JP7713199B2 - Program, method, and information processing device - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a program, a method, and an information processing device.

Conventionally, rental services have been provided for the temporary lending of items. Rental services are used when it is necessary to use an item temporarily. For example, if a person does not normally use a car, but wishes to use a car temporarily when moving, he or she can use a car rental service to borrow a car.

The following Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2022-053122 (Patent Document 1) discloses that an information processing device executes a process of transmitting information indicating a rental fee when a first product being sold is rented, and a process of collecting the rental fee from a user when the first product is rented to the user, and collecting at least a portion of the amount of the sale of the first product by the user in a trading service.

JP 2022-053122 A

Patent Document 1 describes a method in which, at the end of the rental period, the item is sold to another user through a trading service, and the remaining amount, after deducting the rental fee, is recovered from the item price. The purpose of this disclosure is to promote the use of item rental services by creating a system of ownership for items such as photography equipment.

One embodiment of the present disclosure is a program for operating a computer, the computer being for providing a service of renting photographic equipment to a user, the program causing a processor of the computer to execute the steps of: accepting, from a first user who wishes to rent photographic equipment, registration of information on photographic equipment that can be rented to a second user while the ownership of the photographic equipment remains with the first user; presenting a screen for renting photographic equipment to the second user who uses the service, and accepting an input operation for applying to rent the photographic equipment from the second user; in response to the input operation for application from the second user, the second user manages the photographic equipment as being rented, and grants a consideration associated with the rental to the first user who has ownership of the photographic equipment related to the application for rental; and managing information on the residual value to be paid by the first user when purchasing the photographic equipment owned by the first user, so as to update the photographic equipment in response to the photographic equipment being rented.

According to the present disclosure, by creating an ownership mechanism, it is possible to encourage a user in an item rental service to make an item that he or she owns available for rental to other users. This can further increase the number of items available for rental in the item rental service, which can increase the opportunities for users who use the rental service to receive rental items. This can encourage the use of the item rental service.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a rental service system 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the terminal device 10 of the first user. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 20. As shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the data structure of the user database 2021. As shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the data structure of the item registration database 2022. As shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the data structure of the rental item database 2023. As shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the data structure of the rental service usage history database 2024. As shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the data structure of the ownership transfer database 2025. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the data structure of the item repair database 2026. As shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the data structure of the photographed image database 2027. As shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the data structure of the contract plan database 2028. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the flow of processing for accepting the rental of photographic equipment from a second user after accepting registration of photographic equipment from a first user. FIG. 13 shows a screen for accepting registration of photographic equipment from a first user. FIG. 14 shows a screen for accepting an application for renting photographic equipment from a second user. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing, on a screen, information on the history of users of the rental service who have rented photographic equipment of the same model number in the past, when an application for renting photographic equipment is accepted from a second user. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing information on the repair history of the photographic equipment on a screen when an application for renting the photographic equipment is accepted from a second user. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing information on an image captured using photographic equipment of the same model number as the photographic equipment in question, when an application for rental of photographic equipment from a second user is accepted.

The following describes an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in the description of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the same parts are given the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

<Rental Service Overview>
A rental service is a service for temporarily lending out an item. The rental service is used when it is necessary to use an item temporarily. Examples of items that are rented out through the rental service include home appliances, cameras, fashion items, and mobile objects. Mobile objects include, for example, vehicles, and more specifically, motorcycles that are electrically operated. In addition, a plurality of items with different manufacturers, brands, performance, ranks, etc. are available for rental through the rental service.
The rental service accepts membership registration from users of the rental service, and accepts applications for rental of an item from users who have become members. Next, the rental service rents an item to the user of the rental service in response to accepting the rental application from the user of the rental service. For example, in response to accepting the application to rent an item, the rental service processes the shipment of the item from a base managed by the operator of the rental service. After the item arrives at the user of the rental service, the user of the rental service uses the item. Then, after using the item, the user of the rental service returns the item to a location, etc., designated by the rental service.

The rental service of this embodiment describes a rental service for renting photographic equipment. Photographic equipment refers to cameras, interchangeable lenses, tripods, drones, camera-related peripherals, etc.

<Summary of subscription-based service>
A subscription-based service is a service in which a user can use a service, product, etc. for a certain period of time by paying a set fee.
The subscription-based service in this embodiment is a rental service in which a user of the subscription-based service can rent an item by paying a set flat rate. A user of the subscription-based service can also rent multiple items in the subscription-based service.
In addition, the subscription-based service in this embodiment accepts membership registration from users and accepts applications for rental of items from users who have become members. Because it is a subscription-based service, users pay a fixed fee (for example, a monthly fee) for each specified period. In other words, this subscription-based service is a service that allows users to rent items any number of times for a fixed fee.
The subscription-based service in this embodiment accepts membership registration from users of the subscription-based service, and accepts applications for rental of an item from users of the rental service who have become members. Next, the subscription-based service rents an item to the user of the subscription-based service in response to accepting the rental application from the user of the subscription-based service. For example, in response to accepting the application for rental of an item, the subscription-based service performs a shipping process for the item from a base managed by the operation of the subscription-based service. After the item arrives at the user of the subscription-based service, the user of the subscription-based service uses the item. Then, after using the item, the user of the subscription-based service returns the item to a location, etc., specified by the subscription-based service.
In addition, subscription-based services may specify a period during which the item can be rented.

The subscription-based service of this embodiment describes a subscription-based service for renting photographic equipment. Photographic equipment refers to cameras, interchangeable lenses, tripods, drones, camera-related peripherals, etc.

In the subscription-based service of this embodiment, there are a plurality of contract plans with different service contents, and the subscription-based service of this embodiment accepts subscription to any of the contract plans from the service user.
The multiple contract plans are divided into plans based on a fixed fee for a predetermined period (for example, one month). The predetermined period may be automatically renewable.
Depending on the contract plan, multiple contract plans stipulate the items that users of the subscription-based service can rent.

<Ownership Overview>
Ownership refers to the right to freely use and profit from something owned. The subscription-based service of this embodiment has a mechanism that allows users of the rental service to have ownership of the photographic equipment.
In the subscription-based service of this embodiment, when a user of the rental service registers photographic equipment with the subscription-based service, the ownership of the photographic equipment becomes the ownership of the user of the rental service who registered the item. Even if the photographic equipment is rented to another user of the rental service, the ownership remains with the user of the rental service who registered the item.
Here, in the rental service system 1, the server 20 may receive input from the user regarding the registration of an item owned by the user. The server 20 may also receive the registration of an item purchased by the user through the service of the item seller, by communicating with a server operated by a company that sells items, such as a service server of a home appliance retailer or a service server of an EC (Electronic Commerce) site. For example, assume that a user purchases an item at a real store or an EC site and performs payment processing in installments. In this case, information on the sales price and the remaining value of the installment payment is stored in the server of the company that sells the item or the server of the credit card company. On the real store or EC site, an API (Application Programming Interface) provided by the server 20 of the rental service system 1 is used to display a screen for API linkage with the rental service system 1, and an operation for API linkage is received from the purchaser of the product, the operator of the company, or the like. As a result, information on the purchased item, the remaining value, information on the user who made the purchase, and the like are recorded in the server 20 .
Ownership can be transferred from one rental service user to another rental service user. Ownership can also be transferred multiple times.
The rental service system 1 provides the user who has ownership with compensation for renting the photographic equipment.
Even if the ownership of the photographic equipment is transferred, the rental service system 1 pays a fee to the user of the rental service who registered the photographic equipment. Moreover, the rental service system 1 pays a fee to the user of the rental service who registered the photographic equipment, regardless of which user of the rental service has the ownership of the photographic equipment.

Overview of the First Embodiment
One embodiment of the present disclosure is an information processing device including a communication unit, a control unit, and a storage unit, for providing an item rental service to a user of the rental service.
In this embodiment, a user of the rental service operates a PC, a smartphone, or the like to use the rental service system 1.
In the following description, when a terminal device 10 of a first user accesses the server 20, the server 20 responds with information for generating a screen on the terminal device 10 of the first user. The terminal device 10 of the first user then generates and displays the screen based on the information received from the server 20. Similarly, in the following description, when a terminal device 30 of a second user accesses the server 20, the server 20 responds with information for generating a screen on the terminal device 30 of the second user. The terminal device 30 of the second user then generates and displays the screen based on the information received from the server 20.

<1.1 Overall system configuration>
Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a rental service system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the rental service system 1 includes a terminal device 10 of a first user, a terminal device 30 of a second user, and a server 20, which are connected to each other via a network 80 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

A user of the rental service system 1 can register as a member of a server 20 that provides a rental service, and can rent an item by accessing the server 20 .
In the rental service system 1, a business operator operating a rental service prepares and manages items to be rented. The rental service system 1 can also accept registration of photographic equipment to be rented out by users of the rental service at the rental service system 1. The rental service system 1 can then rent out the registered photographic equipment to users of the rental service within the rental service system 1.
The following description will explain how to accept registration of photographic equipment from users of the rental service.
Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a screen for accepting registration of photographic equipment from a first user. The registration of photographic equipment is performed, for example, by accepting an input of registration information of the photographic equipment from the first user on a dialogue screen 1300 shown in Fig. 13 on the terminal device 10 of the first user.
First, the terminal device 10 of the first user accepts input of information related to the registration of photographic equipment from the first user in the area 1301 of Fig. 13. At this time, it is assumed that the first user possesses photographic equipment that the first user wishes to rent to the photographic equipment rental service. Then, the terminal device 10 of the first user accepts input of information related to the item registration of the photographic equipment from the first user. The information related to the item registration of the photographic equipment is, for example, information on the item model number, item name, item condition, residual value at the time of registration, etc. Then, in response to accepting input of information related to the item registration of the photographic equipment from the first user, the server 20 updates the values of each item in the item registration database 2022.
In addition to the above, when registering the photographic equipment, the terminal device 10 of the first user may accept input from a user of the rental service of images of the photographic equipment taken using the photographic equipment, information on the repair history of the photographic equipment, etc.

