JP7802573B2 - Rental System - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a management server, a rental system, and a method for controlling the management server.

In recent years, batteries have been used with the aim of increasing the proportion of renewable energy, as electricity charged using renewable energy can be used in places other than the charging point. Technologies using batteries have been proposed in the past (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses an electric vehicle that has a main battery attached to the vehicle body and a drive source that outputs driving force for traveling using the power of the main battery, and that has a holder attached to the vehicle body that detachably holds a user battery owned by the user, separate from the main battery, and has the function of charging the user battery.

Patent No. 6882588

In the prior art, a system is conceivable in which a user who owns a user battery (hereinafter referred to as a "lender") lends the user battery to a third party user (hereinafter referred to as a "borrower"). This system allows the borrower to borrow the user battery from the lender when they need it, thereby improving the borrower's convenience.
However, in this system, if the user battery to be borrowed or lent is a user battery installed in a mobile object as described in Patent Document 1, the location of the borrowed or lent user battery changes as the mobile object moves. Therefore, in this case, if the borrower cannot determine where the borrowed or lent user battery is located, the borrower cannot easily borrow the user battery installed in the mobile object.

The present invention aims to provide a management server, rental system, and management server control method that allows renters to easily rent batteries installed in mobile objects.

One aspect of the present invention is a management server that manages the lending and borrowing of batteries between a lender that lends a battery and a borrower that borrows the battery, and includes a receiver that receives battery information from a communication device equipped on the mobile object, including battery status information indicating the status of each battery installed on the mobile object; a generator that generates a map image in which battery status information included in the battery information received by the receiver that satisfies a predetermined condition is displayed at a position on a map corresponding to the current location of the mobile object; and a transmitter that transmits image data of the map image generated by the generator to a borrower terminal operated by the borrower.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a borrower can easily borrow a battery installed in a mobile object.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a rental system. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the first vehicle. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the second vehicle. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the lender terminal. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the management server. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rental system. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rental system. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the first map image. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the second map image. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rental system.

[1. Rental system configuration]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a rental system 1 according to this embodiment.
The rental system 1 is a system that provides a power pack 2 rental and borrowing service between a lender 3 that rents out a power pack 2, which is a portable battery, and a borrower 4 that borrows the power pack 2.
The power pack 2 corresponds to the battery in this disclosure.

1, the rental system 1 of this embodiment includes a first vehicle 5 operated by a lender 3, a lender terminal 6 operated by the lender 3, an in-vehicle device 80 operated by a borrower 4, and a management server 7 that manages the lending and borrowing of power packs 2. The in-vehicle device 80 is mounted on a second vehicle 8 operated by the borrower 4. The first vehicle 5, the management server 7, and the second vehicle 8 are each connected to a communication network 9 such as the Internet so that they can communicate with each other.
The first vehicle 5 corresponds to a moving body in this disclosure. The in-vehicle device 80 corresponds to a renter terminal in this disclosure.

The power pack 2 can be placed in a predetermined position in the first vehicle 5 (such as under a seat). The power pack 2 can also be attached to and detached from a charging station 54 provided in the first vehicle 5. The power pack 2 is equipped with a wireless communication device that complies with short-range wireless communication standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), and transmits battery status information indicating the status of the power pack 2 and a battery ID (Identification) that uniquely identifies the power pack 2 to an external device. The type of storage battery (electrode material) of the power pack 2 is optional.

The lessor 3 refers to a person who has the right to rent the power pack 2 to a third party, such as the owner of the power pack 2, or a person who has the right to sublease a power pack 2 rented from an operator of the rental system 1. In this embodiment, the lessor 3 also has ownership or the right to use the first vehicle 5.

The first vehicle 5 is an electric four-wheeled vehicle. The first vehicle 5 is equipped with a first communication device 51, a second communication device 52, and a third communication device 53.
The first communication device 51 is a device that includes a transmitter and receiver for sending and receiving data between the management server 7, and communicates wirelessly using cellular communication methods such as 3G (third generation mobile communication method), 4G (fourth generation mobile communication method), LTE (Long Term Evolution), and 5G (fifth generation mobile communication method).
The second communication device 52 is a device with a shorter communication distance than the first communication device 51, and is a device that includes a transmitter and a receiver for transmitting and receiving data to and from the lender terminal 6. The second communication device 52 communicates wirelessly using a communication method such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark).
The third communication device 53 is a device with a shorter communication distance than the second communication device 52, and includes a transmitter and a receiver for transmitting and receiving data to and from the power pack 2. The third communication device 53 communicates wirelessly using a communication method such as Bluetooth.
The first communication device 51 corresponds to the communication device in this disclosure, and the second communication device 52 corresponds to the short-range communication device in this disclosure.

The lessee 4 refers to a person who has the right to borrow and use the power pack 2 from the lessor 3. The lessee 4 in this embodiment is the user of the second vehicle 8.
The second vehicle 8 is an electric four-wheeled vehicle. The second vehicle 8 is equipped with a fourth communication device 81. The fourth communication device 81 is a device including a transmitter and a receiver for transmitting and receiving data to and from the management server 7, and communicates wirelessly using a cellular communication system.

The management server 7 is a server computer that provides the above-mentioned lending and borrowing service and manages the lending and borrowing of power packs 2 between the lender 3 and the borrower 4.

The lender terminal 6 and the in-vehicle device 80 are both devices equivalent to client computers that receive rental and borrowing services from the management server 7 .
That is, the lender terminal 6 is a terminal device that performs processing related to the lending of the power pack 2 to the management server 7 based on the operation of the lender 3. The lender terminal 6 is, for example, a portable terminal device such as a smartphone or a notebook personal computer.
The in-vehicle device 80 is a device that performs processing related to the rental of the power pack 2 on the management server 7 based on the operation of the renter 4 .

