JP2004227479A - Rent equipment, rent equipment management system and rent equipment management program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide rent equipment, a rent equipment management system and a rent equipment management program capable of realizing the greatest sales promotion effect by using the rent equipment for sales promotion more efficiently. <P>SOLUTION: The equipment 1 to be rent is provided with a function limiting means 6 controlling the equipment so that the main functions of the equipment 1 stop when a certain period elapses since start of rent. The function limiting means comprises a data card detachably attached to the equipment 1 and the limiting means 6 provided in the equipment. The data card 8 is provided with a storage device 9 in which the information indicating the expiration date for use of the equipment is recorded. The limiting means 6 automatically stops the main functions of the equipment 1 according to the expiration date for use. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a lending device, a lending device management system, and a lending device management program capable of efficiently lending a device for sales promotion.
[0002]
[Prior art]
For example, a store that sells office equipment sells new products and specific sales promotion equipment to customers at any time, allowing them to experience the feeling of use and recommending the purchase of new equipment. Has adopted. Such equipment is called sales promotion equipment. If there are a large number of sales agents, for example, several units are assigned to each agent. Each agency rents out the equipment by selecting a customer that is expected to be effective for lending.
Conventionally, in order to improve the turnover rate of the rented product, reduce inventory, and promote interaction with the user, when the transaction is completed, the user receives the rented product and is delivered on time according to the requested period. A technique has been introduced in which a schedule is set so as to be returned (see Patent Document 1).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-216056 A
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, the conventional techniques as described above have the following problems to be solved.
The number of devices to be rented to the agency is determined based on past results and the like. However, after the equipment is delivered to the agent, it is not known whether the equipment is effectively lent to the customer or whether the agent keeps it in a warehouse or the like without a report from the agent. Furthermore, if the equipment lent to the customer is not actually used effectively, the effect of the lending cannot be expected. Preparing and renting equipment for sales promotion requires a large investment, so we want to use it as effectively as possible.
The present invention has been made by paying attention to the above points, and it is possible to more effectively use sales promotion equipment, and to obtain the maximum sales promotion effect, a rental equipment, a rental equipment management system, and a rental equipment The purpose is to provide a management program.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention solves the above problem by the following configuration.
<Configuration 1>
For a device to be rented, a function restricting unit for controlling the device is provided so that a main function of the device stops after a certain period of time from the start of the lending, and the function restricting unit includes It is composed of a data card detachably attached to the equipment and control means provided in the equipment, and the data card has an expiration date of the equipment, which is equivalent to a certain period from the start of the lending. A storage device in which information indicating the expiration date is provided, and the control means acquires information indicating the expiration date from the data card mounted on the device, and stops the main functions of the device according to the expiration date. Rental equipment that is characterized by
[0006]
The type of equipment to be rented is arbitrary. The equipment that has been borrowed is returned after the period allowed for lending has elapsed. The equipment is hardware, not software. When a certain period elapses after the period in which lending is permitted, the main functions of the device stop. The main function of the equipment is a function that makes it impossible to use the equipment effectively when stopped. In this case, for example, a power supply. You can start the function at any time. After a certain period of time, the function will be stopped to limit the use and promote the return of equipment. The function limiting means may be a mechanical one, an electric circuit, or software. The configuration of the data card removably attached to the equipment is arbitrary. It is sufficient that a storage device in which information indicating the expiration date of the equipment is recorded can be incorporated, and the shape and structure are arbitrary. Since it is detachably attached to the equipment, the expiration date can be changed by replacing it with a new data card. If the data card is managed on the rental side of the equipment, smooth management becomes possible.
[0007]
<Configuration 2>
For the equipment to be rented, a function limiting means for controlling the equipment is provided so that the main functions of the equipment are stopped after a certain period from the start of the lending, and the lending is performed in the equipment. A storage device that records information indicating the expiration date of the device, which corresponds to a certain period after the start, and a control unit that manages the expiration date of the device in the device, wherein the control unit includes the storage device. A rental device which acquires information indicating an expiration date from a device and stops main functions of the device according to the expiration date.