The example in FIG. 1 shows a first user terminal device 10 used by a user of the rental service. The first user terminal device 10 is, for example, a PC, a smartphone, etc. The first user terminal device 10 is the terminal device of the first user who is using the rental service system 1. The first user terminal device 10 is used, for example, when accepting item registration of photographic equipment from the first user in the rental service, when accepting an application to borrow photographic equipment from the first user, etc.

The first user's terminal device 10 executes a program to provide the user with an environment for operating a system according to the program. The first user's terminal device 10 reads and executes the program to establish a communication connection between the first user's terminal device 10 and the server 20. The first user's terminal device 10 then transmits and receives data related to the rental service system 1 between the first user's terminal device 10 and the server 20.

1 shows a server 20 that manages various data related to the rental service system 1. The server 20 transmits data necessary for the rental service system 1 to the terminal device 10 of the first user as appropriate, thereby visualizing the status of the rental service system 1 on the terminal device 10 of the first user. Similarly, the server 20 transmits data necessary for the rental service system 1 to the terminal device 30 of the second user as appropriate, thereby visualizing the status of the rental service system 1 on the terminal device 30 of the second user.
Furthermore, the server 20 communicates with the terminal device 10 of the first user, and transmits images, files, text data, etc. to the terminal device 10 of the first user in accordance with the usage status of the rental service system 1. Similarly, the server 20 communicates with the terminal device 30 of the second user, and transmits images, files, text data, etc. to the terminal device 30 of the second user in accordance with the usage status of the rental service system 1.

For example, the server 20 manages various data, such as information on users related to the rental service system 1, information on items used in the rental service system 1, and other data.

The example in FIG. 1 shows a second user terminal device 30 used by a user of the rental service. The second user terminal device 30 is, for example, a PC, a smartphone, etc. The second user terminal device 30 is a terminal device of a second user who uses the rental service system 1. The second user terminal device 30 is used, for example, when accepting an application to borrow photographic equipment from the second user.

The second user's terminal device 30 executes a program to provide the user with an environment for operating a system according to the program. The second user's terminal device 30 reads and executes the program to establish a communication connection between the second user's terminal device 30 and the server 20. The second user's terminal device 30 then transmits and receives data related to the rental service system 1 between the second user's terminal device 30 and the server 20.

The terminal device 10 of the first user includes a communication IF (Interface) 12, an input device 13, an output device 14, a memory 15, a storage unit 16, and a processor 19.

The communication IF 12 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the first user's terminal device 10 can communicate with external devices.

The input device 13 is a device for accepting input operations from the terminal device 10 of the first user. The device for accepting input operations is, for example, a touch panel, a touch pad, a pointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard, etc.

The output device 14 is a device (display, speaker, etc.) for presenting information to the terminal device 10 of the first user.

Memory 15 is for temporarily storing programs and data to be processed by the programs. Memory 15 is, for example, a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

The storage unit 16 is for storing data. The storage unit 16 is, for example, a flash memory, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), etc.

The processor 19 is hardware for executing a set of instructions written in a program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, etc.

The server 20 is a device that manages information related to the rental service system 1.

The server 20 includes a communication IF 22, an input/output IF 23, a memory 25, a storage 26, and a processor 29.

The communication IF 22 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the server 20 can communicate with external devices.

The input/output IF 23 functions as an input device for accepting input operations from the terminal device 10 of the first user or the terminal device 30 of the second user. The input/output IF 23 also functions as an interface with an output device for presenting information to the terminal device 10 of the first user or the terminal device 30 of the second user.

Memory 25 is for temporarily storing programs and data to be processed by the programs. Memory 25 is, for example, a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

Storage 26 is for storing data. Storage 26 is, for example, a flash memory, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), etc.

The processor 29 is hardware for executing the instruction set described in the program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, etc.

The second user's terminal device 30 includes a communication IF (Interface) 32, an input device 33, an output device 34, a memory 35, a storage unit 36, and a processor 39.

The communication IF 32 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the second user's terminal device 30 can communicate with external devices.

The input device 33 is a device for accepting input operations from the terminal device 30 of the second user. The device for accepting input operations is, for example, a touch panel, a touch pad, a pointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard, etc.

The output device 34 is a device (display, speaker, etc.) for presenting information to the second user's terminal device 30.

Memory 35 is for temporarily storing programs and data to be processed by the programs. Memory 35 is, for example, a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

The storage unit 36 is for storing data. The storage unit 36 is, for example, a flash memory or a hard disk drive (HDD).

The processor 39 is hardware for executing the instruction set described in the program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, etc.

<1.2 Functional Configuration of the Terminal Device 10 of the First User>
2 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the terminal device 10 of the first user. The terminal device 10 of the first user includes an antenna 111, a first wireless communication unit 121, a processor 19, an operation reception unit 130, a storage unit 16, a memory 15, a display 132, a voice processing unit 140, a microphone 141, and a speaker 142.

The antenna 111 radiates the signal emitted by the terminal device 10 of the first user into space as radio waves. The antenna 111 also receives radio waves from space and provides the received signal to the first wireless communication unit 121.

The first wireless communication unit 121 performs modulation and demodulation processing and the like for transmitting and receiving signals via the antenna 111 and the like so that the terminal device 10 of the first user can communicate with other communication devices. The first wireless communication unit 121 is a communication module for wireless communication that includes a tuner, a high-frequency circuit, and the like, and performs modulation and demodulation and frequency conversion of the wireless signals transmitted and received by the terminal device 10 of the first user, and provides the received signals to the processor 19.

The processor 19 controls the operation of the terminal device 10 of the first user by reading and executing the programs stored in the memory unit 16. The processor 19 is realized by, for example, an application processor.

The operation reception unit 130 has a mechanism for receiving an input operation from the first user. The operation reception unit 130 is realized as a pointing device such as a mouse, a touchpad, or a touch panel, a keyboard, a controller, a photographing means for sensing the body movement of the first user as an input operation, or the like. For example, the operation reception unit 130 senses the movement of a body part such as a hand, or the facial expression of the first user as the body movement of the first user, and receives the movement of these body parts, etc. as an input operation. The operation reception unit 130 determines the type of operation, such as whether the operation of the first user is a flick operation, a tap operation, or a drag operation, based on the coordinates at which the input operation is received by the first user touching a finger to a touch panel, etc.

The storage unit 16 is composed of a flash memory, a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and stores programs used by the first user's terminal device 10 and various data that the first user's terminal device 10 receives from the server 20.

The display 132 displays data such as images, videos, and text under the control of the processor 19. The display 132 is realized by a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence).

The audio processing unit 140 modulates and demodulates audio signals. The audio processing unit 140 modulates the signal provided from the microphone 141 and provides the modulated signal to the processor 19. The audio processing unit 140 also provides the audio signal to the speaker 142.

The microphone 141 receives audio input and provides an audio signal corresponding to the audio input to the audio processing unit 140.

The speaker 142 converts the audio signal provided by the audio processing unit 140 into audio and outputs the audio to the outside of the terminal device 10 of the first user.

The storage unit 16 stores user information 161 , rental service usage history information 162 , and ownership information 163 .
The user information 161 is for holding information on users of the rental service in the rental service system 1 .
The rental service usage history information 162 is for holding information on the usage history of the rental service by the user of the rental service in the rental service system 1.
The ownership information 163 is for holding information on the ownership of an item in the rental service system 1 .

The processor 19 operates according to a program to thereby fulfill the functions of an input operation receiving unit 191, a transmission/reception unit 192, a data processing unit 193, and a notification control unit 194.
The input operation reception unit 191 performs processing for receiving an input operation of a first user on an input device such as the operation reception unit 130. When the operation reception unit 130 is, for example, a touch device, the input operation reception unit 191 determines the type of operation, such as whether the operation of the first user is a flick operation or a drag operation, based on information on the coordinates where the first user touches the touch device with a finger or the like.
The transmission/reception unit 192 performs processing for the terminal device 10 of the first user to transmit and receive data to and from an external device such as the server 20 in accordance with a communication protocol.
The data processing unit 193 performs calculations on the data that the terminal device 10 of the first user accepts as input, in accordance with a program, and performs processing to output the calculation results to a memory or the like.
The notification control unit 194 performs processing for presenting information to the user, such as processing for displaying a display image on the display 132, processing for outputting sound from the speaker 142, and processing for generating vibrations from a vibrator or the like.

<1.3 Functional configuration of server 20>
Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 20. As shown in Fig. 3, the server 20 fulfills the functions of a communication unit 201, a storage unit 202, and a control unit 203.

