Terminal utilization system, apparatus control system, and self-laundry system

Abstract

To provide a terminal utilization system, an apparatus control system, and a self-laundry system, which can improve convenience of users.SOLUTION: A self-laundry system 1 is a terminal utilization system and an apparatus control system and has information transmission means (a server 26 and program for executing steps S4, S13, S14), which specifies language of a user of a portable terminal (a user terminal 31) by telephone number with international number of the portable terminal (the user terminal 31) and transmits the data for displaying handling explanation of an apparatus (a laundry apparatus 20) in the specified language to the portable terminal (the user terminal 31).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a terminal usage system, a device control system, and a self-laundry system that use mobile terminals, and more particularly to a technology for realizing convenience for users. [Background technology]

[0002] When a user visits a coin-operated self-service laundry (a so-called coin laundry), they insert coins into the coin slot and then operate the various setting and start buttons on the washing machine and dryer to wash and dry the clothes according to the amount and type of clothes (see Patent Document 1). While waiting for the washing machine or dryer to finish operating, the user may go to an outside store or restaurant to do some shopping or have a meal (see Patent Document 2).

[0003] However, the conventional coin laundries described above have various problems that need to be improved, as listed below. When a user's washing machine or dryer does not operate due to a clogged coin slot or the like, the user calls the installer in the store to request a refund, but dealing with such complaints takes a great deal of time and effort.

[0004] Since a relatively large number of coins accumulate in washing machines and dryers, there is a risk of them becoming victims of theft, etc. Female users are reluctant to leave the store while the dryer is running because they are concerned that their underwear and other items may be seen or stolen through the glass window in the lid while they are drying.

[0005] Since users who are outside the store cannot know when the washing or drying has finished, the laundry machines are left unattended for longer periods of time, resulting in a decrease in the operating rate of the laundry machines. In order to solve these problems, the inventor devised a system that allows users to install dedicated application software on their mobile terminal, enabling them to perform various operations of laundry equipment on the mobile terminal and also notifying the mobile terminal when washing and drying are completed.

[0006] However, even in such a system, in large coin laundries, many users operate many laundry machines simultaneously, so there was a risk that multiple users would try to operate the same laundry machine due to input errors on a mobile terminal, etc.

[0007] In response to such problems, Patent Document 3 discloses a technology in which a linking unit is provided on at least one surface of a laundry machine, and a control device uses the linking unit to link a user's mobile terminal to one of the laundry machines, and then outputs an operation command to the laundry machine linked to the mobile terminal based on an operation request signal from the mobile terminal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-129300 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2006-262942 A [Patent Document 3] Patent Publication No. 2021-168815 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] In recent years, due to internationalization, the use of self-service laundry systems installed in Japan has been increasing. However, the self-service laundry system described in Reference 3 has very difficult-to-use instructions displayed on mobile devices in only one language, Japanese, making it very difficult for foreign users to use.

[0010] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and has an object to provide a terminal usage system, a device control system, and a self-laundry system that can provide convenience to users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The terminal usage system of the present invention is characterized in that it has an information transmission means for identifying the language of a user of a mobile terminal using an international telephone number obtained from the mobile terminal, and for transmitting data to the mobile terminal for displaying information on the device in the identified language.

[0012] The equipment control system of the present invention is a terminal usage system comprising an equipment installed within a facility and a control device which communicates between the equipment and the mobile terminals of multiple users and controls the equipment in accordance with the results of the communication, wherein the equipment is provided with a linking unit, and the control device has an instruction manual sending means which identifies the language of the user of the mobile terminal using an international telephone number obtained from the mobile terminal and sends to the mobile terminal data for displaying instructions for using the equipment in the identified language, a linking means which links one of the users' mobile terminals with the equipment using the linking unit, and an operation command output means which, after the linking, outputs an operation command to the equipment linked to the mobile terminal based on an operation request signal from the mobile terminal.

