JP7807941B2 - Management server, management system, and management server control method - Google Patents

Description

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

In recent years, interest in renewable energy has grown as a way to reduce _CO2 emissions and mitigate climate-related disasters. Against this backdrop, the use of rechargeable batteries, such as lithium-ion secondary batteries, has expanded as a technology that enables electricity generated by renewable energy to be used outside of the generation site. One example of a technology for using this type of battery in a vehicle is a proposal to provide users of electric vehicles with information about battery charging, etc. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for navigating an electric vehicle to a nearby charging station that can satisfy the vehicle's charging requirements.

Special Publication No. 2021-508837

Rechargeable batteries are used not only to power vehicles but also to operate various items. For this reason, it is conceivable that the battery provided in the vehicle will be used for items mounted on the vehicle. Furthermore, it is conceivable that a user who owns a battery may borrow an item that can use a battery from another user.
However, when the item to be borrowed or lent is mounted on a mobile object, it is difficult for a user wishing to borrow the item to know where the item they wish to borrow is located.

The present invention aims to provide a management server, a management system, and a method for controlling the management server that allow easy lending and borrowing of items installed on a mobile object.

One aspect of the present invention is an administration server that manages information transmitted by a plurality of mobile bodies including a first mobile body and a second mobile body, and includes: a receiving unit that receives from the first mobile body first battery information including the number of batteries provided in the first mobile body and the status of each of the batteries, and receives from the second mobile body equipment information for equipment provided in the second mobile body that operates using the batteries as a power source , and second location information indicating the current location of the second mobile body ; a generating unit that generates a first map image based on the first battery information, the second location information, and the equipment information, displaying the equipment information for the equipment that operates using the batteries provided in the first mobile body at a position corresponding to the second location information on a map that includes at least a portion of a reference predetermined range centered on the current location of the first mobile body; and a transmitting unit that transmits map image data of the first map image to a user terminal associated with the user of the first mobile body.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a first map image showing the location of a battery installed in a mobile object and related equipment is transmitted to a user terminal used by the user, allowing the user to easily know the location of the equipment. This makes it easy for users to lend or borrow equipment 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 and the user terminal. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the second vehicle. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the third vehicle. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the fourth vehicle. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the management server. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rental system. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rental system. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the first map image. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rental system. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the second map image. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rental system. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a route-added map image. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rental system. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rental system. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rental system in the modified example. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of an equipment map image in the modified example.

[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 users U with a service of lending and borrowing a power pack 2, which is a portable battery, and an item 3 related to the power pack 2, among users U. The power pack 2 is an example of a battery in the present disclosure. The rental system 1 corresponds to an example of a management system.

In this embodiment, users U1, U2, U3, and U4 are exemplified as users U using the rental system 1, and will be referred to as user U when there is no need to distinguish between them. As shown in FIG. 1, the rental system 1 of this embodiment includes a first vehicle 4 operated by user U1, a user terminal 5 operated by user U1, a second vehicle 6 operated by user U2, a third vehicle 7 operated by user U3, a fourth vehicle 8 operated by user U4, and a management server 9. There is no limit to the number of users U who can receive services from the rental system 1, or the number of vehicles included in the rental system 1. The configuration shown in FIG. 1 is an example of a rental system 1.

The first vehicle 4 is an electric four-wheeled vehicle and is equipped with a first mobile communication device 41. Similarly, the second vehicle 6, the third vehicle 7, and the fourth vehicle 8 are all electric four-wheeled vehicles. The second vehicle 6 is equipped with a second mobile communication device 61, the third vehicle 7 is equipped with a third mobile communication device 71, and the fourth vehicle 8 is equipped with a fourth mobile communication device 81. The first vehicle 4 corresponds to an example of a first mobile vehicle.

The communication network 10 is a communication line network that includes the Internet, etc. The first mobile communication device 41 is a device that includes a transmitter and receiver for transmitting and receiving data to and from the management server 9 via the communication network 10, and communicates wirelessly using a cellular communication method such as 3G (third-generation mobile communication method), 4G (fourth-generation mobile communication method), LTE (Long Term Evolution), or 5G (fifth-generation mobile communication method). The second mobile communication device 61 is a device that includes a transmitter and receiver for transmitting and receiving data to and from the management server 9 via the communication network 10, and communicates wirelessly using a cellular communication method. The third mobile communication device 71 and the fourth mobile communication device 81 are devices that include transmitters and receivers for transmitting and receiving data to and from the management server 9 via the communication network 10, and communicate wirelessly using a cellular communication method.

With this configuration, each of the first vehicle 4, second vehicle 6, third vehicle 7, and fourth vehicle 8 performs data communication with the rental system 1 via the communication network 10.

Furthermore, the first vehicle 4 is equipped with a first communication device 42, as described below. The first communication device 42 has a shorter communication distance than the first mobile communication device 41 and includes a transmitter and receiver for transmitting and receiving data to and from the user terminal 5. The first communication device 42 communicates wirelessly using a communication method such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

The first vehicle 4 receives information from the management server 9 via the first mobile communication device 41. An example of information received by the first mobile communication device 41 is map image data of the first map image 101 described below. The first vehicle 4 can transmit the information received via the first mobile communication device 41 to the user terminal 5 via the first communication device 42. In other words, the user terminal 5 can receive information transmitted by the management server 9 via the first vehicle 4.

The power pack 2 can be placed in a predetermined position in the first vehicle 4. Examples of predetermined positions include under the seat or in the trunk. Similarly, the power pack 2 can be placed in a predetermined position in the second vehicle 6 and the fourth vehicle 8.

As described below, the first vehicle 4 is equipped with a charging station 44 for charging the power pack 2. Similarly, the second vehicle 6 is equipped with a charging station 64 for charging the power pack 2, and the fourth vehicle 8 is equipped with a charging station 84. In this way, the power pack 2 can be placed in the first vehicle 4, second vehicle 6, and fourth vehicle 8, and can be charged while placed in these vehicles.

The equipment 3 is a variety of equipment related to the power pack 2. The equipment 3 may be, for example, daily necessities, leisure equipment, outdoor equipment, or daily necessities, and the type is not limited. The equipment 3 related to the power pack 2 operates, for example, using the power pack 2 as a power source. Specifically, the equipment 3 is an electrical appliance to which the power pack 2 is detachable and which operates using the power stored in the power pack 2. Furthermore, the equipment 3 related to the power pack 2 is not limited to equipment that operates using electricity. For example, it may include equipment used in conjunction with electrical appliances that use the power pack 2. For example, the equipment 3 may include a lantern used for camping, and may also include a tent used in conjunction with the lantern.

The power pack 2 is equipped with a wireless communication device that complies with short-range wireless communication standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The power pack 2 transmits battery status information indicating the state of the power pack 2 and a battery ID (Identification) that uniquely identifies the power pack 2 to an external device via wireless communication. Note that the power pack 2 may have a built-in secondary battery and be repeatedly chargeable and dischargeable. There are no restrictions on the type of storage battery of the rechargeable power pack 2, the electrode material, the electrolyte material, the battery capacity, or the shape of the power pack 2.

A user U who owns or uses a power pack 2 can be a lessor who rents out the power pack 2. A lessor who rents out a power pack 2 refers to a person who has the right to rent out 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 that they have rented from an operator of the rental system 1, for example.
Additionally, any of the users U1, U2, U3, and U4 can be a borrower who borrows a power pack 2. A borrower who borrows a power pack 2 can borrow the power pack 2 from a lender.

The borrower of the power pack 2 is, for example, a user U who has been pre-registered in the rental system 1 as a person who can pay money or provide incentives in exchange for renting the power pack 2.

A user U who owns or uses item 3 can be a lessor who rents out item 3. A lessor who rents out item 3 refers to a person who has the right to rent item 3 to a third party, such as the owner of item 3. A lessor of item 3 may also be a person who has the right to sublease item 3 that they have borrowed from an operator of rental system 1, etc.

In addition, any one of users U1, U2, U3, and U4 can be a borrower of item 3.
A borrower of the item 3 can borrow the item 3 from the lender. The borrower is a user U who is registered in advance in the rental system 1 as a person who can pay money or provide incentives in exchange for borrowing the item 3, similar to the borrower who borrows the power pack 2, for example.

In this embodiment, an example is shown in which user U1 is the borrower who rents power pack 2 and equipment 3. In this embodiment, user U2, who uses second vehicle 6, and user U4, who uses fourth vehicle 8, can be lenders of power pack 2. In addition, user U2 and user U3, who uses third vehicle 7, can be lenders of equipment 3. User U2 has the right to use or own power pack 2 and the right to use or own equipment 3. User U3 has the right to use or own at least equipment 3. User U4 has the right to use or own power pack 2. Although not mentioned in this embodiment, user U1 has the right to use or own power pack 2 and may be the lender of power pack 2. The vehicle used by user U, who can be the lender of equipment 3, corresponds to an example of the second mobile body of the present invention. In this embodiment, any one or more of second vehicle 6 and third vehicle 7 corresponds to the second mobile body. The vehicle used by user U, who can be the borrower of equipment 3, corresponds to an example of the first mobile body of the present invention. In this embodiment, the first vehicle 4 corresponds to the first moving body.

The management server 9 is a server computer that provides the above-mentioned lending and borrowing service and manages the lending and borrowing of power packs 2 and items 3 between users U1, U2, U3, and U4.

The user terminal 5 is a device equivalent to a client computer that receives the rental/borrowing service from the management server 9. The user terminal 5 is a portable terminal device such as a smartphone or laptop computer. The user terminal 5 has a display screen 51. The display screen 51 is a display configured, for example, by an LCD panel. The user terminal 5 displays information received from the management server 9 on the display screen 51. User U1 can request the rental of item 3 and the rental of power pack 2 by operating the user terminal 5 based on the information displayed on the display screen 51. In this case, the user terminal 5 functions as a terminal device that performs processing related to the rental of power pack 2 and item 3 on the management server 9 based on the operation of user U1.

The second vehicle 6, the third vehicle 7, and the fourth vehicle 8 each have a device equivalent to a client that performs processing related to the rental of the power pack 2 on the management server 9. Specifically, these are the vehicle control device 60, the on-board device 70, and the vehicle control device 80, which will be described later.