[0008]
When the equipment is lent, the expiration date is recorded in a storage device incorporated in the equipment in advance, so that the expiration date can be managed. In this case, an accessory device such as a card becomes unnecessary.
[0009]
<Configuration 3>
In the rental equipment described in the configuration 1, during a period from the start of the rental to the end of the rental, the data card attached to the equipment collects information indicating a use state of the apparatus and records the information in the storage device. Equipment to rent.
[0010]
During the period from the start of the lending to the end of the lending, the operation may be continuously performed with the uninterruptible power supply, or may be performed only when the power of the device is turned on. The information collection indicating the use state of the apparatus is executed by a computer program in the data card or a computer program in the equipment. The information indicating the usage state of the device is information such as the cumulative time when the device is turned on or the cumulative time when the device is actually operating, such as the cumulative value of the printing operation time for a printer. . By analyzing such information, it can be determined whether the device has been used effectively.
[0011]
<Configuration 4>
In the rental equipment described in the configuration 2, the information indicating the usage state of the apparatus, which is recorded in the storage device in the equipment, may be used by the usage state information collection unit provided inside the equipment at a predetermined timing. A rental device, which transmits information on the device to an information management side that manages the information of the device via a network connected to the device.
[0012]
Usage state information can be collected and recorded in a storage device in the device. At this time, the information is read through the network. The network may be constantly connected to the equipment, or may be temporarily connected when collecting information. The information management side that manages the information of the equipment includes, for example, a terminal device and a database.
[0013]
<Configuration 5>
For the equipment to be rented, the equipment is controlled so that the main functions of the equipment stop after a certain period of time from the start of lending, and the equipment is connected to the equipment via a network. A storage device that is provided in the terminal device and stores the expiration date of the device, and a control unit that acquires information indicating the expiration date from the storage device, and after the expiration of the expiration date, stops the main function of the device. Rental equipment management system characterized by the following.
[0014]
When the control of the equipment is performed exclusively on the control terminal device side, a storage device for storing the expiration date and a control device for stopping the function of the device are provided on the terminal device side. This system is effective when the equipment does not operate independently.
[0015]
<Configuration 6>
In the rental equipment management system described in the configuration 5, during a period from the start of the rental to the end of the rental, the control unit in the equipment collects information indicating a use state of the equipment and records the information in a storage device in the equipment. Rental equipment management system.
[0016]
Although the control of the equipment is performed by a control terminal device, the use state of the equipment is recorded by an information collecting means provided on the equipment side.
[0017]
<Configuration 7>
In the rental equipment management system according to the fifth aspect, the information indicating the usage state of the equipment, which is recorded in the storage device in the equipment, may be used at predetermined timing by the usage state information collection means provided inside the equipment. A rental equipment management system for transmitting information on the equipment to an information management side for managing the information via a network.
[0018]
The collected use state information is taken out to a management terminal device or the like through a network. Others are the same as the configuration 4.
[0019]
<Configuration 8>
The rental equipment management system according to the fifth aspect, wherein the equipment is a printer, and the printer driver for controlling the printer is provided with the storage unit for the expiration date and the control means. system.
[0020]
If the lending device is a printer, a printer driver may be provided with a function restriction unit according to the lending period. The storage means and the control means need not be integrated with the printer driver. For example, it may be a program or a data file installed together with the printer driver.
[0021]
<Configuration 9>
For a device to be rented, a function restricting unit for controlling the device is provided so that a main function of the device stops after a certain period of time from the start of the lending, and the function restricting unit includes The data card includes a data card detachably attached to the device and control means provided in the device. The data card includes a storage device in which information indicating the expiration date of the device is recorded. The means obtains information indicating the expiration date from the data card attached to the device, and according to the expiration date, restricts the function of the device, and records the expiration date on the data card, A rental equipment management system comprising means for recording the expiration date in a database of a management terminal device.
