WORKING MACHINE RENTAL SYSTEM

A working machine rental system includes: a rental setter to make one or more settings for use in renting out a working machine configured to perform a special action, the one or more settings including a selection to use or not use the special action; and a fee calculator to: calculate a rental fee for the working machine based on the one or more settings made by the rental setter; and change the rental fee for the working machine if the special action is actually used or actually not used differently from the selection to use or not use the special action included in the one or more settings made by the rental setter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a working machine rental system.

2. Description of the Related Art

A working machine rental system disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-68453 is known. The working machine rental system of Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-68453 includes: a first management server including a communicator to output, when a booking for working machine rental is made, first information which is working-machine-related information for cases where a specific working machine is rented out; and a second management server including a memory to store second information which is information about produced or sold working machine(s), wherein the second management server includes an issuer to issue command information including permitting or not permitting the rental of the working machine with reference to the first information and to the second information stored in the memory.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Some of the working machines such as a backhoe are configured to not only perform intended actions such as excavation but also perform a special action such as craning (lifting) by attaching, for example, a hook to the distal end of a boom. However, the fact is that, for example, in the case where a working machine capable of performing a special action is rented out, if the special action is performed in an unauthorized manner when the rental fee is set in the same manner as a working machine incapable of performing the special action or when the working machine capable of performing the special action is rented for a rental fee on the condition that the special action not be used (for a reduced fee), it is not possible to address such an unauthorized use.

In view of the above problems, embodiments of the present invention make it possible to, when renting out a working machine capable of performing a special action, calculate a rental fee corresponding to performing or not performing the special action.

A working machine rental system according to an aspect of the present invention includes: a rental setter to make one or more settings for use in renting out a working machine configured to perform a special action, the one or more settings including a selection to use or not use the special action; and a fee calculator to: calculate a rental fee for the working machine based on the one or more settings made by the rental setter; and change the rental fee for the working machine if the special action is actually used or actually not used differently from the selection to use or not use the special action included in the one or more settings made by the rental setter.

In an aspect of the present invention, the working machine rental system may further include a display to, during a rental period of the working machine, display a time at or during which the special action was performed.

In an aspect of the present invention, the fee calculator may be configured or programmed to increase the rental fee if the one or more settings made by the rental setter include the selection to not use the special action and the special action is performed during a rental period of the working machine.

In an aspect of the present invention, the fee calculator may be configured or programmed to reduce the rental fee if the one or more settings made by the rental setter include the selection to use the special action and the special action is not performed during a rental period of the working machine.

In an aspect of the present invention, the working machine rental system may further include a remote stopper to remotely stop the special action if the one or more settings made by the rental setter include the selection to not use the special action and the special action is performed during a rental period of the working machine.

In an aspect of the present invention, the special action may be craning or an action performed by the working machine with an attachment other than a bucket attached thereto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description discusses an embodiment of the present invention with reference to drawings as necessary.

FIG.1is a general view of a working machine rental system100. As illustrated inFIG.1, the working machine rental system100is a system to manage the rental of construction machine(s) such as backhoe(s).

The following first discusses a working machine1.FIG.7is a side view of an example of the working machine1. The working machine1inFIG.7is a backhoe (excavator) which is an example of a swiveling working machine. Note that the working machine applied to the working machine rental system100is not limited to a backhoe capable of excavation, provided that the working machine is capable of performing a special action such as craning (lifting) and performing action(s) for other work. The working machine1according to the present embodiment is capable of performing intended excavation and at least craning as a special action.

The working machine1includes a machine body (swivel base)2, a traveling device3, and a working device4. A cabin5is provided on the machine body2. The cabin5contains an operator's seat6. In the present embodiment, a forward direction from an operator seated on the operator's seat6of the working machine1(the direction indicated by arrow A1inFIG.7) is referred to as a forward direction, a rearward direction from the operator (the direction indicated by arrow A2inFIG.7) is referred to as a rearward direction, a leftward direction from the operator (direction to the near side inFIG.7) is referred to as a leftward direction, and a rightward direction from the operator (direction to the far side inFIG.7) is referred to as a rightward direction.