Here, the lending and borrowing service in the rental system 1 of this embodiment is based on the following first to eighth items.
The first condition is that the lender 3 lends out the power pack 2 using the current location of the first vehicle 5 as the lending location.
The second point is that when the borrower 4 borrows a power pack 2, the borrower 4 can exchange the borrowed power pack 2 for the power pack 2 that he or she is using (so-called exchange method).
The third point is that the borrower 4 can borrow a power pack 2 without having to exchange the power pack 2 that the borrower 4 is using for the power pack 2 that he or she is borrowing.
The fourth point is that the borrower 4 can borrow the power pack 2 even if the borrower 4 does not own the power pack 2 .
The fifth point is that if the power pack 2 is exchanged by the lessee 4, the lessor 3 can rent out the power pack 2 acquired through the exchange. In other words, the lessor 3 has the right to sublease the power pack 2 acquired through the exchange.
The sixth item is that the lessor 3 receives an incentive from the operator of the rental system 1 according to the rental performance of the power pack 2.
The seventh point is that the incentive received by the lender 3 differs depending on the manner in which the borrower 4 borrows the power pack 2. That is, the incentive received by the lender 3 differs depending on the three manners described in the second, third, and fourth points.
The eighth point is that the lessor 3 can use the power pack 2 placed at a station managed by the operator of the rental system 1 from the station.

According to the rental system 1, the lender 3 can rent out the power pack 2 not only at his/her own home but also at a location (e.g., a shopping mall) where he/she travels in the first vehicle 5. Furthermore, the lender 3 can receive an incentive for renting out the power pack 2. The incentive may be, for example, money or a discount coupon.
On the other hand, when the remaining charge of the power pack 2 in use becomes low or when the borrower 4 wishes to use the power pack 2, the borrower 4 can borrow a power pack 2 from a lender 3 nearby who is lending out power packs.

The configuration of each part of the rental system 1 will be described.
[2. Configuration of the first vehicle]
First, the configuration of the first vehicle 5 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the first vehicle 5.
The first vehicle 5 includes a vehicle control device 50 , a first communication device 51 , a second communication device 52 , a third communication device 53 , a charging station 54 , and a first position detection device 55 .

The vehicle control device 50 is a device that controls each part of the first vehicle 5. The vehicle control device 50 includes a processor 500 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), memory 510, and an interface circuit 520 to which other devices and sensors are connected.

Memory 510 is a storage device that non-volatilely stores programs and data executed by processor 500. Memory 510 is composed of a magnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage element such as flash ROM (Read Only Memory), or other types of non-volatile storage device. Memory 510 may also include RAM (Random Access Memory) that forms the work area of processor 500. Memory 510 may also include non-volatile storage devices such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and SSD (Solid State Drive). Memory 510 stores data processed by processor 500 and control programs 511 executed by processor 500.

The vehicle control device 50 is connected to a first communication device 51, a second communication device 52, a third communication device 53, a charging station 54, and a first position detection device 55.

The charging station 54 includes a holding unit 541 that detachably holds the power pack 2, and an electrical unit 542 that houses various electric and electronic circuits. The electrical unit 542 houses a charging station control device 543 and a charging device 544.
The charging station control device 543 corresponds to the control device in this disclosure.

The holding unit 541 includes a charging connector 545 that electrically connects to the electrodes of the power pack 2, and a locking mechanism 546 that prevents the power pack 2 from being removed in response to instructions from the charging station control device 543. The locking mechanism 546 may include, for example, an electric key that locks the cover of the power pack removal port formed in the first vehicle 5 so that it cannot be opened or closed, or an electrically controlled latching mechanism that hooks onto the power pack 2 stored in the holding unit 541 to prevent it from being removed.

The charging station control device 543 is a device that controls each part of the charging station 54, and is equipped with a processor such as a CPU or MPU, memory, and an interface circuit for connecting to other devices and sensors. The processor executes computer programs stored in the memory to realize the various functions of the charging station 54.

The charging device 544 is a device that charges the power pack 2 using power supplied from an on-board battery 56 mounted on the first vehicle 5. The charging device 544 supplies power to the power pack 2 held in the holding unit 541 in accordance with a power supply instruction from the charging station control device 543. The charging station control device 543 manages the correspondence between the battery ID and the connecting charging connector 545 for the power pack 2 held in the holding unit 541. The charging station control device 543 can issue a power supply instruction for a specific power pack 2 by using this correspondence. The on-board battery 56 may be a battery that is removable from the first vehicle 5 or a battery that is not removable from the first vehicle 5.
The vehicle battery 56 corresponds to the mobile battery in this disclosure.

The first position detection device 55 is a device that detects the current position of the first vehicle 5 and is equipped with a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver that receives positioning signals transmitted from multiple positioning satellites. The first position detection device 55 outputs the detection results to the vehicle control device 50.

The processor 500 functions as a first communication control unit 501, a second communication control unit 502, a third communication control unit 503, and an instruction unit 504 by reading and executing the control program 511 stored in the memory 510.

The first communication control unit 501 communicates with the management server 7 via the first communication device 51. The first communication control unit 501 transmits upload information to the management server 7.

The uploaded information includes first battery information, first location information indicating the current location of the first vehicle 5, second battery information indicating the charge level of the on-board battery 56, and a lender ID (Identification) that uniquely identifies the lender 3. The first battery information corresponds to battery information in this disclosure.
The first battery information includes, for each power pack 2 provided in the first vehicle 5, a battery ID that uniquely identifies the power pack 2 and battery status information. For example, if the first vehicle 5 is provided with three power packs 2, the first battery information includes a combination of the battery ID and battery status information for each of the three power packs 2. The status of the power pack 2 indicated by the battery status information indicates the charge amount of the power pack 2 and whether or not the power pack 2 is being charged.
The current position of the first vehicle 5 indicated by the first position information is the current position detected by the first position detection device 55 .

