Point offering method and point offering system of laundromat

Abstract

To provide a point offering method and a point offering system capable of offering the number of points according to a fee for using laundry equipment to a user when using the laundry equipment by means of a centralized checkout machine installed in a laundromat.SOLUTION: A point offering method of a laundromat offers the number of points according to a fee for using laundry equipment when the laundry equipment is used by means of a centralized checkout machine installed in a laundromat, the method including the steps of: executing selection, course selection, and settlement processing of laundry equipment in use according to screen operation through the centralized checkout machine; providing an identification code for offering the points to the centralized checkout machine, in accordance with success of operation of the laundry equipment selected through a success of settlement; and reading the identification code through a portable device carried by a user, receiving the read information and offering the points.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a point awarding method and a point awarding system for a coin laundry. [Background technology]

[0002] As part of their services, coin laundry stores offer points based on the fees paid for using laundry machines. The points earned can be accumulated on a point card held by the user. The points can be used to pay for the fees paid for laundry machines, and can also be used at stores that accept the point card. Prior art includes a point awarding method and a coin laundry system for a customer service system that can increase customer satisfaction by increasing the point award (return) rate as the accumulated payment amount in the customer service device increases (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses that a user installs a laundry application (hereinafter referred to as the laundry app) on a mobile device such as a smartphone owned by the user, links the mobile device to a centralized payment machine in the store, and uses the laundry app to select the equipment to be used, select a course, etc., and pays the usage fee, and then a number of points corresponding to the usage fee are granted (accumulated) on a point card registered on the mobile device.

[0004] Incidentally, laundry equipment can also be used by operating a centralized payment machine installed at a coin laundry store. A user can use the laundry equipment by selecting the laundry equipment, selecting the course, and inputting information such as payment of the fee on the screen (touch screen) of the centralized payment machine. However, when using laundry equipment from the centralized payment machine, there is no point service, and points cannot be added (accumulated) to the point card registered on the mobile device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-177641 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] To provide a method and system for awarding points that can award a user a number of points according to the usage fee when using laundry equipment using a centralized payment machine installed in a coin laundry store. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The coin laundry point awarding method of one embodiment is a point awarding method that awards a number of points to a user's portable device according to the usage fee when laundry equipment is used using a centralized adjustment machine installed in a coin laundry store, and is characterized by having the following steps: selecting the laundry equipment to be used, selecting a course, and executing payment processing in response to screen operations from the centralized adjustment machine; providing an identification code for awarding the number of points to the centralized adjustment machine in response to successful operation of the selected laundry equipment after successful payment; and reading the identification code using the user's portable device, receiving the read information, and awarding the number of points.

