JP2018185868A - Vehicle management server and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique to smoothly manage return of a vehicle even when a vehicle for providing car sharing service is stored in an environment where wireless communication by a public telephone line cannot be secured.SOLUTION: A vehicle management server for managing a service object vehicle and a user using the service object vehicle includes: a vehicle management database for storing management data regarding the service object vehicle; a member database for storing data regarding use charge of the user; data receiving means for receiving management data for managing the service object vehicle; and return time estimation means for estimating return time based on management data received just before when the service object vehicle can no longer secure wireless communication by the public telephone line.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing technique for smoothly renting out a vehicle even when radio waves do not reach a parking lot of the vehicle used for car sharing.

  A car sharing system in which a plurality of users jointly use a plurality of vehicles is becoming widespread. Users who use car sharing must register as a car sharing member and go directly to a parking lot where a car for car sharing is secured. Or, use a reservation system that uses a mobile phone or a personal computer to inform you in advance of the scheduled time of use.

Patent Document 1 discloses a technique that can execute a procedure for extending the use time so as not to hinder driving.
Patent Document 2 discloses a technique that can further improve user convenience for a car navigation device mounted on a car sharing vehicle.

A car sharing vehicle is equipped not only with a dedicated car navigation device but also with an in-vehicle device that performs communication with a vehicle management server for managing a vehicle used for car sharing. The communication between the vehicle-mounted device and the vehicle management server automates (unmanned) management related to vehicle rental and return.
This will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.

(Fig. 6)
When a vehicle used for car sharing (service target vehicle, share car) is boarded by an onboard device that performs wireless communication with the car sharing management server and a car sharing user (member registered user) as a data processing device Are equipped with a multifunctional car navigation device capable of transmitting information and inputting intentions, and a vehicle unlocking sensor for unlocking and locking the service target vehicle.

The car sharing management server executes member management, vehicle management including reservation management, management regarding preferential data, and the like.
The in-vehicle device performs serial communication with the vehicle unlocking sensor and the multi-function car navigation device in addition to wireless communication with the car sharing management server.

The vehicle unlocking sensor transmits and receives data by short-range wireless communication with a registered card, and performs communication with a new card such as a railway IC card α (after FIG. 7) used for getting on and off the railway. The played data communication is serially communicated with the in-vehicle device.
Multi-function car navigation devices are equipped with a touch panel, which accepts message display to member users using various data sent via in-vehicle devices and member's intention display using the touch panel (service button Display), and transmit the input contents to the in-vehicle device.

(Fig. 7)
Hereinafter, a car used for a car sharing service is referred to as a “share car”.
To use car sharing, you must first register as a member for administrative and operational reasons. In other words, all “vehicle use applicants” and “users” who can receive the services shown below have completed membership registration.
In the member registration, in addition to the name and address, member data such as a payment fee account is registered in advance. The registration data is accumulated in the member database, and an ID card (represented as “TP card” and “registered card α” in the figure) for authenticating membership is issued. This ID card is an IC card in which data necessary for authenticating that the user is a member is stored in an IC chip, and is held over a card reader (vehicle unlocking sensor) mounted on a share car. The data can be read. The unlocked share car is also unlocked with the registered card.

When returning a share car, the user operates as follows.
That is, the share car is stopped in a parking space that is a base for car sharing, and the shift lever of the share car is set to the parking mode. Remove the engine key and open the glove box. A key box for storing an engine key is provided in the glove box. Insert the engine key into the key box and turn it to the return position. The share car is locked by holding the registered card over the card reader (vehicle unlocking sensor).

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow of information when a member user who wants to use makes a reservation to use a share car at a predetermined date and time and place.
The member transmits the reservation data to the car sharing management server using a personal computer or a smartphone. Although it is necessary to transmit the card number of the registered card α together, the input work can be simplified by using a car sharing application provided from the car sharing management server.
The reservation data includes data for identifying a member (card number), a predetermined date and time, a location where the share car is pooled, a usage time, and the like.