Here, the lending and borrowing service in the rental system 1 of this embodiment is based on the following first to ninth items.
The first condition is that the lender of the power pack 2 lends out the power pack 2 using the current location of the vehicle used by the lender as the lending location.
The second condition is that the lender of the item 3 lends out the item 3 using the current location of the vehicle used by the lender as the lending location.
The third point is that the borrower of the power pack 2 can exchange the power pack 2 that he/she borrows for the power pack 2 that he/she is using.
The fourth point is that a borrower of a power pack 2 can borrow a power pack 2 without exchanging the power pack 2 that the borrower is using for the power pack 2 that the borrower is borrowing.
The fifth point is that the borrower of the item 3 can borrow the item 3 regardless of whether the borrower uses or owns the item 3 and regardless of the type of item 3.
The sixth point is that if the power pack 2 is exchanged by the borrower, the lender of the power pack 2 can lend out the power pack 2 acquired in exchange. In other words, the lender has the right to sublease the power pack 2 acquired in exchange.
The eighth item is that the lender of the power pack 2 and the lender of the equipment 3 receive incentives from the operator of the rental system 1 or the like according to the rental performance.
The ninth point is that a lender of a power pack 2 can lend the power pack 2 in such a manner that the power pack 2 is delivered to the borrower's location.

According to the rental system 1, the lender of a power pack 2 or item 3 can rent out the power pack 2 or item 3 not only at the lender's home, but also when traveling by vehicle. Here, "locations" includes places that are open to the general public, such as shopping malls and public facilities. The lender can also receive incentives for renting out the power pack 2 or item 3. Meanwhile, the borrower can borrow a power pack 2 from the lender when the remaining charge in the power pack 2 they are using becomes low or when they wish to use the power pack 2.

The configuration of each part of the rental system 1 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the first vehicle 4 and the user terminal 5.
[2. Configuration of the first vehicle]
First, the configuration of the first vehicle 4 will be described.
The first vehicle 4 includes a vehicle control device 40 , a first mobile communication device 41 , a first communication device 42 , a second communication device 43 , a charging station 44 , and a first position detection device 45 .

The second communication device 43 has a shorter communication distance than the first communication device 42 and includes a transmitter and receiver for transmitting and receiving data to and from the power pack 2 installed in the first vehicle 4. The second communication device 43 communicates wirelessly using a communication method such as Bluetooth.

The vehicle control device 40 is a device that controls each part of the first vehicle 4. The vehicle control device 40 includes a processor 400 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), memory 410, and an interface circuit 420 to which other devices and sensors are connected.

Memory 410 is a storage device that non-volatilely stores programs and data executed by processor 400. Memory 410 is configured from a magnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage element such as flash ROM (Read Only Memory), or other types of non-volatile storage device. Memory 410 may also include RAM (Random Access Memory) that forms the work area of processor 400. Memory 410 may also include non-volatile storage devices such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and SSD (Solid State Drive). Memory 410 stores data processed by processor 400 and control programs 411 executed by processor 400.

The vehicle control device 40 is connected to a first mobile communication device 41, a first communication device 42, a second communication device 43, a charging station 44, and a first position detection device 45.

The charging station 44 comprises a holding unit 441 that detachably holds the power pack 2, and an electrical unit 442 that houses various electrical and electronic circuits. The electrical unit 442 houses a charging station control device 443 and a charging device 444.

The holding unit 441 includes a charging connector 445 that electrically connects to the electrodes of the power pack 2, and a locking mechanism 446 that prevents the power pack 2 from being removed in response to instructions from the charging station control device 443. The locking mechanism 446 includes, for example, an electric key that locks the cover of the power pack removal port formed on the inside or outside of the first vehicle 4, preventing it from being opened or closed, or an electrically controlled latching mechanism that hooks onto the power pack 2 stored in the holding unit 441, preventing it from being removed.

The charging station control device 443 is a device that controls each part of the charging station 44, and is equipped with a processor such as a CPU or MPU, memory, and an interface circuit for connecting other devices and sensors. The processor executes computer programs stored in the memory to realize the various functions of the charging station 44.

The charging device 444 charges the power pack 2 using power supplied from the on-board battery 46 installed in the first vehicle 4. The charging device 444 supplies power to the power pack 2 held in the holding unit 441 in response to a power supply instruction from the charging station control device 443. The charging station control device 443 manages the correspondence between the battery ID and the connecting charging connector 445 for the power pack 2 held in the holding unit 441. The charging station control device 443 can issue a power supply instruction for a specific power pack 2 by using this correspondence. The on-board battery 46 may be a battery that can be removed from the first vehicle 4, or a battery that cannot be removed from the first vehicle 4.

The first position detection device 45 is a device that detects the current position of the first vehicle 4 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 45 outputs the detection results to the vehicle control device 40.

The processor 400 functions as a first communication control unit 401, a second communication control unit 402, a third communication control unit 403, and an instruction unit 404 by reading and executing the control program 411 stored in the memory 410.

The first communication control unit 401 communicates with the management server 9 via the first mobile communication device 41. The first communication control unit 401 transmits upload information to the management server 9.

The uploaded information generated by the first vehicle 4 includes first battery information, location information indicating the current location of the first vehicle 4, and an ID (Identification) that uniquely identifies the user U1. The first battery information corresponds to battery information in this disclosure.

The first battery information includes, for each power pack 2 installed in the first vehicle 4, a battery ID that uniquely identifies the power pack 2 and battery status information. For example, if the first vehicle 4 is equipped with three power packs 2, the first battery information includes a combination of a 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 level of the power pack 2 and whether the power pack 2 is being charged. The current location of the first vehicle 4 indicated by the location information is the current location detected by the first position detection device 45. The battery ID is identification information that uniquely identifies each power pack 2.

The second communication control unit 402 communicates with the user terminal 5 via the first communication device 42.

The third communication control unit 403 communicates with the power packs 2 via the second communication device 43. The third communication control unit 403 receives battery IDs and battery status information from each of the power packs 2 installed in the first vehicle 4.

The instruction unit 404 issues various instructions to the charging station 44. The instruction unit 504 outputs an instruction to unlock the locking mechanism 446 to the charging station control device 443. When the instruction to unlock the locking mechanism 446 is input from the instruction unit 404, the charging station control device 443 unlocks the locked state of the locking mechanism 446. The instruction unit 404 outputs an instruction to charge the power pack 2 to the charging station control device 443. When the instruction to charge is input from the instruction unit 504, the charging station control device 443 outputs an instruction to supply power to the charging device 444.

3. User terminal configuration
Next, the configuration of the user terminal 5 will be described.
The user terminal 5 includes a terminal control device 50 , a third communication device 51 , and a touch panel 52 .

The terminal control device 50 is a device that controls each part of the user terminal 5. The terminal control device 50 has a processor 500 such as a CPU or MPU, 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, or other types of non-volatile storage device. Memory 510 may also include RAM that forms the work area of processor 500. Memory 510 may also include a non-volatile storage device such as an HDD or SSD. Memory 510 stores data processed by processor 500 and control programs 511 executed by processor 500.

A third communication device 51 and a touch panel 52 are connected to the terminal control device 50 .
The third communication device 51 is a device including a transmitter and a receiver for transmitting and receiving data to and from the first communication device 42. The third communication device 51 is a wireless communication device.
The touch panel 52 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 500 functions as a fourth communication control unit 501, a first display control unit 502, and a first reception unit 503 by reading and executing a control program 511 stored in the memory 510.

The fourth communication control unit 501 communicates with the first communication device 42 via the third communication device 51 .
The first display control unit 502 causes the touch panel 52 to display information.
The first receiving unit 503 receives an operation on the touch panel 52 .

[4. Configuration of the second vehicle]
Next, the configuration of the second vehicle 6 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the second vehicle 6.
The second vehicle 6 includes a vehicle control device 60 , a second mobile communication device 61 , a fourth communication device 62 , a charging station 64 , and a second position detection device 65 .

The vehicle control device 60 is a device that controls each part of the second vehicle 6. The vehicle control device 60 includes a processor 600 such as a CPU or MPU, memory 610, an interface circuit 620 to which other devices and sensors are connected, and a touch panel 630.

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.

The touch panel 630 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.

The vehicle control device 60 is connected to a second mobile communication device 61, a fourth communication device 62, a charging station 64, and a second position detection device 65.

The charging station 64 comprises a holding unit 641 that detachably holds the power pack 2, and an electrical unit 642 that houses various electrical and electronic circuits. The electrical unit 642 houses a charging station control device 643 and a charging device 644.

The holding unit 641 includes a charging connector 645 that electrically connects to the electrodes of the power pack 2, and a locking mechanism 646 that prevents the power pack 2 from being removed in response to instructions from the charging station control device 643. The locking mechanism 646 includes, for example, an electric key that locks the cover of the power pack removal port formed on the inside or outside of the second vehicle 6, preventing it from being opened or closed, or an electrically controlled latching mechanism that hooks onto the power pack 2 stored in the holding unit 641, preventing it from being removed.

The charging station control device 643 is a device that controls each part of the charging station 64, 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 64.

The charging device 644 charges the power pack 2 using power supplied from the on-board battery 66 installed in the second vehicle 6. The charging device 644 supplies power to the power pack 2 held in the holding unit 641 in response to a power supply instruction from the charging station control device 643. The charging station control device 643 manages the correspondence between the battery ID and the connecting charging connector 645 for the power pack 2 held in the holding unit 641. The charging station control device 643 can issue a power supply instruction for a specific power pack 2 by using this correspondence. The on-board battery 66 may be a battery that can be removed from the second vehicle 6, or a battery that cannot be removed from the second vehicle 6.

The second position detection device 65 is a device that detects the current position of the second vehicle 6 and is equipped with a GNSS receiver that receives positioning signals transmitted from multiple positioning satellites. The second position detection device 65 outputs the detection results to the vehicle control device 60.

The processor 600 functions as a fifth communication control unit 601, a sixth communication control unit 602, an instruction unit 603, a second display control unit 604, and a second reception unit 605 by reading and executing a control program 611 stored in the memory 610.

The fifth communication control unit 601 communicates with the management server 9 via the second mobile communication device 61. The fifth communication control unit 601 transmits upload information to the management server 9.