The communication unit 201 performs processing for the server 20 to communicate with external devices.

The memory unit 202 stores various databases such as a user database 2021, an item registration database 2022, a rental item database 2023, a rental service usage history database 2024, an ownership transfer database 2025, an item repair database 2026, a captured image database 2027, and a contract plan database 2028.

The user database 2021 is a database for managing information on users of each rental service in the rental service system 1. Details will be described later.

The item registration database 2022 is a database for managing information on item registrations in the rental service system 1. Details will be described later.

The rental item database 2023 is a database for managing information on rental items in the rental service system 1. Details will be described later.

The rental service usage history database 2024 is a database for managing information on the usage history of rental services by users of each rental service in the rental service system 1. Details will be described later.

The ownership transfer database 2025 is a database for managing the history of ownership transfers between rental service users in the rental service system 1. Details will be described later.

The item repair database 2026 is a database for managing information on the repair history of rental items in the rental service system 1. Details will be described later.

The captured image database 2027 is a database for managing information on captured images in the rental service system 1. Details will be described later.

The contract plan database 2028 is a database for managing information on contract plans in the rental service system 1. Details will be described later.

The control unit 203 is realized by the processor 29 reading a program stored in the memory unit 202 and executing instructions contained in the program. By operating in accordance with the program, the control unit 203 performs functions shown as a reception control module 2031, a transmission control module 2032, a user information acquisition module 2033, a rental item information acquisition module 2034, and a rental service usage history information acquisition module 2035.

The reception control module 2031 controls the process in which the server 20 receives signals from external devices according to a communication protocol.

The transmission control module 2032 controls the process in which the server 20 transmits signals to external devices according to a communication protocol.

The user information acquisition module 2033 performs a series of processes to manage information about users of the rental service in the rental service system 1.

The rental item information acquisition module 2034 performs a series of processes to manage information about rental service items in the rental service system 1.

The rental service usage history information acquisition module 2035 performs a series of processes to manage information related to the rental service usage history of each rental service user in the rental service system 1.

<2 Data Structure>
Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 are diagrams showing data structures of databases stored in the server 20. Note that Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 are merely examples, and do not exclude data that is not listed.

Figure 4 is a diagram showing the data structure of the user database 2021. The user database 2021 is a database for managing information on users of each rental service in the rental service system 1. Each record in the user database 2021 in Figure 4 includes the items "User ID", "User name", "Email address", "Name", "Address", "Telephone number", "Contract plan ID", and "Contract plan registration date".

The item "user ID" indicates identification information issued by the server 20 for the rental service system 1. Specifically, the item "user ID" is a unique ID for each user that is required when managing users of each rental service in the rental service system 1.
In the rental service, when an account is issued to a user of the rental service, the terminal device 10 of the first user accepts an input for registering an email address from the user of the rental service. In response to accepting the input for registering an email address, the server 20 issues a user ID.

The item "user name" indicates information about the user name used by a user of the rental service when using the rental service.
The item "user name" does not have to be the real name of the user of the rental service.

The item "email address" indicates information about an email address that a user of the rental service uses when using the rental service.
When issuing an account to a user of the rental service in the rental service, the terminal device 10 of the first user accepts an input for registering an email address from the user of the rental service. In response to accepting the input for registering an email address, the server 20 issues a user ID.
A user of the rental service uses, for example, an email address when logging in to the rental service.

The item "Name" indicates information about the name of the user of the rental service.
Some rental service contract plans require the operator to verify the identity of the rental service user. The identity verification procedures and requirements vary depending on the contract plan. For example, some contract plans require the rental service user to input customer information such as name, address, and phone number.
When requesting the registration of the above-mentioned customer information, the terminal device 10 of the first user accepts input of name information from the user of the rental service. Then, the server 20 updates the item "name" in the user database 2021 in response to the input.

The item "address" indicates information about the address of the user of the rental service.
In the same manner as described for the item "name", the server 20 updates the value of the item "address".

The item "phone number" indicates information about the telephone number of a user of the rental service.
In the same manner as described for the item "name", the server 20 updates the value of the item "telephone number".

The item "contract plan ID" indicates identification information issued by the server 20 for the rental service system 1. The item "contract plan ID" is a unique ID for a contract plan that is required when managing each contract plan in the rental service system 1. A contract plan is a contract plan in the subscription-type service described above. In response to receiving an operation from a user of the rental service to register for one of the contract plans, the server 20 updates the value of the item "contract plan ID".

The item "Contract plan registration date" indicates information on the date and time when a user of the rental service registered for a contract plan. Server 20 updates the value of the item "Contract plan registration date" according to the date and time when the operation to register for any contract plan is accepted from the user of the rental service.

Figure 5 is a diagram showing the data structure of the item registration database 2022. The item registration database 2022 is a database for managing information on item registrations in the rental service system 1. Each record in the item registration database 2022 includes an item "item registration ID", an item "user ID", an item "model number", an item "item name", an item "item condition", an item "residual value at time of registration", and an item "registration date and time".

The item "Item registration ID" indicates identification information issued by the server 20 for the rental service system 1. Specifically, the item "Item registration ID" is a unique ID required when managing item registration for a rental service in the rental service system 1.

The item "User ID" indicates identification information issued by the server 20 for the rental service system 1. Specifically, the item "User ID" is a unique ID for each rental service user that is required when managing users of each rental service in the rental service system 1. The item "User ID" in the item registration database 2022 stores the user ID of the service user who registered the item.

The item "Model number" indicates information about the model number of an item. A model number is a number given to each model of a product.
The following is an example of how the value of the item "Model Number" is updated.
Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a screen for accepting registration of photographic equipment from a first user. The registration of photographic equipment is performed, for example, by accepting an input of registration information of the photographic equipment from the first user on a dialogue screen 1300 shown in Fig. 13 on the terminal device 10 of the first user.
First, the terminal device 10 of the first user accepts input of information related to the registration of photographic equipment from the first user in area 1301 of Fig. 13. At this time, it is assumed that the first user possesses photographic equipment that the first user wishes to rent to the photographic equipment rental service. Then, the terminal device 10 of the first user accepts input of information related to the item registration of the photographic equipment from the first user. The information related to the item registration of the photographic equipment is, for example, information on the item's model number, item name, item condition, residual value at the time of registration, etc. Then, in response to accepting input of information related to the item registration of the photographic equipment from the first user, the server 20 updates the value of the item "model number" in the item registration database 2022.

The item "item name" indicates information on the name of the item for the rental service.
In the same manner as described for the item "model number", the server 20 updates the value of the item "item name".

The item "condition of the item" indicates the result of rating the degree of soiling of the item on a scale.
In the same manner as described for the item "model number", the server 20 updates the value of the item "item status".
When accepting input of information on the condition of the item from the first user, the rental service system 1 may accept a selection from a number of options, such as a drop-down list.

The item "residual value at time of registration" indicates information on the residual value of the item to be registered at the time of registering the item. In this disclosure, the remaining amount to be paid by a user of the rental service to purchase the item is referred to as "residual value."
For example, when a user registers a camera that he or she purchased in 10 installments at a home electronics retailer for 100,000 yen, if four of the 10 installments have already been paid, the remaining value of the item will be 60,000 yen.
In the same manner as described for the item "model number", the server 20 updates the value of the item "residual value at time of registration".

The item “registration date and time” indicates information on the date and time when an item was registered in the rental service system 1 by a user of the rental service.
As explained in the item "model number", the server 20 updates the value of the item "residual value at time of registration". Specifically, the server 20 updates the value of the item "registration date and time" in the item registration database 2022 according to the date and time when the server 20 accepts the input of information related to the item registration of the photographing equipment from the first user.

Figure 6 is a diagram showing the data structure of the rental item database 2023. The rental item database 2023 is a database for managing information on rental items in the rental service system 1. The rental item database 2023 in Figure 6 includes the items "Item ID", "Model number", "Item name", "Major item category", "Medium item category", "Manufacturer", "Contract plan", "Rental status", "Item registration ID", "Initial ownership", "Current ownership", and "Residual value of item".

The item "Item ID" indicates identification information issued by the server 20 for the rental service system 1. Specifically, the item "Item ID" is a unique ID for an item that is required when managing items for a rental service in the rental service system 1.

The "Model Number" item shows information about the model number of an item. A model number is a number assigned to each model of a product.

The "Item Name" item indicates information about the name of the item for the rental service.

The "major item category" item indicates information about the major classification of items for rental services. Examples of "major item category" items include cameras, interchangeable lenses, drones, etc.

The "medium item category" item indicates information about the medium classification of items in the rental service. The "medium item category" item is a more detailed classification of the "large item category" item. Examples of the "medium item category" item include single-lens reflex cameras, prime lenses, etc.

The "Manufacturer" item indicates information about the manufacturer who produced the item for the rental service.

The item "contract plan" indicates information regarding which contract plan an item of a rental service can be rented under.
In the rental service system 1, the items that users of the rental service can rent are determined according to the contract plan. Therefore, in the item "contract plan", information is set regarding which contract plan an item of the rental service can be rented in the rental service system 1.
For example, an item with Lv8-Lv10 written in the "contract plan" field means that the item can be rented to a user of the rental service if the user's contract plan is Lv8, Lv9, or Lv10. In other words, an item with Lv8-Lv10 written in the "contract plan" field cannot be rented to a user of the rental service if the user's contract plan is Lv7.
In addition, a rental service may set a minimum contract plan level required for rental of an item. For example, a rental service may require a contract plan of "Level 2 or higher" to be subscribed to by a user of the rental service.