A horizontal direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction K1is referred to as a machine body width direction. A rightward or leftward direction from the widthwise center of the machine body2is referred to as a machine body outward direction. In other words, a machine body outward direction is one of the machine body width directions that goes away from the widthwise center of the machine body2. A direction opposite to the machine body outward direction is referred to as a machine body inward direction. In other words, a machine body inward direction is one of the machine body width directions that approaches the widthwise center of the machine body2.

As illustrated inFIG.7, the traveling device3includes a traveling body3L provided on the left side and a traveling body3R provided on the right side. The traveling body3L and the traveling body3R are each a crawler traveling device including a driving wheel11a, an idler wheel11b, track rollers11e, a frame11cto rotatably support the driving wheel11a, the idler wheel11b, and the track rollers11e, and a belt11daround the driving wheel11a, the idler wheel11b, and the track rollers11e. The frame11cof the traveling body3L has a first travel motor ML supported thereon. Power from the first travel motor ML is transmitted to the driving wheel11aof the traveling body3L. The frame11cof the traveling body3R has a second travel motor MR supported thereon. Power from the second travel motor MR is transmitted to the driving wheel11aof the traveling body3R.

A dozer device7is attached to a front portion of the traveling device3. The dozer device7is configured to ascend and descend (raise and lower a blade) upon the extension and retraction of a dozer cylinder. Note that the working machine1may not include the dozer device7.

The machine body2is supported on the traveling device3via a swivel bearing8such that the machine body2is rotatable about a vertical axis (axis extending in the up-and-down direction). The machine body2is driven to rotate by a swivel motor MT including a hydraulic motor (hydraulic actuator). The machine body2includes a swivel base plate9which rotates about a vertical axis, and a weight10. The swivel base plate9is made of, for example, sheet steel, and is connected to the swivel bearing8. The weight10is provided at a rear portion of the machine body2. The machine body2contains a prime mover20in a rear portion thereof. The prime mover20is a diesel engine. Note that the prime mover20may be an electric motor or a hybrid prime mover including both a diesel engine and an electric motor.

The machine body2has a support bracket13at a front portion thereof such that the support bracket13is somewhat displaced rightward from the widthwise center of the machine body2. The support bracket13has attached thereto a swing bracket14such that the swing bracket14is swingable about a vertical axis. The swing bracket14has the working device4attached thereto.

As illustrated inFIG.7, the working device4includes working bodies including, for example, a boom15, an arm16, and a bucket (normal working tool)17. The proximal portion of the boom15is pivotally attached to the swing bracket14such that the boom15is pivotable about a lateral axis (axis extending in the machine body width direction). With this, the boom15is swingable up and down. The arm16is pivotally attached to the distal portion of the boom15such that the arm16is pivotable about a lateral axis. With this, the arm16is swingable forward and rearward and upward and downward. The bucket17is attached to the distal portion of the arm16such that the bucket17is capable of shoveling and dumping. The working machine1can have attached thereto some other working tool (auxiliary attachment) that can be driven by a hydraulic actuator instead of or in addition to the bucket17. Examples of such other working tool (auxiliary attachment) include hydraulic breakers, hydraulic crushers, angle brooms, earth augers, pallet forks, sweepers, mowers, and snow blowers.

The swing bracket14is swingable upon extension and retraction of a swing cylinder C2in the machine body2. The boom15is swingable upon extension and retraction of a boom cylinder C3. The arm16is swingable upon extension and retraction of an arm cylinder C4. The bucket17is capable of shoveling and dumping upon extension and retraction of a bucket cylinder (working tool cylinder) C5. The dozer cylinder, the swing cylinder C2, the boom cylinder C3, the arm cylinder C4, and the bucket cylinder C5are each a hydraulic cylinder (hydraulic actuator). Note that the working device4need only be provided on the machine body2, and may include element(s) other than the boom15, the arm16, and the bucket (working tool)17. The boom cylinder C3, the arm cylinder C4, the bucket cylinder C5, and the like are each a hydraulic actuator to drive a corresponding working body.