[0022]
By recording the expiration date in the data card and the management database at the same time, the expiration date management of the device using the data card can be confirmed by the management terminal device on the equipment lending side. The configuration of the management terminal device is arbitrary. The method of recording the expiration date on the data card and the method of recording the expiration date in the database of the management terminal device are arbitrary.
[0023]
<Configuration 10>
For the equipment to be rented, this is for controlling the equipment so that the main function of the equipment is stopped after a certain period from the start of the lending, and is detachably attached to the equipment. A process for acquiring information indicating the expiration date of the device from the attached data card, and according to the expiration date, after a certain period of time from the start of lending, the device is deactivated so that the main functions of the device are stopped. A rental equipment management program for causing a computer to execute control processing.
[0024]
It is an invention of a computer program for operation control of the device of configuration 1.
[0025]
<Configuration 11>
For controlling the equipment so that the main functions of the equipment stop after a certain period of time from the start of the lending, the equipment is connected to the equipment via the network. Provided in the terminal device that is provided, a process of storing the expiration date of the device, and acquiring information indicating the expiration date from the storage unit, after the expiration of the expiration date, the process of stopping the main function of the device, A rental equipment management program that is executed by a computer.
[0026]
It is an invention of a computer program for operation control of the system of Configuration 6.
[0027]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described using specific examples.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a specific example of a rental equipment management system.
The printer 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a rental device. Here, the use restricting means 3 and the power supply circuit 4 are incorporated. The use restricting means 3 includes a card reader 5 and a control means 6. A data card 8 is attached to the card reader 5. The use restricting means 3 may be configured as a part of a computer program for controlling the operation of the printer 1. The control means 6 is the program module. The data card 8 is provided with a storage device 9 for storing the expiration date. The power supply circuit 4 includes a power switch of the printer 1 and the like. As a preferred embodiment, the use restricting means 3 controls, for example, a switch circuit portion of the power supply circuit 4 so that the power is not turned on when the expiration date has come. As the data card 8, an electronic data recording medium widely used in digital cameras and various other information devices is suitable. Of course, a floppy (registered trademark) disk may be used. For example, if the expiration date is digitized and stored in the storage device 9, the control means 6 reads out the expiration date, and compares the expiration date with the numeral of the current time. This enables monitoring of the expiration date. In order to record the expiration date on such a data card 8, a management terminal device 11 is used. A storage device 12 and a card writer 13 are attached to the terminal device 11. The data card 8 is mounted on the card writer 13, and the expiration date is written. The storage device 12 stores a lending management database 14. Although the specific contents will be described later, the expiration date recording means 15 reads information on the expiration date, and the information can be recorded on the data card 8 through the card writer 13. Note that the management terminal device 11 may be any information processing device such as a personal computer or a workstation.
[0028]
According to the present invention, use restriction means 3 is provided for equipment to be rented out for sales promotion. The use restricting means 3 uses, for example, a data card 8 on which the expiration date is recorded. The use restricting means 3 operates just like a timer. That is, the card 8 is attached to the equipment when the equipment is lent, and the timer is started when the lending is started. When a certain period has elapsed from the start of lending, the timer mechanism operates and the function of the equipment stops. In order to stop the function of the device, for example, the operation of the power supply circuit 4 is stopped. Alternatively, the display on the display device for control may be stopped. Since the return of the equipment is promoted, a function that allows the user to immediately determine that the function has stopped is preferable.
[0029]
In the example shown in FIG. 1, the function restricting means 3 comprises a data card 8 which is removably attached to the equipment, and a control means 6 provided in the equipment. The control unit 6 acquires information indicating the expiration date from the data card 8 detachably attached to the device. The data card 8 is provided with a storage device 9. Information indicating the expiration date of the device is recorded in the storage device 9 before the device is mounted on the device. For example, in the management terminal device 11, the expiration date recording unit 15 records information indicating the expiration date on the data card 8, and at the same time, records the management data on the management terminal device 11. This is recorded in the lending management database 14. The contents of the rental management database 14 will be described later with reference to FIG. Since the data card 8 is detachably attached to the equipment, the expiration date can be changed by exchanging a new data card. If the information indicating the expiration date recorded on the data card 8 is managed on the renting side of the equipment by the management terminal device 11, all the expiration dates can be reliably grasped by the renting side. This expiration date is set based on the period during which the loan is permitted.
