the time (step S24). In step S24, the time acquisition unit 54 acquires, for example, the time when the position of the station S was transmitted in step S23.

[0062] Next, the user operates the bicycle 2 to head toward the station S based on the position of the station S transmitted in step S23. After the bicycle 2 arrives at the station S, the user reads the barcode B1 attached to the placement unit 3 with the user terminal 4.

[0063] Next, the user terminal 4 acquires the placement unit identification information (step S25). In step S25, the user terminal 4 acquires the placement unit identification information indicated by the barcode B1 read in step S24. Next, the user terminal 4 transmits the placement unit identification information and user information acquired in step S25 to the server 5 (step S26).

[0064] Next, the acquisition unit 52 acquires take-out device information and take-out user information based on the placement unit identification information and user information transmitted in step S26 (step S27). In step S27, the acquisition unit 52 identifies the supply device A placed in the placement unit 3 indicated by the placement unit identification information. Then, the acquisition unit 52 acquires the device identification information of the identified supply device A as take-out device information. In step S27, the acquisition unit 52 acquires the user information as take-out user information.

[0065] Next, the server 5 transmits an unlock command to the control unit 32 (step S28). The unlock command is a command to unlock the placement unit 3. When the unlock command is received from the server 5, the control unit 32 unlocks the placement unit 3 (step S29). In step S29, the control unit 32 unlocks the opening / closing unit of the housing 31 and opens the opening / closing unit.

[0066] Next, the user removes the supply device A from the placement section 3 that was unlocked in step S28. The user removes the cap 65 from the valve of the bicycle 2 and also removes the detachable section 66b from the base section 61.

[0067] Next, as shown in Figure 8, the supply detection unit 68 detects opening of the valve (step S30). Opening means that the cap 65 is removed from the valve of the bicycle 2. In step S30, the supply detection unit 68 detects opening when the detachable unit 66b is removed from the base unit 61. By detecting opening, the supply detection unit 68 detects the start of air supply to the tire 22. Next, the measurement unit 62 measures the air pressure at the timing when opening of the valve is detected in step S30 (step S31).

[0068] Next, the user inserts the supply device A removed from the placement unit 3 into the valve of the bicycle 2. At this time, the mobile object management device 6 acquires supply device information (step S32). In step S32, the device information acquisition unit reads the barcode attached to the supply device A. The device information acquisition unit acquires the device identification information indicated by the read barcode as supply device information. Next, the mobile object management device 6 transmits the supply device information acquired in step S32 to the server 5 (step S33).

[0069] Next, the identification unit 55 identifies the supplying user (step S34, identification step). In step S34, first, the acquisition unit 52 acquires the supplying device information transmitted in step S33 (acquisition step). The identification unit 55 identifies the supplying user based on the extraction device information acquired in step S27 and the supplying device information acquired by the acquisition unit 52. Specifically, when the supplying device A indicated by the extraction device information and the supplying device A indicated by the supplying device information are the same, the identification unit 55 identifies the extracting user indicated by the extracting user information acquired in step S27 as the supplying user.

[0070] After inserting the supply device A into the valve, the user starts supplying air to the tire 22. After finishing supplying air to the tire 22, the user attaches the cap 65 to the valve and attaches the detachable part 66b to the base part 61.

[0071] Next, the supply detection unit 68 detects closure (step S35). Closing means that the cap 65 is attached to the valve of the bicycle 2. In step S35, the supply detection unit 68 detects closure when the detachable unit 66b is attached to the base unit 61. By detecting closure, the supply detection unit 68 detects the end of air supply to the tire 22. Next, the measurement unit 62 measures the air pressure at the timing when closure is detected in step S35 (step S36).

[0072] Next, the mobile object management device 6 transmits the amount of air supplied to the tire 22 to the server 5 (step S37). In step S37, the acquisition unit 52 calculates the amount of air supplied based on the air pressures measured in steps S31 and S36. Specifically, the acquisition unit 52 calculates the air pressure difference by subtracting the air pressure measured in step S31 from the air pressure measured in step S36. The acquisition unit 52 then calculates the amount of air supplied based on the calculated air pressure difference. For example, the acquisition unit 52 may calculate the amount of air supplied based on the calculated air pressure difference and a preset air volume of the tire 22. The mobile object management device 6 transmits the calculated amount of air supplied to the server 5.

[0073] After the user has finished supplying air to the tire 22, the user places the supply device A in the placement unit 3. Then, the user closes the opening / closing unit of the housing 31. At this time, the control unit 32 locks the opening / closing unit of the housing 31. The control unit 32 then transmits locking information indicating that the housing 31 has been locked to the server 5 (step S38). Next, the time acquisition unit 54 acquires the time (step S39). In step S39, the time acquisition unit 54 acquires the time at the timing when the locking information was transmitted in step S38.

[0074] Next, the recording unit 56 records the user information of the supplying user identified in step S34 (step S40, recording step). In step S40, the location acquisition unit 53 acquires the location of the bicycle 2, and the time acquisition unit 54 acquires the time. Also in step S40, the recording unit 56 calculates an exclusion time, which is the time from when the acceptance information is accepted by the acceptance unit 51 to when the supply of air to the tire 22 is completed. Specifically, in step S40, the recording unit 56 calculates the exclusion time as the time from the time acquired in step S39 to the time acquired in step S24. In step S40, the recording unit 56 records the user information of the supplying user, as well as the amount of air supplied transmitted from the mobile object management device 6 in step S37, the location of the bicycle 2 acquired by the location acquisition unit 53, the time acquired by the time acquisition unit 54, and the calculated exclusion time. After the above processes, the mobile object management system 1 terminates the mobile object management process.