The uploaded information generated by the second vehicle 6 includes second battery information, location information indicating the current location of the second vehicle 6, an ID that uniquely identifies the user U2, and product information regarding the products 3 provided in the second vehicle 6. The product information includes, for example, the type or name of the product 3, the number of power packs 2 required for the product 3, and the number of products 3. The product information is input, for example, by the user U2 operating the touch panel 630, and is stored in the memory 610.

The second battery information includes, for each power pack 2 installed in the second vehicle 6, a battery ID that uniquely identifies the power pack 2 and battery status information. The current location of the second vehicle 6 indicated by the location information is the current location detected by the second location detection device 65. The battery ID and battery status information included in the second battery information are the same as those in the first battery information. In other words, the second battery information is the same as the first battery information generated by the first vehicle 4, and in this embodiment, the battery information generated by the first vehicle 4 used by the borrower of the power pack 2 is referred to as the first battery information. Furthermore, the battery information generated by the second vehicle 6 used by the lender of the power pack 2 is referred to as the second battery information.

The fifth communication control unit 601 communicates with the management server 9 via the second mobile communication device 61 .
The sixth communication control unit 602 communicates with the power packs 2 via the fourth communication device 62. The sixth communication control unit 602 receives a battery ID and battery state information from each of the power packs 2 provided in the second vehicle 6.

The instruction unit 603 issues various instructions to the charging station 64. The instruction unit 603 outputs an instruction to unlock the locking mechanism 646 to the charging station control device 643. When an instruction to unlock the locking mechanism 646 is input from the instruction unit 603, the charging station control device 643 unlocks the locked state of the locking mechanism 646. The instruction unit 603 outputs an instruction to charge the power pack 2 to the charging station control device 643. When an instruction to charge is input from the instruction unit 603, the charging station control device 643 outputs an instruction to supply power to the charging device 644.

The second display control unit 604 causes the touch panel 630 to display information.
The second receiving unit 605 receives an operation on the touch panel 630 .

[5. Configuration of the third vehicle]
Next, the configuration of the third vehicle 7 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the third vehicle 7.
The third vehicle 7 includes an in-vehicle device 70 , a third mobile communication device 71 , and a third position detection device 72 .

The in-vehicle device 70 is a device that controls each part of the third vehicle 7. The in-vehicle device 70 includes a processor 700 such as a CPU or MPU, memory 710, an interface circuit 720 to which other devices and sensors are connected, and a touch panel 730.

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 and control programs 711 executed by processor 700.

The touch panel 730 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 third mobile communication device 71 and a third position detection device 72 are connected to the in-vehicle device 70.

The third position detection device 72 is a device that detects the current position of the third vehicle 7 and is equipped with a GNSS receiver that receives positioning signals transmitted from multiple positioning satellites. The third position detection device 72 outputs the detection results to the in-vehicle device 70.

The processor 700 functions as a seventh communication control unit 701, a third display control unit 702, and a third reception unit 703 by reading and executing a control program 711 stored in the memory 710.

The seventh communication control unit 701 communicates with the management server 9 via the third mobile communication device 71. The seventh communication control unit 701 transmits upload information to the management server 9.
The uploaded information includes location information indicating the current location of the third vehicle 7, an ID that uniquely identifies the user U3, and product information regarding the product 3 provided in the third vehicle 7. The product information is input by the user U3 operating the touch panel 730, for example, and is stored in the memory 710.

The third display control unit 702 causes the touch panel 730 to display information.
The third receiving unit 703 receives an operation on the touch panel 730 .

The memory 710 stores the type or name of the item 3 placed in the third vehicle 7, the number of power packs 2 required by the item 3, and the number of items 3. This information is input, for example, by the user U3 operating the touch panel 730.

[6. Configuration of the fourth vehicle]
Next, the configuration of the fourth vehicle 8 will be described.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the fourth vehicle 8.
The fourth vehicle 8 is equipped with a vehicle control device 80 , a fourth mobile communication device 81 , a fifth communication device 82 , a charging station 84 , and a fourth position detection device 85 .

The vehicle control device 80 is a device that controls each part of the fourth vehicle 8. The vehicle control device 80 includes a processor 800 such as a CPU or MPU, memory 810, an interface circuit 620 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.

The vehicle control device 80 is connected to a fourth mobile communication device 81, a fifth communication device 82, a charging station 84, and a fourth position detection device 85.

The charging station 84 comprises a holding unit 841 that detachably holds the power pack 2, and an electrical unit 842 that houses various electrical and electronic circuits. The electrical unit 842 houses a charging station control device 843 and a charging device 844.

The holding unit 841 includes a charging connector 845 that electrically connects to the electrodes of the power pack 2, and a locking mechanism 846 that prevents the power pack 2 from being removed in response to instructions from the charging station control device 843. The locking mechanism 846 includes, for example, an electric key that locks the cover of the power pack removal port formed on the inside or outside of the fourth vehicle 8, preventing it from being opened or closed, or an electrically controlled latching mechanism that hooks onto the power pack 2 stored in the holding unit 841, preventing it from being removed.

The charging station control device 843 is a device that controls each part of the charging station 84, and is equipped with a processor such as a CPU or MPU, memory, and an interface circuit for connecting other devices and sensors. The processor executes computer programs stored in the memory to realize the various functions of the charging station 84.

The charging device 844 is a device that charges the power pack 2 using power supplied from the on-board battery 86 installed in the fourth vehicle 8. The charging device 844 supplies power to the power pack 2 held in the holding unit 841 in accordance with a power supply instruction from the charging station control device 843. The charging station control device 843 manages the correspondence between the battery ID and the connecting charging connector 845 for the power pack 2 held in the holding unit 841. The charging station control device 843 can issue a power supply instruction for a specific power pack 2 by using this correspondence. The on-board battery 86 may be a battery that can be removed from the fourth vehicle 8, or a battery that cannot be removed from the fourth vehicle 8.

The fourth position detection device 85 is a device that detects the current position of the fourth vehicle 8 and is equipped with a GNSS receiver that receives positioning signals transmitted from multiple positioning satellites. The fourth position detection device 85 outputs the detection results to the vehicle control device 80.

The processor 800 functions as an eighth communication control unit 801, a ninth communication control unit 802, an instruction unit 803, a fourth display control unit 804, and a fourth reception unit 805 by reading and executing a control program 811 stored in the memory 810.

The eighth communication control unit 801 communicates with the management server 9 via the fourth mobile communication device 81. The eighth communication control unit 801 transmits upload information to the management server 9. The upload information generated by the eighth communication control unit 801 includes second battery information, location information indicating the current location of the fourth vehicle 8, and an ID that uniquely identifies the user U4. Furthermore, if the fourth vehicle 8 is equipped with an item 3, the eighth communication control unit 801 may generate upload information that includes item information regarding the item 3 installed in the fourth vehicle 8. The item information is input, for example, by the user U4 operating the touch panel 830, and is stored in the memory 810.

The second battery information generated by the fourth vehicle 8 includes, for each power pack 2 installed in the fourth vehicle 8, a battery ID that uniquely identifies the power pack 2 and battery status information. The current location of the fourth vehicle 8 indicated by the location information is the current location detected by the fourth location detection device 85. In this embodiment, user U4 is a user U who can be the lender of a power pack 2, and therefore the battery information generated by the fourth vehicle 8 is referred to as the second battery information.

The eighth communication control unit 801 communicates with the user terminal 5 via the fourth mobile communication device 81 .
The ninth communication control unit 802 communicates with the power packs 2 via the fifth communication device 82. The ninth communication control unit 802 receives the battery ID and the battery state information from each of the power packs 2 provided in the fourth vehicle 8.

The instruction unit 803 issues various instructions to the charging station 84. The instruction unit 803 outputs an instruction to unlock the locking mechanism 846 to the charging station control device 843. When an instruction to unlock the locking mechanism 846 is input from the instruction unit 803, the charging station control device 843 unlocks the locked state of the locking mechanism 846. The instruction unit 803 outputs an instruction to charge the power pack 2 to the charging station control device 843. When an instruction to charge is input from the instruction unit 803, the charging station control device 843 outputs an instruction to supply power to the charging device 844.

The fourth display control unit 804 causes the touch panel 830 to display information.
The fourth reception unit 805 receives an operation on the touch panel 830 .

[7. Management Server Configuration]
Next, the configuration of the management server will be described.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the management server 9.
The management server 9 includes a server control device 90 and a server communication device 91 .

The server control device 90 is a device that controls each part of the management server 9. It includes the server control device 90, a processor 900 such as a CPU or MPU, memory 910, and an interface circuit 920 to which the server communication device 91 is connected.

Memory 910 is a storage device that non-volatilely stores programs and data executed by processor 900. Memory 910 is composed of a magnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage element such as flash ROM, or other types of non-volatile storage device. Memory 910 may also include RAM that forms the work area of processor 900. Memory 910 may also include a non-volatile storage device such as an HDD or SSD. Memory 910 stores data processed by processor 900, control programs 911 executed by processor 900, a lessor management database 912, a lessee management database 913, an upload information management database 914, and map data 915.

The lender management DB 912 stores information about each user U who has become a lender. The information about the lender includes a lender ID and communication information for communicating with the first vehicle 4 operated by the lender. The lender ID is the ID of the user U who has become the lender. An example of this communication information is the address information of the first mobile communication device 41.

The tenant management DB 913 stores information about each user U who has become a tenant. The information about the tenant includes the tenant ID and tenant information indicating the tenant's name and face photograph. The tenant ID is the ID of the user U who has become a tenant.

User U1 can be a lender who lends out a power pack 2 or an item 3. Users U2, U3, and U4 can be borrowers who borrow a power pack 2 or an item 3. In other words, each user U can be both a lender and a borrower. Therefore, information about the same user U may be stored in both the lender management DB 912 and the borrower management DB 913.

The upload information management DB914 stores upload information.

Map data 915 is data that stores road map information, facility information on various facilities, map matching data, and so on. 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 915 includes image data of the map.

The server communication device 91 is a device including a transmitter and receiver for transmitting and receiving data between the first vehicle 4, the second vehicle 6, the third vehicle 7, and the fourth vehicle 8. The server communication device 91 may be a wired communication device or a wireless communication device.