[0013] The equipment control system of the present invention is a self-laundry system installed in a laundry store, comprising a plurality of laundry machines having at least one of a washing function and a drying function, and a control device which communicates with a plurality of users' mobile terminals and controls the operation of the laundry machines according to the communication results, wherein a linking unit is provided on the surface of at least one of the laundry machines, and the control device has an instruction manual sending means which identifies the language of the user of the mobile terminal using an international telephone number obtained from the mobile terminal and sends to the mobile terminal data for displaying instructions for use of the laundry machine in the identified language, a linking means which links one of the users' mobile terminals with one of the laundry machines using the linking unit, and an operation command output means which, after linking by the linking means, outputs an operation command to the laundry machine linked to the mobile terminal based on an operation request signal from the mobile terminal. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, the language of the user of a mobile terminal is identified by a telephone number with international code obtained from the mobile terminal, and data for displaying device information in the identified language is transmitted to the mobile terminal, thereby providing convenience to the user. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a device control system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a server according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of control for preparing a laundry device for use in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a user terminal displaying a telephone number input web page with an international number in the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a user terminal displaying an application download web page in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a user terminal displaying a usage instructions web page in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a front view showing a user terminal displaying a password entry screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of operation command output control in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a front view showing a user terminal receiving a recognition signal in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 4 is a front view showing a user terminal that receives an operating course signal in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a front view showing a user terminal receiving a charge signal in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure for an end notice process in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a front view showing a user terminal that has received a first end notice signal in the first embodiment. [Figure 14] 11 is a front view showing a user terminal that has received a second end notice signal in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 15] 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure for error processing in the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a front view showing a user terminal that receives an error signal in the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] [First embodiment] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 16. In the first embodiment, the language of a user of a mobile terminal is identified by the international telephone number of the mobile terminal, and data for displaying device information in the identified language is transmitted to the mobile terminal.

[0017] <Configuration of the First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a self-service laundry system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a server according to the first embodiment.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the self-service laundry system 1 according to the first embodiment has a number of laundry appliances 20 (20a, 20b, 20c, etc.) consisting of washing machines, dryers, etc. installed in a laundry store 2, and a server 26 (control device) that controls the operation of these laundry appliances 20.

[0019] A label (hereinafter simply referred to as identification code) 23 (23a, 23b, 23c, etc.) with a unique identification code (QR code) printed on it is affixed to each laundry machine 20, and a display 24 is installed that displays a one-time password 24a as a unique identification display for each machine.

[0020] The one-time password 24a is a randomly generated combination of four digits, which changes at a predetermined time interval (for example, every 30 seconds). On the front of the laundry machine 20, below the identification code 23, there is a display 25 saying "Please read the QR code with your smartphone."

[0021] In the case of a highly secure system, a one-time password is not necessarily required.

[0022] Each laundry machine 20 is provided with a manually opened and closed lid 22 having a transparent glass window 21. Each laundry machine 20 is provided with an electric locking mechanism (not shown) for locking the lid 22, and locks the lid 22 in a closed state in response to a command from the server 26. The glass window 21 is of an instantaneous dimming type that uses liquid crystal, and can be instantly switched between transparent and opaque in response to a command from the server 26.

[0023] A wireless LAN 27 based on the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard is installed in the laundry store 2. A mobile terminal (such as a smartphone, hereinafter referred to as a user terminal) 31 of a user (customer) in the laundry store 2 is connected to the Internet 30 via the wireless LAN 27 (or a 4G line or 5G line).

[0024] In addition, the server 26 (control device) has user terminals 31 registered therein for a plurality of users (users).

[0025] The server 26 is connected to the Internet 30, and communicates with a user terminal 31 and a terminal (personal computer, smartphone, etc., hereinafter referred to as the administrator terminal) 32 of the administrator of the laundry store 2 via the Internet 30. When the user is outside the laundry store 2, the user terminal 31 is connected to the Internet 30 via a 4G line or a 5G line.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the server 26 has a memory unit 26a that stores operating modes, user information, etc., a processing unit 26b that performs judgment processing and signal output based on input signals from the user terminal 31, and a signal generating unit 26c that generates operating command signals to the laundry equipment 20 and signals to the user terminal 31 and the administrator terminal 32 based on the judgment results of the processing unit 26b.

[0027] <Operation of the First Embodiment> FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the laundry device preparation control in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a front view showing a user terminal displaying a telephone number input web page with an international number in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a front view showing a user terminal displaying an application download web page in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a front view showing a user terminal displaying a usage method web page in the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a front view showing a user terminal displaying a password entry screen in the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure for controlling the output of an operation command in the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a front view showing a user terminal that receives a recognition signal in the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a front view showing a user terminal that receives an operating course signal in the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a front view showing a user terminal receiving a charge signal in the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the termination notice process in the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a front view showing a user terminal that has received the first end notice signal in the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a front view showing a user terminal that has received the second end notice signal in the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the procedure of error processing in the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is a front view showing a user terminal that receives an error signal in the first embodiment.