As illustrated inFIG.1, the working machine1includes a display50. As illustrated inFIG.2, the display50includes a display portion30to display information relating to the working machine1, and an input portion31. The display portion30includes a fixed display portion32and a variable display portion33.

The fixed display portion32includes a caution-advisory indicator32awhich turns ON to attract attention or give a warning while the working machine1is being driven, an oil indicator32bwhich turns ON to indicate that engine oil is running short while the working machine1is being driven, a battery indicator32cwhich turns ON to indicate that a battery is running short while the working machine1is being driven, and a travel indicator32dwhich turns ON to indicate that the working machine1is traveling at high speed while the working machine1is being driven. The above-described caution-advisory indicator32a, oil indicator32b, battery indicator32c, and travel indicator32d, when in OFF state, each indicate that the above-described instance is not occurring. Note that the fixed display portion32may include any portion other than the caution-advisory indicator32a, the oil indicator32b, the battery indicator32c, and the travel indicator32d, provided that the portion indicates information relating to the working machine1by turning ON and OFF.

The variable display portion33displays various information about the working machine1. The variable display portion33displays, for example, the rotation speed of the prime mover20, fluid temperature, and/or water temperature, the remaining amount of fuel, various information about craning, and/or the like.

The input portion31includes button switches SW (SW1, SW2, SW3, SW4, SW5). For example, the button switch SW1is used by a user of the working machine1to set the action, function, and/or the like of an attachment. The button switch SW2is used to change the work mode to a lifting work mode (crane mode). The button switch SW3is used to limit the swinging range of the arm16. The button switch SW4is used to provide a certain guidance (information) to the user via the variable display portion33. The button switch SW5is used to switch the display in the variable display portion33.

As illustrated inFIG.1, the working machine1includes a controller60. The controller60includes a central processing unit (CPU) to execute instructions of program(s), one or more read only memories (ROM) storing computer program(s), one or more random access memories (RAM) in which control programs are loaded, storing unit(s) (one or more recording media) such as one or more memories storing control programs and data, and/or the like. The controller60performs various types of control, such as hydraulic pressure control, prime mover control, crane control, of the working machine1. For example, the controller60controls control valves and/or the like to control the swing cylinder C2, boom cylinder C3, arm cylinder C4, bucket cylinder C5(performs hydraulic pressure control) according to the operation of operation member(s). The controller60controls the rotation speed of the prime mover20(performs prime mover control).

When the button switch SW2is selected (when in the crane mode), the controller60performs crane control in which craning is performed. An example of the crane control (craning) is control in which, when an operation member (manual operator)22is operated, the controller60permits the action of the bucket (working tool)17in the scooping direction, but prohibits the action of the bucket (working tool)17in the dumping direction. Specifically, in the crane mode, when the operation member22is operated by the operator to move the bucket17in the scooping direction, the controller60switches a control valve (bucket control valve)23from its neutral position to the scooping position to cause the bucket cylinder C5to extend. When operation member22is operated by the operator to move the bucket17in the dumping direction, the controller60holds the control valve23in the neutral position.

Another example of the crane control (craning) is control in which the controller60sets the upper limit for the prime mover20such that the rotation speed of the prime mover20does not exceed a predetermined rotation speed. A further example of the crane control (craning) is control in which, when a travel switch24(which switches travel speed between high speed and low speed) is operated, the controller60holds the angle of the swash plates of the travel motors (first travel motor ML, second travel motor MR) in a first speed stage position so that the rotation speed of the travel motors (first travel motor ML, second travel motor MR) does not change to a high speed stage (second speed stage). When performing crane control, for example, the controller60converts the pressure of hydraulic fluid acting on the bucket cylinder C5into load, and causes the display50to display the obtained load as the load during craning.

The communicator61is a communicator (communication module) to communicate directly or indirectly with external equipment. The communicator61is capable of performing wireless communication via, for example, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi, registered trademark) which is an IEEE802.11 standard, Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy (BLE), Low Power, Wide Area (LPWA), Low-Power Wide-Area Network (LPWAN), or the like which are communication standards. The communicator61may be a communicator (communication module) which performs wireless communication over a mobile telephone communication network or a data communication network.