[0075] When the server 5 executes the mobile object management process, the server 5 calculates the amount of the usage fee in step S10 based on the excluded time recorded in step S40. The server 5 calculates the time by subtracting the excluded time recorded in step S40 from the time calculated in step S10. The server 5 calculates the amount of the usage fee by multiplying the calculated time by a certain coefficient.

[0076] The administrator of the mobile object management system 1 may pay a fee to a supply user based on the user information of the supply user and the amount of air supplied that are recorded in the server 5 by the recording unit 56. For example, a fee may be paid to a supply user that supplies an amount of air equal to or greater than a certain threshold to the tires 22. Also, a fee may be paid to a supply user whose cumulative amount of air supplied recorded in the server 5 is equal to or greater than a certain threshold.

[0077] Next, the above-mentioned puncture detection process will be described in detail. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the puncture detection process. Between the execution of step S6 and the execution of step S7, the puncture detection unit 69 monitors the air pressure measured in step S5. The puncture detection unit 69 determines whether or not a puncture of the tire 22 has been detected based on the air pressure measured in step S5 (step S41). In step S41, the puncture detection unit 69 detects a puncture of the tire 22 when the air pressure suddenly decreases.

[0078] If a puncture of the tire 22 is detected (step S41: YES), the puncture detection unit 69 transmits puncture detection information indicating that a puncture of the tire 22 has been detected to the server 5 (step S42). If a puncture of the tire 22 is not detected (step S41: NO), the puncture detection unit 69 repeatedly executes step S41 until a puncture of the tire 22 is detected. The puncture detection unit 69 repeatedly executes step S41 at, for example, a certain time interval. The time interval is, for example, set in advance.

[0079] After the server 5 receives the puncture detection information in step S42, the recording unit 56 records at least one of the user of the bicycle 2, the position of the bicycle 2 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the puncture position), and the time (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the puncture time) at the time a puncture in the tire 22 was detected (step S43). In step S43, the position acquisition unit 53 acquires the position of the bicycle 2 at the time the puncture detection information was received as the puncture position. Also in step S43, the time acquisition unit 54 acquires the time at the time the puncture detection information was received as the puncture time. In step S43, the recording unit 56 records the user information received in step S2, the puncture position acquired by the position acquisition unit 53, and the puncture time acquired by the time acquisition unit 54. After the above processes, the mobile object management system 1 ends the puncture detection process.

[0080] Next, the voltage drop detection process will be described in detail. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the voltage drop detection process. Between step S6 and step S7, the output unit 67 determines whether the voltage is below a certain threshold based on the voltage generated by the power generation unit 63 (step S51). The threshold is, for example, set in advance. If the voltage is below the threshold (step S51: YES), the output unit 67 executes power saving processing (step S52). If the voltage is not below the threshold (step S51: NO), the output unit 67 repeatedly executes step S51 until the voltage becomes below the threshold.

[0081] As described above, the output unit 67 outputs tire pressure-related information to the user terminal 4 at certain time intervals. In the power saving process in step S52, the output unit 67 stops outputting tire pressure-related information or lengthens the time interval. As a result, the power consumption caused by the operation of the output unit 67 is reduced. After the above process, the mobile object management system 1 ends the voltage drop detection process.

[0082] Next, we will explain the effects of the mobile object management system 1. The mobile object management system 1 is provided on a bicycle 2 including a tire 22, and includes a measurement unit 62 that measures the air pressure of the tire 22, an output unit 67 that outputs information related to the air pressure to a user of the bicycle 2 based on the air pressure, an acquisition unit 52 that acquires behavioral information related to the user's behavior of supplying air, an identification unit 55 that identifies a supplying user who supplied air to the tire 22 based on the behavioral information, and a recording unit 56 that records the supplying user.

[0083] This mobile object management system 1 measures the air pressure of the tires 22 and outputs information related to the air pressure based on the air pressure to the user of the bicycle 2. For example, by outputting the time-dependent change in air pressure value as information related to the air pressure to the user, the user can be notified that the air pressure in the tires 22 is insufficient compared to the required amount. Furthermore, since the supplying user is identified based on the behavioral information and the identified supplying user is recorded, it is possible to, for example, pay compensation to the supplying user. As a result, the user is given an incentive to actively supply air, and the air pressure of the tires 22 of the bicycle 2 can be easily managed.

[0084] The acquisition unit 52 acquires, as the behavior information, the following: retrieval user information indicating a user who retrieves a supply device A from the arrangement unit 3 in which the supply device A that supplies air to the tire 22 is placed; retrieval device information indicating the supply device A retrieved from the arrangement unit 3 by the retrieval user; and supply device information indicating the supply device A used to supply air to the tire 22. The identification unit 55 identifies the retrieval user as the supply user if the supply device A indicated by the retrieval device information and the supply device A indicated by the supply device information are the same. In this case, if the supply device A retrieved from the arrangement unit 3 and the supply device A used to supply air to the tire 22 are the same, the identification unit 55 identifies the user who retrieved the supply device A from the arrangement unit 3 as the supply user. This makes it possible to identify the supply user with greater accuracy.

[0085] The mobile object management system 1 further includes a receiving unit 51 that receives consent information consenting to the supply of air to the tires 22, and a recording unit 56 that records the excluded time. For example, when calculating the usage fee for the bicycle 2 after the user has finished using the bicycle 2, the usage fee can be calculated based on the time the bicycle 2 was used minus the excluded time required to supply air to the tires 22. This allows for a more appropriate usage fee to be calculated.