The second communication control unit 502 communicates with the lender terminal 6 via the second communication device 52.

The third communication control unit 503 communicates with the power packs 2 via the third communication device 53. The third communication control unit 503 receives battery IDs and battery status information from each of the power packs 2 installed in the first vehicle 5.

The instruction unit 504 issues various instructions to the charging station 54. The instruction unit 504 outputs an instruction to unlock the locking mechanism 546 to the charging station control device 543. When the instruction to unlock the locking mechanism 546 is input from the instruction unit 504, the charging station control device 543 unlocks the locked state of the locking mechanism 546. The instruction unit 504 outputs an instruction to charge the power pack 2 to the charging station control device 543. When the instruction to charge is input from the instruction unit 504, the charging station control device 543 outputs an instruction to supply power to the charging device 544.

[3. Configuration of the second vehicle]
Next, the configuration of the second vehicle 8 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the second vehicle 8.
The second vehicle 8 includes an in-vehicle device 80 , a fourth communication device 81 , and a second position detection device 82 .

The in-vehicle device 80 is a device that controls each part of the second vehicle 8. The in-vehicle device 80 includes a processor 800 such as a CPU or MPU, memory 810, an interface circuit 820 to which other devices and sensors are connected, and a touch panel 830.

Memory 810 is a storage device that non-volatilely stores programs and data executed by processor 800. Memory 810 is composed of a magnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage element such as flash ROM, or other types of non-volatile storage device. Memory 810 may also include RAM that forms the work area of processor 800. Memory 810 may also include a non-volatile storage device such as an HDD or SSD. Memory 810 stores data processed by processor 800 and control programs 811 executed by processor 800.

The touch panel 830 has a configuration in which a liquid crystal display panel that displays characters and images is superimposed on a touch sensor that detects contact with the liquid crystal display panel.

A fourth communication device 81 and a second position detection device 82 are connected to the in-vehicle device 80.

The second position detection device 82 is a device that detects the current position of the second vehicle 8 and is equipped with a GNSS receiver that receives positioning signals transmitted from multiple positioning satellites. The second position detection device 82 outputs the detection results to the in-vehicle device 80.

The processor 800 functions as a fourth communication control unit 801, a first display control unit 802, and a first reception unit 803 by reading and executing a control program 811 stored in the memory 810.

The fourth communication control unit 801 communicates with the management server 7 via the fourth communication device 81 .
The first display control unit 802 causes the touch panel 830 to display information.
The first receiving unit 803 receives an operation on the touch panel 830 .

[4. Configuration of Lender Terminal]
Next, the configuration of the lender terminal 6 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the lender terminal 6.
The lender terminal 6 includes a terminal control device 60 , a fifth communication device 61 , and a touch panel 62 .

The terminal control device 60 is a device that controls each part of the lender terminal 6. The terminal control device 60 is equipped with a processor 600 such as a CPU or MPU, memory 610, and an interface circuit 620 to which other devices and sensors are connected.

Memory 610 is a storage device that non-volatilely stores programs and data executed by processor 600. Memory 610 is composed of a magnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage element such as flash ROM, or other types of non-volatile storage device. Memory 610 may also include RAM that forms the work area of processor 600. Memory 610 may also include a non-volatile storage device such as an HDD or SSD. Memory 610 stores data processed by processor 600 and control programs 611 executed by processor 600.

A fifth communication device 61 and a touch panel 62 are connected to the terminal control device 60 .
The fifth communication device 61 is a device including a transmitter and a receiver for transmitting and receiving data to and from the second communication device 52. The fifth communication device 61 is a wireless communication device.
The touch panel 62 has a configuration in which a liquid crystal display panel that displays characters and images and a touch sensor that detects contact with the liquid crystal display panel are superimposed.

The processor 600 functions as a fifth communication control unit 601, a second display control unit 602, and a second reception unit 603 by reading and executing a control program 611 stored in the memory 610.

The fifth communication control unit 601 communicates with the second communication device 52 via the fifth communication device 61 .
The second display control unit 602 causes the touch panel 62 to display information.
The second receiving unit 603 receives an operation on the touch panel 62 .

5. Management Server Configuration
Next, the configuration of the management server will be described.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the management server 7.
The management server 7 includes a server control device 70 and a sixth communication device 71 .

The server control device 70 is a device that controls each part of the management server 7. It includes the server control device 70, a processor 700 such as a CPU or MPU, memory 710, and an interface circuit 720 to which the sixth communication device 71 is connected.

Memory 710 is a storage device that non-volatilely stores programs and data executed by processor 700. Memory 710 is composed of a magnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage element such as flash ROM, or other types of non-volatile storage device. Memory 710 may also include RAM that forms the work area of processor 700. Memory 710 may also include a non-volatile storage device such as an HDD or SSD. Memory 710 stores data processed by processor 700, control programs 711 executed by processor 700, a lessor management database 712, a lessee management database 713, an upload information management database 714, and map data 715.

The lender management DB712 stores information about each lender 3. The information about the lender 3 includes a lender ID and communication information for communicating with the first vehicle 5 operated by the lender 3. An example of this communication information is the address information of the first communication device 51.

The tenant management DB713 stores information about each tenant 4. The information about the tenant 4 includes a tenant ID that uniquely identifies the tenant 4, and tenant information that indicates the name and photograph of the tenant 4.

The upload information management DB714 stores upload information.

Map data 715 is data that stores road map information, facility information on various facilities, map matching data, and more. Road map information consists of a road network in which roads on a map are represented by lines, and includes information on links in which intersections, branching points, etc. are used as nodes and divided into multiple sections, and the sections between each node are defined as links. Facility information indicates the location (latitude, longitude) of the facility, the name of the facility, an image of the facility, etc. Map data 715 includes image data of the map.