As illustrated inFIG.1, the working machine rental system100includes the working machine1, a manager90, a computer91, and a portable terminal92. Note thatFIG.1illustrates a single working machine1, a single computer91, and a single portable terminal92. However, one or more working machines1, one or more computers91, and one or more portable terminals92are included in the working machine rental system100appropriately.

The manager90manages renting out (rental) of the working machine1. The manager90is, for example, a server to which a stationary computer91such as a personal computer, a portable computer (portable terminal)92such as a tablet, a smartphone, and/or a laptop computer, and/or the like are connectable via a communication network. The manager90includes a rental setter95, a fee calculator96, a memory97, and a remote stopper98. The memory97includes a memory, a hard disk, and/or the like. The rental setter95, the fee calculator96, and the remote stopper98include electric/electronic circuit(s) in the manager90, program(s) stored in the manager90, and/or the like.

When the computer91or the portable terminal92connects to the manager90and a predetermined operation is performed, the rental setter95causes the computer91or the portable terminal92to display an input screen (for example, Web screen) M1(seeFIG.3).

The input screen M1is a screen for input of items (information) for renting out (for rental of) a working machine. The input screen M1includes a first input portion99A and a second input portion99B. The first input portion99A is for input of information about a borrower (renter) (borrower information) of the working machine1, such as the address, name, phone number of the borrower, for example. The second input portion99B is for input of rental information which is information about the preferences of the borrower (renter) of the working machine1, such as the model of the working machine1the borrower wishes to borrow, a rental period (start date of the rental, end date of the rental), and a selection to use or not use craning, for example. The rental information may include, for example, the number of machines the borrower wishes to borrow, and/or the like, in addition to or instead of those listed above.

Upon user operation of an interface such as operation key(s) or a microphone of the computer91or the portable terminal92, the above-described information is inputted into the first input portion99A and the second input portion99B of the input screen M1. After the input, upon a predetermined operation by the user of an interface of the computer91or the portable terminal92, the content inputted on the input screen M1is confirmed, and the content is transmitted from the computer91or the portable terminal92to the manager90.

Upon receipt by the manager90of the content inputted on the input screen M1transmitted from the computer91or the portable terminal92, the rental setter95causes the memory97to store the borrower information and the rental information (FIG.3) included in the content such that the borrower information and the rental information are associated with each other. The rental setter95sets the model and the rental period of the working machine to be rented out, based on the rental information. In the case of renting out a working machine1capable of craning, the rental setter95also makes a setting indicating a selection to use or not use craning.

For example, in the case where the user inputs “Yes” indicating using craning on the input screen M1as shown inFIG.3in order to use craning with the working machine1, the rental setter95, based on the rental information indicating such, makes a setting indicating that craning is to be used (a selection to use craning) during the rental period of the working machine1. On the contrary, in the case where the use inputs “No” indicating not using craning on the input screen M1because the user will not use craning with the working machine1, the rental setter95, based on the rental information indicating such, makes a setting indicating that craning is not to be used (a selection to not use craning) during the rental period of the working machine1.

The fee calculator96calculates the rental fee for the working machine1based on the rental information (settings made by the rental setter95) and on a rental fee table T1as shown inFIG.4. The rental fee table T1is stored in the memory97. Specifically, the fee calculator96calculates the rental fee for the working machine1using the equation “rental fee=[(regular fee for the model (per day)+fee for using crane (per day)]×the number of days of rental”. That is, in the case where “using craning” is selected, the fee for using crane (per day) is added to the regular fee corresponding to the model of the working machine to be rented out to obtain the rental fee for the working machine1per day. In the case where “not using craning” is selected, the regular fee corresponding to the model of the working machine to be rented out alone is the rental fee for the working machine1per day.