[0086] The mobile object management system 1 further includes a power generation unit 63 that generates voltage to operate the measurement unit 62 and the output unit 67 when the tire 22 rotates. The output unit 67 outputs information related to the tire pressure at certain time intervals, and if the voltage falls below a threshold, stops outputting the information related to the tire pressure or lengthens the time interval. Because the power generation unit 63 generates voltage when the tire 22 rotates, there is a possibility that the voltage required for the operation of the measurement unit 62 may be insufficient, for example, if the bicycle 2 has not been used for a long period of time. If the voltage falls below the threshold, the output unit 67 stops outputting the information related to the tire pressure or lengthens the time interval for outputting the information, thereby reducing power consumption by the output unit 67. This reduces the possibility of malfunctions in the operation of the measurement unit 62 due to insufficient voltage.

[0087] The mobile object management system 1 further includes a puncture detection unit 69 that detects a puncture in the tire 22 based on the air pressure, a position acquisition unit 53 that acquires the puncture location, and a time acquisition unit 54 that acquires the time of the puncture. The recording unit 56 records the user of the bicycle 2, the puncture location, and the puncture time at the time a puncture in the tire 22 is detected. In this case, the user of the bicycle 2 when the tire 22 is punctured can be recorded along with the puncture location and puncture time, making it possible to clarify who is responsible for the puncture of the tire 22, for example. For example, if the bicycle 2 is left abandoned on the road, there is a possibility that someone may intentionally puncture the tire 22 or perform other mischief. Even in such cases, the ability to detect a puncture in the tire 22 makes it even easier to manage the air pressure of the tire 22 on the bicycle 2.

[0088] By recording the time of the tire 22 puncture, it is possible to confirm the time when the tire 22 puncture occurred after the puncture occurred. For example, by checking the surveillance cameras located around the bicycle 2 at the time of the puncture, it is possible to confirm the circumstances of the puncture. For example, by appropriately informing the user at the station S or the user terminal 4 that such a function is available, it is possible to prevent the user from intentionally puncturing the tire 22. In this case, it is necessary to inform the user to the extent that the user is not excessively afraid of the occurrence of a puncture during normal use of the bicycle 2 and does not feel inconvenienced.

[0089] The output unit 67 outputs the change in the air pressure value over time. In this case, the user can, for example, grasp the change in the air pressure value over time. This allows the user to grasp, for example, whether the air pressure in the tire 22 is about to become insufficient.

[0090] The mobile object management method of this embodiment includes the steps of measuring the air pressure of a tire 22 on a bicycle 2 including the tire 22, outputting information related to the air pressure to a user of the bicycle 2 based on the air pressure, acquiring behavioral information related to the user's behavior of supplying air, identifying a supplying user who supplied air to the tire 22 based on the behavioral information, and recording the supplying user.

[0091] This mobile object management method has the same effects as the mobile object management system 1 described above.

[0092] The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above in detail. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications of the present disclosure are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Below, differences from the above embodiments will be mainly described, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0093] The bicycle 2 may include a mobile object management device 6A shown in FIG. 11 instead of the mobile object management device 6. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a modified mobile object management device 6A. FIG. 11 shows the mobile object management device 6A with a cap 65 attached to the valve of the tire 22. The mobile object management device 6A does not include a connection portion 66. The mobile object management device 6A includes an insulating needle 80, conductor portions 81 and 82, and a conductivity detection unit 83.

[0094] The insulating needle 80 is provided in the cap 65. The insulating needle 80 is made of an insulating material. When the cap 65 is attached to the valve, the insulating needle 80 extends from the cap 65 toward the base 61. The end of the insulating needle 80 on the base 61 side (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "tip of the insulating needle 80") tapers in diameter as it approaches the base 61. When the cap 65 is attached to the valve of the tire 22, the insulating needle 80 is inserted into the valve. When the cap 65 is removed from the valve of the tire 22, the insulating needle 80 is pulled out of the valve together with the cap 65.

[0095] The conductors 81 and 82 are exposed from an opposing surface 65a of the base 61 that faces the cap 65. The conductors 81 and 82 face each other in one direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 11 ) with the insulating needle 80 in between. The conductors 81 and 82 are made of an elastic conductive material.

[0096] The conductor portion 81 includes an extending portion 84 extending from the opposing surface 65a toward the conductor portion 82, and a curved portion 85 curved from an end of the extending portion 84 in a direction away from the conductor portion 82. The conductor portion 82 includes an extending portion 86 extending from the opposing surface 65a toward the conductor portion 81, and a curved portion 87 curved from an end of the extending portion 86 in a direction away from the conductor portion 81.

[0097] The continuity detection unit 83 is provided inside the base unit 61. Inside the base unit 61, the continuity detection unit 83 is electrically connected to each of the conductor units 81 and 82. The continuity detection unit 83 includes a power supply (not shown) that applies a voltage to the conductor units 81 and 82. When the conductor units 81 and 82 come into contact with each other, a circuit is formed by the conductor units 81 and 82 and the continuity detection unit 83. The continuity detection unit 83 detects continuity of the circuit, for example, when a current is supplied to the circuit by the power supply.

[0098] When the insulating needle 80 is inserted into the bulb, the tip of the insulating needle 80 is inserted between the conductor portions 81 and 82. At this time, the tip of the insulating needle 80 is interposed between the conductor portions 81 and 82. As a result, the conductor portions 81 and 82 are separated from each other in one direction, and the continuity detection unit 83 does not detect continuity of the circuit. When the insulating needle 80 is removed from the bulb, the tip of the insulating needle 80 is removed from between the conductor portions 81 and 82. At this time, the elasticity of the conductor portions 81 and 82 causes the curved portion 85 of the conductor portion 81 and the curved portion 87 of the conductor portion 82 to come into contact with each other, forming a circuit. As a result, the continuity detection unit 83 detects continuity of the circuit.