The sixth communication device 71 is a device including a transmitter and receiver for transmitting and receiving data between the first vehicle 5 and the second vehicle 8. The sixth communication device 71 may be a wired communication device or a wireless communication device.

The processor 700 functions as a server receiving unit 701 , a server transmitting unit 702 , a generating unit 703 , and a searching unit 704 by reading and executing a control program 711 stored in the memory 710 .
The server receiving unit 701 corresponds to the receiving unit in this disclosure. The server transmitting unit 702 corresponds to the transmitting unit in this disclosure.

The server receiving unit 701 receives data from the first communication device 51 and the fourth communication device 81 via the sixth communication device 71.

The server transmission unit 702 transmits data from the first communication device 51 and the fourth communication device 81 via the sixth communication device 71.

The generation unit 703 generates a first map image, a second map image, and a third map image. The first map image, the second map image, and the third map image will be described later.

The search unit 704 refers to map data 715 and searches for a route from the current location of the lessee 4 to the destination of the lessee 4. In this embodiment, the search unit 704 searches for a route from the current location of the second vehicle 8 as the current location of the lessee 4.

[6. Operation of each part of the rental system]
Next, the operation of each part of the rental system 1 will be described.
First, the operation of each part of the rental system 1 related to the uploaded information will be described.
6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rental system 1. In FIG. 6, a flowchart FA shows the operation of the first vehicle 5, and a flowchart FB shows the operation of the management server 7.

As shown in flowchart FA, the first communication control unit 501 determines whether a trigger for transmitting upload information has occurred (step SA1). Examples of such triggers include the passage of a predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes) since the last time upload information was transmitted, the ignition of the first vehicle 5 being turned on, or the ignition of the first vehicle 5 being turned off.

If the first communication control unit 501 determines that a trigger for transmitting upload information has occurred (step SA1: YES), it generates upload information (step SA2).

In step SA2, the first communication control unit 501 acquires from the third communication device 53 a combination of the battery ID and battery status information received by the third communication device 53. The first communication control unit 501 also acquires first location information from the first location detection device 55. The first communication control unit 501 also acquires the lender ID from the memory 510. The first communication control unit 501 also acquires second battery information indicating the charge level of the on-board battery 56. The first communication control unit 501 generates upload information including the acquired information.

The lender ID is pre-stored in memory 510, for example, when a communication connection is established between the second communication device 52 and the lender terminal 6.

For example, if the on-board battery 56 and the third communication device 53 are capable of communication and the third communication device 53 receives second battery information from the on-board battery 56, the first communication control unit 501 acquires the second battery information from the third communication device 53. For example, if the on-board battery 56 and the charging station control device 543 are capable of communication and the charging station control device 543 receives second battery information from the on-board battery 56, the first communication control unit 501 acquires the second battery information from the charging station control device 543.

Returning to the explanation of flowchart FA, the first communication control unit 501 transmits the generated upload information to the management server 7 (step SA3).

As shown in flowchart FB, the server receiving unit 701 receives upload information from the first vehicle 5 (step SB1).

Next, the server receiving unit 701 stores the upload information received in step SB1 in the upload information management DB 714 (step SB2).
In addition, in step SB2, if upload information having the same lender ID as the lender ID contained in the upload information received in step SB1 exists in the upload information management DB 714, the server receiving unit 701 updates the upload information having the same lender ID to the upload information received in step SB1.

Next, the operation of the rental system 1 related to searching for a power pack 2 that is currently being rented will be described.
7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rental system 1. In FIG. 7, a flowchart FC shows the operation of the management server 7, and a flowchart FD shows the operation of the in-vehicle device 80.

As shown in flowchart FD, the fourth communication control unit 801 determines whether to search for a power pack 2 that is currently being rented out (step SD1). For example, if the first reception unit 803 receives an instruction to search for a power pack 2 via the touch panel 830, the fourth communication control unit 801 makes a positive determination in step SD1.

If the fourth communication control unit 801 determines to search for the power pack 2 (step SD1: YES), it generates search request information (step SD2).
In step SD2, the fourth communication control unit 801 acquires second location information from the second location detection device 82. Then, the fourth communication control unit 801 generates search request information including the acquired second location information. Here, if the first reception unit 803 has accepted input of a destination from the lessee 4, the fourth communication control unit 801 causes the generated search request information to include the destination information accepted by the first reception unit 803.

Next, the fourth communication control unit 801 sends the search request information to the management server 7 (step SD3).

As shown in flowchart C, the server receiving unit 701 receives search request information (step SC1).

Next, the generation unit 703 acquires a map image of the reference specified range from the map data 715 based on the search request information received in step SC1 (step SC2). The reference specified range is a specified range based on the current location indicated by the second location information in the search request information (for example, a range with a radius of 10 km from the reference). The size of this range is predetermined.

Next, the generation unit 703 determines whether upload information including first location information indicating a location within the reference predetermined range is stored in the upload information management DB 714 (step SC3).

If the generation unit 703 determines that the uploaded information including first location information indicating a location within the reference predetermined range is not stored in the uploaded information management DB 714 (step SC3: NO), it performs the processing of step SC11.

On the other hand, if the generation unit 703 determines that uploaded information including first location information indicating a location within the reference specified range is stored in the uploaded information management DB 714 (step SC3: YES), the generation unit 703 performs the processing of step SC4 on the uploaded information including first location information indicating a location within the reference specified range. In other words, the generation unit 703 determines whether or not there is uploaded information among the target uploaded information that includes battery status information for which the specified condition is met (step SC4).