For example, in the case where a working machine1of model A is to be rented for ten days (May 10 to May 19) with the selection of “not using craning” as shown inFIG.5A, the rental fee is “JPY 8,000×10 days=JPY 80,000”. In the case where a working machine1of model C is rented for ten days (May 20 to May 29) with the selection of “using craning” as shown inFIG.5B, the rental fee is “(JPY 12,000+JPY 1,600)×10 days=JPY 136,000”.

Upon calculation of the rental fee for the working machine1by the fee calculator96, information indicating the rental fee is transmitted from the manager90to the computer91or the portable terminal92. Upon receipt of the information indicating the rental fee from the manager90, the computer91or the portable terminal92causes the rental fee to be displayed on, for example, the input screen M1(not illustrated).

After that, the user performs a predetermined operation on an interface of the computer91or the portable terminal92to make a formal request for rental of the working machine1. Upon this, the rental setter95causes the memory97to store rental data D1or D2including borrower information, rental information, rental fee, and contract management information as shown inFIGS.5A and5B. With this, the settings for rental of the working machine1are completed.

After the settings for rental of the working machine1are completed, once the rental of the working machine1has been started, the manager90communicates with the controller60via the communicator61of the rented-out working machine1to monitor operating information about the working machine1during the rental period (period during which the working machine1is rented out). The operating information about the working machine1indicates the operating status of the working machine1, and includes information indicating whether or not the crane mode was performed. The controller60detects the operating status of the working machine1at predetermined interval(s), and causes the communicator61to transmit operating information indicating the operating status to the manager90.

Upon acquisition (receipt) of the operating information about the working machine1, the manager90causes the memory97to store the operating information. The manager90determines whether or not the rented-out working machine1performed the crane mode based on the operating information about the working machine1and, if the working machine1performed the crane mode, determines that the working machine1had performed craning (crane control) over the period during which the crane mode was being performed.

If the craning is actually used or not used on the rented-out working machine1differently from the selection to use or not use the craning on the working machine1included in the settings made by the rental setter95, the fee calculator96changes the rental fee for the working machine1. Specifically, after the rental setter95makes a setting indicating the selection to not use craning of the working machine1, if the manager90detects craning during the rental period of the working machine1(determines that the working machine1is in the crane mode), the fee calculator96determines the period of time or the number of days for which the craning has been performed from the operating information about the working machine1, and increases the rental fee according to the determined period of time or number of days.

For example, assume that, in the case where the settings are such that a working machine1of model A is to be rented from May 10 to May 19 with the selection to not use craning as shown inFIG.5A, the manager90detects, from the operating information about the working machine1, craning performed on May 12, May 13, and May 18 as shown inFIG.6A. In such a case, the fee calculator96multiplies the fee for using craning by the period of time or the number of days for which the craning has been performed to calculate additional fee(s) based on the rental fee table (FIG.4), and calculate the sum of the additional fee(s) as JPY1,300.

In the case where the rental setter95makes a setting indicating a selection to use craning on the working machine1and then the manager90does not detect any craning during the rental period of the working machine1, the fee calculator96determines the period of time or the number of days for which craning has not been performed based on the operating information about the working machine1, and reduces the rental fee according to the determined period of time or the number of days.

For example, assume that, in the case where the settings are such that a working machine1of model C is to be rented from May 20 to May 29 with the selection to use craning as shown inFIG.5B, the manager90detects, from the operating information about the working machine1, that craning was not performed on May 22 or May 29 as shown inFIG.6B. In such a case, the fee calculator96multiplies the fee for using crane by the period of time or the number of days for which the craning has not been performed to calculate reduction(s) based on the rental fee table, and calculate the sum of the reduction(s) as JPY3,200.

After that, the user connects the computer91or the portable terminal92to the manager90when returning the rented working machine1to the lender (rental company). Upon connection of the computer91or the portable terminal92to the manager90, the fee calculator96performs a payment process regarding the rental fee. In so doing, the fee calculator96extracts, from the content stored in the memory97, the rental information corresponding to the rented-out working machine1and the operating information about the working machine1, using the borrower information or the contract management information as keys.