The processor 900 functions as a server receiving unit 901, a server transmitting unit 902, a generating unit 903, a searching unit 904, and an analyzing unit 905 by reading and executing a control program 911 stored in the memory 910.
The server receiving unit 901 corresponds to the receiving unit in this disclosure. The server transmitting unit 902 corresponds to the transmitting unit in this disclosure.

The server receiving unit 901 receives data from the first mobile communication device 41 and the second mobile communication device 61 via the server communication device 91. The server transmitting unit 902 transmits data from the first mobile communication device 41 and the second mobile communication device 61 via the server communication device 91.

The generation unit 903 generates a first map image, a second map image, and a route-added map image. The first map image, the second map image, and the route-added map image will be described later.

The search unit 904 refers to map data 915 and searches for a route from the current location of the renter, user U, to the destination. In this embodiment, the search unit 904 searches for a route from the current location of the first vehicle 4 as the current location of user U1.

The analysis unit 905 generates preference information indicating the preferences of user U1 by analyzing the history of borrowing items 3 by the borrower user U. The preference information is stored in the borrower management DB 913 in association with the borrower ID. The preference information is information indicating, for example, the type, category, and product name of the item 3 preferred by the borrower. Specifically, the analysis unit 905 generates preference information for outdoor equipment, camping equipment, sporting goods, cooking utensils, household goods, clothing, etc.

[8. 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.

Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rental system 1. In Figure 7, flowchart FA shows the operation performed by any of the vehicle control device 40, vehicle control device 60, in-vehicle device 70, and vehicle control device 80, and flowchart FB shows the operation of the management server 9. First, an example will be described in which the first vehicle 4 performs the operation of flowchart FA.

As shown in flowchart FA, the first communication control unit 401 determines whether a trigger for transmitting upload information has occurred (step SA1). Examples of this trigger 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 4 being turned on, or the ignition of the first vehicle 4 being turned off.

If the first communication control unit 401 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 401 acquires from the second communication device 43 a combination of the battery ID and battery status information received by the second communication device 43. The first communication control unit 401 also acquires location information from the first location detection device 45. The first communication control unit 401 also acquires the ID of user U1 from memory 410. The first communication control unit 401 generates upload information including the acquired information.

Note that the ID of user U1 is stored in advance in memory 410, for example, when a communication connection is established between the first communication device 42 and the user terminal 5.

The second communication device 43 may communicate directly with the power pack 2 to obtain the battery ID and battery status information. Alternatively, the second communication device 43 may receive the battery ID and battery status information from, for example, the charging station control device 443 or the charging device 444.

Returning to the explanation of flowchart FA, the first communication control unit 401 transmits the generated upload information to the management server 9 (step SA3).

As shown in flowchart FB, the server receiving unit 901 receives upload information from the first vehicle 4 (step SB1).

Next, the server receiving unit 901 stores the upload information received in step SB1 in the upload information management DB 914 (step SB2).

In step SB2, if upload information management DB 914 contains upload information with the same ID as the ID of user U1 contained in the upload information received in step SB1, the server receiving unit 901 updates the upload information with the same ID to the upload information received in step SB1.

The fifth communication control unit 601 provided in the second vehicle 6, the seventh communication control unit 701 provided in the third vehicle 7, and the eighth communication control unit 801 provided in the fourth vehicle 8 each perform the operations of flowchart FA.

In this case, in step SA2, the fifth communication control unit 601 acquires a combination of the battery ID and battery status information of the power pack 2 equipped in the second vehicle 6, as well as the ID of user U2. Furthermore, the fifth communication control unit 601 acquires product information regarding the product 3 placed in the second vehicle 6 from the memory 410. The fourth communication control unit 501 generates upload information that includes this acquired information. If the product 3 is not installed in the second vehicle 6, the fifth communication control unit 601 may generate upload information that does not include the product information.

In addition, in step SA2, the seventh communication control unit 701 acquires the ID of user U3 and product information regarding the product 3 placed in the third vehicle 7 from the memory 710. The seventh communication control unit 701 generates upload information that includes the acquired information. If the product 3 is not installed in the third vehicle 7, the seventh communication control unit 701 may generate upload information that does not include the product information.

Furthermore, in step SA2, the eighth communication control unit 801 acquires a combination of the battery ID and battery status information of the power pack 2 equipped in the fourth vehicle 8, and the ID of user U4. The eighth communication control unit 801 generates upload information including this acquired information. If the fourth vehicle 8 is equipped with an item 3, the eighth communication control unit 801 may acquire the item information from memory 810 and generate upload information including the item information.

In this way, each of the first vehicle 4, second vehicle 6, third vehicle 7, and fourth vehicle 8 included in the rental system 1 sends upload information to the management server 9, allowing the management server 9 to accumulate information regarding each vehicle's power pack 2 and accessories 3.

Next, the operation of the rental system 1 relating to the search for the item 3 that is being rented will be described.
8, 10, 12, and 14 are flowcharts showing the operation of the rental system 1. Referring to these figures, an example of the operation when user U1 borrows an item 3 from one of users U2, U3, or U4 will be described. In this example, user U1 is the borrower, and one of users U2, U3, or U4 is the lender.

In FIG. 8, a flowchart FC shows the operation of the management server 9, and a flowchart FD shows the operation of the user terminal 5 and the vehicle control device 40.
As shown in the flowchart FD, the vehicle control device 40 determines whether to search for the item 3 that is being rented (step SD1). For example, when the first reception unit 503 receives an instruction to search for the item 3 via the touch panel 52, the vehicle control device 40 makes a positive determination in step SD1 (step SD1; YES).

When the vehicle control device 40 determines that a search for the product 3 is to be performed (step SD1: YES), the vehicle control device 40 generates search request information (step SD2).
In step SD2, the vehicle control device 40 acquires location information from the first position detection device 45. Then, the vehicle control device 40 generates search request information including the acquired location information. Here, if the first reception unit 503 has accepted input of a destination from the user U1, the vehicle control device 40 includes the destination information accepted by the first reception unit 503 in the search request information to be generated.

Next, the vehicle control device 40 sends the search request information to the management server 9 (step SD3).

As shown in flowchart FC, the server receiving unit 901 receives search request information (step SC1).

Next, the generation unit 903 acquires a map image of the reference specified range from the map data 915 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 location information in the search request information. The reference specified range is, for example, a range with a radius of 10 km centered on the reference. The size of this range is predetermined.

Next, the generation unit 903 extracts from the upload information management DB 914 uploaded information that includes product information for which the specified conditions are met, from among the location information indicating a position within the reference specified range.

The generation unit 903 performs the process of step SC4 on the extracted upload information. That is, the generation unit 903 generates the first map image 101 based on the upload information extracted from the upload information management DB 914 (step SC4).

The first map image 101 is a map image that displays information about products that meet specified conditions at a location on the map within a reference specified range that corresponds to the current location of the first vehicle 4.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the first map image 101.
The map shown by the first map image 101 is a map that includes at least a part of the reference predetermined range. The map shown by the first map image 101 may be a map of the entire reference predetermined range centered on the current position of the first vehicle 4, which is the reference. Alternatively, the map shown by the first map image 101 may be a map that enlarges the area where the item 3 is located within the reference predetermined range, as shown in FIG. 9 .

The first map image 101 displays the equipment information using icons and text. More specifically, information display units 122 and 123 are arranged in the first map image 101 corresponding to the positions of the equipment 3. In this embodiment, the equipment 3 installed in the vehicle is the subject of the image. For this reason, the first map image 101 shown in FIG. 9 includes a vehicle image 112 indicating the position of the second vehicle 6 on which the equipment 3 is installed, and a vehicle image 113 indicating the position of the equipment 3. The information display unit 122 is arranged in a position corresponding to the vehicle image 112, and displays equipment information related to the equipment 3 installed in the second vehicle 6 using icons and text on the information display unit 122. The equipment information icons indicate the type and number of the equipment 3, and the text indicating the equipment information indicates the type and name of the equipment 3 and the number of power packs 2 required to use the equipment 3. Similarly, the information display unit 123 is arranged in a position corresponding to the vehicle image 113, and displays equipment information related to the equipment 3 installed in the third vehicle 7 using icons and text on the information display unit 123.
The first map image 101 may display a vehicle image 111 representing the position of the first vehicle 4 so that the user U1 can easily grasp the position.

Returning to the explanation of Figure 8, the server transmission unit 902 transmits the map image data of the first map image 101 generated in step SC4 to the first vehicle 4 (step SC5).

As shown in flowchart FD, the vehicle control device 40 receives map image data for the first map image 101 (step SD4). The vehicle control device 40 then transfers the received map image data to the user terminal 5.

The first display control unit 502 displays the first map image 101 corresponding to the map image data received by the first vehicle 4 in step SD4 on the touch panel 52 (step SD5). When displaying the first map image 101, the first display control unit 502 displays, for example, selectable icons for the information display units 122 and 123 arranged on the first map image 101.

Figures 10, 12, and 14 show the operations performed when user U1 requests the rental of item 3 based on the first map image 101. At the start of the operations in Figure 10, the first map image 101 is displayed on the touch panel 52 of the user terminal 5.

In FIG. 10, a flowchart FE shows the operation of the management server 9, and a flowchart FF shows the operation of the user terminal 5 and the vehicle control device 40.
As shown in flowchart FF, the vehicle control device 40 determines whether the user U1 has made a rental request (step SD11). The rental request by the user U1 corresponds to a request to use the item 3. For example, if the first display control unit 502 has the first map image 101 displayed on the touch panel 52 and the first reception unit 503 receives a predetermined operation for a rental request, the vehicle control device 40 makes a positive determination in step SD11 (step SD11; YES).

If the vehicle control device 40 determines that a rental request is to be made (step SD11: YES), it selects the item 3 that is the subject of the request based on the operation of user U1 (step SD12). In step SD12, the vehicle control device 40 selects, for example, the item 3 that corresponds to the icon that user U1 touched on the first map image 101.

The vehicle control device 40 sends a rental request to the management server 9 (step SD13). The rental request includes information indicating the item 3 selected in step SD12. This item 3 indicates the item 3 for which rental has been requested. The rental request may also include one or more of the ID of user U1 and information on the current location of the first vehicle 4.