The car sharing management server has a member database that stores attribute information related to the above-mentioned members, data related to usage fees, and a vehicle management database that stores data such as share car usage status and reservation status. .
Reservation data transmitted from the communication terminal of the member user is received by the reservation data receiving means of the car sharing management server, and the reservation possible judgment means determines whether or not the reservation is possible using the member database and the vehicle management database. To do. Then, the reservation availability output means returns the reservation availability data about the availability of the reservation to the communication terminal.

  After the reply that the reservation is possible, if the member user completes the reservation procedure, the completed reservation data (member information related to reservation, use date and time, usage time, etc.) will be used as the service target vehicle (share car) To the in-vehicle device. This communication is wireless communication.

(Fig. 8)
FIG. 8 shows a state when the use of the service target vehicle (share car) is started on the day of reservation execution.
The member user goes to the parking lot. Even if there are a plurality of shared cars in the parking lot, which vehicle the member user should use is previously notified by e-mail.
The information processing apparatus for the service target vehicle receives reservation data from the vehicle management database. Although it is described as “reservation data receiving means” in the figure, it is the vehicle-mounted device that specifically receives the reservation data.

The member user holds the registered card α over the share car's vehicle unlocking sensor (a card reader installed inside the rear glass of the car). Then, the door lock of the share car is unlocked, and the member user can get on.
When you get on and start the engine, the touch panel of the multifunctional car navigation system is activated.
The fact that the boarding has started is transmitted to the car sharing management server via the in-vehicle device.

(Fig. 9)
FIG. 9 shows a state when the service target vehicle is returned.
The member user who gets off the service target vehicle touches the registered card α to the vehicle unlocking sensor. Then, the door of the service target vehicle is locked.
The vehicle unlocking sensor sucks the member user name (data that can identify the member user) from the registered card α and transmits it to the car sharing management server via the in-vehicle device.

The car sharing management server stores the management data related to the service target vehicle associated with the name of the member user who has finished providing the service in the vehicle management database together with the end time.
Data such as the use start time and use end time necessary for calculating the service charge is used by the charge calculating means. The fee calculation means calculates the fee using the preferential treatment database storing the contents of the preferential treatment service, and stores it in the member database. A description of the procedure relating to the subsequent settlement is omitted.
Note that the notification of the usage fee is transmitted to the e-mail address registered by the member user.

JP 2011-159072 A JP 2011-221738 A

By the way, mechanical parking lots are popular for effective use of land. This mechanical parking lot is provided in a part of the building or underground. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, the vehicle may be housed in an area where wireless communication is not possible on the public telephone line (hereinafter referred to as “out of radio wave” or “out of service area”).
In this case, the “wireless communication between the car sharing management server and the in-vehicle device” shown in FIG. 6 is interrupted in a time zone in which the share car exists in the mechanical parking lot.

7 to 9 will be described in more specific scenes.
First, as shown in FIG. 7, after the member user completes the reservation for car sharing, the reservation completion cannot be communicated to the onboard device of the corresponding share car. Therefore, the vehicle-mounted device of the share car cannot grasp the conditions for unlocking the vehicle.
Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 8, the car sharing management server cannot grasp the time when the member user starts to use the share car. Therefore, the use start time by the share car member user cannot be determined, and hesitates to calculate the use fee.
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9, even when the member user ends the use of the share car, the end time of use of the share car cannot be determined. Therefore, hesitates to calculate the share car usage fee.

A mechanical parking lot was described as an example of a parking space that could not be reached by a public wireless line. However, if a parking space that does not reach a public wireless line is temporarily generated, the above-mentioned problems will occur, so car sharing services will be provided. Will be disturbed.
The method of securing a unique wireless line by installing a repeater is not very reasonable. Taking a mechanical parking lot as an example, the structure inside the parking lot is complicated, and it is not easy to secure a radio wave situation corresponding to the complexity.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to smoothly operate a car sharing service even if a vehicle for providing the car sharing service is stored in an environment where wireless communication via a public telephone line cannot be secured. To provide technology.

  Among the problems to be solved, the present application can smoothly start car sharing even when a vehicle for providing a car sharing service returns to an environment where wireless communication via a public telephone line cannot be secured. Provide technology.