Next, the fee calculator96determines whether or not the model, rental period, and the selection to use or not use craning indicated by the rental information match the model, rental period, and whether craning was actually used (performed) on the working machine1indicated by the operating information obtained during the actual rental period of the working machine1. In so doing, in the case where the model, rental period, and the selection to use or not use craning indicated by the rental information match the model, rental period, and whether craning was actually used (performed) on the working machine1indicated by the operating information obtained during the actual rental period of the working machine1, the rental fee calculated before the rental of the working machine1does not need to be changed, and therefore the fee calculator96ends the payment process.

On the contrary, if at least one of the model, rental period, or the selection to use or not use craning indicated by the rental information does not match the corresponding model, rental period, or whether craning was actually used (performed) on the working machine1indicated by the operating information obtained during the actual rental period of the working machine1, the fee calculator96changes the rental fee based on the unmatched item(s) and the rental fee table (FIG.4) T1.

For example, in the case where the user rented the working machine1on the condition that the user would not use craning but performed craning on May 12, May 13, and May 18 as shown inFIG.6A, the fee calculator96increases the rental fee by adding additional fee(s) corresponding to the period of time or the number of days for which craning has been performed to the rental fee calculated before the working machine1was rented. Then, the manager90issues an invoice indicating the increased rental fee to the user, and notifies the computer91or the portable terminal92of the increased rental fee.

In the case where the user rented the working machine1on the condition that the user would use craning but did not perform craning on May 22 or May 29 as shown inFIG.6B, the fee calculator96reduces the rental fee by subtracting amount(s) corresponding to the period of time or the number of days for which craning has not been performed from the rental fee calculated before the working machine1was rented. Then, the manager90issues an invoice indicating the reduced rental fee to the user, and notifies the computer91or the portable terminal92of the reduced rental fee.

That is, in the case where the fee calculator96increases the rental fee in the payment process, the manager90performs a process to charge the user the additional fee. In the case where the fee calculator96reduces the rental fee in the payment process, the manager90performs a process to give the user a refund of the amount by which the rental fee was reduced.

In the above-described embodiments, the rental fee is increased in the case where not using craning is selected when the contract for renting the working machine1is concluded and thereafter the craning is performed during the rental period. Note, however, that the craning may be stopped remotely instead of increasing the rental fee. In such a case, if the manager90detects that “not using craning” was selected by the rental setter95and thereafter the craning (crane mode) was performed by the working machine1during the rental period of the working machine1, the remote stopper98(FIG.1) transmits, to the working machine1(rental machine), a stop signal to stop craning.

At the working device (rental machine)1, upon receipt by the communicator61of the stop signal from the remote stopper98, the controller60controls control valve(s) and/or the like of the working machine1to limit the actuation of the hydraulic actuators C3to C5or the operation of the operation member22, thus stopping the craning (crane control). In so doing, the display50of the working machine1may display information indicating that the craning (crane control) is stopped forcibly by the manager90, i.e., the rental company.

In the above-described embodiments, the manager90determines that craning was performed if the working machine1was in the crane mode. Note, however, that this does not imply any limitation. Additionally or alternatively, for example, a sensor79(FIG.1) to detect the position of the bucket17(FIG.7) in a vertical direction perpendicular to the rotational axis of the bucket17(the position in Y direction) and the position of the bucket17in a front-rear direction (the position in X direction) may be provided, and whether or not craning was performed may be determined based on the output of the sensor79.

In such a case, the controller60or the manager90may evaluate the movement of the rotational axis of the bucket17based on the position of the bucket17in the vertical direction and the position of the bucket17in the front-rear direction detected by the sensor79, and may determine that craning was performed if the rotational axis of the bucket17made movement corresponding to craning. Additionally or alternatively, for example, the controller60or the manager90may determine that craning was performed if the sensor79detected that the bucket17was raised or lowered vertically (in Y direction) with the bottom (bottom surface facing the ground) of the bucket17substantially horizontal and the position of the bucket17substantially horizontal and thereafter the sensor79detected that the position of the bucket17moved in the front-rear direction (X direction).