[0099] In this modification, the supply detection unit 68 detects the supply of air to the tire 22 based on the detection result of the continuity detection unit 83. When the continuity detection unit 83 detects continuity of the circuit, the supply detection unit 68 detects the start of the supply of air. When the continuity detection unit 83 no longer detects continuity of the circuit, the supply detection unit 68 detects the end of the supply of air. Even with this modification, the supply detection unit 68 can detect the supply of air to the tire 22.

[0100] In the above modification, an example has been described in which the mobile object management device 6A includes an insulating needle 80. However, the mobile object management device 6A may also include a conductive needle (not shown). In this case, the mobile object management device 6A may be configured, for example, so that when the tip of the conductive needle is removed from between the conductor portions 81 and 82, the conductor portions 81 and 82 are separated from each other. When the conductive needle is inserted into the valve, the tip of the conductive needle is inserted between the conductor portions 81 and 82. As a result, the conductor portions 81 and 82 come into contact with each other via the conductive needle, forming a circuit. As a result, the continuity detection unit 83 detects continuity of the circuit. When the conductive needle is removed from the valve, the tip of the conductive needle is removed from between the conductor portions 81 and 82. In this state, the conductor portions 81 and 82 are separated from each other, so the continuity detection unit 83 does not detect continuity of the circuit.

[0101] The process by which the supply detection unit 68 detects the supply of air is not limited to the process described above. For example, the bicycle 2 may include a storage unit that stores the valve and cap 65, and a storage unit control unit that controls the storage unit. The storage unit may include an opening / closing unit that is configured to be openable and closable by receiving a predetermined control. The storage unit control unit controls the opening and closing of the opening / closing unit. When supplying air to the tire 22, the user opens the opening / closing unit of the storage unit and removes the cap 65 from the valve to supply air. After finishing supplying air to the tire 22, the user attaches the cap 65 to the valve and then closes the opening / closing unit of the storage unit.

[0102] In this case, for example, the user reads barcode B via user terminal 4, and user terminal 4 acquires the moving object identification information indicated by barcode B. User terminal 4 transmits the acquired moving object identification information to server 5. When server 5 receives the moving object identification information from user terminal 4, it transmits an open instruction command to the storage unit control unit to instruct the opening and closing unit of the storage unit. When the open instruction command is received from server 5, the storage unit control unit opens the opening and closing unit of the storage unit. When the supply detection unit 68 receives the open instruction command from server 5, it may detect the supply of air.

[0103] Furthermore, for example, the storage unit control unit may receive an open instruction command from the user terminal 4. The storage unit control unit may communicate with the user terminal 4 by a communication means such as Bluetooth. The supply detection unit 68 may detect the supply of air when an open instruction command is received from the user terminal 4.

[0104] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the recording unit 56 records the user information of the supplying user, the location of the bicycle 2, and the time. However, the recording unit 56 only needs to record the user information of the supplying user, and does not necessarily need to record the location and time of the bicycle 2.

[0105] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the recording unit 56 records the exclusion time. However, the recording unit 56 may record the exclusion distance instead of the exclusion time. The exclusion distance is the travel distance from when the acceptance information is accepted by the accepting unit 51 to when the supply of air to the tire 22 is completed. In this case, the position acquisition unit 53 may acquire the position of the bicycle 2 at certain time intervals while the user is using the bicycle 2. The recording unit 56 may calculate and record the exclusion distance based on the position of the bicycle 2 acquired by the position acquisition unit 53. The server 5 may calculate the distance by subtracting the exclusion distance recorded by the recording unit 56 from the travel distance of the bicycle 2, and calculate the amount of the usage fee based on the calculated distance. The server 5 may calculate the amount of the usage fee by multiplying the calculated distance by a certain coefficient. The certain coefficient may be, for example, preset. The recording unit 56 may record both the exclusion time and the exclusion distance.

[0106] The recording unit 56 may record the time when the supply of air is detected. In this case, for example, the time acquiring unit 54 acquires the time when the supply of air is detected by the supply detection unit 68. The recording unit 56 may record the time when the supply of air is detected, acquired by the time acquiring unit 54. For example, when a user who supplies a predetermined amount or more of air to the tire 22 is paid a fee, there is a possibility that the user may intentionally puncture the tire 22 and then supply air to the tire 22 in order to receive the fee. In response to this, by recording the time when the supply of air is detected in addition to the time when the puncture of the tire 22 is detected, it is possible to confirm whether air is supplied to the tire 22 after it is punctured. This makes it possible to prevent users from intentionally puncturing the tire 22 in order to receive the fee.

[0107] The recording unit 56 may record the time of the puncture if the puncture detection unit 69 detects a puncture in the tire 22 when no voltage is being generated by the power generation unit 63. Because the power generation unit 63 generates voltage when the tire 22 rotates, if a puncture in the tire 22 is detected when no voltage is being generated, there is a possibility that the tire 22 punctured while the bicycle 2 was not traveling. In this case, there is a possibility that the user intentionally punctured the tire 22. In contrast, by recording the time of the puncture when a puncture in the tire 22 is detected when no voltage is being generated, it is possible to identify the time when the tire 22 is suspected to have been intentionally punctured.

[0108] In the above embodiment, an example of the configuration of the placement unit 3 has been described. However, the configuration of the placement unit 3 is not limited to the configuration described above. The placement unit 3 may include, for example, a pole fixed to the ground of the station S and a chain connecting the pole to the supply device A. The barcode B1 may be provided on the pole. In this case, the control unit 32 may control the attachment and detachment of the chain to the pole instead of locking and unlocking the opening and closing part of the housing 31.