[0030]
In the above-described apparatus, for example, after a period in which lending is allowed has elapsed, if one month has elapsed, the timer may be controlled so that the equipment cannot be turned on. Also, the agency may lend the equipment to the customer only while the equipment is operating effectively, and collect the equipment from the customer before the operation of the equipment stops. Even if a 6 month rental contract is made, it is often extended automatically and the management of the equipment becomes loose, but if the operation of the equipment stops, it can be unconditionally requested to return it. Smooth lending management is expected. As a result, the agency is forced to lend the equipment to the customer efficiently and to collect the equipment after a certain time limit. Further, after the expiration of the deadline, the equipment can be quickly raised and lent to a new lender again, so that the equipment can be operated efficiently.
[0031]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example in which a means for restricting use is accommodated inside a rental device.
The blocks 30 shown in FIG. 2 are all incorporated in the rental equipment. The network interface 31 in FIG. 2 is an interface for connecting devices to the network 2. Further, a storage device 32 is provided in the equipment. Here, the expiration date 24 and the use state information 26 are stored. Further, a control unit 33 is provided inside the device, and performs use restriction management based on the expiration date of the device. The display control unit 34 has a function of controlling a display screen on a display 35 provided on the device. Further, the use state information collecting means 36 has a function of detecting the use state of the device and recording the information in the storage device 32. The control means 33 and the use state information collecting means 36 are composed of a computer program for operating a computer inside the equipment. The network 2 may be a local area network or a wide area network such as the Internet. The lending management database 14 is stored in the storage device 12 of the terminal device 11.
[0032]
In the example of FIG. 1, the data card is attached to the device, and the expiration date is displayed. However, as shown in FIG. 2, the expiration date 24 may be recorded in the storage device 12 inside the device and controlled. The control means 33 has the same function as the control means 6 described in FIG. In this example, for example, a function of controlling a display is included in addition to a function of controlling a power supply circuit. That is, the control unit 33 refers to the expiration date 24 stored in the storage device 32 and limits the function of the power supply circuit as described with reference to FIG. On the other hand, the display controller 34 is operated to display on the display 35 that the expiration date has come.
[0033]
It is not preferable for control to suddenly disconnect the power supply circuit when the expiration date has passed. What is necessary is just to make it impossible to restart even if the power supply circuit is turned off and the restart is turned on. Therefore, when the control unit 33 determines that the expiration date has come, it is preferable to control not to turn on the power supply circuit again and to display a predetermined message on the display 35 using the display control unit 34. . The use state information collecting unit 36 collects information on the specific use state of the device in a manner described later, and records the information in the storage device 32.
Before renting out the equipment, the expiration date 24 must be written in the storage device 32. For this, the terminal device 11 is used. The terminal device 11 may be connected to the equipment via the local area network, and the expiration date 24 may be written.
[0034]
The lending management database 14 has the following configuration. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the lending management database 14 includes a device identification code 21, a handling agent 22, a lending date 23, an expiration date 24, an abstract 25, and usage state information 26. The equipment identification code 21 is data composed of characters, codes, and the like attached to individually identify the lent equipment. The handling agency 22 is the code of the agency that is in charge of managing lending the equipment to the customer. The lending date 23 is information indicating the date on which the device was actually lent. The expiration date 24 is preferably data indicating the date on which the use function of the device ends, and the like. Of course, data such as months from the rental date 23 may be used. The summary 25 is a part for recording information such as whether the device is currently waiting for lending or lending, and other information necessary for lending management. The use state information 26 is for recording the use state acquired from the device and utilizing it for various subsequent processes.