As shown in flowchart FC, the server receiving unit 901 receives a request for lending (step SC11).
The analysis unit 905 analyzes the loan request received in step SC11, and updates the preference information corresponding to the ID of the user U1 stored in the borrower management DB 913 (step SC12). Here, the analysis unit 905 corresponds to an example of a preference management unit.

Next, the generation unit 903 extracts upload information corresponding to the item 3 requested to be loaned from the upload information management DB 914 based on the loan request received in step SC11 (step SC13). Based on the extracted upload information, the generation unit 903 obtains the number of batteries, i.e., the number of power packs 2, required to operate the item 3 requested to be loaned (step SC14).

The generation unit 903 determines whether the item 3 requested for rental can be operated by the batteries installed in the vehicles of both the lender and the borrower (step SC15).
The processing of step SC15 will be described in detail. The generation unit 903 identifies the user U who will be the lender based on the uploaded information extracted in step SC13. The generation unit 903 acquires the number of power packs 2 installed in the vehicle used by the lender user U and battery status information of the power packs 2 based on the second battery information included in the uploaded information. The generation unit 903 acquires first battery information from the uploaded information of the borrower user U1. The generation unit 903 acquires the number of power packs 2 installed in the first vehicle 4 used by the user U1 and battery status information of the power packs 2 from the first battery information. The generation unit 903 makes a determination based on the number of power packs 2 required to operate the item 3 requested to be rented, the information acquired from the first battery information, and the information acquired from the second battery information. That is, the generation unit 903 selects, as the power packs 2 that can be used to operate the equipment 3, the power packs 2 that have a charge amount equal to or greater than a predetermined level from among the power packs 2 installed in the first vehicle 4 used by the lender and the power packs 2 installed in the vehicle used by the lender. Then, the generation unit 903 determines whether the number of selected power packs 2 satisfies the number of power packs 2 required to operate the equipment 3. If the number of selected power packs 2 satisfies the number of power packs 2 required to operate the equipment 3, the generation unit 903 makes a positive determination in step SC15. If the number of selected power packs 2 does not satisfy the number of power packs 2 required to operate the equipment 3, the generation unit 903 makes a negative determination in step SC15.

If it is determined that the item 3 requested for rental can be operated using the batteries installed in both the lender's and borrower's vehicles (step SC15; YES), the server control device 90 proceeds to step SE1 in FIG. 14. In this case, the vehicle control device 40 proceeds to step SG1 in FIG. 14.

If it is determined that the item 3 requested for rental cannot be operated using the batteries installed in both the lender's and borrower's vehicles (step SC15; NO), the generation unit 903 performs processing to change the display mode of the item 3 requested for rental in the first map image 101 (step SC16), and generates a second map image 102 with the changed display mode (step SC17).

The second map image 102 is a map image in which the display mode of the item 3 requested for rental is changed from the first map image 101.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the second map image 102.
The map range included in the second map image 102 illustrated in Fig. 11 is the same as that of the first map image 101 in Fig. 9. The map shown in the second map image 102 does not have to be the same as that of the first map image 101, and may be, for example, a map enlarged and centered on the location of the vehicle carrying the item 3 requested for rental.

Similar to the first map image 101, the second map image 102 has information display areas 122 and 123 arranged therein, and product information is displayed in the information display areas 122 and 123. Also common to the first map image 101 is the display of vehicle images 112 and 113 to indicate the location of product 3.

11, the item 3 requested for loan is the item 3 carried by the third vehicle 7. Therefore, the display mode of the item information displayed on the information display unit 123 corresponding to the third vehicle 7 is different from that of the first map image 101. For example, a decorative display 131 is added to the icon of the item information displayed on the information display unit 123. The decorative display 131 creates a visual effect indicating that the state of the icon indicating the item 3 requested for loan, among the icons displayed on the second map image 102, is different from that of the first map image 101. The decorative display 131 is, for example, an image, symbol, character, etc. that is displayed superimposed on the icon or placed around the icon. Specifically, the decorative display 131 can be a shaded display, a grayed-out display, a fluorescent display, a blacked-out display, etc. When the decorative display 131 is displayed superimposed on the icon, the decorative display 131 may make the icon visible or may make the icon invisible. When icons of multiple items 3 are displayed in the information display section 123, the decorative display 131 is only added to the icon corresponding to the item 3 requested for lending.

By adding the decorative display 131 to the icon in the information display section 123, the second map image 102 becomes an example of a means of notifying user U1 that there is a shortage of power packs 2 to operate the item 3 that user U1 has requested to be loaned.

Returning to the explanation of Figure 10, the server transmission unit 902 transmits the map image data of the second map image 102 generated in step SC17 to the first vehicle 4 (step SC18). Thereafter, the operation of the server control device 90 proceeds to step SC21 in Figure 12.

As shown in flowchart FF, the vehicle control device 40 receives map image data for the second map image 102 (step SD14). The vehicle control device 40 then transfers the received map image data to the user terminal 5.

The first display control unit 502 displays on the touch panel 52 a second map image 102 corresponding to the map image data received by the first vehicle 4 in step SD14 (step SD15). When displaying the second map image 102, the first display control unit 502, for example, displays selectable icons for the information display units 122 and 123 arranged on the second map image 102. Thereafter, the operation of the user terminal 5 and the vehicle control device 40 proceeds to step SD21 in FIG. 12 .

In FIG. 12, a flowchart FG shows the operation of the management server 9, and a flowchart FH shows the operation of the user terminal 5 and the vehicle control device 40.
As shown in flowchart FH, the vehicle control device 40 determines whether the user U1 has requested a loan (step SD11). The user U1 has requested a loan in step SD11, but has been notified by the second map image 102 that there is a shortage of power packs 2 to operate the item 3. In step SD21, after the user terminal 5 displays the second map image 102, it is determined whether the user U1 has requested a loan of the item 3. For example, if the first reception unit 503 has received a predetermined operation for a loan request based on the second map image 102 displayed on the first display control unit 502, the vehicle control device 40 makes an affirmative determination in step SD21 (step SD21; YES).

If the vehicle control device 40 determines that a rental request should be made (step SD21: YES), it sends a rental request based on the second map image 102 to the management server 9 (step SD22). The rental request sent in step SD22 may be the same as the request sent in step SD13, or may include a flag indicating that the request is based on the second map image 102.

As shown in flowchart FG, the server receiving unit 901 receives a loan request (step SC21).

Based on the loan request received in step SC21, the generation unit 903 extracts from the upload information management DB 914 upload information corresponding to a location within a predetermined range from the location of the item 3 requested to be loaned (step SC22).
The generating unit 903 extracts upload information including battery state information that satisfies a predetermined condition from the upload information extracted in step SC22 (step SC23).

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 that satisfies the second predetermined condition is battery status information of the power pack 2 that is receiving power from the on-board battery 46 that has a charge amount equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, and battery status information that indicates that the power pack 2 is being charged. This second predetermined condition is valid when the battery status information transmitted by the second vehicle 6 and the fourth vehicle 8 includes information indicating the charge amount of the on-board battery 46.

The generation unit 903 determines whether the battery state information satisfies a predetermined condition as follows: If the battery state information to be determined indicates a charge amount equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the generation unit 903 determines that the battery state information to be determined is battery state information for which a first predetermined condition is satisfied. If the battery state information to be determined indicates that the battery is charging and the second battery information in the uploaded information that includes the battery state information to be determined indicates a charge amount equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the generation unit 903 determines that the battery state information to be determined is battery state information for which a second predetermined condition is satisfied.

Here, if there is no uploaded information containing battery status information that satisfies the specified condition, the generation unit 903 may send information to the first vehicle 4 indicating that rental is not possible and terminate this process.

Based on the extracted upload information, the generation unit 903 identifies a location where the battery required to operate the item 3 requested for rental, i.e., the power pack 2, can be borrowed (step SC24). In particular, the generation unit 903 selects one piece of upload information extracted in step SC23 that includes location information close to the current location of user U1. The generation unit 903 determines the location indicated by the location information included in the selected upload information as the location where the power pack 2 can be borrowed.

Next, the search unit 904 searches for a route from the current location of user U1 to the location identified in step SC24 (step SC25). The generation unit 903 generates a route-added map image 103 that includes information indicating the route searched by the search unit 904.

The route-added map image 103 is a map image that adds a route to a location where a power pack 2 can be rented to the second map image 102.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the route-added map image 103. As shown in FIG.
The range of the map included in the route-added map image 103 illustrated in Fig. 13 is the same as that of the first map image 101 in Fig. 9 and the second map image 102 in Fig. 11. The map shown in the route-added map image 103 does not have to be the same as the first map image 101 or the second map image 102. For example, it may be a map in which the range including the route is enlarged.

In the same way as the second map image 102, the route-added map image 103 has information display areas 122 and 123, and product information is displayed in the information display areas 122 and 123. Also common to the second map image 102 are the display of vehicle images 112 and 113 to indicate the location of the product 3, and the addition of a decorative display 131 to the icon of the product information for the product 3 requested for rental.

The route-added map image 103 includes a route display 133 that includes the route for user U1 to rent the power pack 2. The route display 133 is, for example, a straight line, arrow, symbol, or other image that indicates the route that user U1 should travel.

The routed map image 103 displays an image showing the number of power packs 2 used or owned by user U, who will be lending the power packs 2, and the charge levels of the power packs 2. Specifically, the contents of the second battery information included in the uploaded information selected in step SC24 are displayed as icons. Figure 13 shows an example in which user U1 can borrow a power pack 2 installed in a fourth vehicle 8 used by user U4. In this example, a vehicle image 114 showing the fourth vehicle 8 and an information display section 124 corresponding to the vehicle image 114 are displayed in the routed map image 103. The information display section 124 displays an icon indicating the charge level or charge status of each power pack 2, depending on the number of power packs 2 installed in the fourth vehicle 8. The power pack 2 icon can be in multiple states, indicating a state in which the power pack 2 has a low charge level, a state in which the power pack 2 has a charge level above a predetermined value, or a state in which the power pack 2 is charging. The information display section 124 in Figure 13 displays two icons corresponding to two power packs 2. These two icons indicate that the charge level of the power pack 2 is above a specified value.