[0109] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which supply device A is disposed in the placement unit 3, and the user terminal 4 unlocks the placement unit 3 by reading the barcode B1 provided on the placement unit 3. However, supply device A does not have to be disposed in the placement unit 3. In this case, for example, supply device A includes a reception unit that receives a password input by a user, and a supply device control unit that controls supply device A. The reception unit is, for example, a touch panel that can input characters such as numbers. An identification symbol is attached to supply device A to identify supply device A. The identification symbol is, for example, a number of a predetermined number of digits (for example, three digits).

[0110] The supply device control unit makes supply device A unusable by known means before it is used by the user. For example, the user terminal 4 accepts input of an identification symbol by the user. The user terminal 4 transmits the accepted identification symbol to the server 5. The server 5 transmits a password linked to the received identification symbol to the user terminal 4 and supply device A. The user terminal 4 displays the password received from the server 5. The user inputs the password displayed on the user terminal 4 via the reception unit of supply device A, which has the identification symbol sent to the server 5. The supply device control unit makes supply device A usable when the password received from the server 5 matches the password entered by the user. The server 5 may, for example, identify the user of the user terminal 4 that transmitted the identification symbol as the supply user.

[0111] In the above embodiment, the user terminal 4 read the barcode B attached to the bicycle 2 and obtained the mobile object identification information indicated by the barcode B. The user terminal 4 then transmitted the obtained mobile object identification information to the server 5. The server 5 identified the bicycle 2 used by the user based on the received mobile object identification information, transmitted an unlock command to the identified bicycle 2, and made the bicycle 2 usable. However, the process for unlocking the bicycle 2 is not limited to the process described above. For example, the bicycle 2 may include a reception unit capable of receiving input from the user. The reception unit may be, for example, a reader capable of reading an IC card, a smartphone, or the like. The reception unit may be, for example, an input unit such as a touch panel that can receive a passcode input by the user.

[0112] For example, if the reception unit is the above-mentioned reader, the reception unit may transmit the mobile object identification information to the server 5 when reading an IC card, a smartphone, etc. For example, if the reception unit is the above-mentioned input unit, the reception unit may transmit the mobile object identification information to the server 5 when receiving a passcode that matches a preset passcode.

[0113] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the user supplies air to the tire 22 using the supply device A arranged at the station S. However, the user may supply air to the tire 22 using a supply device other than the supply device A arranged at the station S. In this case, the acquisition unit 52 acquires, as behavior information, user information of the user of the bicycle 2 at the time when the supply of air is detected.

[0114] Specifically, when a supplying device other than supplying device A is inserted into the valve of bicycle 2, the device information acquisition unit of mobile object management device 6 attempts to read the barcode attached to that supplying device to acquire supplying device information. However, unlike supplying device A, that supplying device does not have barcode B1. Therefore, the device information acquisition unit cannot acquire supplying device information from the supplying device. In this case, the mobile object management device 6 transmits detection information indicating that air supply by the supplying device has been detected to server 5. The acquisition unit 52 acquires user information of the user of bicycle 2 at the time the detection information is received from the mobile object management device 6. The identification unit 55 identifies the user indicated by the user information acquired by the acquisition unit 52 as the supplying user. The recording unit 56 records the supplying user identified by the identification unit 55.

[0115] In this modification, the acquisition unit 52 acquires, as the behavioral information, information indicating the user of the bicycle 2 at the time when the supply of air was detected. In this case, even if the user supplied air to the tire 22 using a personal supply device, for example, the supplying user can be identified and recorded.

[0116] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the output unit 67 outputs the time-dependent change in the air pressure value as the information related to the air pressure. However, when the air pressure measured by the measurement unit 62 falls below a certain threshold, the output unit 67 may output information indicating that the air pressure has fallen below the threshold as the information related to the air pressure. In this case, the output unit 67 outputs information to the user only when the air pressure in the tire 22 is insufficient. Therefore, the power consumption of the mobile object management device 6 can be reduced compared to when the output unit 67 outputs the time-dependent change in the air pressure value.

[0117] In the above embodiment, the supply detection unit 68 detected the start of air supply when the detachable unit 66b was detached from the base unit 61. Furthermore, the supply detection unit 68 detected the end of air supply when the detachable unit 66b was attached to the base unit 61. However, the process of detecting the start and end of air supply is not limited to the process described above. For example, before supplying air to the tire 22, the user may transmit supply start information indicating the start of air supply to the mobile object management device 6 via the user terminal 4. The supply detection unit 68 may detect the start of air supply, for example, when receiving the supply start information from the user terminal 4. For example, after supplying air to the tire 22, the user may transmit supply end information indicating the end of air supply to the mobile object management device 6 via the user terminal 4. The supply detection unit 68 may detect the end of air supply, for example, when receiving supply end information from the user terminal 4.

[0118] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which a user using the bicycle 2 supplies air to the tire 22. However, a user not using the bicycle 2 may also supply air to the tire 22. An example of a user not using the bicycle 2 is a user passing by the bicycle 2. In this case, for example, the mobile object management system 1 may execute the process described below.

[0119] For example, if the air pressure of a bicycle 2 parked at station S (or a location other than station S) falls below a threshold, the mobile object management device 6 outputs an alert to user terminals 4 located around it. "Around" means, for example, that the mobile object management device 6 is within a distance within which it can communicate with the user terminal 4. The alert includes, for example, a warning requesting the user to replenish the air, and the vehicle identification number of the bicycle 2. By accepting an operation by the user, the user terminal 4 transmits consent information and user information to the server 5. After receiving the consent information, the server 5 transmits the locations of stations S located around the user terminal 4 to the user terminal 4.