[0008] In addition, the coin laundry point awarding system of an embodiment is a point awarding system that awards points according to the usage fee when laundry equipment is used using a centralized settlement machine installed in a coin laundry store, and has a control means that sends various commands to the laundry equipment in response to operational inputs for equipment selection, course selection, and payment method from a portable device linked to the laundry store or the centralized settlement machine, and the control means commands the selected laundry equipment to start operating upon successful payment for the selected course, provides an identification code to the centralized settlement machine for awarding the points according to the usage fee upon successful operation of the selected laundry equipment, and awards the points when it receives information reading the identification code from the portable device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a coin laundry point allocation system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first processing routine illustrating the operation of the coin laundry point giving system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a second processing routine illustrating the operation of the coin laundry point giving system. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a third processing routine illustrating the operation of the coin laundry point awarding system. [Diagram 5] A diagram showing a fourth processing routine showing the operation of the coin laundry point allocation system. [Figure 6] A figure showing an example of a laundry equipment selection screen displayed on the touch screen of the centralized settlement machine during the first processing routine. [Figure 7] A figure showing an example of a device selection screen displayed on the touch screen of the centralized settlement machine in the first processing routine. [Figure 8] 8 is a diagram showing an example of a device selection confirmation screen displayed on the touch screen when a futon dryer is selected from FIG. 7. [Figure 9]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a first screen for selecting a course that is displayed on the touch screen when a futon dryer is selected. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a second screen of the course selection screen displayed on the touch screen when a futon dryer is selected in the second processing routine. [Figure 11] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a course selection screen displayed on the touch screen when a washer / dryer is selected in the second processing routine. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for selecting a payment method that is displayed on the touch screen of the centralized settlement machine in the second processing routine. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for guiding a credit card payment operation using a payment terminal, which is displayed on the touch screen of the centralized settlement machine in the second processing routine. [Figure 14] A figure showing an example of an associated QR code display screen displayed on the touch screen of the centralized settlement machine in the third processing routine. [Figure 15] A figure showing an example of a QR code printed by a printer of a centralized settlement machine in the third processing routine. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a smartphone screen that reads a QR code on a touch screen or a QR code printed by a printer in the fourth processing routine. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for notifying the user of the number of points given to the user's smartphone in the fourth process routine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, a coin laundry point awarding method and point awarding system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a coin laundry point allocation system 100 according to an embodiment. In Fig. 1, a coin laundry store 10 is equipped with a large number of washing / drying machines, dryers, and futon dryers (hereinafter referred to as laundry machines 20) according to the size of the store. Fig. 1 shows three twin dryers (20a), two medium-sized washing / drying machines (20b), one large-sized washing / drying machine (20c), and one futon dryer (20d) as examples.

[0011] The coin laundry store 10 is provided with a gateway (GW) 50 that controls multiple laundry machines 20, and a centralized settlement machine 30 that performs input operations for using the laundry machines 20, settlement of usage fees, printing of QR codes (registered trademark) and the like. The centralized settlement machine 30 may be installed in the same building as the laundry machines 20, or in a different building. The gateway 50 issues various instructions to the multiple laundry machines 20 for various operations, and manages the operations of the laundry machines 20. The centralized settlement machine 30 is provided with a touch screen 40, a cash settlement device 45, a printer 48, and a payment terminal 80.

[0012] The centralized settlement machine 30 is connected to an API (application interface) 63 of a management device 60 via a network (e.g., the Internet). The management device 60 is configured to include an application server (also called a cloud server) 67 having the API 63 and a large-capacity database (DB) 65. The management device 60 is also connected to a gateway 50 via a wired or wireless connection.

[0013] The printer 48 of the centralized settlement machine 30 can print point receipts, which will be described later. The printer 48 can also print receipts and invoices for paid usage fees. The payment terminal 80 is used to read credit cards and the like during payment processing, which will be described later.

[0014] The application server 67 of the management device 60 has a store management function section that manages the coin laundry store 10, and a usage management function section that operates and manages a "laundry application" (hereinafter referred to as a laundry app) that links a user's mobile device 70 (e.g., a smartphone or tablet) with the coin laundry store 10 and uses the laundry machines 20. The usage management function section includes a points-granting function section of this embodiment. The points-granting function section may be configured as an independent module.

[0015] The store management function unit of the application server 67 sends various commands to the gateway 50 of the coin laundry store 10. The gateway 50 receives the commands and controls the laundry machines 20 in the store. When the gateway 50 receives a response from the laundry machine 20, it sends that information to the application server 67. The store management function unit manages and operates the coin laundry store 10 based on the exchanged information.

[0016] The usage management function unit of the application server 67 manages and operates the laundry machine 20 so that it can be used in response to operations from a laundry app installed on the user's mobile device 70 (the following description will be given taking a smartphone as an example). The smartphone 70 is connected to the API 63 of the management device 60 via a network (e.g., the Internet). Using the laundry app, the smartphone 70 can communicate with the application server 67 to perform operations for using the laundry machine 20. In addition, the number of points acquired by using the coin laundry store 10, which is one piece of information stored in the database 65, can be viewed.

[0017] The database 65 of the application server 67 includes a user information table that stores information about users who use the coin laundry store 10, a history information table that stores usage history for each user, a point management table that manages the number of points earned and point rank, etc. (none of which are shown in the figure).