[0035]
During the period from the start of lending to the end of lending, the use state information collecting means 36 collects information indicating the use state of the equipment. For example, lend equipment to an agency with a time limit of six months. The agency makes the best use of the period and lends equipment to several customers for a predetermined period. The card records the use state of the device, for example, the accumulated value of the time during which the power is on. The results show how the equipment was used effectively. By recording the time when the device is turned on and the time when the device is turned off, information such as how to use the device can also be obtained. The goods sold are owned by the customer, and information cannot be collected without the permission of the customer. However, there is no problem even if the rental equipment is recorded with the use result data for confirming the validity of the lending with the permission of the customer. In addition, since the rented equipment is always returned, the collected information can be reliably collected. Therefore, the information collection function of the rental equipment can be used very effectively.
[0036]
For example, if it is found that the power is turned off and not used even after lending for two months, it can be determined that lending the sales promotion equipment to the customer has no effect. On the other hand, if the device is used very frequently and the device is purchased after the device is returned, it means that the sales promotion device has functioned effectively. That is, data such as whether the equipment was sold because the sales promotion equipment was lent, or whether the equipment was sold without lending can be acquired, and the equipment can be lent to each agency with the most appropriate distribution. Further, by analyzing and organizing the collected information, it can be used for the development of equipment and the like.
[0037]
FIG. 3A is an example of an operation screen of the management terminal device for setting a use period for a data code or the like.
The screen 50 shown in FIG. 3 is provided with, for example, a drop-down list 51 for setting an expiration date and three command buttons 52, 53, 54. The button 52 is for executing a data card creation process. The button 53 is for executing the transfer of the expiration date. The button 54 is for executing a process of reading the use state information. First, the expiration date is set using the drop-down list 51, and when the data card creation button 52 is clicked, the expiration date is recorded on the data card. When the button 53 is clicked, the expiration date is transferred to the storage device 32 as shown in FIG. 2 and recorded. When the use state information reading button 54 is clicked, for example, the use state information recorded on the card is transferred to the lending management database 14 on the terminal device side and recorded. When the equipment to be rented is connected to the terminal device through a network, the use state information is read through the network.
With such an operation, the expiration date is set from the management terminal device, and further, the collected status information is acquired and used for various managements.
[0038]
FIG. 3B is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the use state information.
The use state information 40 includes, for example, information such as the power-on time of the apparatus, the printing time, information on the number of ink replacements, and information on the amount of used paper. The power-on time is obtained by accumulating the time from when the power of the apparatus is actually turned on to when it is turned off. The printing time corresponds to a net time when the apparatus is actually performing a printing operation. Data is provided for the number of ink replacements according to the type of ink. In this example, data indicating how many times the respective inks of black B, cyan C, magenta M, and yellow Y have been replaced during the loan period are recorded. The paper usage is recorded according to the paper size because the paper size and the like can be recognized each time the paper is mounted and replaced. The number of sheets or, in the case of roll paper, the length of use of the sheet, is recorded. By acquiring such state information, the detailed use result of the lent device can be understood. Thus, the effect of lending can be quantitatively analyzed.
[0039]
FIG. 4A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example in which a use restriction function is provided in a printer driver.
The printer driver 60 is installed in a personal computer or the like that controls a printer that is a rental device. The printer driver 60 includes a print control unit 61, a use term data file 62, and a use term control unit 63. Each of these means comprises a computer program for causing a computer to execute a predetermined process. The expiration date data file 62 records data corresponding to the above expiration date. The expiration date recording unit 64 is a computer program that writes an expiration date to the printer driver 60 using the control screen described with reference to FIG. This is a program installed in a management terminal device or the like. For example, by connecting a management terminal device and a terminal device using a printer via a network, and rewriting the expiration date data file 62 of the printer driver 60, the expiration date can be recorded. At this time, the data on the management side can be controlled by writing the expiration date of the lending management database 65 at the same time. It is preferable that the expiration date data file 62 is a file that is simultaneously written into the folder where the printer driver 60 is installed when the printer driver 60 is installed. In addition, the expiration date recording means 64 may be configured so that, for example, when a service person connects a rental device to a terminal device of a user or the like, it can be rewritten using a memory card or the like.