[0028] When using the laundry machine 20 in the laundry store 2, a user who visits the laundry store 2 selects the laundry machine 20 according to the type and amount of clothes to be washed or dried.

[0029] In the laundry store 2, as shown in step S1 of Fig. 3, the identification code 23 of the selected laundry machine 20 is read by the camera of the user terminal 31. Then, as shown in step S2 of Fig. 3, the user terminal 31 transmits identification code data indicating the read identification code to the server 26 via the wireless LAN 27 (or a 4G line or 5G line) and the Internet 30.

[0030] As a result, in step S3 of FIG. 3, the server 26 receives the identification code data from the user terminal 31 and stores the identification code data.

[0031] Next, in step S4 of FIG. 3, the server 26 performs a process of transmitting telephone number input box web data with international numbers, and transmits the telephone number input box web data to the user terminal 31 via the Internet 30 and wireless LAN 27 (or a 4G line or 5G line).

[0032] As a result, in step S5 of FIG. 3, the user terminal 31 that has received the telephone number input box web data displays the telephone number input web page 41 with international number shown in FIG. 4 on the screen 31a.

[0033] The telephone number input web page 41 displays an image 42 of the text "Please enter your mobile phone number with international numbers", a telephone number input box 43 with international numbers "+□□-□□-□□□□-□□□□", a group of push buttons 44 for entering a telephone number, and a send button 45.

[0034] Thereafter, the user operates the push button group 44 to input a telephone number with an international number into the telephone number with international number input box 43. For example, if the user's country is Japan, the user inputs "81," which is the country code for Japan, into the "□□" next to the "+." As a result, the user terminal 31 performs a telephone number with international numbers input process in step S6 of FIG. 3, and transmits data of the telephone number with international numbers to the server 26.

[0035] Thereafter, the server 26 receives the data of the telephone number with the international number, and in step S7 of FIG. 3, performs a telephone number with an international number determination process, and temporarily stores the determined telephone number with the international number.

[0036] Thereafter, in step S8 of Fig. 3, server 26 determines whether or not dedicated application software (hereinafter, referred to as a dedicated app) corresponding to laundry system 1 has been downloaded based on the stored telephone number with international numbers. If the dedicated app has been downloaded, the determination result of step S8 becomes Yes, and server 26 proceeds to processing of step S13 of Fig. 3, whereas if the dedicated app has not been downloaded, the determination result of step S8 becomes No, and server 26 proceeds to processing of step S9 of Fig. 3.

[0037] In step S9 of FIG. 3, the server 26 transmits the application download web page display data to the user terminal 31 as the application download web page display data transmission process, and then proceeds to the process of step S13 of FIG.

[0038] When the user terminal 31 receives the application download web page display data from the server 26, in step S10 of FIG. 3, it performs an application download web page display process and displays the application download web page 46 shown in FIG. 5 on the screen 31a.

[0039] The app download web page 46 shown in Figure 5 displays an icon 47 of the dedicated app for this system, an image 48 of the text "You can use the laundry by using the app," an app download button 49, an image 50 of the text "Download the app," and a "Back" button 51.

[0040] Thereafter, when the user touches the application download button 49, the user terminal 31 downloads the dedicated application as an application download process in step S11 of FIG.

[0041] Thereafter, the user performs user registration using the user terminal 31. As a result, the user terminal 31 performs user registration processing in step S12 of Fig. 3, and proceeds to processing in step S13. User registration involves registering the user's name, address, mobile phone number, and payment information (credit card information) in the server 26.

[0042] In step S13 of FIG. 3, the server 26 determines the specific language used by the user from the international telephone number stored in step S7 of FIG. 3 as a country-specific language determination process.

[0043] After this, in step S14 of Figure 3, the server 26 sends to the user terminal 31 usage instruction web page display data showing, in document data, how to use the laundry equipment 20 in the default language (fixed to Japanese in the first embodiment), and also sends to the user terminal 31 document data showing how to use the laundry equipment 20 in the specific language (English, Japanese, Chinese, etc.) used by the user determined in step S13 via SMS (Short Message Service).