The route display 133 included in the route-added map image 103 shows the route from the current location of user U1 to a location where power pack 2 can be rented. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 13, the route display 133 may also include a route from a location where power pack 2 can be rented to a location where item 3 can be rented. FIG. 13 shows a route in which user U1 first rents power pack 2 and then rents item 3, but the order in which power pack 2 and item 3 are rented is not limited. The route display 133 may also show a route in which user U1 first rents power pack 2 and then rents item 3.

Also, as shown in FIG. 13, an information display unit 121 may be arranged in the routed map image 103 in correspondence with a vehicle image 111 showing the first vehicle 4 used by user U1. The information display unit 121 may also have icons indicating the number of power packs 2 installed in the first vehicle 4 and the status of the power packs 2. The information display unit 121 in FIG. 13 displays three icons corresponding to three power packs 2. These three icons indicate that one power pack 2 is charging and that the charge levels of two power packs 2 are lower than a predetermined value.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 12, the server transmission unit 902 transmits the map image data of the routed map image 103 generated in step SC26 to the first vehicle 4 (step SC27). Thereafter, the operation of the server control device 90 proceeds to step SE1 in FIG. 14.

As shown in flowchart FH, the vehicle control device 40 receives map image data for the routed map image 103 (step SD23). The vehicle control device 40 then transfers the received map image data to the user terminal 5.

The first display control unit 502 displays on the touch panel 52 a route-added map image 103 corresponding to the map image data received by the first vehicle 4 in step SD23 (step SD24). After that, the operation of the user terminal 5 and the vehicle control device 40 proceeds to step SG1 in FIG. 14.

In FIG. 14, flowchart FI shows the operation of the vehicle control device 40 and user terminal 5, and flowchart FJ shows the operation of the management server 9. Flowchart FH shows the operation of the devices installed in the vehicle used by the lender. That is, flowchart FH shows the operation of one or more of the vehicle control device 60, in-vehicle device 70, and vehicle control device 80. As an example, we will explain the case where user U3 is the lender of item 3, and user U4 is the lender of power pack 2. In this example, flowchart FK corresponds to the operation of the in-vehicle device 70 and the operation of the vehicle control device 80.

As shown in flowchart FJ, the server transmission unit 902 transmits a request to the third vehicle 7 to lend out item 3 (step SE1).

As shown in flowchart FH, the seventh communication control unit 701 receives a loan request sent by the management server 9 (step SF1). The third display control unit 702 displays the contents of the request received in step SF1 on the touch panel 730 (step SF2). The seventh communication control unit 701 then determines whether the third reception unit 703 has accepted an operation on the touch panel 730 (step SF3). Specifically, an operation is an operation indicating acceptance or rejection of the request displayed in step SF2. While no operation is performed (step SF3; NO), the seventh communication control unit 701 waits. If an operation is performed (step SF3; YES), the seventh communication control unit 701 sends the results of the operation accepted by the third reception unit 703 to the management server 9 (step SF4).

As shown in flowchart FJ, the server receiving unit 901 receives the operation result transmitted by the third vehicle 7 (step SE2). Based on the result received from the third vehicle 7, the server receiving unit 901 updates information in the lender management DB 912, borrower management DB 913, and upload information management DB 914, etc. (step SE3). For example, if the server receiving unit 901 receives a result from the third vehicle 7 indicating that the request to lend item 3 has been accepted, in step SE3, the server receiving unit 901 updates the lender management DB 912 corresponding to user U3 who will be using the third vehicle 7. In other words, since user U3 will become the lender of item 3, the server receiving unit 901 performs a process of newly registering information corresponding to user U3's ID in the lender management DB 912, or a process of updating the information in the lender management DB 912 corresponding to user U3's ID. In this case, the server receiving unit 901 updates the borrower management DB 913 in response to user U1 becoming the borrower.
The server transmitting unit 902 transmits the result received from the third vehicle 7 in step SE2 to the first vehicle 4 (step SE4).

The above operation is performed when the user U1 requests to borrow the item 3. Specifically, this is the operation performed when the management server 9 transitions from step SC15 in FIG. 10 to step SE1 in the flowchart FJ.
When the management server 9 transitions from step SC27 of FIG. 12 to step SE1 of flowchart FJ, i.e., when user U1 requests to borrow equipment 3 and power pack 2, operations to borrow power pack 2 are performed.

In this case, the server transmitting unit 902 transmits a request for lending of a power pack 2 to the fourth vehicle 8 (step SE1) in parallel with the processing of step SE1 for the third vehicle 7.
As shown in flowchart FH, the eighth communication control unit 801 receives a loan request sent by the management server 9 (step SF1). The fourth display control unit 804 displays the content of the request received in step SF1 on the touch panel 830 (step SF2). The eighth communication control unit 801 then determines whether the fourth reception unit 805 has accepted an operation on the touch panel 830 (step SF3). While no operation is performed (step SF3; NO), the eighth communication control unit 801 waits. If an operation is performed (step SF3; YES), the eighth communication control unit 801 sends the result of the operation accepted by the fourth reception unit 805 to the management server 9 (step SF4).

Then, as shown in the flowchart FJ, the server receiving unit 901 receives the result of the operation transmitted by the fourth vehicle 8 in step SE2 (step SE2).
In this case, the server receiving unit 901 updates the information in the lessor management DB 912, the lessee management DB 913, the upload information management DB 914, etc. based on the results received from the fourth vehicle 8 (step SE3).

In other words, if user U1 requests to borrow item 3 from user U3 and power pack 2 from user U4, the management server 9 sends a rental request to both the third vehicle 7 and the fourth vehicle 8. The management server 9 may execute step SE4 after receiving the results in step SE2 from both the third vehicle 7 and the fourth vehicle 8. The management server 9 may also execute step SE4 each time it receives a result from either the third vehicle 7 or the fourth vehicle 8.

The above-described operations are performed when user U1 operates the user terminal 5 to request to borrow a power pack 2. In the rental system 1, user U1 can also request that the power pack 2 be delivered to user U1's current location or to user U1's destination. In this case, the operations shown in FIG. 15 are executed instead of the operations shown in FIG. 12.

In FIG. 15, a flowchart FL shows the operation of the management server 9, and a flowchart FM shows the operation of the user terminal 5 and the vehicle control device 40.
As shown in the flowchart FM, the vehicle control device 40 determines whether the user U1 has requested a loan (step SD31). In step SD31, after the user terminal 5 displays the second map image 102, it is determined whether the user U1 has requested a loan of the equipment 3. Here, for example, if the first reception unit 503 receives a predetermined operation requesting the loan of the equipment 3 and the power pack 2 and delivery of the power pack 2 based on the second map image 102 displayed on the first display control unit 502, the vehicle control device 40 makes a positive determination in step SD31 (step SD31; YES).

If the vehicle control device 40 determines that a rental and delivery request is to be made (step SD31: YES), it sends a rental and delivery request based on the second map image 102 to the management server 9 (step SD32). The rental request sent in step SD32 is, for example, the request sent in step SD22 plus a delivery request.

As shown in flowchart FL, the server receiving unit 901 receives a loan request (step SC31).

Based on the loan request received in step SC31, the generation unit 903 extracts upload information corresponding to the current location of the borrower who requested the loan or a location within a specified range from the destination from the upload information management DB 914 (step SC32).
The generating unit 903 extracts upload information including battery status information for which a predetermined condition is satisfied from the upload information extracted in step SC32 (step SC33). The battery status information for which the predetermined condition is satisfied is as described in the processing of step SC22.

The generation unit 903 identifies a vehicle that can deliver the power pack 2 based on the uploaded information extracted in step SC33 (step SC34). In particular, the generation unit 903 selects one piece of uploaded information from the uploaded information extracted in step SC33 that includes information indicating that the power pack 2 can be delivered. The generation unit 903 sets the vehicle that sent the selected uploaded information as a location where the power pack 2 can be delivered. Information identifying the vehicle can be obtained from the lender management DB 912 or the borrower management DB 913 based on the ID of the user U corresponding to the uploaded information.

Next, the server receiving unit 901 generates a request for the rental of the item 3 and a request for the rental and delivery of the power pack 2 (step SC34), and proceeds to step SE1 in FIG. 14. Accordingly, the operation of the user terminal 5 and the vehicle control device 40 proceeds to step SG1 in FIG. 14.

9. Modifications
When the user U1 makes a rental request, the management server 9 may generate an item map image that displays item information about items 3 related to the requested item 3. Examples of items 3 related to the requested item 3 include items 3 extracted or selected based on the preference information of the user U1. This configuration will be described as a modified example.

Figure 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rental system 1 in a modified example. The operation in Figure 16 is executed in place of the operation in Figure 10. In Figure 16, the same step numbers are used to designate processes that are common to Figure 10, and explanations will be omitted.

In FIG. 16, Flowchart FN shows the operation of the management server 9. Flowchart FN is the same as Flowchart FE except that new steps SC41 to SC43 have been added. Flowchart FO shows the operation of the user terminal 5 and vehicle control device 40. Flowchart FO is the same as Flowchart FF except that new steps SD41 to SD42 have been added.

After executing step SC12, the generation unit 903 obtains preference information corresponding to the ID of user U1 from the borrower management DB 913, and extracts uploaded information including product information that matches the preference information from the uploaded information management DB 914 (step SD41). In step SD41, the generation unit 903 extracts, for example, uploaded information stored in the uploaded information management DB 914 that includes location information that falls within a range wider than the reference specified range centered on the reference. Product information that matches the preference information is, for example, product information that matches the type, category, and product name of the product 3 indicated by the preference information.

The generation unit 903 generates an equipment map image 105 based on the uploaded information extracted in step SC41. The equipment map image 105 is a map image that displays equipment information that satisfies specified conditions and equipment information that matches the preference information at a position on a map within a reference specified range that corresponds to the current position of the first vehicle 4.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the equipment map image 105. As shown in FIG.
The map range included in the accessory map image 105 illustrated in Fig. 17 is the same as that of the first map image 101 in Fig. 9. The accessory map image 105 has information display areas 122 and 123 arranged therein, similar to the first map image 101, and accessory information is displayed in the information display areas 122 and 123. Also common to the first map image 101 is the display of vehicle images 112 and 113 to indicate the location of the accessory 3.