(First invention)
A first invention relates to a data processing device mounted on a service target vehicle used for a vehicle sharing service.
It is owned by the vehicle management server that manages the service target vehicle, the in-vehicle device that transmits and receives data, the GPS (Global Position System) to grasp the position of the service target vehicle, and the user who uses the vehicle sharing service A vehicle unlocking sensor that unlocks and unlocks the vehicle by short-range communication with the IC card.
The in-vehicle device periodically communicates with the vehicle management server and transmits the position data of the service target vehicle grasped by the GPS when wireless communication through a public telephone line is secured.
The vehicle unlocking sensor is in a state where it can be locked when the in-vehicle device cannot secure wireless communication through a public telephone line.

(Glossary)
“Vehicle sharing service” refers to both a service that manages and manages car sharing and a car rental service.
“Service target vehicle” refers to “share car” in the case of car sharing, and “rental vehicle (rental car)” in the case of car rental service.
In the case of car sharing, the “user” is generally a member user who has registered as a member in advance.
"When the service target vehicle is stored in an environment where radio communication via public telephone lines cannot be secured" is typically when the service target vehicle is stored in a mechanical parking lot where radio waves do not reach .

(Function)
The in-vehicle device of the service target vehicle communicates with the vehicle management server periodically when the wireless communication through the public telephone line is secured, and obtains the position data of the service target vehicle grasped by the GPS of the service target vehicle. Send.
The vehicle unlocking sensor is set to a state in which the vehicle-mounted device can be locked when wireless communication through the public telephone line cannot be secured. It is also possible to lock the vehicle when the service target vehicle is returned to a parking lot where wireless communication by the public telephone line cannot be ensured, that is, when the wireless communication by the public telephone line cannot be secured.

(Second invention)
A second invention relates to a service target vehicle used for a vehicle sharing service and a vehicle management server that manages a user who uses the service target vehicle.
That is, a vehicle management database that stores management data related to the service target vehicle, a member database that stores data related to a user's usage fee, and a data receiving means that receives management data for managing the service target vehicle; A vehicle management server comprising return time estimation means for estimating a return time based on management data received immediately before the service target vehicle cannot secure wireless communication via a public telephone line.

(Function)
Store management data related to the service target vehicle in the vehicle management database, and store data related to user usage charges in the member database.
The data receiving means receives management data for managing the service target vehicle. Then, the return time estimation means estimates the return time based on the management data received immediately before the service target vehicle can no longer secure the wireless communication through the public telephone line.
Whether or not the user has returned the service target vehicle and when the return time can be estimated by using management data received immediately before wireless communication cannot be secured.

(Variation 1 of the second invention)
The second invention may be formed as follows.
That is, in the management data received by the data receiving means, when the service target vehicle secures wireless communication through a public telephone line, it periodically communicates with the vehicle management server to obtain the position data of the vehicle. To include. The vehicle management database stores the position data.

(Function)
When the service target vehicle secures wireless communication through a public telephone line, it periodically communicates with the vehicle management server and includes the position data of the vehicle. Therefore, the vehicle management server can grasp the location of the service target vehicle.

(Variation 2 of the second invention)
The above-described variation 1 in the second invention may be formed as follows.
That is, the return time estimation means determines whether or not the service target vehicle is approaching an area where wireless communication via a public telephone line cannot be secured based on the position data.
The data receiving means increases the frequency of receiving management data when the service target vehicle approaches an area where wireless communication via a public telephone line cannot be secured.

(Function)
The return time estimation means determines whether or not the service target vehicle is approaching an area where wireless communication through the public telephone line cannot be secured based on the position data in the management data transmitted from the service target vehicle.
When the vehicle to be serviced approaches an area where wireless communication over a public telephone line cannot be secured, the data receiving means increases the frequency of receiving management data. Thereby, the error is reduced in the estimation of the return time.

(Variation 3 of the second invention)
The second invention may be formed as follows.
That is, the apparatus includes a charge calculating unit that calculates a user's usage fee based on the estimated return time estimated by the return time estimating unit, and the member database stores the usage fee calculated by the fee calculating unit. It is good as well.