[0018] Figures 2 to 5 show processing routines illustrating the operation of the coin laundry point allocation system 100. Figures 6 to 14 show example guide or operation screens displayed on the touch screen 40 of the centralized settlement machine 30 in each processing routine. The operation of the point allocation system and the point allocation method of the embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 2 to 14.

[0019] First, the touch screen 40 of the centralized settlement machine 30 installed in the coin laundry store 10 displays a home screen 100 of the laundry device shown in Fig. 6. The QR code 110 displayed on the left side of the home screen 100 is read by the QR reading function of the smartphone 70. The QR code 110 is generated by encrypting store information (store ID), the date and time of generation, etc., using a public key. The encrypted code content is displayed as the QR code 110 on the touch screen 40 of the centralized settlement machine 30 at regular intervals (for example, every minute).

[0020] The smartphone 70 that reads the QR code 110 is linked to the centralized settlement machine 30. The user performs various operations (machine selection, course selection, payment processing, etc.) to use the laundry machine 20 according to the procedure in the laundry app that uses the coin laundry store 10. In this embodiment, the operation of using the laundry machine 20 by the smartphone 70 is not relevant, so further explanation will be omitted.

[0021] Area 120 displayed on the right side of home screen 100 is a work area used in this embodiment. Area 120 displays icons (images) for acquiring the operating status of laundry equipment 20 in coin laundry store 10. A user who does not use the laundry app touches area 120 to start using laundry equipment 20.

[0022] When a user touches anywhere within area 120 (S100 in FIG. 2), a touch (equipment operation status acquisition) signal is sent from centralized settlement machine 30 via API 63 (the API description will be omitted hereafter) to application server 67 (S110 in FIG. 2). Receiving the touch signal, application server 67 sends an equipment operation status acquisition command to gateway 50 (S120 in FIG. 2). Gateway 50 requests all laundry machines 20 (one by one or simultaneously) in coin laundry store 10 to respond with their equipment operation status (S130 in FIG. 2). The equipment operation status information from all laundry equipment 20 is returned to gateway 50, and then transmitted from gateway 50 to application server 67 (S140, S150 in FIG. 2). Having received the equipment operation status information, application server 67 generates and displays equipment selection screen 200 shown in FIG. 7 on touch screen 40 of centralized settlement machine 30 (S160 in FIG. 2).

[0023] The equipment selection screen 200 shown in Fig. 7 displays all laundry machines 20 installed in the coin laundry store 10 so that the availability of the machines can be seen. For example, on the equipment selection screen 200, machines displayed in gray (e.g., machine 2, machine 5, machine 6, ...) indicate that they are being used by other users (or are broken) (unavailable), while machines displayed in white (e.g., machine 1, machine 3, machine 4, ...) indicate that they are selectable (available). The user touches (selects) the desired laundry machine (within the area) that is available on the screen 200 (S170 in Fig. 2).

[0024] For example, when the fourth machine, "Futon Dryer," is selected from the machine selection screen 200, the screen on the touch screen 40 switches to a machine selection confirmation screen 300 shown in Fig. 8. If the user is sure that the machine displayed on the machine selection confirmation screen 300 is correct, he or she touches the "Confirmed" button 310. The centralized settlement machine 30 then sends a machine selection signal for the selected fourth machine, "Futon Dryer," to the application server 67 (S180 in Fig. 2).

[0025] The application server 67 that has received the device selection signal transmits a device selection command to the gateway 50 (S190 in FIG. 3). The gateway 50 then notifies the laundry device 20 to be operated (the fourth device, “futon dryer”) of the device selection and requests it to respond with course information (S200 in FIG. 3). In response to the machine selection notification, the laundry machine 20 to be operated (machine No. 4, the "futon dryer") transmits its own machine's course information (display information in FIGS. 9 and 10) to the gateway 50 (S210 in FIG. 3). The gateway 50 transmits the acquired course information to the application server 67 (S220 in FIG. 3). Then, when the course information is transmitted from the application server 67 to the centralized settlement machine 30, the course selection screen 350 shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the touch screen 40 of the centralized settlement machine 30 (S230 in FIG. 3).