[0120] In this case, the identification unit 55 may perform a process of identifying the user indicated by the user information received from the user terminal 4 as the supplying user, instead of step S34. Furthermore, the recording unit 56 may perform a process of recording the user information, location, and time received from the user terminal 4, instead of step S40. Furthermore, the mobile management system 1 may omit the execution of steps S24 and S39.

[0121] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the puncture detection unit 69 detects a puncture in the tire 22 when the air pressure measured by the measurement unit 62 suddenly decreases. However, the method by which the puncture detection unit 69 detects a puncture in the tire 22 is not limited to the method described above. For example, the tire 22 may include an internal circuit for detecting a puncture. The internal circuit may include, for example, at least two terminals that come into contact with each other when the tire 22 is crushed in the event of a puncture. When the two terminals come into contact and the internal circuit is conductive, the puncture detection unit 69 may be configured to detect continuity of the internal circuit. The puncture detection unit 69 may detect a puncture in the tire 22 when it detects continuity of the internal circuit.

[0122] In the above embodiment, an example of the configuration of the mobile object management device 6 has been described, but the configuration of the mobile object management device 6 can be changed as appropriate without departing from the scope of the present invention. In the above embodiment, an example of the processing of the mobile object management system 1 has been described, but the order of the processing and the content of each step can be changed as appropriate without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0123] The block diagrams used to explain the above embodiments show functional blocks. These functional blocks (components) are realized by any combination of hardware and / or software. Furthermore, the method for realizing each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be realized using a single device that is physically or logically coupled, or may be realized using two or more physically or logically separated devices that are directly or indirectly connected (e.g., wired, wireless, etc.) and these multiple devices. The functional block may also be realized by combining software with the single device or multiple devices.

[0124] Functions include, but are not limited to, judgment, determination, assessment, calculation, computation, processing, derivation, investigation, search, confirmation, reception, transmission, output, access, resolution, selection, selection, establishment, comparison, assumption, expectation, consideration, broadcasting, notifying, communicating, forwarding, configuring, reconfiguring, allocating, mapping, and assignment. For example, a functional block (component) that performs transmission is called a transmitting unit or transmitter. As mentioned above, there are no particular limitations on how these functions are implemented.

[0125] For example, the mobile object management system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may function as a computer that performs information processing according to the present disclosure. Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the mobile object management system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The above-described mobile object management system 1 may be physically configured as a computer device including a processor 1001, a memory 1002, a storage 1003, a communication device 1004, an input device 1005, an output device 1006, a bus 1007, and the like. The hardware configuration of the terminal 20 may also be as described here.

[0126] In the following description, the term "device" can be interpreted as a circuit, a device, a unit, etc. The hardware configuration of the mobile management system 1 may be configured to include one or more of the devices shown in the figure, or may be configured to exclude some of the devices.

[0127] Each function in the mobile management system 1 is realized by loading specified software (programs) onto hardware such as a processor 1001 and a memory 1002, causing the processor 1001 to perform calculations, control communication via a communication device 1004, and control at least one of reading and writing data in the memory 1002 and the storage 1003.

[0128] The processor 1001 controls the entire computer by running, for example, an operating system. The processor 1001 may be configured by a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, a control device, an arithmetic unit, a register, etc. For example, each function in the above-described mobile object management system 1 may be realized by the processor 1001.

[0129] The processor 1001 also reads programs (program codes), software modules, data, etc. from at least one of the storage 1003 and the communication device 1004 into the memory 1002 and executes various processes in accordance with these. The programs used are those that cause a computer to execute at least some of the operations described in the above-described embodiments. For example, each function of the mobile management system 1 may be implemented by a control program stored in the memory 1002 and running on the processor 1001. While the above-described various processes have been described as being executed by one processor 1001, they may also be executed simultaneously or sequentially by two or more processors 1001. The processor 1001 may be implemented by one or more chips. The programs may also be transmitted from a network via a telecommunications line.

[0130] The memory 1002 is a computer-readable recording medium and may be configured, for example, by at least one of a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), a random access memory (RAM), etc. The memory 1002 may also be called a register, a cache, a main memory (primary storage device), etc. The memory 1002 can store executable programs (program codes), software modules, etc. for performing information processing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0131] Storage 1003 is a computer-readable recording medium, and may be composed of at least one of, for example, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc ROM), a hard disk drive, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk (e.g., a compact disk, a digital versatile disk, a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disk), a smart card, a flash memory (e.g., a card, a stick, a key drive), a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a magnetic strip, etc. Storage 1003 may also be called an auxiliary storage device. The storage medium provided in mobile management system 1 may be, for example, a database, a server, or other appropriate medium including at least one of memory 1002 and storage 1003.

[0132] The communication device 1004 is hardware (transmission / reception device) for communicating between computers via at least one of a wired network and a wireless network, and is also called, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, or a communication module.

[0133] The input device 1005 is an input device (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a switch, a button, a sensor, etc.) that receives input from the outside. The output device 1006 is an output device (e.g., a display, a speaker, an LED lamp, etc.) that outputs to the outside. The input device 1005 and the output device 1006 may be integrated into one device (e.g., a touch panel).

[0134] Furthermore, each device, such as the processor 1001 and the memory 1002, is connected by a bus 1007 for communicating information. The bus 1007 may be configured using a single bus, or may be configured using different buses between each device.

[0135] The mobile management system 1 may also be configured to include hardware such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and some or all of the functional blocks may be realized by the hardware. For example, the processor 1001 may be implemented using at least one of these pieces of hardware.