(Function)
Based on the estimated return time estimated by the return time estimating means, the charge calculating means calculates the user's usage fee. The member database stores the usage fee calculated by the fee calculation means.

(Third invention)
A third invention relates to a computer program for controlling a data processing device mounted on a service target vehicle used for a vehicle sharing service.
The data processing device locks the vehicle by short-range communication between a vehicle management server that manages the service target vehicle, an in-vehicle device that transmits and receives data, and an IC card that is held by a user who uses the vehicle sharing service. A vehicle unlocking sensor that performs unlocking.
The computer program includes a position data transmission procedure for periodically communicating with the vehicle management server to transmit the position data of the vehicle when wireless communication is secured to the in-vehicle device via a public telephone line. A computer program that causes the vehicle unlocking sensor to execute a locking enabling procedure for allowing the vehicle-mounted device to be locked when wireless communication via a public telephone line cannot be secured. It is.

(Fourth invention)
A fourth invention relates to a computer program for controlling a service target vehicle used for a vehicle sharing service and a vehicle management server that manages a user who uses the service target vehicle.
The vehicle management server includes a vehicle management database that stores management data related to the service target vehicle, and a member database that stores data related to user usage charges.
The computer program is based on a data reception procedure for receiving management data for managing a service target vehicle, and management data received immediately before the service target vehicle cannot secure wireless communication via a public telephone line. The return time estimation procedure for estimating the return time is executed.

(Variation 1 of the fourth invention)
The fourth invention may be formed as follows.
That is, in the management data received by the data receiving means, when the service target vehicle secures wireless communication through the public telephone line, the management data is periodically communicated with the vehicle management server. To include.
Then, based on the location data storage procedure for storing the location data in the vehicle management database and the location data, whether or not the vehicle to be serviced is approaching an area where wireless communication over a public telephone line cannot be secured. An out-of-service proximity determination procedure, and a reception frequency improvement procedure for increasing the reception frequency of management data when the service target vehicle approaches an area where wireless communication via a public telephone line cannot be secured. To do.

(Variation 2 of the fourth invention)
The fourth invention may be formed as follows.
That is, a fee calculation procedure for calculating a user's usage fee based on the estimated return time estimated in the return time estimation procedure, and a usage for storing the usage fee calculated in the fee calculation procedure in the member database Charge storage procedure;
Will be executed.

The computer program according to the third and fourth inventions can be provided by being stored in a recording medium.
Here, the “recording medium” is a medium that can carry a program that cannot occupy space by itself. For example, a flexible disk, hard disk, CD-R, CD-RW, MO (magneto-optical disk), DVD-R, DVD-RW, flash memory, and the like.
It is also possible to transmit from a computer storing the program according to the present invention to other terminal means through a communication line.

  According to the first and third inventions, even when a vehicle for providing a car sharing service is stored in an environment in which wireless communication via a public telephone line cannot be secured, the operation of smoothly returning the car sharing service is performed. The server data processing device (mounted on the service target vehicle) can be provided.

According to the second and fourth inventions, even when a vehicle for providing a car sharing service is stored in an environment in which wireless communication via a public telephone line cannot be secured, the operation of smoothly returning the car sharing service is performed. A vehicle management server can be provided.

It is the conceptual diagram which showed the case where a user reserves the service object vehicle parked in the mechanical parking lot which is out of a radio wave range. It is the conceptual diagram which showed the case where a user gets on the service object vehicle parked at the mechanical parking lot which is out of a radio wave range. It shows the time axis from when the service target vehicle that was outside the radio wave range is delivered to when it is received, and the exchange of data after delivery. It is the conceptual diagram which showed the case where a user returns a service object vehicle to the mechanical parking lot outside a radio range. This shows the time axis from when the service target vehicle that was out of the radio wave range is delivered to when it is received, and the exchange of data at the time of return (immediately before return). The hardware block diagram of a car sharing management server and a service object vehicle is shown. It is the conceptual diagram which showed the use reservation in general car sharing. It is the conceptual diagram which showed the case where a user gets on the service object vehicle in general car sharing. It is the conceptual diagram which showed the case where a user returns the service object vehicle in general car sharing. It is a conceptual diagram which shows that an electromagnetic wave does not reach an in-vehicle device in the case of a service object vehicle parked in a mechanical parking lot outside the radio wave range.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on embodiments. The drawings used here are FIGS. 1 to 6.
In the following embodiment, a car sharing service will be described. A vehicle to be used for a car sharing service is referred to as a “share car”. Further, an area where radio communication using a public telephone line cannot be secured is abbreviated as “out of radio wave” or “out of service area”, and an area where radio communication via a public telephone line can be secured is abbreviated as “radio area”.