In this embodiment, the battery state information for which the predetermined condition is satisfied is battery state information for which the first predetermined condition or the second predetermined condition is satisfied.
The battery state information that satisfies the first predetermined condition is battery state information that indicates that the charge amount of the power pack 2 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount (for example, 50% of the charge amount when fully charged).
The battery status information for which the second predetermined condition is satisfied is battery status information of the power pack 2 that is receiving power supply from the on-board battery 56 whose charge amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, and is battery status information that indicates that the power pack 2 is being charged.

The generating unit 703 determines whether the battery state information satisfies a predetermined condition as follows.
When the battery state information to be determined indicates a charge amount equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the generating unit 703 determines that the battery state information to be determined is battery state information for which a first predetermined condition is satisfied.
If the battery status information of the target battery indicates that it is charging and the second battery information of the uploaded information including the battery status information of the target battery indicates that the battery is charged to a predetermined amount or more, the generation unit 703 determines that the battery status information of the target battery is battery status information for which a second predetermined condition is satisfied.

If the generation unit 703 determines that there is no uploaded information containing battery status information that satisfies the predetermined condition (step SC4: NO), it performs the processing of step SC11.

On the other hand, if the generation unit 703 determines that there is uploaded information containing battery status information that satisfies the specified condition (step SC4: YES), the search unit 704 determines whether the search request information received in step SC1 includes destination information (step SC5).

If the search unit 704 determines that destination information is not included (step SC5: NO), the generation unit 703 generates a first map image TG1 (step SC6).

The first map image TG1 is a map image that displays battery status information where a specified condition is met at a position on the map within a reference specified range that corresponds to the current position of the first vehicle 5.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the first map image TG1.
The map shown in the first map image TG1 is a map of a predetermined reference range. The first map image TG1 displays battery status information for which a predetermined condition is met as an icon. Hereinafter, this icon will be referred to as the first icon and will be assigned the symbol "IC1." The first icon IC1 is included in the second icon IC2. The second icon IC2 is an icon that groups together one or more first icons IC1 and is generated for each piece of uploaded information. The first icon IC1 is an icon that indicates charging when the corresponding battery status information indicates charging, and is an icon that indicates the charge amount when the corresponding battery status information does not indicate charging.

Figure 8 shows the first map image TG1 on which second icons IC2-1 and IC2-2 are displayed. Second icon IC2-1 includes first icons IC1-1, IC1-2, and IC1-3. First icons IC1-2, IC1-2, and IC1-3 all indicate the charge level of power pack 2. Second icon IC2-2 includes first icons IC1-4, IC1-5, IC1-6, IC1-7, and IC1-8. First icons IC1-4, IC1-5, and IC1-6 all indicate the charge level of power pack 2. First icons IC1-7 and IC1-8 all indicate charging.

The generation unit 703 processes uploaded information that includes first location information indicating a location within a reference predetermined range and that includes battery status information for which a predetermined condition is met, and generates a first map image TG1 as follows.
The generation unit 703 generates a first icon IC1 for each piece of battery status information included in the upload information to be processed, for which a predetermined condition is met. Next, the generation unit 703 generates a second icon IC2 by arranging the first icons IC1. The generation unit 703 places the generated second icon IC2 in a position on the map corresponding to the current location indicated by the first location information included in the upload information to be processed, in the map image acquired in step SC2. By placing the second icon IC2, the first icon IC1 is placed at this corresponding position on the map. The generation unit 703 generates and places the second icon IC2 for all of the upload information to be processed, thereby generating a first map image TG1.

Returning to the explanation of Figure 7, the server transmission unit 702 transmits the first map image data, which is the image data of the first map image TG1 generated in step SC6, to the second vehicle 8 (step SC7).

Returning to the explanation of step SC5, if the search unit 704 determines that destination information is included (step SC5: YES), it performs a route search (step SC8). The route searched for in step SC8 is the route from the current location indicated by the second location information in the search request information received in step SC1 to the destination indicated by the destination information included in the search request information.

Next, the generation unit 703 generates a second map image TG2 (step SC9).

The second map image TG2 is a map image that displays the display content of the first map image as well as an image of the route searched for in step SC8.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the second map image TG2.
The second map image TG2 shown in FIG. 9 is an example of a map image in which a route image RG, which is an image of the route, is displayed in addition to the display contents of the first map image TG1 shown in FIG.

The generation unit 703 generates a route image RG that shows the route searched by the search unit 704. The generation unit 703 then places the generated route image RG and the second icon IC2 on the map image acquired in step SC to generate a second map image TG2.

Returning to the explanation of Figure 7, the server transmission unit 702 transmits the second map image data, which is the image data of the second map image generated in step SC9, to the second vehicle 8 (step SC10).

If the determination in steps SC3 and SC4 is negative, the generation unit 703 generates a third map image (step SC11). The third map image is a map image showing a map of the reference predetermined range, and does not include the second icon IC2 or the route image RG.

When the generation unit 703 generates the third map image, the server transmission unit 702 transmits the third map image data, which is the image data of the third map image, to the second vehicle 8 (step SC12).

As shown in flowchart FD, the fourth communication control unit 801 receives one of the first map image data, the second map image data, and the third map image data (step SD4).

The first display control unit 802 displays a map image corresponding to the image data received in step SD4 on the touch panel 830 (step SD5). That is, when the fourth communication control unit 801 receives the first map image data, the first display control unit 802 displays the first map image on the touch panel 830. When the fourth communication control unit 801 receives the second map image data, the first display control unit 802 displays the second map image on the touch panel 830. When the fourth communication control unit 801 receives the third map image data, the first display control unit 802 displays the third map image on the touch panel 830. Note that when displaying the first map image TG1 and the second map image TG2, the first display control unit 802 displays a first icon IC1 that can be selected by a touch operation.