[0040]
For example, when the rental device is a printer, the storage function of the expiration date and the management function can be given to the printer driver 60. A data file 62 in which the expiration date is recorded is stored in the folder where the printer driver 60 is installed, and the expiration date control unit 63 of the printer driver 60 reads the data at the time of startup. If the period has expired, a message to that effect is displayed on a display (not shown), and control of the printer is rejected. Further, if the device is connected to a network, it may be controlled so that the device can be used through the network and the function is stopped after a certain period from the start of use. In any case, the object can be achieved by providing a storage unit that stores a designated arbitrary period and a control unit that stops the function of the device after the period has elapsed with reference to the period.
[0041]
FIG. 4B is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an operation of writing the expiration date data on the user terminal device 70 by the mobile computer 72 of the serviceman.
The mobile computer 72 is provided with expiration date data file updating means 73. By this means, the expiration date data file of the printer driver installed in the terminal device 70 is updated. The terminal device 70 controls a printer 71 which is a rental device. It is assumed that the printer 71 does not operate without a printer driver. In this case, the function of the printer 71 can be specifically restricted by writing a preset expiration date in the expiration date data file of the printer driver.
[0042]
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the functions of the mobile phone are mounted on the rental equipment.
The card slot 90 shown in FIG. 5 is attached to a rental device such as a printer. A telephone card 80 is inserted into the card slot 90. The telephone card 80 has a communication function using a mobile phone by using an antenna 81. Specifically, it is a telephone card for performing data communication using a function such as PHS. As shown in FIG. 5, a storage device 82, a control unit 83, a use state information collecting unit 84, a position information acquiring unit 85, a telephone transmitting / receiving unit 86, and an e-mail transmitting / receiving unit 87 are provided therein. The storage device 82 stores the expiration date and the use state information as described above. The control unit 83 is a computer program that reads the expiration date, the use state information, and the like, and executes the use restriction process as described above. The use state information collecting unit 84 has a function of collecting information on the use state of the device and recording the information in the storage device 82 as described above. The position information acquisition unit 85 has a function of adding information on the location where the device has been carried to the use state information of the storage device 82 by using a known position information acquisition process well-known with a mobile phone. The telephone transmission / reception means 86 has a function of performing general telephone transmission / reception control. Thus, for example, when the expiration date has expired, processing such as transmitting a mail to the terminal device on the management side can be performed. The e-mail transmitting / receiving means 87 has a function of transmitting the use state information and the like as an attached file by e-mail, and transmitting the use state information to the management terminal device.
[0043]
In order to collect information indicating the use status of the lent equipment more quickly, the information can be collected via a network. In this case, the card attached to the device or the use state information collection means provided inside the device may transmit the information collected at a predetermined timing through the network. The transmitted data is received by a management terminal device or the like and is made into a database. In addition, for the purpose of transmitting information, the function of the mobile phone is provided to all the rental devices as described above. For example, it is possible to control the functions of the lent equipment through this mobile phone to limit the usable period or to transmit information collected by the equipment to a management terminal device as an attached file of a mail. Further, if the position detecting function of the mobile phone is used, it is possible to record where the device is actually carried and used.
[0044]
FIG. 6 is an operation flowchart by the use restricting means on the rental device side.