  In order to use the car sharing described in the present embodiment, the membership registration must be completed first for the convenience of management and operation. In other words, all “vehicle use applicants” and “users” who can receive the services shown in the following embodiments have completed membership registration.

  In the member registration, in addition to the name and address, member data such as a payment fee account is registered in advance. The registration data is accumulated in the member database, and an ID card (represented as “TP card” and “registered card α” in the figure) for authenticating membership is issued. This ID card is an IC card in which data necessary for authenticating that the user is a member is stored in an IC chip, and is held over a card reader (vehicle unlocking sensor) mounted on a share car. The data can be read. The unlocked share car is also unlocked with the registered card.

When returning a share car, the user operates as follows.
That is, the share car is stopped in a parking space that is a base for car sharing, and the shift lever of the share car is set to the parking mode. Remove the engine key and open the glove box. A key box for storing an engine key is provided in the glove box. Insert the engine key into the key box and turn it to the return position. The share car is locked by holding the registered card over the card reader (vehicle unlocking sensor).

(Figure 1)
FIG. 1 shows a case where a user reserves a service target vehicle parked in a mechanical parking lot outside the radio wave range.
The member transmits the reservation data to the car sharing management server using a personal computer or a smartphone. Although it is necessary to transmit the card number of the registered card α together, the input work can be simplified by using a car sharing application provided from the car sharing management server.
The reservation data includes data for identifying a member (card number), a predetermined date and time, a location where the share car is pooled, a usage time, and the like.

  The car sharing management server has a member database that stores attribute information related to the above-mentioned members, data related to usage fees, and a vehicle management database that stores data such as share car usage status and reservation status. .

  Reservation data transmitted from the communication terminal of the member user is received by the reservation data receiving means of the car sharing management server, and the reservation possible judgment means determines whether or not the reservation is possible using the member database and the vehicle management database. To do. Then, the reservation availability output means returns the reservation availability data about the availability of the reservation to the communication terminal.

After the reply that the reservation is possible, if the member user completes the reservation procedure, the completed reservation data (member information related to the reservation, use date and time, usage time, etc.) will be used for the service target vehicle related to the reservation within the radio wave range. If it is a (share car), it transmits to the in-vehicle device.
However, in the case of FIG. 1, even if the reservation data is transmitted to the service target vehicle related to the reservation, it does not arrive. This fact is grasped in the car sharing management server. Therefore, at this time, reservation data is not transmitted to the service target vehicle related to the reservation.
When the reservation is performed and the service target vehicle related to the reservation is delivered to the radio wave range, the car sharing management server transmits the reservation data. That is, when the scheduled use start time related to the reservation data approaches, the reservation data is transmitted periodically (for example, every minute).

(Figure 2)
FIG. 2 shows the relationship between the car sharing management server and the data processing device mounted on the service target vehicle (share car) when starting to use the service target vehicle (share car).
Vehicles to be serviced include in-vehicle devices that perform wireless communication with the car sharing management server, vehicle unlocking sensors as card readers, and various guidance related to car sharing as well as car navigation and notifications from member users. A multifunctional car navigation device that inputs and outputs is mounted as a data processing device (see FIG. 6).

As described above, the car sharing management server executes vehicle management including member management and reservation management, management related to preferential data, and the like.
The in-vehicle device performs serial communication with the vehicle unlocking sensor and the multi-function car navigation device in addition to wireless communication with the car sharing management server.