Next, the operation of the rental system 1 relating to a request to rent a power pack 2 will be described.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rental system 1.
In Figure 10, flowchart FE shows the operation of the in-vehicle device 80, flowchart FF shows the operation of the management server 7, flowchart FG shows the operation of the first vehicle 5, and flowchart FH shows the operation of the lender terminal 6.

At the start of the flowchart FE, the in-vehicle device 80 displays the first map image TG1 or the second map image TG2.
As shown in the flowchart FE, the first accepting unit 803 accepts the selection of the first icon IC1 on the first map image TG1 or the second map image TG2 displayed on the touch panel 830 (step SE1).

Next, the fourth communication control unit 801 transmits rental request information requesting the rental of the power pack 2 to the management server 7 (step SE2). The rental request information includes the lender ID corresponding to the selected first icon IC1, the battery ID corresponding to the selected first icon IC1, and the borrower ID stored in memory 810.

In addition, the first map image data and the second map image data contain, for each first icon IC1, the battery ID of the corresponding power pack 2, linked to that icon. In addition, the first map image data and the second map image data contain, for each first icon IC1, the lender ID of the lender 3 who is lending out the corresponding power pack 2, linked to that icon.

As shown in flowchart FF, the server receiving unit 701 receives rental request information from the in-vehicle device 80 (step SF1).

Next, the server transmission unit 702 transmits the rental request information and renter information received in step SF1 to the first vehicle 5 based on the lender ID and renter ID included in the rental request information received in step SF1 (step SF2).

Step SF2 will now be described in detail.
The server transmission unit 702 acquires communication information corresponding to the lender ID included in the rental request information from the lender management DB 712. Next, the server transmission unit 702 acquires lender information corresponding to the borrower ID included in the rental request information from the borrower management DB 713. Then, the server transmission unit 702 uses the acquired communication information to transmit the rental request information received in step SF1 and the acquired borrower information to the first vehicle 5.

As shown in flowchart FG, the first communication control unit 501 receives the rental request information and borrower information (step SG1).

Next, the second communication control unit 502 transmits the rental request information and renter information received in step SG1 to the lender terminal 6 (step SG2). The rental request information and renter information may be transmitted, for example, when a predetermined period has elapsed, when the ignition is turned off, when the ignition is turned on, or when the door of the first vehicle 5 is opened or closed.

As shown in flowchart FH, the fifth communication control unit 601 receives rental request information and renter information from the first vehicle 5 (step SH1).

Next, the second display control unit 602 displays the rental request information and borrower information received in step SH1 (step SH2). This allows lender 3 to authenticate borrower 4.

The second reception unit 603 receives an approval or disapproval operation for the request to borrow a power pack 2 indicated by the borrowing request information displayed in step SH2 (step SH3).

The fifth communication control unit 601 transmits approval information indicating that the request to borrow the power pack 2 has been approved, or disapproval information indicating that the request to borrow the power pack 2 has not been approved, to the first vehicle 5 (step SH4). If the first reception unit 803 has accepted an approval operation in step SH3, the fifth communication control unit 601 transmits the approval information, and if the first reception unit 803 has accepted a disapproval operation in step SH3, the fifth communication control unit 601 transmits the disapproval information.
The approval information includes the battery ID included in the borrower request information.

As shown in flowchart FG, the second communication control unit 502 receives approval information or disapproval information (step SG3).

The instruction unit 504 determines whether the second communication control unit 502 received approval information or non-approval information in step SG3 (step SG4).

If the instruction unit 504 determines that the second communication control unit 502 has received the approval information (step SG4: approval information), it outputs a charging instruction to the charging station control device 543 (step SG5). More specifically, regarding step SG5, the instruction unit 504 outputs a charging instruction that includes the battery ID included in the approval information. In accordance with the correspondence described above, the charging station control device 543 designates the power pack 2 identified by the battery ID included in the charging instruction as the power supply target, and outputs a power supply instruction to the charging device 544. Note that if the charging station control device 543 does not manage the battery ID included in the charging instruction, it discards the charging instruction.

Next, the first communication control unit 501 transmits the approval or disapproval information received by the second communication control unit 502 to the management server 7 (step SG6).

As shown in flowchart FF, the server receiving unit 701 receives approval information or disapproval information from the first vehicle 5 (step SF3).

Next, the server transmitting unit 702 transmits the non-approval information or non-approval information received in step SF3 to the second vehicle 8 in response to the rental request information received in step SG1 (step SF4). If the server receiving unit 701 receives approval information in step SF3, the server transmitting unit 702 further transmits authentication information (e.g., an electronic key or password) for authentication between the lender 3 and the borrower 4 to the second vehicle 8 in step SF4. If the server receiving unit 701 receives approval information in step SF3, the server transmitting unit 702 transmits authentication information to the first vehicle 5 in response to the approval information in step SF4. When the first communication control unit 501 receives the authentication information via the first communication device 51, the second communication control unit 502 transmits the authentication information received by the first communication control unit 501 to the lender terminal 6.

As shown in flowchart FE, the fourth communication control unit 801 receives approval information or non-approval information from the management server 7 (step SE3). When receiving approval information, the fourth communication control unit 801 also receives authentication information along with the approval information.

The first display control unit 802 then displays the approval or disapproval information received in step SE3 on the touch panel 830 (step SE4). This allows the borrower 4 to confirm whether or not their request to borrow the power pack 2 has been approved. The fourth communication control unit 801 may also display the authentication information received together with the approval information on the touch panel 830.

7. Other Embodiments
The above-described embodiment is merely one aspect, and any modifications and applications are possible.

In the above-described embodiment, an electric four-wheeled vehicle is used as an example of a moving object according to the present disclosure. However, the moving object according to the present disclosure is not limited to an electric four-wheeled vehicle, and may be an object that moves on land, in the air, on the sea, or in water when operated by the lessor 3. Such an object may be, for example, a vehicle, an aircraft, or a ship.