The "Rental Status" item indicates status information regarding the rental of an item through a rental service. For example, if the "Rental Status" item is "Available for rental", it indicates that the item is available for rental to a user of the rental service. Also, if the "Rental Status" item is "Currently on loan", it indicates that the item is currently being loaned to a user of a rental service.

The item "item registration ID" indicates identification information issued by the server 20 for the rental service system 1. Specifically, the item "item registration ID" is a unique ID required for managing the registration of items for rental services in the rental service system 1.
The following is an example of how the value of the item "item registration ID" is updated.
If the item has been registered by a user of the rental service, the server 20 updates the value of the item “item registration ID” in the rental item database 2023 based on the information in the item “item registration ID” in the item registration database 2022.

The item "initial ownership" indicates information on the user ID of the user of the rental service who registered the item.
In the present disclosure, when a user of a rental service registers photographic equipment in the rental service system 1, the ownership of the photographic equipment becomes the ownership of the user of the rental service who registered the item. Even if the photographic equipment is rented to another user of the rental service, the ownership remains with the user of the rental service who registered the item.
Illustrated below is an example of how the value of the field "initial ownership" may be updated.
If the item has been registered by a user of the rental service, the server 20 updates the value of the item “initial ownership” in the rental item database 2023 based on the information in the item registration database 2022 .

The item "current ownership" indicates information on the user ID of a user of the rental service who currently holds ownership of an item.
In the present disclosure, when a user of a rental service registers photographic equipment in the rental service system 1, the ownership of the photographic equipment becomes the user of the rental service who registered the item. Even if the photographic equipment is rented to another user of the rental service, the ownership remains with the user of the rental service who registered the item. However, the ownership of the photographic equipment can also be transferred to another user of the rental service. Therefore, depending on the transfer of ownership, the ownership of the photographic equipment may differ from that of the user of the rental service who registered the item. Therefore, the value of the item "Current Ownership" is affected by the transfer of ownership.
Below is an example of how the value of the item "Current Ownership" may be updated.
First, let us look at the row in the rental item database 2023 in FIG. 6 where the value of the item "item ID" is #702. For the item with the value of the item "item ID" of #702, the value of the item "initial ownership" is #2U9Q. If there is no history of ownership transfer of the item, the value of the item "current ownership" of the item with the value of the item "item ID" of #702 will be #2U9Q. However, if there is a history of ownership transfer, the value of the item "current ownership" may be different from #2U9Q. The history of ownership transfer is described in detail in the ownership transfer database 2025 in FIG. 8. The ownership transfer database 2025 is a database for managing the history of ownership transfer between rental service users in the rental service system 1. For example, looking at the ownership transfer database 2025, it can be seen that the ownership of the item with the item "item ID" of #702 has been transferred. Next, let us look at the row of the ownership transfer database 2025 where the item "ownership transfer ID" has a value of OR0081 and where the item "item ID" is stored as #702. The row of the item "ownership transfer ID" has a value of OR0081, and records the history of ownership transfer for an item where the item "item ID" has a value of #702. The row of the item "ownership transfer ID" has a value of OR0081, and stores that ownership has been transferred from a rental service user with a user ID of #2U9Q to a rental service user with a user ID of #7X3V. In this case, based on the information in the ownership transfer database 2025, the server 20 updates the value of the item "current ownership" in the rental item database 2023 in FIG. 6. Therefore, the item "current ownership" in the rental item database 2023 in FIG. 6 where the item "item ID" has a value of #702 is stored as #7X3V.

The item "residual value of goods" indicates information on the residual value of goods.
Below is an example that illustrates how the value of the item "Residual Value of Goods" is updated.
The following example shows how the value of the item "residual value of item" is updated in response to item registration.
First, the terminal device 10 of the first user accepts input of information related to the registration of the photographic equipment from the first user in the area 1301 of FIG. 13. At this time, it is assumed that the first user possesses photographic equipment that the first user wishes to rent to the photographic equipment rental service. Then, the terminal device 10 of the first user accepts input of information related to the item registration of the photographic equipment from the first user. The information related to the item registration of the photographic equipment is, for example, information on the model number of the item, the item name, information on the item status, the residual value at the time of registration, etc. As described above, the residual value at the time of registration is information on the residual value of the item to be registered at the time of item registration. Next, in response to accepting input of information related to the item registration of the photographic equipment from the first user, the server 20 updates the value of the item "residual value at the time of registration" in the item registration database 2022. Then, the server 20 copies the value of the item “residual value at time of registration” in the item registration database 2022 and updates the value of the item “residual value of item” in the rental item database 2023 .
The following example shows how the value of the item "residual value of item" is updated in response to borrowing an item.
First, the terminal device 30 of the second user accepts an input operation for applying to rent the photographic equipment from the second user. The screen for renting the photographic equipment is, for example, the screen of the dialogue screen 1400 in FIG. 14. The input operation for applying to rent the photographic equipment is, for example, accepting an input operation of the button 1403 of the dialogue screen 1400 from the second user on the terminal device 30 of the second user. At this time, the photographic equipment for which the second user has applied to rent is assumed to be the photographic equipment for which the input for registration of the photographic equipment has been accepted from the first user. Next, in response to accepting an input operation for applying to rent the photographic equipment from the second user, the server 20 updates the value of the item "residual value of item" in the rental item database 2023. Specifically, the server 20 updates the value of the item "residual value of item" in the rental item database 2023 so as to reduce the residual value according to a calculation formula set in the rental service system 1. The calculation formula set in the rental service system 1 may be, for example, a formula for leaving one-tenth of the residual value of the item. Also, the calculation formula set in the rental service system 1 may be, for example, a formula for leaving an amount obtained by multiplying the price of the photographic equipment by a specific factor.

Figure 7 is a diagram showing the data structure of the rental service usage history database 2024. The rental service usage history database 2024 is a database for managing information on the usage history of the rental service by users of the rental service in the rental service system 1. The rental service usage history database 2024 in Figure 7 includes the items "rental service usage ID", "item ID", "user ID", "rental date", and "return date".

The item "Rental service usage ID" indicates identification information issued by the server 20 for the rental service system 1. Specifically, the item "Rental service usage ID" is a unique ID required when managing the usage history of the rental service in the rental service system 1.

The item "Item ID" indicates identification information issued by the server 20 for the rental service system 1. Specifically, the item "Item ID" is a unique ID for an item that is required when managing items for a rental service in the rental service system 1.

The item "User ID" indicates identification information issued by the server 20 for the rental service system 1. Specifically, the item "User ID" is a unique ID for each rental service user that is required when managing each rental service user in the rental service system 1. The item "User ID" in the rental service usage history database 2024 indicates information on the user ID of the rental service user when the rental service user applies to borrow an item.

The item "rental date" indicates information about the date and time when a user of the rental service applied to rent an item.
The following is an example of how the value of the item "rental date" is updated.
First, the terminal device 30 of the second user accepts an input operation for applying to rent the photographic equipment from the second user. The screen for renting the photographic equipment is a screen like the dialogue screen 1400 in FIG. 14. The input operation for applying to rent the photographic equipment is, for example, accepting an input operation of the button 1403 on the dialogue screen 1400 from the second user on the terminal device 30 of the second user. Next, in response to accepting the input operation for applying to rent the photographic equipment from the second user, the server 20 updates the values of each item in the rental service usage history database 2024. Specifically, the server 20 updates the value of the item "rental date" in the rental service usage history database 2024 in response to the date and time when the input operation for applying to rent the photographic equipment is accepted from the second user.

The item "return date" indicates information about the date and time when the item is returned by the user of the rental service.
The following is an example of how the value of the item "return date" is updated.
First, after using an item provided by the rental service, the user of the rental service performs a shipping operation to return the item. Next, the item provided by the rental service is shipped from the user of the rental service. Next, the item provided by the rental service shipped from the user of the rental service arrives at a warehouse where the management manages the items. Then, a user on the management side checks the item provided by the rental service that has arrived, such as whether or not the item is damaged. At this time, the user on the management side may input information regarding the return date of the item when checking the item, such as whether or not the item is damaged. Then, the server 20 updates the value of the item "return date" in accordance with the input of information regarding the return date of the item received from the user on the management side.

Figure 8 is a diagram showing the data structure of the ownership transfer database 2025. The ownership transfer database 2025 is a database for managing the history of ownership transfers between rental service users in the rental service system 1. The ownership transfer database 2025 in Figure 8 includes the items "ownership transfer ID", "item ID", "transferring user ID", "transferee user ID", and "transfer date and time".

The item "Ownership transfer ID" indicates identification information issued by the server 20 for the rental service system 1. Specifically, the item "Item ID" is a unique ID for an item that is required when managing the history of the transfer of ownership of an item in a rental service in the rental service system 1.

The item "Item ID" indicates identification information issued by the server 20 for the rental service system 1. Specifically, the item "Item ID" is a unique ID for an item that is required when managing items for a rental service in the rental service system 1.