[0026] The course selection screen 350 shown in Fig. 9 displays course information for the laundry machine 20 to be operated (the "futon dryer" of the fourth machine). The "futon dryer" of the fourth machine only has two courses, "refresh" and "dry", so the course information for these courses is displayed. Note that "refresh" is a course in which steam is sprayed onto the laundry (futon) to dry the futon. For example, when the "Dry" button 360 is selected from the course selection screen 350, a course (time / fee) selection screen 380 shown in Fig. 10 is displayed on the touch screen 40 of the centralized settlement machine 30. The user selects the desired drying time from the course (time / fee) selection screen 380 (S240 in Fig. 3).

[0027] FIG. 11 shows an example of a course (time / fee) selection screen 400 when the first machine, a "compact washer / dryer," is selected from the machine selection screen 200 shown in FIG. When a washer / dryer (regardless of size) is selected, a wash / dry course 410, a wash only course 420, and a dry only course 430 are pre-prepared, and the user touches (selects) the desired course area. 10 and 11 may be generated by the application server 67 and provided to the centralized settlement machine 30, or may be generated by the centralized settlement machine 30 and displayed.

[0028] When, for example, a 5 minutes / 100 yen course is selected from the course (time / fee) selection screen 380 shown in FIG. 10, a denomination selection screen 500 shown in FIG. The denomination selection screen 500 in Fig. 12 displays information about the payee for the course selected in Fig. 10. For example, the user can select the desired payee from among the payment methods of cash payment 510, credit card payment 520, code payment 530, and electronic money payment 540. The denomination selection screen 500 also displays a display area 550 for the selected course and fee, a selection area 560 for issuing a fee statement, and the like. The user selects the desired payment method from the denomination selection screen 500 (S250 in Fig. 3). The centralized settlement machine 30 then displays a payment screen 600 shown in Fig. 13 on the touch screen 40.

[0029] The payment screen 600 in FIG. 13 shows instructions for credit card payment when credit card payment 520 is selected from the denomination selection screen 500 in FIG. The user refers to the payment screen 600 and performs the procedure by holding (or inserting) their credit card over the payment terminal 80 (see FIG. 1) attached to the centralized adjustment machine 30. When the centralized adjustment machine 30 determines that the payment process has been executed correctly (payment successful), it sends an equipment operation start signal to the laundry equipment (machine No. 4 "futon dryer") 20 to be operated (S260 in FIG. 4). If the payment process cannot be executed correctly, and if other payments are possible, the user can go back to the previous screen and start over from the screen in FIG. 12. Also, for example, if retrying the payment process does not work, the operation up to that point is aborted (stopped), and the user is asked to take measures regarding the card in question.

[0030] The application server 67, which has received an equipment operation start signal from the centralized settlement machine 30, sends an operation start command to the gateway 50 for the laundry equipment 20 to be operated (S270 in FIG. 4). The gateway 50 operates the laundry equipment (the fourth equipment, "futon dryer") 20 to be operated in accordance with the operation start command (S280 in FIG. 4). When the laundry equipment (the fourth equipment, "futon dryer") 20 to be operated starts operation in response to the operation start command, it responds with result information (for example, "normal" (operation successful)) to the gateway 50 (S290 in FIG. 4). The gateway 50 sends the result information to the application server 67 (S300 in FIG. 4).

[0031] When the application server 67 receives the result information of the laundry machine 20 to be operated, it discards the payment ID. Furthermore, when the application server 67 receives the result "normal" (operation successful), it generates the application linking QR code display screen 700 shown in Fig. 14 and provides (displays) it on the touch screen 40 of the centralized settlement machine 30 (S310 in Fig. 4).