[0044] As a result, in step S15 of Figure 3, the user terminal 31 displays usage instruction web page display data showing how to use the laundry equipment 20 in the default language (fixed to Japanese in the first embodiment) on the usage instruction web page 52 shown in Figure 6, and also displays data showing how to use the laundry equipment 20 in a specific language used by the user using an SMS (short message service) app.

[0045] The usage method web page 52 shown in FIG. 6 displays an image 53 indicating that one method of using the laundry machine 20 is to input the one-time password 24a displayed on the display 24 of the laundry machine 20 into the user terminal 31.

[0046] Next, the user in the laundry store 2 connects the user terminal 31 to the Internet via the wireless LAN 27 and starts the dedicated app. Then, a password entry screen 54 is displayed on the screen 31a of the user terminal 31 as shown in FIG. 7, and the user enters the one-time password 24a displayed on the display 24 of the laundry machine 20 into the user terminal 31.

[0047] As a result, an identification signal Si corresponding to the user terminal 31 and the laundry equipment 20 is transmitted from the user terminal 31, and this identification signal Si is input to the server 26 via the wireless LAN 27 (or a 4G line or 5G line) and the Internet 30.

[0048] When the identification signal Si is input, the server 26 executes the operation command output control, the procedure of which is shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0049] When the operation command output control is started, the server 26 receives the identification code data from the user terminal 31 in step S3 of Fig. 3, except when the laundry machine 20 is being used by another user in step S21 of Fig. 8, associates the user terminal 31 with the laundry machine 20 based on the stored identification code data and the identification signal Si, and transmits a recognition signal to the user terminal 31 via the wireless LAN 27 in step S22. In the user terminal 31 that has received the recognition signal, a message 71 saying "Welcome. You would like to use the washer / dryer number XX. If this is OK, please touch YES" and a "YES" button 72 are displayed on the screen 31a as shown in Fig. 9.

[0050] Server 26 determines whether the user has touched "YES" button 72 in step S23, and if the determination is Yes, transmits an operation course signal to user terminal 31 in step S24. In user terminal 31 that has received the operation course signal, "operation course" buttons 73 (73a to 73d) corresponding to the selected laundry device 20 and an "ENTER" button 74 are displayed on screen 31a, as shown in Fig. 10. The user selects the desired "operation course" button 73 according to the type and amount of laundry, and then touches "ENTER" button 74.

[0051] The server 26 determines in step S25 whether the user has touched the "ENTER" button 74, and if the determination is YES, transmits a fee signal to the user terminal 31 in step S26. On the user terminal 31 that has received the fee signal, a message 75 saying "The usage fee is XXX yen. Please put in your clothes and close the lid", a "Lid lock" button 76 and an "Opaque window" button 77 are displayed on the screen 31a, as shown in Fig. 11. If the user wishes to lock the lid 22 or make the glass window 21 opaque while the laundry machine 20 is running, the user selects (touches) the "Lid lock" button 76 or the "Opaque window" button 77.

[0052] Once the user has confirmed the usage fee and selected the “Lid Lock” button 76 or the “Window Opaque” button 77, an operation request signal Sd is transmitted from the user terminal 31 and input to the server 26 via the wireless LAN 27 or the Internet 30.

[0053] The server 26 judges in step S27 whether the user has input the driving request signal Sd, and if the judgment is YES, performs billing processing in step S28. The billing processing is performed by communicating with the credit card company via the Internet 30 based on the above-mentioned payment information.

[0054] When the charging in step S28 is completed, the server 26 determines in step S29 whether the "Lid Lock" button 76 has been touched, and if the determination is Yes, outputs a lid lock command to the laundry appliance 20 in step S30. Next, the server 26 determines in step S31 whether the "Window Opaque" button 77 has been touched, and if the determination is Yes, outputs a window opaque command to the laundry appliance 20 in step S32.

[0055] Thereafter, in step S33, the server 26 outputs an operation start command to the laundry appliance 20 and ends the operation start command control. The laundry appliance 20 that has received the operation start command starts operation in the operation mode selected by the user, and locks the lid 22 and makes the glass window 21 opaque based on the user's request.

[0056] The server 26 sequentially transmits each command for the operation command output control and the results of the billing process to the manager terminal 32. This allows the manager to recognize the operating status and sales of the laundry machines 20 in the laundry store 2 in real time.