In the following, data exchange and member user operations will be described in the order of the numbers indicated by () in the figure.
In a time zone not used for car sharing, the vehicle unlocking sensor of the service target vehicle parked in a mechanical parking lot outside the radio wave area is always active (1).
The vehicle unlocking sensor can transmit and receive data by short-range wireless communication with a registered card. Therefore, the member user related to the reservation uses the registered card α to touch the vehicle unlocking sensor (2).

The member user who unlocked the vehicle gets on the service target vehicle and starts the engine (3). And it leaves from the mechanical parking lot outside the radio range and heads for the destination. When the service target vehicle heads for the destination, the vehicle is removed from the outside of the radio wave range (4).
As described above, the in-vehicle device of the service target vehicle receives the reservation data transmitted by the car sharing management server (5). Then, the in-vehicle device transmits to the car sharing management server that the reservation has been performed (6).

  The car sharing management server that has received the notification that the reservation has been performed stores the fact in the vehicle management database. Further, the reception time is stored in the member database as charge calculation data for calculating the charge of the car sharing service (7).

(Figure 3)
FIG. 3 shows the “initial reservation time” specified in the reservation data by the member user and the actual usage time on the time axis, and shows the data processing after the reservation is performed. .
At 9:00, which is the reserved time, the member user touches the registered card α to the vehicle unlocking sensor of the service target vehicle parked in the mechanical parking lot outside the radio wave range, and gets on the vehicle. (1). Then, the engine is started and the car is released from the parking lot.

  It is assumed that the time when the vehicle exits, enters the radio wave range, and starts the two-way communication with the car sharing management server is 9:03 (2). At this time, the time data of 9:03 which is the start time of the remote management is stored in the vehicle management database (3). Then, in order to calculate the fee of the member user, the time data of 9:03 is used as the fee calculation data, so that it is stored in the member database (4).

Assume that the member user rounds up the use of the service target vehicle earlier than the reservation time, runs the service target vehicle to a mechanical parking lot outside the radio range, and enters the outside of the radio range (5). If the time is 15:30, the vehicle is parked at a predetermined place in the mechanical parking lot, and the vehicle gets off at 15:33, the actual usage time is from 9:00 to 15:33. .
However, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 5, it is assumed that the use of the service target vehicle is terminated immediately before entering the outside of the radio wave range.

(Fig. 4)
FIG. 4 illustrates the case where the service target vehicle is returned to the mechanical parking lot outside the radio wave range.
When the member user rounds up the schedule early instead of the scheduled return time related to the reservation, the member user transmits a new scheduled return time to the car sharing management server in advance to the car sharing management server.
When the latest scheduled return time approaches (1), the car sharing management server manages the position data of the service target vehicle (using the GPS (Global Position System) of the in-vehicle device) at a predetermined cycle (for example, every minute). The data transmission / reception means obtains (2).

  When the position data received by the management data transmission / reception means is close to a mechanical parking lot outside the radio wave range, the car sharing management server can grasp that the return time is near. If the position data received by the management data transmission / reception means is not close to the mechanical parking lot outside the radio range, it can be determined that the return is irrelevant even if the location is outside the radio range.

The management data transmitting / receiving unit transmits the received position data to the return time estimating unit (3). In the case of position data related to the return, the return time estimation means estimates the return time using the time when the position data is acquired. The estimation procedure will be described later with reference to FIG.
The member user holds the registered card α over the vehicle unlocking sensor and locks the service target vehicle.

The estimated return time estimated by the return time estimation means is stored in the vehicle management database (4). It is also transmitted to the charge calculation means and used for calculating charges (5).
The fee calculation means calculates the usage fee using the estimated return time and the usage start time, and stores the usage fee as data of the member user in the member database. In addition, a usage fee notice is transmitted to a mobile terminal or the like related to the member user.

(Fig. 5)
FIG. 5 is a continuation of FIG.
The member user drives the service target vehicle and returns to the mechanical parking lot outside the radio wave range. Then, the service target vehicle enters the outside of the radio wave range at 15:30 (5).
On the other hand, the management data transmission / reception means obtains the position data of the service target vehicle and obtains the last reception time for the obtained last position data (6).