In the above-described embodiment, an in-vehicle device 80 is used as an example of the renter terminal of the present disclosure. However, the renter terminal of the present disclosure is not limited to an in-vehicle device 80 and may be a terminal device such as a smartphone.

The charging station control device 543 may be configured to automatically charge the power pack 2 based on the charge level of the on-board battery 56. In this configuration, the charging station control device 543 estimates the distance from the lessor 3's departure point to the destination, and estimates the power consumption of the on-board battery 56 to be used while traveling the estimated distance. The charging station control device 543 charges the power pack 2 if the current charge level of the on-board battery 56 is greater than a predetermined amount compared to the estimated power consumption.

Processors 500, 600, 700, and 800 may be configured with multiple processors or with a single processor. Processors 500, 600, 700, and 800 may also be hardware programmed to implement the functions of each unit described below. In this case, processors 500, 600, 700, and 800 may be configured with, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

Furthermore, the components of each device constituting the rental system 1 shown in Figures 2-5 are merely examples, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessary to implement hardware corresponding to each component individually; it is of course possible to configure each component to implement its functions by having a single processor execute a program. Furthermore, some of the functions implemented by software in the above-described embodiments may be implemented by hardware, or some of the functions implemented by hardware may be implemented by software. In addition, the specific detailed configurations of each component of each device constituting the rental system 1 may also be changed as desired without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Furthermore, the step units of the operations shown in Figures 6, 7, and 10 are divided according to the main processing content, and the present invention is not limited by the way in which the processing units are divided or their names. The processing may be divided into even more step units depending on the processing content. Furthermore, one step unit may be divided so that it contains even more processing. Furthermore, the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate within the scope that does not impair the spirit of the present invention.

8. Configurations supported by the above embodiments
The above embodiment supports the following configurations.

(Configuration 1)
A management server that manages the lending and borrowing of batteries between a lender that lends a battery and a borrower that borrows the battery, comprising: a receiving unit that receives battery information including battery status information indicating the status of each battery installed in a mobile body from a communication device equipped in the mobile body; a generating unit that generates a map image in which battery status information included in the battery information received by the receiving unit, where a predetermined condition is met, is displayed at a position on a map corresponding to the current position of the mobile body; and a transmitting unit that transmits image data of the map image generated by the generating unit to a borrower terminal operated by the borrower.
According to the management server of the first configuration, the borrower terminal can display a map image, allowing the borrower to check the location of the battery on the borrower terminal. This allows the borrower to easily borrow a battery installed in a mobile object.

(Configuration 2)
The management server according to configuration 1, wherein the state of the battery indicated by the battery status information indicates the charge amount of the battery, and the battery status information for which the predetermined condition is satisfied is the battery status information indicating that the charge amount of the battery is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount.
The management server of configuration 2 allows the location of usable batteries to be confirmed at the time of rental, thereby preventing the borrower from accidentally renting an unusable battery. This allows the borrower to easily rent a battery installed in a mobile object and improves convenience for the borrower.

(Configuration 3)
The management server according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the mobile body is equipped with a mobile body battery capable of charging the battery, the state of the battery indicated by the battery status information indicates whether the battery is being charged or not, and the battery status information for which the specified condition is met is the battery status information for the battery receiving power supply from the mobile body battery whose charge amount is equal to or greater than a specified amount, and is the battery status information indicating that the battery is being charged.
The management server of configuration 3 makes it possible to check the location of batteries that may be usable at the time of rental, thereby preventing the borrowing of unusable batteries at the time of rental. This allows the borrower to easily borrow a battery installed in a mobile object and improves convenience for the borrower.

(Configuration 4)
A rental system comprising: a management server that manages the lending and borrowing of batteries between a lender who lends a battery and a borrower who borrows the battery; a mobile body; and a borrower terminal operated by the borrower, wherein the mobile body has a communication device that transmits battery information including battery status information indicating the status of each battery installed in the mobile body to the management server, the management server receives the battery information from the communication device, generates a map image in which battery status information included in the received battery information that satisfies a predetermined condition is displayed at a position on a map corresponding to the current position of the mobile body, and transmits image data of the generated map image to the borrower terminal, and the borrower terminal receives the image data from the management server and displays the map image indicated by the received image data.
The rental system of the fourth configuration provides the same effects as the management server of the first configuration.

(Configuration 5)
A rental system as described in configuration 4, wherein the state of the battery indicated by the battery status information indicates the charge amount of the battery, and the battery status information for which the specified condition is met is the battery status information indicating that the charge amount of the battery is a specified amount or more.
The rental system of the fifth configuration provides the same effects as the management server of the second configuration.

(Configuration 6)
A rental system as described in configuration 4 or 5, wherein the mobile body is equipped with a mobile body battery that can charge the battery, the state of the battery indicated by the battery status information indicates whether the battery is charging or not, and the battery status information for which the specified condition is met is the battery status information for the battery receiving power supply from the mobile body battery that has a charge amount equal to or greater than a specified amount, and is the battery status information indicating that the battery is charging.
The rental system of the sixth configuration provides the same effects as the management server of the third configuration.

(Configuration 7)
The rental system of configuration 6 is provided with a lender terminal operated by the lender, the mobile body is provided with a control device that controls the supply of power from the mobile body battery to the battery, the borrower terminal displays the map image so that the battery status information can be selected, and when the battery status information is selected on the displayed map image, transmits rental request information to the lender terminal requesting the borrowing of the battery, the lender terminal accepts an approval operation or a disapproval operation from the lender in response to the request to borrow the battery indicated in the received rental request information, and when the lender terminal accepts the approval operation, the control device supplies power to the battery corresponding to the selected battery status information.
According to the rental system of configuration 7, the battery can be charged between the time the lender approves the rental and the time the borrower borrows the battery from the lender, so the borrower can borrow a battery with a high charge amount, thereby improving convenience for the borrower.