First, in step S1, the use restriction unit is activated. This may be activated at the same time that the device is turned on. In step S2, it is determined whether or not the data card 8 is mounted. If the device is not mounted, the process jumps to step S6 and performs a start prohibition process so that the device cannot be started thereafter. If the data card 8 is mounted, the process proceeds to step S3, where the expiration date is read from the storage device 9 of the data card 8. Then, the control means 6 reads the current time by a built-in clock. In step S4, the current time is compared with the expiration date, and if it is determined in step S5 that the expiration date has expired, the process proceeds to step S6, in which power supply circuit startup prohibition processing is performed. If the expiration date has not yet arrived, the process returns to step S3 to periodically read the expiration date of the card and repeat the determination process. If the expiration date is, for example, a date unit, after the power of the apparatus is turned on, this determination processing may be executed at a long interval, for example, every several hours or every 12 hours.
[0045]
FIG. 6B is a flowchart illustrating a state information recording operation.
First, when the rental equipment is turned on, it is determined whether or not activation is prohibited. If the activation is prohibited, the collection of the state information is unnecessary, and the process is terminated. If the activation is not prohibited, the use state information collecting means is activated, reads a log or the like recorded in each part of the apparatus, and records the use state information in the storage device. Note that, while the power is on, the operation of the apparatus may be constantly monitored to collect various information.
[0046]
FIG. 7 shows a case where the data card 8 is created in the management terminal device, or the expiration date is directly written in the rental device, and the use state information collected by the rental device is acquired in the management terminal device. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the system.
First, in step S21, an input process of the expiration date is performed using the screen 50. Using the drop-down list, the expiration date may be entered from years and months to years and months. In step S22, it is determined whether the process of creating data card 8 has been started. When the process is started, the process proceeds to step S23. Here, the expiration date is recorded in the lending management database 14 (step S23). Further, the expiration date is recorded on the data card (step S24). In the case of processing for transferring the expiration date data to the storage device of the device, the process proceeds from step S26 to step S27. In step S27, the expiration date is recorded in the lending management database 14, and in step S28, the expiration date data is transmitted to the storage device and recorded. In the case of the use state information reading process, the process proceeds from step S28 to step S29. Then, the status information is read from the storage device of the device, and the status information is recorded in the database in step S30.
[0047]
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the example shown in FIG.
First, in step S31, information indicating the expiration date is transmitted from the management terminal device to the telephone card 80 by e-mail. Then, the telephone card 80 receives the information by the electronic mail transmitting / receiving means 87 and writes the data of the expiration date into the storage device 82 (steps S31 to S33). Here, after the use of the telephone card is started, the process proceeds from step S34 to step S35, and the expiration date is managed. In this process, the expiration date is monitored, compared with the current time, and a certain process is executed in the same process as described above. In step S36, the use state information is collected, and the use state collection unit 84 stores the result in the storage device 82. Further, the position information acquiring means 85 collects the position information and writes the same in the storage device 82 in the same manner. In this way, when the device is used and the usage status is collected and the location information is recorded, even if the device is moved somewhere while in use, the location information is monitored and the type of usage is monitored. Is recorded. When such information is recorded in the storage device in step S38, it is determined in step S39 whether or not the expiration date has passed. 87 sends the use state information by mail to the management terminal device (step S40). Thereafter, in step S41, the control unit 83 executes a function restriction process of the apparatus.
In this way, it becomes possible to attach a card having a mobile phone function to the rental equipment, input expiration date data as needed, and automatically collect usage state information.
[0048]
In addition, the computer programs installed in the arithmetic processing device may be configured by combining independent program modules, or may be configured by an integrated program as a whole. All or some of the processes controlled by the computer program may be configured by hardware having equivalent functions. Further, the above-described computer program may be used by being incorporated into an existing application program. The computer program for realizing the present invention as described above can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, and installed and used in an arbitrary information processing apparatus. In addition, it can be downloaded and used in the memory of any computer through a network.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a specific example of a rental equipment management system.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing means for restricting use.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an operation screen of the management terminal device.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a use restriction function is provided in a printer driver.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a function of a mobile phone is attached to a rental device.