[0136] The order of the procedures, sequences, flowcharts, etc. of each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be changed unless it is consistent. For example, the methods described in this disclosure present elements of various steps using an example order, and are not limited to the particular order presented.

[0137] Input and output information may be stored in a specific location (for example, memory) or may be managed using a management table. Input and output information may be overwritten, updated, or added to. Output information may be deleted. Input information may be transmitted to another device.

[0138] The determination may be made based on a value represented by one bit (0 or 1), a Boolean value (true or false), or a numerical comparison (e.g., comparison with a predetermined value).

[0139] The aspects / embodiments described in this disclosure may be used alone, in combination, or switched depending on the implementation. Notification of predetermined information (e.g., notification that "X is true") is not limited to explicit notification, but may be implicit (e.g., not notifying the predetermined information).

[0140] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present disclosure can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Therefore, the description of the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative and does not have any limiting meaning on the present disclosure.

[0141] Software shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise.

[0142] Software, instructions, information, etc. may also be transmitted or received over a transmission medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using wired technologies (such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)), and / or wireless technologies (such as infrared, microwave), then these wired and / or wireless technologies are included within the definition of transmission media.

[0143] As used in this disclosure, the terms "system" and "network" are used interchangeably.

[0144] Furthermore, the information, parameters, etc. described in this disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, may be expressed using relative values ​​from a predetermined value, or may be expressed using other corresponding information.

[0145] As used in this disclosure, the terms "determining" and "determining" may encompass a wide variety of actions. "Determining" and "determining" may include, for example, judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up, searching, inquiring (e.g., searching in a table, database, or other data structure), ascertaining, and the like. "Determining" and "determining" may also include receiving (e.g., receiving information), transmitting (e.g., sending information), input, output, accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory), and the like. Furthermore, "judgment" and "decision" can include regarding resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, etc. as having been "judged" or "decided." In other words, "judgment" and "decision" can include regarding some action as having been "judged" or "decided." Furthermore, "judgment (decision)" can be interpreted as "assuming," "expecting," "considering," etc.

[0146] The terms "connected," "coupled," or any variation thereof, refer to any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, and may include the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are "connected" or "coupled" to each other. The coupling or connection between elements may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. For example, "connected" may be read as "access." As used in this disclosure, two elements may be considered to be "connected" or "coupled" to each other using one or more wires, cables, and / or printed electrical connections, as well as electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency range, microwave range, and optical (both visible and invisible) range, as some non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples.

[0147] As used in this disclosure, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on," unless expressly stated otherwise. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least on."

[0148] As used in this disclosure, any reference to an element using a designation such as "first," "second," etc. does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations may be used in this disclosure as a convenient method of distinguishing between two or more elements. Thus, a reference to a first and a second element does not imply that only two elements may be employed or that the first element must in some way precede the second element.

[0149] When the terms "include," "including," and variations thereof are used in this disclosure, these terms are intended to be inclusive, similar to the term "comprising." Furthermore, when the term "or" is used in this disclosure, it is not intended to be an exclusive or.

[0150] In this disclosure, where articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, the disclosure may include that the nouns following these articles are in the plural form.

[0151] In the present disclosure, the term "A and B are different" may mean "A and B are different from each other." The term may also mean "A and B are each different from C." Terms such as "separate" and "coupled" may also be interpreted in the same way as "different."

[0152] Finally, various exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure are described below in [E1] to [E11].

[0153] [E1] A mobile object management system comprising: a measuring unit provided on a mobile object including a tire, the measuring unit measuring the air pressure of the tire; an output unit outputting information related to the air pressure to a user of the mobile object based on the air pressure; an acquiring unit acquiring behavioral information related to the user's behavior of supplying air to the tire; an identifying unit identifying the user who supplied air to the tire based on the behavioral information; and a recording unit recording the user who supplied air to the tire.

[0154] [E2] The mobile object management system described in [E1], wherein the acquisition unit acquires, as the behavior information, the following: removal user information indicating the user who removed the supply device from a placement unit in which the supply device that supplies the air to the tire is placed; removal device information indicating the supply device removed from the placement unit by the user who removed the supply device from the placement unit; and supply device information indicating the supply device used to supply the air to the tire; and when the supply device indicated by the removal device information and the supply device indicated by the supply device information are the same, the identification unit identifies the user who removed the supply device from the placement unit as the user who supplied the air to the tire.

[0155] [E3] A mobile object management system as described in [E2], further comprising a receiving unit that receives consent information that consents to the supply of air to the tire, wherein the recording unit records at least one of an exclusion distance, which is the distance traveled from when the consent information is received until the supply of air to the tire is completed, and an exclusion time, which is the time from when the consent information is received until the supply of air to the tire is completed.

[0156] [E4] The mobile object management system described in [E1], further comprising a supply detection unit that detects the supply of air to the tire, and the acquisition unit acquires, as the behavior information, user information of the user of the mobile object at the time the supply of air is detected.

[0157] [E5] A mobile object management system according to any one of [E1] to [E4], further comprising a power generation unit that generates a voltage for operating the measurement unit and the output unit when the tire rotates, wherein the output unit outputs information related to the air pressure at a certain time interval, and when the voltage falls below a certain threshold, stops outputting the information related to the air pressure or lengthens the time interval.

[0158] [E6] A mobile object management system according to any of [E1] to [E5], further comprising: a puncture detection unit that detects a puncture in the tire based on the air pressure; a position acquisition unit that acquires the position of the mobile object at the time when the puncture in the tire is detected; and a time acquisition unit that acquires the time at the time when the puncture in the tire is detected, wherein the recording unit records at least one of the user of the mobile object, the position of the mobile object, and the time at the time when the puncture in the tire is detected.