[0057] (Terminator Notice Processing) When the laundry machine 20 starts operation, the server 26 executes an end notice process, the procedure of which is shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12. When the end notice process starts, the server 26 repeatedly determines at a predetermined time interval whether it is 10 minutes before the operation end time in step S41 of FIG. 12. Then, when this determination is Yes, the server 26 transmits a first end notice signal to the user terminal 31 via the Internet 30 in step S42. In the user terminal 31 that receives the first end notice signal, as shown in FIG. 13, a message 91 saying "10 minutes left" indicating that there are 10 minutes until the operation end is displayed on the screen 31a, and a ringtone is sounded at a low volume. Note that even if the user is outside the laundry store 2, the end notice signal is received by the user terminal 31 via the Internet 30 via a 4G line, a 5G line, or an outside wireless LAN.

[0058] Next, the server 26 repeatedly determines at a predetermined time interval whether or not it is 5 minutes until the driving end time in step S43. Then, when this determination is Yes, the server 26 transmits a second end notice signal to the user terminal 31 in step S44. In the user terminal 31 that has received the second end notice signal, as shown in Fig. 14, a message 92 "5 minutes left" indicating that there are 5 minutes until the driving end is displayed flashing on the screen 31a, and the ringtone and vibration functions are activated.

[0059] This allows users who have gone to an outside store or restaurant to finish their shopping or meal and return to the laundry store 2 before the laundry machine 20 finishes operating, thereby improving the operating rate of the laundry machine 20.

[0060] The server 26 constantly executes error processing, the procedure of which is shown in the flowchart of FIG. 15, in parallel with the operation command output control and the like.

[0061] (Error handling) When error processing is started, the server 26 repeatedly determines at predetermined time intervals whether or not an error signal has been input from the laundry machine 20 in the laundry store 2 in step S51 of FIG.

[0062] If an error occurs in the laundry device 20 and the determination in step S51 is Yes, error information (which laundry device 20 has which error) is sent in step S52 to the manager terminal 32 and the maintenance company terminal (not shown), and an error signal is sent to the user terminal 31 in step S53. On the user terminal 31 that has received the error signal, a message 101 saying "An error has occurred. Please cancel and remove the clothes" and a "Cancel" button 102 are displayed on the screen 31a, as shown in Fig. 16.

[0063] In response to the error information, a manager or a maintenance company will go to the laundry store 2 and take measures such as suspending the use of the laundry machine 20 or repairing it. Also, the user touches the “Cancel” button 102 according to the screen display of the user terminal 31.

[0064] Next, server 26 determines whether or not "Cancel" button 102 has been touched in step S54, and repeats the determination in step S54 while this determination is No. When server 26 determines in step S54 that the user has touched "Cancel" button 102 and the determination in step S54 is Yes, server 26 transmits an operation stop signal to laundry device 20 in step S55.

[0065] When the laundry machine 20 receives the operation stop signal, it stops the rotation of the washing drum and the drying drum, drains water if a washing or rinsing cycle is in progress, and then unlocks the lid 22. This allows the user to remove the clothes from the laundry machine 20 and wash or dry them in another laundry machine 20.

[0066] Next, in step S56, the server 26 cancels (i.e., refunds) the charge made in the above-mentioned charging process, and ends the error process.

[0067] The configuration and operation of the first embodiment of the present invention will be summarized below. The self-laundry system 1 is a terminal usage system of the present invention, and is characterized by having an information transmission means (a server 26 and a program for executing steps S4, S13 and S14 of Figure 3) that identifies the language of the user of a mobile terminal (user terminal 31) based on the international telephone number of the mobile terminal (user terminal 31) and transmits data to the mobile terminal (user terminal 31) for displaying information about the equipment (laundry equipment 20) in the identified language.

[0068] The self-laundry system 1 is an equipment control system including an equipment (laundry equipment 20) installed in a facility (laundry store 2) and a control device (server 26) that communicates between the equipment and mobile terminals (user terminals 31) of multiple users and controls the equipment in accordance with the results of the communication. The equipment (laundry equipment 20) is provided with a linking unit (identification code 23 and display 24). The control device (server 26) identifies the language of the user of the mobile terminal (user terminal 31) based on the international telephone number of the mobile terminal, and stores data for displaying an operating manual for the equipment in the identified language. The laundry appliance is characterized by having an instruction manual sending means (server 26 and a program that executes steps S4, S13, and S14 of FIG. 3) for sending instructions to the mobile terminal (user terminal 31), a linking means (server 26 and a program that executes step S21 of FIG. 8) for linking one of the user's mobile terminals (user terminal 31) with the appliance using the linking section, and an operation command output means (server 26 and a program that executes steps S29 to S33 of FIG. 8) for outputting an operation command to the appliance (laundry appliance 20) linked to the mobile terminal (user terminal 31) based on an operation request signal from the mobile terminal (user terminal 31) after the linking.