[0032] If the laundry equipment 20 to be operated does not operate normally, "error" (operation unsuccessful) information is sent to the application server 67 via the gateway 50. Upon receiving the error information, the application server 67 displays "error" on the touch screen 40 of the centralized settlement machine 30 and refunds the paid amount. The user confirms the refund and determines that the laundry equipment 20 to be operated has broken down, so returns to the home screen and starts over from the procedure of selecting another laundry equipment 20.

[0033] An application linking QR code display screen 700 shown in Fig. 14 displays a message 710 saying "You will receive points if you read the two-dimensional code with the application." Following the message, the user activates the QR reading function of the smartphone 70 owned by the user and reads a one-time read identification code 720 (hereinafter, a two-dimensional QR code will be described as an example) (S320 in Fig. 5). The QR code 720 disappears after a predetermined time (for example, one minute) has elapsed to prevent it from being misused by other users.

[0034] If the user does not have smartphone 70 with them or would like to process the points later, the user touches the "Print 2D code" button 730. Then, the printer 48 of the centralized settlement machine 30 prints out a points receipt 800 as shown in FIG. 15 and provides it to the user. A QR code 810 for one-time reading is printed on the points receipt 800. When the user touches the "Print receipt" button 740 on the app-linked QR code display screen 700, a receipt is printed out from the printer 48. When the user touches the "Print receipt" button 750, a receipt is printed out from the printer 48.

[0035] The user takes the point receipt 800 home and reads the QR code 810 printed at home or elsewhere with the smartphone 70. A validity period (e.g., three days) is set and managed by the system for the QR code 810. Furthermore, if the one-time read QR code 720 shown in FIG. 14 is read to perform the point allocation operation, the printed QR code 810 becomes invalid. Alternatively, "Print two-dimensional code" may be disabled.

[0036] FIG. 16 shows a screen 850 of the smartphone 70 that reads the QR code 720 in FIG. 14 or the QR code 810 on the point receipt 800 shown in FIG. The QR code 720 and the QR code 810 record information such as the store ID, the ID of the operated device, the course operated, the payment amount, the payment denomination, etc. When the QR code 720 or the QR code 810 is read by the smartphone 70, the above read information is transmitted from the smartphone 70 to the application server 67 (S330 in FIG. 5). The application server 67 then uses a built-in point calculation application to calculate and award points according to the usage fee for that day. The application server 67 notifies the smartphone 70 of the awarded points. The point calculation application may be of a type that awards points at a uniform point rate for the usage fee. Alternatively, a point rank may be set according to the accumulated amount of usage fees over a predetermined period (e.g., one year), and the higher the point rank, the higher the point rate.

[0037] The number of awarded points is stored in the database 65 (for example, a point management table, etc.) of the application server 67. Therefore, when the laundry application is started up on the smartphone 70, the current number of points and point rank acquired by the user are provided and displayed on the home screen from the application server 67.

[0038] The application server 67 notifies (gives) the calculated number of points to the user's smartphone 70 on a screen 900 shown in FIG. 17 together with a notification of the completion of washing, which is the appliance operation status (S340 in FIG. 5). A screen 900 displayed on the smartphone 70 displays a usage status message 910 indicating that the laundry is completed, together with the number of points 920 (e.g., 80P) according to the usage fee for that day. The number of points acquired may be notified to the smartphone 70 using a dedicated point notification screen.

[0039] As described above, according to the coin laundry point allocation method and point allocation system of the embodiment, when laundry equipment 20 is used using centralized settlement machine 30 installed in coin laundry store 10, application server 67 can provide an identification code (QR code) for allocating points for the usage fee to centralized settlement machine 30. By reading the identification code (QR code) with the user's smartphone, the user can acquire points according to the usage fee in the laundry application. As a result, even if the usage is performed from centralized settlement machine 30, points according to the usage fee are assigned. The number of points acquired is then notified to the user's smartphone 70, improving service to users and leading to increased utilization of the coin laundry store. The point-giving system is not limited to that shown in Fig. 1. For example, a gateway function may be incorporated into the management device 500. Even in such a system configuration, the operation of the above-described embodiment remains unchanged as long as the management device 500 simply executes the incorporated gateway function.