FIG. 6 is an operation flowchart by the use restriction unit on the rental device side.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the management terminal device.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the expiration date shown in FIG. 5;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 printer, 3 use restriction means, 4 power supply circuit, 5 card reader, 6 control means, 8 data card, 9 storage device, 11 management terminal device, 12 storage device, 13 card writer, 14 rental management database, 15 use Expiration date recording means

Claims (11)

For the equipment targeted for lending, provided a function limiting means for controlling the equipment so that the main functions of the equipment stop after a certain period from the start of the lending,
The function restricting unit includes a data card detachably mounted on the device and a control unit provided in the device,
The data card is provided with a storage device in which information indicating an expiration date of the device is recorded, which corresponds to a time when a fixed period has elapsed from the start of the lending,
The rental equipment, wherein the control means acquires information indicating a use expiration date from the data card attached to the equipment, and stops a main function of the equipment according to the use expiration date. For the equipment targeted for lending, provided a function limiting means for controlling the equipment so that the main functions of the equipment stop after a certain period from the start of the lending,
In the equipment, a storage device that records information indicating the expiration date of the equipment, which corresponds to the time when a certain period has elapsed since the start of the lending,
In the equipment, comprising a control means for managing the expiration date of the equipment,
The rental device, wherein the control unit acquires information indicating an expiration date from the storage device, and stops a main function of the device according to the expiration date. The rental equipment according to claim 1,
A lending device, wherein a data card attached to the device collects information indicating a use state of the device and records the information in the storage device during a period from the start of the lending to the end of the lending. The rental equipment according to claim 2,
The information indicating the use status of the device, which is recorded in the storage device in the device, is used by a use status information collection unit provided inside the device at a predetermined timing through a network connected to the device, A rental device that transmits information of the device to an information management side that manages the information. For the equipment targeted for lending, the equipment is controlled so that the main functions of the equipment stop after a certain period from the start of lending,
Provided in a terminal device connected to the equipment via a network,
Storage means for storing the expiration date of the equipment,
A rental equipment management system, comprising: a control unit that acquires information indicating an expiration date from the storage unit and stops a main function of the device after the expiration of the expiration date. The rental equipment management system according to claim 5,
A rental equipment management system, wherein a control unit in the equipment collects information indicating a use state of the apparatus and records the information in a storage device in the equipment during a period from the start of the rental to the end of the rental. The rental equipment management system according to claim 5,
Information indicating the use status of the device, which is recorded in the storage device in the device, is used by a use status information collection unit provided inside the device at a predetermined timing through a network to manage the information of the device. A rental equipment management system characterized by transmission to the management side. The rental equipment management system according to claim 5,
The equipment is a printer,
A rental equipment management system, wherein the printer driver for controlling the printer is provided with the storage unit for the expiration date and the control unit. For the equipment targeted for lending, provided a function limiting means for controlling the equipment so that the main functions of the equipment stop after a certain period from the start of the lending,
The function limiting means is constituted by a data card detachably mounted on the equipment and a control means provided in the equipment,
The data card is provided with a storage device in which information indicating the expiration date of the device is recorded,
The control means, from the data card attached to the device, obtains information indicating the expiration date, according to the expiration date, to limit the function of the device,
A rental equipment management system comprising means for recording the expiration date on a data card and simultaneously recording the expiration date in a database of a management terminal device. For the equipment targeted for lending, to control the equipment such that the main function of the equipment stops after a certain period from the start of the lending,
From a data card detachably attached to the equipment, a process of obtaining information indicating the expiration date of the equipment,
A rental equipment management program for causing a computer to execute a process of controlling the equipment so that the main function of the equipment stops after a certain period of time from the start of lending according to the expiration date. For controlling the equipment so that the main functions of the equipment are stopped after a certain period of time from the start of the lending, the equipment is connected to the equipment via the network. Provided in the terminal device,
Processing for storing the expiration date of the equipment,
A rental equipment management program, wherein information indicating an expiration date is acquired from the storage means, and after the expiration of the expiration date, the computer is caused to execute processing for stopping main functions of the device.

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