It is assumed that the time when the return procedure is actually finished is 15:33 (7).
The return time estimation means tentatively determines the final reception time for the acquired last position data as 15:30, and sets the return time to 15:30 at the time point (8) when the first reservation 17:00 has elapsed. Determine (9). And the return time is stored in the vehicle management database and the member database.

  Although the time when the return is actually completed is different from the time estimated by the return time estimating means, the service target vehicle that has entered the outside of the radio wave range will be returned soon, so this is not a big problem.

(Fig. 6)
FIG. 6 shows the hardware configuration of the data processing device provided in the service target vehicle, and the relationship between the in-vehicle device as a part of the data processing device and the car sharing management server that performs two-way wireless communication. Show. Although not shown, the data processing device provided in the service target vehicle includes a GPS (Global Position System).
The in-vehicle device performs serial communication with the vehicle unlocking sensor and the multi-function car navigation device to transmit and receive various data.

  Multi-function car navigation devices are equipped with a touch panel, which accepts message display to member users using various data sent via in-vehicle devices and member's intention display using the touch panel (service button Display), and transmit the input contents to the in-vehicle device.

In the car sharing service, it may be allowed that the parking lot to get on and the parking lot to get off are different. For example, there is a case where the return place is a mechanical parking lot outside the radio range.
In this case, the return algorithm is as shown in FIGS.

Contrary to the case described above, there is a case where the parking lot to get on is a mechanical parking lot outside the radio wave range. In this case, the algorithm at the start of use is as shown in FIGS.

  The present invention relates to a service industry for managing and managing car sharing or a rental car, an information and communication service industry for providing support for realizing car sharing or a rental car, a software industry for creating computer software for operating a car sharing or a rental car, and a card. Applicable in credit business.

Claims (7)

A vehicle management server that manages a service target vehicle used for a vehicle sharing service and a user who uses the service target vehicle,
A vehicle management database for storing management data relating to the service target vehicle;
A member database that stores data on user charges;
Data receiving means for receiving management data for managing the service target vehicle;
A return time estimating means for estimating a return time based on management data received immediately before the service target vehicle cannot secure wireless communication via a public telephone line;
A vehicle management server comprising: The management data received by the data receiving means includes position data of the vehicle periodically communicated with the vehicle management server when the service target vehicle secures wireless communication through a public telephone line. age,
The vehicle management server according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle management database stores the position data. The return time estimation means determines whether or not the service target vehicle is approaching an area where wireless communication via a public telephone line cannot be secured, based on the position data.
3. The vehicle management server according to claim 2, wherein the data receiving unit increases the reception frequency of the management data when the service target vehicle approaches an area where wireless communication via a public telephone line cannot be secured. A charge calculating means for calculating the user's usage fee based on the estimated return time estimated by the return time estimating means;
The vehicle management server according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the member database stores a usage fee calculated by the fee calculation means. In order to manage the service target vehicle used for the vehicle sharing service and the user who uses the service target vehicle, a vehicle management database that stores the management data related to the service target vehicle, and a member that stores data related to the user's usage fee A computer program for controlling a vehicle management server comprising a database,
A data reception procedure for receiving management data for managing the service target vehicle;
A computer program for executing a return time estimation procedure for estimating a return time based on management data received immediately before the service target vehicle cannot secure wireless communication via a public telephone line. The management data received by the data receiving means includes position data of the vehicle periodically communicated with the vehicle management server when the service target vehicle secures wireless communication through a public telephone line. age,
A position data storage procedure for storing the position data in the vehicle management database;
Based on the position data, the out-of-service proximity determination procedure for determining whether the service target vehicle is approaching an area where wireless communication via a public telephone line cannot be secured;
When the vehicle subject to service approaches an area where wireless communication over a public telephone line cannot be secured, a reception frequency improvement procedure for increasing the reception frequency of management data,
The computer program according to claim 5, wherein the computer program is executed. A charge calculation procedure for calculating the user's usage fee based on the estimated return time estimated in the return time estimation procedure;
Usage fee storage procedure for storing the usage fee calculated in the fee calculation procedure in the member database,
7. The computer program according to claim 5, wherein the computer program is executed.

Images