[0159] [E7] A mobile object management system according to any of [E1] to [E6], further comprising: a puncture detection unit that detects a puncture in the tire based on the air pressure; a supply detection unit that detects the supply of air to the tire; and a time acquisition unit that acquires the time when the puncture in the tire is detected and the time when the supply of air is detected, wherein the recording unit records the time when the puncture in the tire is detected and the time when the supply of air is detected.

[0160] [E8] A mobile object management system according to any of [E1] to [E7], further comprising: a power generation unit that generates a voltage for operating the measurement unit and the output unit when the tire rotates; a puncture detection unit that detects a puncture in the tire based on the air pressure; and a time acquisition unit that acquires the time at which the puncture in the tire is detected, wherein the recording unit records the time at which the puncture in the tire is detected if the puncture detection unit detects a puncture in the tire when the voltage is not being generated by the power generation unit.

[0161] [E9] The mobile object management system according to any one of [E1] to [E8], wherein the output unit outputs a change in the value of the air pressure over time.

[0162] [E10] The mobile object management system according to any one of [E1] to [E9], wherein, when the air pressure falls below a certain threshold, the output unit outputs information indicating that the air pressure has fallen below the threshold.

[0163] [E11] A mobile object management method comprising the steps of: measuring the air pressure of a tire of a mobile object including a tire; outputting information related to the air pressure to a user of the mobile object based on the air pressure; acquiring behavioral information related to the user's behavior of supplying air to the tire; identifying the user who supplied air to the tire based on the behavioral information; and recording the user who supplied air to the tire.

[0164] 1...mobile object management system, 2...bicycle (mobile object), 3...placement unit, 22...tire, 51...reception unit, 52...acquisition unit, 53...position acquisition unit, 54...time acquisition unit, 55...identification unit, 56...recording unit, 62...measurement unit, 63...power generation unit, 67...output unit, 68...supply detection unit, 69...puncture detection unit, A...supply device.

Claims

1. A mobile object management system comprising: a measuring unit provided in a mobile object including a tire, for measuring the air pressure of the tire; an output unit for outputting information related to the air pressure to a user of the mobile object based on the air pressure; an acquisition unit for acquiring behavioral information related to the user's behavior of supplying air to the tire; an identification unit for identifying the user who supplied air to the tire based on the behavioral information; and a recording unit for recording the user who supplied air to the tire.

2. The mobile object management system of claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires, as the behavioral information, removal user information indicating the user who removed the supply device from a placement unit in which the supply device that supplies the air to the tire is placed, removal device information indicating the supply device removed from the placement unit by the user who removed the supply device from the placement unit, and supply device information indicating the supply device used to supply the air to the tire, and wherein the identification unit, when the supply device indicated by the removal device information and the supply device indicated by the supply device information are the same, identifies the user who removed the supply device from the placement unit as the user who supplied the air to the tire.

3. A mobile management system as described in claim 2, further comprising a receiving unit that receives consent information that consents to the supply of air to the tire, and the recording unit records at least one of an exclusion distance, which is the distance traveled from when the consent information is received until the supply of air to the tire is completed, and an exclusion time, which is the time from when the consent information is received until the supply of air to the tire is completed.

4. A mobile object management system as described in claim 1, further comprising a supply detection unit that detects the supply of air to the tire, and the acquisition unit acquires, as the behavioral information, user information of the user of the mobile object at the time the supply of air is detected.

5. A mobile management system as described in claim 1, further comprising a power generation unit that generates a voltage to operate the measurement unit and the output unit when the tire rotates, wherein the output unit outputs information related to the air pressure at a certain time interval, and when the voltage falls below a certain threshold, stops outputting the information related to the air pressure or extends the time interval.

6. A mobile object management system as described in claim 1, further comprising: a puncture detection unit that detects a puncture in the tire based on the air pressure; a position acquisition unit that acquires the position of the mobile object at the time the puncture in the tire is detected; and a time acquisition unit that acquires the time at the time the puncture in the tire is detected, wherein the recording unit records at least one of the user of the mobile object, the position of the mobile object, and the time at the time the puncture in the tire is detected.

7. A mobile management system as described in claim 1, further comprising: a puncture detection unit that detects a puncture in the tire based on the air pressure; a supply detection unit that detects the supply of air to the tire; and a time acquisition unit that acquires the time when the puncture in the tire is detected and the time when the supply of air is detected, wherein the recording unit records the time when the puncture in the tire is detected and the time when the supply of air is detected.

8. A mobile object management system as described in claim 1, further comprising: a power generation unit that generates a voltage for operating the measurement unit and the output unit when the tire rotates; a puncture detection unit that detects a puncture in the tire based on the air pressure; and a time acquisition unit that acquires the time at which the puncture in the tire is detected, wherein the recording unit records the time at which the puncture in the tire is detected if the puncture detection unit detects a puncture in the tire when the voltage is not being generated by the power generation unit.

9. The mobile management system according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs the change in the tire air pressure value over time.

10. The mobile management system according to claim 1, wherein, when the air pressure falls below a certain threshold, the output unit outputs information indicating that the air pressure has fallen below the threshold.

11. A mobile object management method comprising the steps of: measuring the air pressure of a tire of a mobile object including a tire; outputting information related to the air pressure to a user of the mobile object based on the air pressure; acquiring behavioral information related to the user's behavior of supplying air to the tire; identifying the user who supplied air to the tire based on the behavioral information; and recording the user who supplied air to the tire.

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