Furthermore, in the equipment map image 105, equipment information related to the equipment 3 requested for loan by user U1 is displayed in the information display section 125. The information display section 125 is arranged corresponding to the vehicle image 115. The vehicle image 115 is an image showing one of the second vehicle 6, the third vehicle 7, and the fourth vehicle 8, or a vehicle other than these. The information display section 125 displays equipment information for the equipment 3 installed in the vehicle shown in the vehicle image 115, similar to the information display sections 122 and 123. The equipment information displayed in the information display section 125 is equipment information for the equipment 3 related to the equipment 3 requested for loan by user U1, based on the preference information of user U1.

Here, the product information for the product 3 related to the product 3 that user U1 has requested to be loaned may be displayed in a different display format from the product information for other products 3. For example, in FIG. 17, the icon and text for the product information arranged in the information display unit 125 are decorated with a frame. In this way, by displaying the product information for the product 3 related to the product 3 that user U1 has requested to be loaned in a different display format from the product information for the product 3 that has been requested to be loaned, user U1 can be notified that the product information has been suggested based on preference information.

Returning to the explanation of Figure 16, the server transmission unit 902 transmits the map image data of the equipment map image 105 generated in step SC42 to the first vehicle 4 (step SC43). Thereafter, the operation of the server control device 90 proceeds to step SC13.

As shown in flowchart FO, the vehicle control device 40 receives map image data of the equipment map image 105 (step SD41). The vehicle control device 40 then transfers the received map image data to the user terminal 5.

The first display control unit 502 displays on the touch panel 52 an accessory map image 105 corresponding to the map image data received by the first vehicle 4 in step SD41 (step SD42). When displaying the accessory map image 105, the first display control unit 502, for example, displays selectable icons for the information display unit 125 arranged on the accessory map image 105. The user terminal 5 then proceeds to step SC14.

After the equipment map image 105 is displayed in step SD42, the first reception unit 503 may be able to receive a request for lending additional equipment 3 based on the equipment map image 105 by operating the touch panel 52. If the first reception unit 503 receives a request for lending additional equipment 3, the fourth communication control unit 501 may return to step SD13 and send a request for lending multiple equipment 3. In this case, the server receiving unit 901 may receive the request for lending multiple equipment 3, and the generation unit 903 may perform the operations from step SC15 onwards based on the request for lending multiple equipment 3.

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

In the above-described embodiment, an example was given in which a power pack 2 installed in a vehicle was rented and borrowed. However, the system may be configured to allow the renting and borrowing of a power pack 2 stored and charged at a location other than the vehicle. For example, the rental system 1 may be configured to include a battery station. The battery station is, for example, a device that can store multiple power packs 2. The battery station is configured so that a user U can store a power pack 2 in the battery station and remove the power pack 2 from the battery station. In other words, a user U can rent a power pack 2 from the battery station and return the power pack 2 to the battery station by operating the battery station. The battery station is, for example, a device managed by the operator of the rental system 1. Furthermore, the battery station not only stores power packs 2 but can also charge stored power packs 2. The battery station is installed, for example, at a dealership that sells vehicles such as the first vehicle 4, the second vehicle 6, and the fourth vehicle 8. Battery stations may also be installed in repair shops that perform vehicle maintenance, or convenience stores and other stores that operate businesses unrelated to vehicles. Battery stations may also be installed in parking lots or on roads. Battery stations may also be called battery storage devices. When a user U borrows a power pack 2 from a battery station or returns a power pack 2 to the battery station, the above-mentioned incentives associated with borrowing and lending the power pack 2 are generated. In this case, the management server 9 detects the number and charge state of power packs 2 placed in the battery station, or the number of power packs 2 available for loan at the battery station.

In the above embodiment, an example was described in which, when user U1 selects an item 3 displayed on the second map image 102, a route for renting a power pack 2 located in a third vehicle 7 is generated, and a route-with-route map image 103 including a route display 133 is displayed. If the rental system 1 includes a battery station, the management server 9 may indicate the location of the battery station as a location from which user U can rent a power pack 2. That is, in response to the selection of an item 3 displayed on the second map image 102, the management server 9 may generate a route from the first vehicle 4 to a battery station located within a predetermined range. In this case, the management server 9 generates a route-with-route map image 103 including the generated route, and transmits data of the route-with-route map image 103 to the first vehicle 4.

Furthermore, if a vehicle equipped with a power pack 2 and a battery station are located within a predetermined range of the first vehicle 4, the management server 9 may select the battery station in preference to vehicles such as the second vehicle 6 and the fourth vehicle 8, and generate a route to the battery station. When the user U borrows the power pack 2 from the battery station, for example, the operations shown in steps SE1 to SE2 and SF1 to SF4 in FIG. 14 can be omitted. Therefore, by having the management server 9 show the user U the route to the battery station rather than the vehicle, the user U who selected the item 3 can borrow the power pack 2 without requesting loan from the second vehicle 6 or the fourth vehicle 8.

In this way, a configuration example that displays a route to a battery station can be applied to a rental system 1 that includes a battery station. This configuration example can be another example of generating a routed map image 103. That is, the generation unit 903 identifies information that satisfies a predetermined condition from information received from battery stations located within a predetermined range from the current position of the first mobile object, and generates a routed map image that shows a route to the battery station that corresponds to the identified information.

Furthermore, 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 a lessor. Such an object may be, for example, a vehicle, an aircraft, or a ship.

In the above-described embodiment, a user terminal 5 was used as an example of the terminal used by user U1, who is the borrower of the present disclosure. However, the terminal used by the borrower is not limited to a user terminal 5 and may be, for example, an in-vehicle device such as a vehicle control device 40.

Processors 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, and 900 may be configured with multiple processors or with a single processor. Processors 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, and 900 may be hardware programmed to implement the functions of each unit described below. In this case, processors 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, and 900 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 2-6 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 7, 8, 10, 12, and 14-16 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 more step units depending on the processing content. Furthermore, one step unit may be divided so that it includes 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.

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

(Configuration 1) A management server that manages information transmitted by a plurality of mobile bodies including a first mobile body and a second mobile body, comprising: a receiving unit that receives first battery information from the first mobile body, including the number of batteries provided in the first mobile body and the status of each of the batteries, and receives from the second mobile body product information of products provided in the second mobile body and associated with the batteries; a generating unit that generates a first map image based on the first battery information and the product information, displaying the product information corresponding to the battery provided in the first mobile body on a map corresponding to the current location of the first mobile body; and a transmitting unit that transmits map image data of the first map image to a user terminal associated with the user of the first mobile body.
According to the management server of the first configuration, a first map image showing the location of the battery and related items installed in the mobile object is transmitted to the user terminal used by the user. This allows a user who needs an item to easily know the location of items used or managed by other users. This allows users to easily lend or borrow items installed in the mobile object.

(Configuration 2) The receiving unit receives second battery information from the second mobile body, the second battery information including the number of batteries installed in the second mobile body and the status of each of the batteries; the generating unit determines whether the item can be operated using either the battery installed in the first mobile body or the battery installed in the second mobile body based on the first battery information and the second battery information, and generates a second map image in which the display mode of the item information for the item determined to be inoperable is different from that of the first map image; and the transmitting unit transmits second map image data of the second map image to the user terminal.
According to the management server of configuration 2, it is possible to determine whether the item the user wishes to borrow can be operated using the batteries provided in the first and second mobile units, and the user terminal can acquire a second map image based on the determination result. Therefore, the user can know whether the item can be operated before the item is borrowed or rented. In the second map image, items determined to be inoperable are displayed in a different manner from the first map image, so the user can easily identify items that are inoperable. This makes it possible to avoid, for example, a situation where the item cannot be operated due to insufficient battery power after being borrowed. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience of users who borrow items.

(Configuration 3) The receiving unit receives from the user terminal a request to use the item based on the item information displayed on the first map image, and the generating unit determines whether the item that is the subject of the request for use can be operated using either the battery provided in the first mobile body or the battery provided in the second mobile body, and generates the second map image by changing the display mode of the item information for the item that is determined to be inoperable from that of the first map image, in the management server described in Configuration 2.
According to the management server of configuration 3, when a user requests the use of an item, it determines whether the item is operable or not, and if necessary, it determines whether the item is operable or not and generates a second map image, thereby reducing the operational load of the management server and improving processing efficiency.

(Configuration 4) The receiving unit receives third battery information from a third mobile body different from the first mobile body and the second mobile body, the third battery information including the number of batteries installed in the third mobile body and the status of each of the batteries, and when the receiving unit receives a request from the user terminal to use the equipment based on the equipment displayed in the second map image, the generating unit identifies the third battery information received from the third mobile body located within a predetermined range from the current position of the first mobile body, that satisfies a predetermined condition, and generates a routed map image that maps a route to the third mobile body corresponding to the identified third battery information, and the transmitting unit transmits routed map image data of the routed map image generated by the generating unit to the user terminal.
According to the management server of configuration 4, when the battery installed in the first mobile body and the second mobile body cannot operate the equipment, a route-attached map image including a route to obtain a battery is transmitted to the user terminal. This notifies the user that the equipment cannot be operated and provides a route to obtain a battery that will enable the equipment to operate. Therefore, the user can know how to operate the equipment, thereby improving user convenience.

(Configuration 5) The receiving unit receives third battery information from a third mobile body different from the first mobile body and the second mobile body, the third battery information including the number of batteries installed in the third mobile body and the status of each of the batteries; the generating unit identifies the third battery information received from the third mobile body located within a predetermined range from the current location of the first mobile body, that satisfies a predetermined condition, and generates a third map image in which the identified third battery information is arranged; the transmitting unit transmits third map image data of the third map image to the user terminal; and when the receiving unit receives from the user terminal a request for delivery of the battery based on the third battery information displayed on the third map image, the receiving unit transmits a delivery request to the third mobile body that is the target of the delivery request.
According to the management server of configuration 5, when the battery provided in the first mobile object and the second mobile object cannot operate the equipment, it is possible to request the delivery of a battery. This allows the user to request the delivery of a battery as a means to operate the equipment, further improving user convenience.