[0040] The coin laundry point awarding method of the embodiment is a method for awarding points according to the usage fee when a laundry machine 20 is used using a centralized settlement machine 30 installed in a coin laundry store 10, and includes the steps of selecting the laundry machine to be used, selecting a course, and executing payment processing in response to screen operations from the centralized settlement machine 30, providing an identification code (720, 810) for awarding points to the centralized settlement machine 30 in response to successful operation of the selected laundry machine 20 after successful payment, and reading the identification code (720, 810) with a mobile device 70 owned by the user, receiving the read information, and awarding points. In this way, the application server provides the centralized settlement machine with an identification code for awarding points for the usage fee, and the user's mobile terminal reads the identification code, thereby awarding (earning) points.

[0041] The coin laundry point allocation system of the embodiment is a point allocation system that allocates points according to the usage fee when a laundry machine 20 is used using a centralized settlement machine 30 installed in a coin laundry store 10, and has a control means 67 that transmits various commands to the laundry machine 20 in response to inputs of equipment selection, course selection, and payment method from a mobile device 70 linked to the laundry store 10 or the centralized settlement machine 30, and the control means 67 commands the selected laundry machine 20 to start operation when payment for the selected course is successful, provides the centralized settlement machine 30 with an identification code (720, 810) for allocating points according to the usage fee when operation of the selected laundry machine 20 is successful, and allocates points when it receives read information of the identification code (720, 810) from the mobile device 70. In this way, the application server provides the centralized settlement machine with an identification code for allocating points for the usage fee, and points can be allocated (acquired) by reading the identification code with the user's mobile terminal.

[0042] The identification code (720, 810) in the coin laundry point allocation method and point allocation system of the embodiment is displayed on the operation screen 40 of the centralized settlement machine 30. This allows the user to earn points simply by reading the identification code displayed on the operation screen of the centralized settlement machine with their mobile device.

[0043] The identification code (720, 810) in the coin laundry point allocation method and point allocation system of the embodiment is printed out by the printer 48 in response to a print operation from the centralized settlement machine 30. This allows the user to earn points simply by reading the printed out identification code with their portable device.

[0044] The identification code (720, 810) in the coin laundry point giving method and point giving system of the embodiment includes at least the store ID, payment amount, and payment denomination information. This makes it easy to calculate the number of points according to the payment process.

[0045] The embodiments of the present invention are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 10...Coin laundry store, 20...Laundry equipment, 30...Centralized payment machine 40...Touch screen, 45...Payment device, 48...Printing machine 50...Gateway, 60...Management device, 63...API 65...Database, 67...Application Server 70: Mobile devices (e.g., smartphones), 80: Payment terminals

Claims

1. A point awarding method for awarding points according to the usage fee when using laundry equipment, selecting the laundry equipment and executing a payment process at a payment machine; generating an identification code including at least information on the payment amount after the payment, and displaying the identification code; a step of awarding the points when receiving information on the identification code read by the portable device and information specifying the portable device; A coin laundry point awarding method comprising:

2. 2. The coin laundry point awarding method according to claim 1, wherein the identification code is printed out by a printer in response to a printing operation from the payment machine.

3. The coin laundry point awarding method described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the identification code further includes at least one of the store ID, the ID of the device that was operated, information on the course that was operated, and information on the payment type.

4. A point-granting system that grants points according to the usage fee when laundry equipment is used, a control means for transmitting various commands to the laundry equipment in response to the selection of the laundry equipment and the input of a payment method at the payment machine; The control means When the usage fee is paid via the payment machine, an identification code including at least information on the payment amount is generated and the identification code is displayed; A coin laundry point awarding system characterized in that the points are awarded when the identification code read by a portable device and information identifying the portable device are received.

5. 5. The coin laundry point awarding system according to claim 4, wherein the identification code is printed out by a printer in response to a printing operation from the payment machine.

6. The coin laundry point awarding system according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the identification code further includes at least one of the store ID, the ID of the device that was operated, the course information that was operated, and the payment type information.

Images