The item "Transferred user ID" indicates information about the user ID of the user of the rental service who transferred the ownership of the item.
The following is an example of how the value of the item "Transferred User ID" is updated.
It is assumed that the rental service system 1 is provided with an input form for transfer of ownership of photographic equipment in order to record the transfer of ownership of the photographic equipment. It is also assumed that a user of the rental service who has ownership of the photographic equipment wishes to transfer the ownership of the photographic equipment to another user of the rental service.
First, a user of the rental service who has ownership of photographic equipment enters information about the photographic equipment into an input form for the transfer of ownership of the photographic equipment. The input form for the transfer of ownership of the photographic equipment enters information such as the item ID of the photographic equipment, the user ID of the user of the rental service who is transferring the ownership, and the user ID of the user of the rental service to whom the ownership is to be transferred. Then, in response to receiving an input from the user of the rental service into the input form for the transfer of ownership of the photographic equipment, the server 20 updates the value of the item "Transferring user ID."

The item "Transferred user ID" indicates information on the user ID of the user of the rental service to whom the ownership of the item has been transferred.
In the same manner as described in the section "Transferred user ID", the server 20 updates the value of the section "Transferred user ID".

The item "transfer date and time" indicates information on the date and time when the ownership of the item was transferred.
As explained in the section "Transferred user ID", the server 20 updates the value of the section "Transferred user ID". Specifically, the server 20 updates the value of the section "Transferred user ID" according to the date and time when the server 20 receives input from the user of the rental service into the input form regarding the transfer of ownership of the photographic equipment.

Figure 9 is a diagram showing the data structure of the item repair database 2026. The item repair database 2026 is a database for managing information on the repair history of rental items in the rental service system 1. The item repair database 2026 in Figure 9 includes the items "item repair ID", "item ID", "repair location", "repair content", and "repair date and time".

The item "Item Repair ID" indicates identification information issued by the server 20 for the rental service system 1. Specifically, the item "Item ID" is a unique ID for item repairs that is required when managing the repair history of items for rental services in the rental service system 1.

The item "Item ID" indicates identification information issued by the server 20 for the rental service system 1. Specifically, the item "Item ID" is a unique ID for an item that is required when managing items for a rental service in the rental service system 1.

The item "repaired part" indicates information about the part of the item that has been repaired. The repaired part of the item may be, for example, a power supply unit, a lens, etc.
The following is an example of how the value of the item "repair location" is updated.
First, after using an item of the rental service, the user of the rental service performs a shipping operation to return the item. Next, the item of the rental service is shipped from the user of the rental service. Next, the item of the rental service shipped from the user of the rental service arrives at a warehouse where the management manages the item. Next, the user of the management checks the item of the rental service that has arrived, such as whether the item is damaged. If the item needs to be repaired, the user of the management repairs the item. The rental service system 1 is assumed to have an input form for repair of the item in order to record the repair of the item. After repairing the item, the user of the management inputs information about the repair of the item into the input form about the item. The information about the repair of the item is, for example, the item ID, the repair location of the item, the repair content of the item, the date and time when the repair of the item is completed, and the like. Then, in response to receiving an input from the user of the management into the input form about the repair of the item, the server 20 updates the value of the item "repair location".

The item "repair details" indicates information on the repair details of the item. The repair details of the item include, for example, battery replacement, cleaning up trash, etc.
In the same manner as described for the item "repair location", the server 20 updates the value of the item "repair content".

The item "repair date and time" indicates information about the date and time when repair of the item was completed.
As explained in the item "repair location", the server 20 updates the value of the item "repair date and time". Specifically, the server 20 updates the value of the item "repair date and time" according to the date and time when the input on the input form for repair of the item is accepted from the user on the management side.

The item repair database 2026 may also store information on item repairs for the item that is input when the rental service system 1 accepts item registration from a user of the rental service.

Figure 10 is a diagram showing the data structure of the captured image database 2027. The captured image database 2027 is a database for managing information on captured images in relation to the rental service system 1. The captured image database 2027 in Figure 10 includes the items "captured image ID", "image data", "title", "photography equipment", and "registration date and time".

The item "Photographed image ID" indicates identification information issued by the server 20 in relation to the rental service system 1. Specifically, the item "Photographed image ID" is a unique ID for a photographed image that is required when managing photographed images in the rental service system 1.

The item "image data" indicates information on the image data of the captured image.
The following is an example of how the value of the item "Image Data" is updated.
It is assumed that the rental service system 1 has a page for the rental service users to upload photographed images. The page for the rental service users to upload photographed images has a section for uploading image data of the photographed images and a section for inputting information about the photographed images.
First, the user of the rental service opens a page for uploading a captured image. Next, the user of the rental service inputs information about the captured image on the page for uploading the captured image, and uploads the image data of the captured image. The information about the captured image is, for example, the title of the captured image, information about the photographic equipment used to capture the captured image, etc. Then, in response to receiving the upload of the image data of the captured image and the input of the information about the captured image from the user of the rental service, the server 20 updates the value of the item "image data."

The item "title" indicates information about the title of the captured image.
In the same manner as described for the item "image data", the server 20 updates the value of the item "title".

The item "photographic equipment" indicates information about the photographic equipment used when the photographed image was taken.
In the same manner as described for the item "image data", the server 20 updates the value of the item "photographic equipment".

The item "registration date and time" indicates information on the date and time when the photographed image was registered.
As explained in the item "image data", the server 20 updates the value of the item "photographic equipment". Specifically, the server 20 updates the value of the item "registration date and time" according to the date and time when the server 20 accepts the upload of the photographed image and the input of information related to the photographed image from the user of the rental service.

10, information on the user who captured each captured image may be stored in the captured image database 2027. For example, the server 20 acquires information on the user who captured the captured image as follows.
- When accepting an upload of a captured image from a user, the user's login information for the rental service 1 is referenced - Accepts input of user information (SNS account, name, etc.) from the user - When a captured image is posted to an SNS or the like, information for referencing the post (such as a URL associated with the post) is obtained to obtain information on the image and poster contained in the post. In addition, the captured image database 2027 may store information on captured images taken using the item, which is input when the rental service system 1 accepts item registration from a user of the rental service.

Figure 11 is a diagram showing the data structure of the contract plan database 2028. The contract plan database 2028 is a database for managing information on contract plans in the rental service system 1. The contract plan database 2028 in Figure 11 includes the items "contract plan ID", "contract plan name", and "monthly fee".

The item "contract plan ID" indicates identification information issued by the server 20 for the rental service system 1. Specifically, the item "contract plan ID" is a unique ID for a contract plan that is required when managing each contract plan in the rental service system 1. A contract plan is a contract plan in the subscription-based service described above.

The "Contract Plan Name" item shows the name of the contract plan for each contract plan.

The "Monthly Fee" item shows information about the monthly fee for each contract plan. The higher the monthly fee for the contract plan, the greater the variety of items that users of the rental service can rent.

The data in the database data structure stored by the server 20 described above may be managed using blockchain technology.

<Operation of the First Embodiment>
Next, the operation of each device constituting the rental service system 1 will be described.

Figure 12 shows the process flow for accepting registration of photographic equipment from a first user and then accepting rental of photographic equipment from a second user.

In step S12011, the terminal device 10 of the first user accepts an input for registration of the photographic equipment from the first user who wishes to rent the photographic equipment. The registration of the photographic equipment is performed, for example, by accepting an input for registration of information on the photographic equipment from the first user on the dialog screen 1300 of FIG. 13 on the terminal device 10 of the first user.
First, the terminal device 10 of the first user accepts input of information related to registration of photographic equipment from the first user in area 1301 of Fig. 13. At this time, it is assumed that the first user possesses photographic equipment that the first user wishes to rent to the photographic equipment rental service. Then, the terminal device 10 of the first user accepts input of information related to item registration of the photographic equipment from the first user. The information related to item registration of the photographic equipment is, for example, information on the model number of the item, the item name, and information on the condition of the item.

In step S12021, in response to accepting registration of information on photographic equipment from the first user, the server 20 updates the item registration database 2022.
The following is an example of how an item in the item registration database 2022 may be updated.
First, the server 20 accepts an item registration operation from the first user as described in step S12011. Then, in response to accepting input of information related to the item registration of the photographing equipment from the first user, the server 20 updates the values of each item in the item registration database 2022.

In step S12031, the terminal device 30 of the second user presents a screen for renting the photographic equipment. The screen for renting the photographic equipment is, for example, the dialog screen 1400 in FIG. 14. The second user checks the information about the photographic equipment displayed on the dialog screen 1400 and determines whether or not to rent the photographic equipment.

In step S12032, the terminal device 30 of the second user accepts an input operation for applying to borrow photographic equipment from the second user. The screen for borrowing photographic equipment is, for example, the screen of the dialog screen 1400 in FIG. 14. The input operation for applying to borrow photographic equipment is, for example, accepting an input operation of the button 1403 on the dialog screen 1400 from the second user on the terminal device 30 of the second user.

In step S12022, the server 20 updates the rental service usage history database 2024 in response to an input operation by the second user to apply for rental of the photographic equipment.
The following is an example of how an item in the rental service usage history database 2024 may be updated.
First, in step S12032, the terminal device 30 of the second user accepts an input operation for applying to rent the photographic equipment from the second user. Then, in response to accepting the input operation for applying to rent the photographic equipment from the second user, the server 20 updates the values of each item in the rental service usage history database 2024.