(Configuration 6) A management server described in any one of configurations 3 to 5, wherein the receiving unit receives the product information regarding the product provided on the fourth mobile body from a fourth mobile body different from the first mobile body and the second mobile body, the generating unit identifies the product information related to the product that is the subject of the request for use from the user terminal from the product information received from the fourth mobile body located within a predetermined range from the current location of the first mobile body based on the request for use of the product from the user terminal, and generates a product map image in which the identified product information is placed at a position on a map corresponding to the current location of the first mobile body, and the transmitting unit transmits the product map image generated by the generating unit to the user terminal.
According to the management server of configuration 6, a product map image in which product information related to the product requested by the user terminal is arranged on a map is transmitted to the user terminal. This allows the user to know about other products related to the product requested for use. This saves the user the trouble of searching for the product, further improving convenience.

(Configuration 7) A management server as described in Configuration 6, comprising a preference management unit that generates preference information of the user of the first mobile body based on the history of the use requests received from the user terminal, wherein the generation unit identifies the product information associated with the preference information of the user of the first mobile body based on the user terminal's request for use of the product, and generates the product map image in which the identified product information is placed at a position on a map corresponding to the current location of the first mobile body.
According to the management server of configuration 7, a product map image in which product information selected based on the user's preferences is arranged on a map is transmitted to the user terminal. This allows the user to know about using products related to the user's preferences. This saves the user the trouble of searching for products, further improving convenience.

(Configuration 8) A management system including a first mobile communication device provided on a first mobile body, a second mobile communication device provided on a second mobile body, a management server, and a user terminal associated with a user of the first mobile body, wherein the first mobile communication device transmits first battery information to the management server, the first battery information including the number of batteries provided on the first mobile body and the status of each of the batteries, and the second mobile communication device transmits product information of products provided on the second mobile body and associated with the batteries to the management server, and the management server is equipped with a receiving unit that receives the first battery information from the first mobile communication device and receives the product information from the second mobile communication device, a generating unit that generates a first map image based on the first battery information and the product information, displaying the product information corresponding to the battery provided on the first mobile body on a map corresponding to the current location of the first mobile body, and a transmitting unit that transmits map image data of the first map image generated by the generating unit to the user terminal, and the user terminal receives the map image data from the management server and displays the first map image indicated by the received map image data.
According to the management system of configuration 8, a user who needs supplies can easily find out the location of supplies used or managed by other users, and users can easily lend and borrow supplies installed on mobile objects.

(Configuration 9) A control method for an administrative server that communicates with a first mobile communication device provided on a first mobile body, a second mobile communication device provided on a second mobile body, and a user terminal associated with a user of the first mobile body, the control method for an administrative server including the steps of: receiving first battery information from the first mobile communication device, the first battery information including the number of batteries provided on the first mobile body and the status of each of the batteries; receiving product information from the second mobile communication device, the product information of products provided on the second mobile body and associated with the batteries; generating a first map image based on the first battery information and the product information, in which the product information corresponding to the battery provided on the first mobile body is displayed on a map corresponding to the current location of the first mobile body; and transmitting map image data of the first map image to a user terminal.
According to the control method of the management server of the ninth configuration, the same effects as those of the management server of the first configuration are achieved.

1...Rental system (management system), 2...Power pack, 3...Accessories, 4...First vehicle (first mobile body), 5...User terminal, 6...Second vehicle (second mobile body), 7...Third vehicle (second mobile body), 8...Fourth vehicle (second mobile body), 9...Management server, 10...Communication network, 40, 60, 80...Vehicle control device, 41...First mobile body communication device, 52...Touch panel, 61...Second mobile body communication device, 70...In-vehicle device, 71...Third mobile body communication device, 81...Fourth mobile body Communication device, 90...server control device, 91...server communication device, 101...first map image, 102...second map image, 103...map image with route, 105...accessory map image, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900...processor, 630, 730, 830...touch panel, 901...server receiving unit, 902...server transmitting unit (transmitting unit), 903...generation unit, 904...searching unit, 905...analysis unit (preference management unit), 910...memory, 911...control program.

Claims (8)

A management server that manages information transmitted by a plurality of mobile units including a first mobile unit and a second mobile unit,
a receiving unit that receives, from the first mobile body, first battery information including the number of batteries provided in the first mobile body and the state of each of the batteries, and receives, from the second mobile body, product information of products provided in the second mobile body that operate using the batteries as a power source , and second location information indicating the current location of the second mobile body;
a generation unit that generates a first map image based on the first battery information , the second location information, and the product information, in which the product information of the product that operates using the battery provided in the first moving body as a power source is displayed at a position corresponding to the second location information on a map that includes at least a part of a reference predetermined range centered on the current location of the first moving body;
a transmitting unit that transmits map image data of the first map image to a user terminal associated with a user of the first mobile object. the receiving unit receives second battery information from the second mobile body, the second battery information including the number of batteries provided in the second mobile body and the state of each of the batteries;
the product information includes the number of batteries required to operate the product;
The generation unit
determining whether or not a total number of the batteries with charge levels equal to or higher than a predetermined level and installed in the first moving body and the second moving body satisfies the number of the batteries required to operate the equipment, based on the first battery information, the equipment information, and the second battery information ;
generating a second map image in which the display mode of the product information of the product for which it has been determined that the total number of the batteries with charge amounts equal to or higher than the predetermined level provided in the first moving body and the second moving body does not satisfy the number of the batteries required for operation is different from that of the first map image;
The management server according to claim 1 , wherein the transmission unit transmits second map image data of the second map image to the user terminal. the receiving unit receives, from the user terminal, a request for use of the product based on the product information displayed on the first map image;
The generation unit
determining whether the number of batteries required to operate the equipment that is the subject of the request for use is satisfied by the total number of batteries that are provided in the first moving body and the second moving body and that have a charge level equal to or higher than the predetermined level ;
The management server described in claim 2 generates the second map image by displaying the item information of the item in a manner different from the first map image for items determined to have a total number of batteries with a charge level above the specified level installed in the first mobile body and the second mobile body that does not meet the number of batteries required for operation. the receiving unit receives, from a third moving body different from the first moving body and the second moving body, third battery information including the number of batteries provided in the third moving body and the state of each of the batteries, and third location information indicating a current location of the third moving body ;
When the receiving unit receives a request for use of the product based on the product displayed on the second map image from the user terminal,
the generation unit identifies, from the third battery information received from the third mobile body located within a predetermined range from the current position of the first mobile body, third battery information indicating that the third mobile body is equipped with a battery with a charge amount equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, or indicating that the third mobile body is equipped with a battery that is receiving power supply from an on-board battery with a charge amount equal to or greater than a predetermined amount and is currently being charged , and generates, using the third position information, a route-added map image on which a route to the third mobile body corresponding to the identified third battery information and the number of batteries equipped in the third mobile body and the state of each battery, which are included in the identified third battery information , are arranged;
The management server according to claim 3 , wherein the transmission unit transmits the route-added map image data of the route-added map image generated by the generation unit to the user terminal. the receiving unit receives, from a third moving body different from the first moving body and the second moving body, third battery information including the number of batteries provided in the third moving body and the state of each of the batteries, and third location information indicating a current location of the third moving body ;
the generation unit identifies, from the third battery information received from the third mobile body located within a predetermined range from the current position of the first mobile body, third battery information indicating that the third mobile body is equipped with the battery with a charge amount equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, or that the third mobile body is equipped with the battery that is receiving power supply from an on-board battery with a charge amount equal to or greater than a predetermined amount and is currently being charged , and generates a third map image in which the identified third battery information is arranged;
The transmission unit
transmitting third map image data of the third map image to the user terminal;
The management server of claim 3, wherein when the receiving unit receives a request for delivery of the battery based on the third battery information displayed on the third map image from the user terminal, the management server sends a delivery request to the third mobile body that is the target of the delivery request. the receiving unit receives, from a fourth moving body different from the first moving body and the second moving body, the product information of the product provided on the fourth moving body and fourth location information indicating a current location of the fourth moving body ;
the generation unit, based on the request for use of the product from the user terminal, identifies the product information related to the product that is the subject of the request for use from the product information received from the fourth mobile body located within a predetermined range from the current location of the first mobile body, and generates a product map image in which the identified product information is placed at a position corresponding to the fourth position information on a map including at least a part of a reference predetermined range centered on the current location of the first mobile body;
The management server according to claim 3 , wherein the transmission unit transmits the equipment map image generated by the generation unit to the user terminal. A management system including a first mobile communication device provided in a first mobile body, a second mobile communication device provided in a second mobile body, a management server, and a user terminal associated with a user of the first mobile body,
the first mobile communication device transmits first battery information to the management server, the first battery information including the number of batteries provided in the first mobile device and the state of each of the batteries;
the second mobile body communication device transmits to the management server product information of the product that is provided to the second mobile body and operates using the battery as a power source , and second location information that indicates a current location of the second mobile body ;
The management server
a receiving unit that receives the first battery information from the first mobile communication device and receives the product information and the second location information from the second mobile communication device;
a generation unit that generates a first map image based on the first battery information , the second location information, and the product information, in which the product information of the product that operates using the battery provided in the first moving body as a power source is displayed at a position corresponding to the second location information on a map that includes at least a part of a reference predetermined range centered on the current location of the first moving body;
a transmission unit that transmits map image data of the first map image generated by the generation unit to the user terminal,
the user terminal receives the map image data from the management server and displays the first map image indicated by the received map image data.
Management system. A control method for a management server that communicates with a first mobile communication device provided in a first mobile body, a second mobile communication device provided in a second mobile body, and a user terminal associated with a user of the first mobile body, the method comprising:
receiving , by the management server, first battery information from the first mobile communication device, the first battery information including the number of batteries provided in the first mobile device and the status of each of the batteries;
a step of the management server receiving, from the second mobile communication device, product information of a product provided on the second mobile body and operating using the battery as a power source , and second location information indicating a current location of the second mobile body ;
the management server generates a first map image based on the first battery information , the second location information, and the product information, in which the product information of the product that operates using the battery provided in the first mobile body as a power source is displayed at a position corresponding to the second location information on a map including at least a part of a reference predetermined range centered on the current location of the first mobile body;
the management server transmitting map image data of the first map image to a user terminal.
How to control the management server.