(Configuration 8)
8. The rental system of configuration 6 or 7, comprising a lender terminal operated by the lender, the mobile body comprising a short-range communication device having a shorter communication distance than the communication device, the borrower terminal displays the map image so that the battery status information can be selected, and when the battery status information is selected on the map image displayed on the borrower terminal, transmits rental request information requesting borrowing of the battery to the management server, the management server transmits the rental request information to the communication device, the short-range communication device transmits the rental request information received by the communication device to the lender terminal, the lender terminal accepts an approval operation or a disapproval operation from the lender in response to the request to borrow the battery indicated in the received rental request information, and when the lender terminal accepts the approval operation, the management server transmits authentication information for authenticating between the lender and the borrower to the communication device and the borrower terminal, and the short-range communication device transmits the authentication information received by the communication device to the lender terminal.
According to the rental system of configuration 8, even if the lender is located away from the mobile unit, the lender can perform the approval or disapproval operation. Furthermore, according to the rental system of configuration 8, since authentication information is transmitted between the lender terminal and the borrower terminal, authentication can be performed between the lender and the borrower even when the lender is located away from the mobile unit, and since the lender terminal and the borrower terminal do not need to perform cellular communication during authentication, communication fees for authentication can be eliminated.

(Configuration 9)
The rental system according to any one of configurations 4 to 8, wherein the management server generates the map image displaying an image of the route to the destination of the renter.
According to the rental system of configuration 9, the renter can use the renter terminal to check where the portable battery is located relative to the route to the destination. This allows the renter to easily rent a battery installed in a mobile object and improves convenience for the renter.

(Configuration 10)
10. The rental system of claim 9, wherein the renter terminal is an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle operated by the renter.
The rental system of configuration 10 allows the renter to check where the portable battery is located in the vehicle he or she is driving relative to the route to the destination.

(Configuration 11)
A control method for a management server that manages the lending and borrowing of batteries between a lender that lends a battery and a borrower that borrows the battery, the control method for a management server including the steps of: receiving battery information including battery status information indicating the status of each battery installed in a mobile body from a communication device equipped in the mobile body; generating a map image in which battery status information included in the received battery information that satisfies a predetermined condition is displayed at a position on a map corresponding to the current position of the mobile body; and transmitting image data of the generated map image to a borrower terminal operated by the borrower.
According to the control method for the management server of the eleventh configuration, the same effects as those of the management server of the first configuration are achieved.

1... rental system, 2... power pack (battery), 3... lender, 4... renter, 5... first vehicle (mobile body), 6... lender terminal, 7... management server, 8... second vehicle, 51... first communication device (communication device), 52... second communication device (short-range communication device), 56... on-board battery (mobile body battery), 80... on-board device (renter terminal), 543... charging station control device (control device), 701... server receiving unit (receiving unit), 702... server transmitting unit (transmitting unit), 703... generation unit, IC1... first icon, TG1... first map image, TG2... second map image.

Claims (5)

A rental system including a management server that manages the lending and borrowing of a battery between a lender that lends a battery and a borrower that borrows the battery, a mobile object, and a borrower terminal operated by the borrower,
a lender terminal operated by the lender,
The moving body is
a mobile battery capable of charging the battery;
a control device that controls power supply from the mobile body battery to the battery;
a communication device that transmits battery information to the management server, the battery information including battery state information indicating a charge amount of each battery provided in the mobile object;
The processor of the management server
receiving the battery information from the communication device;
generating a map image in which the battery status information included in the received battery information , which indicates that the amount of charge of the battery is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount , is displayed at a position on a map corresponding to a current position of the mobile object;
Execute a process of transmitting the generated map image data of the map image to the renter terminal;
The processor of the borrower terminal
receiving the map image data from the management server, displaying the map image indicated by the received map image data in a manner that allows the battery status information to be selected, and, when the battery status information is selected on the displayed map image, transmitting rental request information requesting the borrowing of the battery to the lender terminal;
The processor of the lender terminal
Execute a process of accepting an approval operation or a disapproval operation from the lender in response to the request for borrowing the battery indicated by the received borrowing request information;
The control device
When the lender terminal receives the approval operation, power is supplied to the battery corresponding to the selected battery status information.
Rental system. the battery status information further indicates whether the battery is charging;
The processor of the management server
execute a process of generating a map image in which the battery status information included in the received battery information is for a battery receiving power from the mobile body battery that has a charge amount equal to or greater than a predetermined amount and indicates that the battery is being charged, and the battery status information is displayed at a position on the map corresponding to the current position of the mobile body.
The rental system according to claim 1 . the mobile object is equipped with a short-range communication device having a communication distance shorter than that of the communication device,
a processor of the borrower terminal, when the battery status information is selected on the displayed map image, executing a process of transmitting rental request information requesting the borrowing of the battery to the management server;
a processor of the management server executing a process of transmitting the rental request information to the communication device;
the short-range communication device transmits the rental request information received by the communication device to the lender terminal;
the processor of the lender terminal executes a process of receiving an approval operation or a disapproval operation from the lender in response to the request for borrowing the battery indicated by the borrowing request information received from the short-range communication device,
the processor of the management server, when the lender terminal accepts the operation of approval, executes a process of transmitting authentication information for performing authentication between the lender and the borrower to the communication device and the borrower terminal;
The short-range communication device transmits the authentication information received by the communication device to the lender terminal.
The rental system according to claim 1 . The processor of the management server
generating the map image, which displays an image of the route to the renter's destination;
A rental system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . the renter terminal is an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle operated by the renter;
The rental system according to claim 4 .