In step S12023, the server 20 updates the value of the item "rental status" in the rental item database 2023 in response to an input operation by the second user to apply for rental of the photographic equipment.
The following is an example of how the value of the item "rental status" in the rental item database 2023 is updated.
First, in step S12032, the terminal device 30 of the second user accepts an input operation for applying to rent the photographic equipment from the second user. Then, in response to accepting the input operation for applying to rent the photographic equipment from the second user, the server 20 updates the value of the item "rental status" in the rental item database 2023. Specifically, in response to accepting the input operation for applying to rent the photographic equipment from the second user, the server 20 updates the value of the item "rental status" in the rental item database 2023 from "available for rent" to "rented."

In step S12024, in response to an input operation by the second user to apply to rent the photographic equipment, the server 20 updates the value of the item "residual value of item" in the rental item database 2023. The value of the item "residual value of item" in the rental item database 2023 is updated only when the photographic equipment has a residual value remaining.
The following is an example of how the value of the item "residual value of item" in the rental item database 2023 is updated.
First, in step S12032, the terminal device 30 of the second user accepts an input operation for applying to rent the photographic equipment from the second user. In the following example, it is assumed that the photographic equipment is the photographic equipment for which an input for registration of the photographic equipment was accepted from the first user in step S12011. Next, in response to accepting an input operation for applying to rent the photographic equipment from the second user, the server 20 updates the value of the item "residual value of item" in the rental item database 2023. Specifically, the server 20 updates the value of the item "residual value of item" in the rental item database 2023 so as to reduce the residual value according to a calculation formula set in the rental service system 1. The calculation formula set in the rental service system 1 may be, for example, as follows:
A certain percentage of the compensation that the business operator of the server 20 receives by renting out an item. For example, the fee for the contract plan required to rent the item (for example, each contract plan shown in FIG. 11 ) is used as a source of funds, and a certain percentage of the contract plan fee is paid to the user who registered the item while the item is being rented.
- Deduct a certain percentage of the item's residual value while it is rented (e.g., every month), although it may be possible to deduct only a certain amount of the residual value.
The calculation formula set in the rental service system 1 may be, for example, a formula in which the remaining amount is calculated by multiplying the sales price of the photographic equipment by a specific factor.
If the remaining value of the item is 0 yen or the remaining value of the item is not set, the rental service system 1 returns some kind of compensation to the rental service user who registered the item in the rental service system 1. The compensation may be money, points in the rental service system 1, or the like.

<Screen example>
FIG. 13 shows a screen for accepting registration of photographic equipment from a first user.

The rental service system 1 can accept registration of rental-available photographic equipment from users of the rental service. After accepting registration of rental-available photographic equipment from a user of the rental service, the rental service system 1 may rent out the photographic equipment to other users of the rental service.
Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a screen for accepting registration of photographic equipment from a first user. The registration of photographic equipment is performed, for example, by accepting an input of registration information of the photographic equipment from the first user on a dialogue screen 1300 shown in Fig. 13 on the terminal device 10 of the first user.
First, the terminal device 10 of the first user accepts input of information related to the registration of photographic equipment from the first user in area 1301 of Fig. 13. At this time, it is assumed that the first user possesses photographic equipment that the first user wishes to rent to the photographic equipment rental service. Then, the terminal device 10 of the first user accepts input of information related to the item registration of the photographic equipment from the first user. The information related to the item registration of the photographic equipment is, for example, item model number information, item name, item condition information, residual value at the time of registration, etc. Then, in response to accepting input of information related to the item registration of the photographic equipment from the first user, the server 20 updates the values of each item in the item registration database 2022.
In addition to the above, when registering the photographic equipment, the terminal device 10 of the first user may accept input from a user of the rental service of images of the photographic equipment taken using the photographic equipment, information on the repair history of the photographic equipment, etc.

Specifically, the terminal device 10 of the first user presents the following pieces of information on the dialog screen 1300:
Area 1301 is an area for receiving input of information related to item registration from the first user. The information related to item registration is, for example, information on the item model number, item name, item condition, residual value at the time of registration, etc.
Button 1302 is a button for accepting an operation from the first user to confirm the contents of information related to item registration.

Figure 14 shows a screen that accepts an application to borrow photographic equipment from a second user.

The second user's terminal device 30 presents a screen for accepting applications to rent photographic equipment. The second user looks at the screen for accepting applications to rent photographic equipment and decides whether or not to rent the photographic equipment. If the second user decides that he or she would like to rent the photographic equipment, the screen for accepting applications to rent photographic equipment accepts the application from the second user to rent the photographic equipment.

Specifically, the terminal device 30 of the second user presents the following information on the dialog screen 1400:
An area 1401 is an area for displaying an image relating to photographic equipment. The image relating to the photographic equipment is, for example, an image of the photographic equipment itself, an enlarged image of a part of the photographic equipment, etc.
An area 1402 is an area for displaying detailed information about the photographic equipment, such as the name of the item, information about the manufacturer of the item, and the like.
A button 1403 is used to accept an application for renting photographic equipment from a second user.

Figure 15 shows a screen displaying historical information about users of the rental service who have previously rented photographic equipment of the same model number when a request to rent photographic equipment is received from a second user.

When accepting an application to rent photographic equipment, the terminal device 30 of the second user displays on the screen information on the history of users of the rental service who have rented photographic equipment of the same model number in the past.
Presenting historical information about users of the rental service who have rented photographic equipment of the same model number in the past helps users of the rental service decide whether to rent that photographic equipment. Also, presenting historical information about users of the rental service who have rented photographic equipment of the same model number in the past leads to increasing the value of that photographic equipment. This is because presenting historical information about users of the rental service who have rented photographic equipment of the same model number in the past provides information such as whether the photographic equipment has been rented to a professional photographer, which is helpful for users of the rental service.

Specifically, the terminal device 30 of the second user presents the following information on the dialog screen 1500:
An area 1401 is an area for displaying an image relating to photographic equipment. The image relating to the photographic equipment is, for example, an image of the photographic equipment itself, an enlarged image of a part of the photographic equipment, etc.
An area 1402 is an area for displaying detailed information about the photographic equipment, such as the name of the item, information about the manufacturer of the item, and the like.
A button 1403 is used to accept an application for renting photographic equipment from a second user.
Area 1501 is an area for displaying information on the history of users of the rental service who have previously rented photographic equipment of the same model number.

The rental service system 1 may be able to select which pieces of photographic equipment are available for rental. In this case, the information on the history of users of the rental service who rented the photographic equipment is presented by presenting the history of users of the rental service for each piece of photographic equipment. The second user's terminal device 30 may, for example, present on the dialogue screen 1500 information on the photographic equipment as well as information on the history of users of the rental service for each piece of photographic equipment.

Figure 16 shows information about the repair history of photographic equipment displayed on a screen when an application to rent photographic equipment is accepted from a second user.

When accepting an application to rent the photographic equipment, the terminal device 30 of the second user displays information on the repair history of the photographic equipment on the screen.
The rental service system 1 may be able to select which piece of photographic equipment is available for rental. In this case, the information on the repair history of the photographic equipment is presented as the repair history of each piece of photographic equipment. The terminal device 30 of the second user may present information on each piece of photographic equipment in addition to the information on the photographic equipment, for example, as in the dialogue screen 1600.
Presenting information on the repair history of photographic equipment helps users decide whether to rent that equipment. This is because presenting information on the history of users of the rental service who have rented the same model of photographic equipment in the past provides information such as which part of the equipment was broken, which becomes a reference for users of the rental service when renting a particular piece of photographic equipment.

Specifically, the terminal device 30 of the second user presents the following information on the dialog screen 1600:
An area 1401 is an area for displaying an image relating to photographic equipment. The image relating to the photographic equipment is, for example, an image of the photographic equipment itself, an enlarged image of a part of the photographic equipment, etc.
An area 1402 is an area for displaying detailed information about the photographic equipment, such as the name of the item, information about the manufacturer of the item, and the like.
A button 1403 is used to accept an application for renting photographic equipment from a second user.
Area 1601 is an area for displaying information on the repair history of an individual piece of photographic equipment with item ID #888.
Area 1602 is an area for displaying information on the repair history of the individual piece of photographic equipment with item ID #889.
The photographic equipment with the item ID #888 and the photographic equipment with the item ID #889 are photographic equipment with the same model number.

Figure 17 shows a screen displaying information about an image captured using photographic equipment with the same model number as the photographic equipment in question, when a request to borrow photographic equipment is accepted from a second user.

When accepting an application to rent photographic equipment, the terminal device 30 of the second user displays on the screen information about images captured using photographic equipment with the same model number as the photographic equipment in question. Displaying information about images captured using photographic equipment with the same model number as the photographic equipment in question helps users of the rental service decide whether to rent the photographic equipment in question.
Information on images captured using photographic equipment with the same model number as the photographic equipment in question may be presented by referring to information in the photographic image database 2027 .