For another example, the working machine1may be provided with a sensor to detect whether or not a hook for craning is retracted, and the controller60or the manager90may determine that craning was not performed if the hook was in the retracted state and may determine that craning was performed if the hook was in the unretracted state.

In the above-described embodiment, the display50may display the period of time for which the working machine1has performed craning (the period of time for which the working machine1has been in the crane mode or the period of time for which the bucket17has performed an action corresponding to craning) during the rental period of the working machine1. Additionally or alternatively, the display50may display the point in time at which craning was started and the point in time at which craning was stopped, as the period of time for which the working machine1has performed craning. Additionally or alternatively, the display50may display the total time for which craning has been performed, as the period of time for which the working machine1has performed craning.

The display50of the working machine1may display an indication that there will be an additional fee for craning if a setting indicating a selection to not use craning on the working machine1is made by the rental setter95and thereafter the manager90detects the craning during the rental period of the working machine1. Additionally or alternatively, the manager90may provide, to the computer91or the portable terminal92of the user, a notification indicating that the working machine1is performing or is about to perform craning requiring an additional fee.

In the examples discussed in the above-described embodiments, the manager90includes the rental setter95, the fee calculator96, and the remote stopper98. Alternatively, for example, the rental setter95, the fee calculator96, and/or the remote stopper98may be provided in different electronic devices or may include application program(s) in the cloud.

In the above-described embodiment, craning is discussed as an example of the special action of the working machine1. Note, however, that this does not imply any limitation. Besides craning, for example, the special action of the working machine1may be an action that can be performed by attaching, to the working machine1, a hydraulic breaker, a hydraulic crusher, an angle broom, an earth auger, a pallet fork, a sweeper, a mower, a snow blower, or some other attachment, instead of or in addition to the bucket17. In such a case, for example, the controller60or the manager90may identify the attached attachment based on the output of sensor(s), image(s) captured by camera(s) or the like, and/or the settings on the hydraulic system of the working machine1. The special action of the working machine1may be a remote controlled action of the working machine1, an action using a machine guidance function, an action performed by the working machine1in a linked manner with another working machine(s) and/or truck(s) while communicating with the working machine(s) and/or truck(s), or the like.

A working machine rental system100according to one or more embodiments as has been described includes a rental setter95to make one or more settings for use in renting out a working machine1configured to perform a special action (such as craning), the one or more settings including a selection to use or not use the special action, and a fee calculator96to calculate a rental fee for the working machine1based on the one or more settings made by the rental setter95, and change the rental fee for the working machine1if the special action is actually used or actually not used differently from the selection to use or not use the special action included in the one or more settings made by the rental setter95. With this, when a working machine1configured to perform a special action is rented out, it is possible to calculate a rental fee corresponding to the selection to perform or not perform the special action and change the rental fee.

In one or more embodiments, the working machine rental system100may further include a display50to, during a rental period of the working machine1, display a time at or during which the special action was performed. With this, since the display50displays the time at or during which the special action was performed, it is possible for the user (operator) or the like of the working machine1to easily know the time at or during which the special action was used.

In one or more embodiments, the fee calculator96may be configured or programmed to increase the rental fee if the one or more settings made by the rental setter95include the selection to not use the special action and the special action is performed during the rental period of the working machine1. This makes it possible to increase the rental fee in the case where “not using special action” is selected when the contract for renting the working machine1is concluded and the special action is performed during the rental period of the working machine.

In one or more embodiments, the fee calculator96may be configured or programmed to reduce the rental fee if the one or more settings made by the rental setter95include the selection to use the special action and the special action is not performed during the rental period of the working machine1. This makes it possible to reduce the rental fee in the case where “using special action” is selected when the contract for renting the working machine1is concluded and the special action is not performed during the rental period of the working machine.

In one or more embodiments, the working machine rental system100may further include a remote stopper98to remotely stop the special action if the one or more settings made by the rental setter95include the selection to not use the special action and the special action is performed during the rental period of the working machine1. This makes it possible to force stop the special action in the case where “not using special action” is selected when the contract for renting the working machine1is concluded and the special action is performed during the rental period of the working machine1infringing the contract.