Specifically, the terminal device 30 of the second user presents the following information on the dialog screen 1700:
An area 1401 is an area for displaying an image relating to photographic equipment. The image relating to the photographic equipment is, for example, an image of the photographic equipment itself, an enlarged image of a part of the photographic equipment, etc.
An area 1402 is an area for displaying detailed information about the photographic equipment, such as the name of the item, information about the manufacturer of the item, and the like.
A button 1403 is used to accept an application for renting photographic equipment from a second user.
Area 1701 is an area for displaying information about images captured using photographic equipment with the same model number as the photographic equipment in question. A plurality of images captured using photographic equipment with the same model number as the photographic equipment in question may be displayed.
In addition, the server 20 may refer to the captured image database 2027 to transmit information about the photographer of the captured image to the terminal device 30 of the second user, thereby causing the terminal device 30 to display information about the captured image together with information about the photographer on the dialog screen 1700.

<Modification>
(1) It is possible to rent photographic equipment of the same model number even when the photographic equipment is currently being rented out. Even if the photographic equipment for which item registration has been accepted from the first user is currently being rented out to a user of another rental service, the rental service system 1 is able to rent photographic equipment of the same model number to the first user.
In this way, the first user can borrow and use photographic equipment of the same model number as the photographic equipment while registering the item. Also, in the rental service system 1, the first user can satisfy his/her desire to use the photographic equipment while registering the item, and therefore the number of photographic equipment available for rental can be maintained at a certain level.
The following is an example of lending photographic equipment of the same model number to a first user.
It is assumed that the rental service system 1 has already accepted registration of photographic equipment from a first user, and that the photographic equipment for which registration has been accepted from the first user is currently being rented out to another user of a rental service.
First, the terminal device 10 of the first user presents a screen for accepting an application to rent photographic equipment. This photographic equipment is the same model number as the item for which the first user has accepted the registration of the photographic equipment. Next, the first user looks at the screen for accepting the application to rent the photographic equipment and decides whether or not to rent the photographic equipment. Next, if the first user decides that he or she wants to rent the photographic equipment, the screen in FIG. 14 accepts the application to rent the photographic equipment from the first user. Then, in response to accepting the application to rent the photographic equipment from the first user, the server 20 updates the rental service usage history database 2024 and the rental item database 2023.
However, while the first user is borrowing from the rental service photographic equipment with the same model number as the photographic equipment lent to the rental service by the first user, the residual value of the photographic equipment owned by the first user is managed so as not to be reduced. Specifically, the residual value of the photographic equipment owned by the first user and recorded in the rental item database 2023 is managed so as not to be reduced. In this case, the server 20 first obtains model number information linked to the item ID in the rental item database from the item ID information in the rental service usage history database 2024. Then, it is determined whether or not the model number is the same as that of the photographic equipment owned by the first user. If the model number is the same, the server 20 updates the value of the item "item residual value" of the photographic equipment owned by the first user in the rental item database so as not to be reduced.

(2) Secondary Distribution of Photographic Equipment A first user who has registered photographic equipment in the rental service system 1 may be given compensation in return for renting the photographic equipment to another user even after the ownership of the photographic equipment has been transferred to another user.
In addition, for photographic equipment whose ownership has been transferred, regardless of which user has the ownership, compensation for the rental of the photographic equipment may be paid to the first user who registered the photographic equipment each time the photographic equipment is rented out.
This allows users who register items to secure profits, encouraging them to register photographic equipment with the rental service system 1, increasing the options available to users who rent photographic equipment through the rental service system 1, and leading to an increase in the number of platform participants.

(3) When multiple users have ownership rights to photographic equipment of the same model number When multiple users have ownership rights to photographic equipment of the same model number, in response to receiving an input operation to apply to borrow the photographic equipment, the photographic equipment of one of the users who has ownership rights is determined to be the item for loan.
The method of determining whether to lend may be as follows.
- Based on remaining payment:
Based on the information on the remaining payment amount of each photographic equipment of each user who owns the photographic equipment of the same model number, the photographic equipment owned by the user with the largest remaining payment amount is determined as the equipment to be rented. The remaining payment amount of each photographic equipment is specifically the value of the item "residual value of item" in the rental item database 2023.
- Method based on number of rentals:
The photographic equipment to be rented out is determined based on the history of the number of times each piece of photographic equipment has been rented out to each user who owns photographic equipment of the same model number, so that the number of times each piece of photographic equipment has been rented out is equalized. The history of the number of times each piece of photographic equipment has been rented out is based on the information in the rental service usage history database 2024.
- Method based on rental frequency:
Based on information on the rental frequency of each piece of photographic equipment of each user who owns photographic equipment of the same model number, the photographic equipment to be rented out is determined, with priority given to equipment that has been rented out less frequently. The history of the number of times each piece of photographic equipment has been rented out is based on information in the rental service usage history database 2024. This makes it possible to equalize the frequency of rental of each piece of photographic equipment, and to bring the opportunities to earn compensation for rental to approximately the same level among users who register their photographic equipment.

(4) Exchange of ownership rights The rental service system 1 can exchange the ownership rights of photographic equipment for the ownership rights of other photographic equipment of equivalent value based on the value of the ownership rights of the photographic equipment. An equivalent value is, for example, an equivalent value in the item "contract plan" in the rental item database 2023 of Fig. 6. For example, the server 20 presents each piece of photographic equipment for which ownership rights are to be exchanged between multiple users, and receives an operation from each user agreeing to the ownership rights exchange, thereby managing the pieces of photographic equipment as if the ownership rights had been exchanged.
In this way, the rental service system 1 has the effect of encouraging rental service users to switch to other photographic equipment.
(5) Rental aspects in the rental service system 1 In the above example, a user selects one or more contract plans (for example, two contracts are possible) shown in Fig. 11, and then pays a usage fee every certain period (monthly fee) to rent photographic equipment within the range defined in the contract plan while switching between them. For example, one piece of photographic equipment is available for rental under one contract plan, and the user can return the photographic equipment available for rental under the contract plan each time and rent another piece of photographic equipment.
In addition, as a rental aspect in the rental service system 1, the user may apply for rental after being presented with the period and fee for which the item can be rented (for example, XXX yen for 7 nights and 8 days). In this case, when the item is rented to a user who has registered the item at the above fee, a certain percentage of the fee may be paid to the user, or the residual value of the item may be deducted.

Although several embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, these embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications are considered to be within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims, as well as within the scope and spirit of the invention.

<Additional Notes>
The following description adds to the matters described in the above embodiments.
(Appendix 1)
A program for operating a computer, the computer being for providing a service of renting out photographic equipment to a user, the program causing a processor of the computer to perform a step (S12011) of accepting registration of information on photographic equipment that can be rented out to a second user from a first user who wishes to rent out the photographic equipment, while the ownership of the photographic equipment remains with the first user, and presenting a screen for renting the photographic equipment to a second user who uses the service, and having the second user perform an input operation for applying to rent the photographic equipment. a step of receiving an application from a second user (S12032); a step of managing the photographic equipment as being on loan by the second user in response to an input operation from the second user (S12022), and paying a fee for the loan to the first user who has ownership of the photographic equipment related to the application for rental; and a step of managing information on the residual value to be paid by the first user when purchasing the photographic equipment owned by the first user so as to update the information in response to the photographic equipment being rented (S12024).

(Appendix 2)
A program as described in (Appendix 1), in which, in a step of accepting an input operation to apply for the rental of photographic equipment, even if a first user who lends photographic equipment to a service has also lent the photographic equipment to another user, if the service that rents out photographic equipment has photographic equipment of the same model number, it is possible to accept the rental of photographic equipment from the first user.

(Appendix 3)
In the management step, the program described in (Appendix 2) manages the residual value so as not to be reduced for a user who has lent photographic equipment to the service while the user is borrowing photographic equipment of the same model number from the service as the photographic equipment that the user is lent to the service.

(Appendix 4)
A program as described in (Appendix 1), in which, in the step of accepting registration of information about photographic equipment, it is possible to transfer ownership of the photographic equipment to other users, and a history of transfers of ownership of photographic equipment between users is managed.

(Appendix 5)
A program as described in (Appendix 4), in which in the step of granting compensation, a compensation is granted to a user who has purchased photographic equipment and registered the purchased photographic equipment to make it available for rental in the service, in accordance with the rental of the photographic equipment, even if the ownership of the photographic equipment is transferred to another user.

(Appendix 6)
A program as described in (Appendix 5), in which, in the step of accepting registration, the user to whom ownership of the photographic equipment has been transferred can further transfer the ownership to another user, and in response to the operation of transferring the ownership, information about the user who owns the photographic equipment is updated in response to the operation of transferring the ownership, and in the step of granting compensation, compensation is granted to the user who registered in response to the rental of the photographic equipment, regardless of which user owns the transferred ownership of the photographic equipment.

(Appendix 7)
A program as described in (Appendix 6), in which, in a step of receiving an input operation to apply for rental of photographic equipment, in response to the input operation to apply for rental of photographic equipment, the photographic equipment is stored in a memory unit as having been rented by the user who performed the input operation, and on a screen for renting the photographic equipment, information on the photographic equipment is displayed together with a history (1501) of users who have rented the photographic equipment by referring to information in the memory unit.

(Appendix 8)
The program described in (Appendix 7), wherein in the step of accepting registration, input of at least one of a repair history of the photographic equipment and a history of images taken using the photographic equipment is accepted and stored in a memory unit in association with information about the photographic equipment, and in the step of accepting an input operation for applying to rent the photographic equipment, at least one of the repair history of the photographic equipment (1601) or the history of images taken (1701) is presented to the user in a referenceable manner by referring to the information in the memory unit on a screen for renting the photographic equipment.

(Appendix 9)
The program described in (Appendix 1) further executes a step of determining, in a case where multiple users have ownership of photographic equipment of the same model number, the photographic equipment of any of the users who have ownership as the equipment to be loaned in response to receiving an input operation to apply to borrow the photographic equipment.

(Appendix 10)
The program described in (Appendix 9) in which, in the determining step, the photographic equipment to be loaned out is determined by one of the following: determining the photographic equipment owned by a user with a large remaining payment balance as the equipment to be loaned out based on information on the remaining payment balance of each piece of photographic equipment of each user who owns photographic equipment of the same model number; determining the photographic equipment to be loaned out so as to level out the number of times it has been loaned out based on the history of the number of times each piece of photographic equipment has been loaned out of each user who owns photographic equipment of the same model number; and determining the photographic equipment to be loaned out, giving priority to equipment that has been loaned out less frequently, based on information on the frequency of loaning of each piece of photographic equipment of each user who owns photographic equipment of the same model number.

(Appendix 11)
A method for operating a computer, the computer being configured to provide a service of renting photographic equipment to a user, the method including a step (S12011) of accepting, from a first user who wishes to rent photographic equipment, registration of information on photographic equipment that can be rented to a second user while the ownership of the photographic equipment remains with the first user, and presenting a screen for renting the photographic equipment to a second user who uses the service, and receiving an input operation from the second user to apply to rent the photographic equipment. a step of receiving an application from a second user (S12032); a step of managing the photographic equipment as being on loan by the second user in response to an input operation made by the second user (S12022) and paying a fee for the loan to the first user who has ownership of the photographic equipment concerned in the application for rental; and a step of managing information on the residual value to be paid by the first user when purchasing the photographic equipment owned by the first user so as to update the information in accordance with the fact that the photographic equipment is being rented (S12024).

(Appendix 12)
The information processing device is provided with a control unit, and is for providing a service of renting photographic equipment to users. The information processing device includes a step of accepting registration of information on photographic equipment that can be rented to a second user from a first user who wishes to rent the photographic equipment while the ownership of the photographic equipment remains with the first user (S12011); and a step of presenting a screen for renting the photographic equipment to a second user who uses the service and accepting an input operation for applying to rent the photographic equipment from the second user (S12012). 2032), in response to an input operation of a request from a second user, managing the photographic equipment as being borrowed by the second user (S12022), and granting a consideration for the borrowing to the first user who has ownership of the photographic equipment related to the application for borrowing, and a managing step (S12024) of updating information on the residual value to be paid by the first user when purchasing the photographic equipment owned by the first user in response to the photographic equipment being borrowed.

1: Rental service system, 10: Terminal device of first user, 12: Communication IF, 13: Input device, 14: Output device, 15: Memory, 16: Storage unit, 19: Processor, 20: Server, 22: Communication IF, 23: Input/output IF, 25: Memory, 26: Storage, 29: Processor, 30: Terminal device of second user, 32: Communication IF, 33: Input device, 34: Output device, 35: Memory, 36: Storage unit, 39: Processor, 80: Network, 111: Antenna, 121: First wireless communication unit, 130: Operation reception unit, 132: Display, 140: Audio processing unit, 141: Microphone, 142: Speaker, 161: User information, 162: Rental service usage history information, 163: Ownership information ,191: Input operation reception unit, 192: Transmission/reception unit, 193: Data processing unit, 194: Notification control unit, 201: Communication unit, 202: Storage unit, 203: Control unit, 2021: User database, 2022: Item registration database, 2023: Rental item database, 2024: Rental service usage history database, 2025: Ownership transfer database, 2026: Item repair database, 2027: Photographed image database, 2028: Contract plan database, 2031: Reception control module, 2032: Transmission control module, 2033: User information acquisition module, 2034: Rental item information acquisition module, 2035: Rental service usage history information acquisition module

Claims (12)

A program for operating a computer,
the computer is for providing a service of renting photographic equipment to a user,
The program causes a processor of the computer to:
receiving registration of information on photographic equipment available for lending to a second user from a first user who wishes to lend said photographic equipment while the ownership of said photographic equipment remains with said first user;
presenting a screen for renting photographic equipment to the second user who uses the service and receiving an input operation for applying to rent photographic equipment from the second user;
a step of managing the photographic equipment as being borrowed by the second user in response to the input operation of the application from the second user, and paying a fee for the borrowing to the first user who has ownership of the photographic equipment related to the application for borrowing;
and managing information on the residual value of photographic equipment owned by the first user, the residual value being paid by the first user when the photographic equipment is purchased, so as to update the information in accordance with the fact that the photographic equipment is rented. In the step of receiving an input operation for applying to rent the photographic equipment,
The program according to claim 1, wherein even if a first user who lends photographic equipment to a service has also lent the photographic equipment to another user, the service that lends out photographic equipment can accept the loan of the photographic equipment from the first user if the service has photographic equipment of the same model number. The program according to claim 2, wherein in the managing step, the residual value is managed so as not to be reduced for a user who has lent photographic equipment to the service while the user is borrowing photographic equipment from the service that has the same model number as the photographic equipment that the user is lent to the service. The program according to claim 1, wherein in the step of accepting registration of information about the photographic equipment, the ownership of the photographic equipment can be transferred to another user, and a history of transfers of ownership of the photographic equipment between users is managed. In the step of providing the compensation,
The program according to claim 4, wherein a user who purchases photographic equipment and registers the purchased photographic equipment to make it available for rental on the service is paid a compensation in exchange for the rental of the photographic equipment even if ownership of the photographic equipment is transferred to another user. In the step of accepting the registration,
the ownership of the photographic equipment can be transferred from the user to whom the ownership of the photographic equipment has been transferred to another user, and information on the user who has the ownership of the photographic equipment is updated in response to an operation of transferring the ownership;
In the step of providing the compensation,
6. The program according to claim 5, wherein a compensation is given to the user who has registered the photographic equipment in response to the rental of the photographic equipment, regardless of which user holds the ownership of the transferred photographic equipment. in the step of accepting an input operation for applying to borrow the photographic equipment, in response to the input operation for applying to borrow the photographic equipment, storing the photographic equipment in a storage unit as having been borrowed by the user who performed the input operation;
7. The program according to claim 6, further comprising: a screen for renting the photographic equipment, which displays information about the photographic equipment together with a history of users who have rented the photographic equipment, by referring to information in the storage unit. In the step of accepting the registration, at least one of a repair history of the photographic equipment and a history of images taken using the photographic equipment is accepted and stored in the storage unit in association with information about the photographic equipment,
8. The program according to claim 7, wherein, in the step of accepting an input operation to apply for rental of the photographic equipment, at least one of a repair history of the photographic equipment or a history of the captured images is presented to the user in a referable manner on a screen for renting the photographic equipment by referring to information in the memory unit. The program according to claim 1, further comprising a step of determining, in the case where multiple users own photographic equipment of the same model number, the photographic equipment of any one of the users who owns the photographic equipment as the equipment to be lent in response to receiving an input operation to request the rental of the photographic equipment. In the determining step,
determining, based on information on the remaining payment amount of each photographic equipment of each user who owns the photographic equipment of the same model number, the photographic equipment owned by the user with the largest remaining payment amount as the equipment to be lent;
determining the photographic equipment to be lent out based on the history of the number of times each piece of photographic equipment has been lent out to each user who owns the photographic equipment of the same model number, so as to equalize the number of times each piece of photographic equipment has been lent out;
and determining the photographic equipment to be loaned out based on information on the frequency of loaning of each piece of photographic equipment to each user who owns photographic equipment of the same model number, giving priority to equipment that has been loaned out less frequently. 1. A method for operating a computer, comprising:
the computer is for providing a service of renting photographic equipment to a user,
The method further comprises causing a processor of the computer to:
receiving registration of information on photographic equipment available for lending to a second user from a first user who wishes to lend said photographic equipment while the ownership of said photographic equipment remains with said first user;
presenting a screen for renting photographic equipment to the second user who uses the service and receiving an input operation for applying to rent photographic equipment from the second user;
a step of managing the photographic equipment as being borrowed by the second user in response to the input operation of the application from the second user, and paying a fee for the borrowing to the first user who has ownership of the photographic equipment related to the application for borrowing;
and managing information on the residual value to be paid by the first user when purchasing photographic equipment owned by the first user, so as to update the information in accordance with the photographic equipment being rented. An information processing device including a control unit,
the information processing device is for providing a service of renting photographic equipment to a user,
receiving registration of information on photographic equipment available for lending to a second user from a first user who wishes to lend said photographic equipment, while the ownership of said photographic equipment remains with said first user;
presenting a screen for renting photographic equipment to the second user who uses the service and receiving an input operation for applying to rent photographic equipment from the second user;
a step of managing the photographic equipment as being borrowed by the second user in response to the input operation of the application from the second user, and paying a fee for the borrowing to the first user who has ownership of the photographic equipment related to the application for borrowing;
and managing information on the residual value to be paid by the first user when purchasing photographic equipment owned by the first user, so as to update the information on the residual value in accordance with the fact that the photographic equipment is rented.