[0069] The self-service system 1 is installed in the laundry store 2 and includes a plurality of laundry devices 20 having at least one of a washing function and a drying function, and a control device (server 26) that communicates with mobile terminals (user terminals 31) of a plurality of users and controls the operation of the laundry device 20 according to the communication result. At least one surface of the laundry device 20 is provided with an associated part (identification code 23 and display 24 of the laundry device 20). The control device (server 26) identifies the language of the user of the mobile terminal based on the international telephone number obtained from the mobile terminal, and transmits data for displaying the handling instructions of the laundry device 20 in the identified language to the mobile terminal (user terminal 31). The handling instruction transmission means (server 26 and a program that executes steps S4, S13, and S14 in FIG. 3), an associating means (server 26 and a program that executes step S21 in FIG. 8) for associating one of the user's mobile terminals (user terminal 31) with one of the laundry devices 20 using the associated part, and after the association by the associating means, based on an operation request signal from the mobile terminal (user terminal 31), an operation command output means (server 26 and a program that executes steps S29 to S33 in FIG. 8) for outputting an operation command to the laundry device 20 associated with the mobile terminal (user terminal 31). It is characterized by having these components.

[0070] According to the self-service system 1 configured in this way, the language of the user of the mobile terminal is identified based on the international telephone number obtained from the mobile terminal, and data for displaying the handling instructions of the device in the identified language is transmitted to the mobile terminal. Therefore, the convenience of the user can be achieved, which is particularly beneficial for travelers from overseas.

[0071] [Second Embodiment] Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. In the second embodiment, the plain surface of the first embodiment will be used for the description.

[0072] In the second embodiment, a mobile terminal (user terminal 31) reads the linking section (identification code 23) printed in a pamphlet for the machine (laundry machine 20), thereby enabling control of the machine (laundry machine 20).

[0073] The second embodiment is an equipment control system including an equipment (laundry equipment 20) installed in a facility (laundry store 2) and a control device (server 26) that communicates between the equipment and mobile terminals (user terminals 31) of multiple users and controls the equipment in accordance with the results of the communication. A linking section (identification code 23) is provided in a pamphlet for the equipment (laundry equipment 20). The control device (server 26) identifies the language of the user of the mobile terminal (user terminal 31) based on the international telephone number of the mobile terminal (user terminal 31), and transmits data for displaying an instruction manual for the equipment in the identified language to the mobile terminal ( 8) for linking one of the user's mobile terminals (user terminal 31) with the appliance using the linking section; and operation command output means (server 26 and a program for executing steps S29 to S33 of FIG. 8) for outputting an operation command to the appliance (laundry appliance 20) linked to the mobile terminal (user terminal 31) based on an operation request signal from the mobile terminal (user terminal 31) after the linking.

[0074] In the second embodiment, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained. As a modification of the second embodiment, it is also possible to transmit a translation of a pamphlet to a mobile terminal.

[0075] In the first and second embodiments, data for displaying the operating instructions for the device in the specified language was sent to the user terminal 31 via SMS (Short Message Service), but various methods can be applied for sending data for displaying the operating instructions for the device in the specified language to the user terminal 31, such as webmail, web pages, etc.

[0076] In the first and second embodiments, the laundry machine 20 installed in the facility (laundry store 2) is used as the machine, but the machine is not limited to the laundry machine 20 and may be various other machines such as cooking machines and beauty machines. Furthermore, the machine may be a vending machine located outside the facility.

[0077] Furthermore, some countries may have multiple languages, in which case the first and second embodiments may be configured to provide an option to select from multiple languages.

[0078] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, there are many cases where a translation is not available, and in such cases, a machine-translated version may be sent.

[0079] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, since SMS is not supposed to be able to send images, if there are images, the URL of the translated web page may be sent via SMS so that the user can read the page beyond that.

[0080] If there is no translation for this web page, a machine-translated version is created on the spot and the URL of the hastily created web page is sent. The advantage of this method is that it is not necessary to create web pages in all languages ​​in advance, but rather they can be created when needed. For example, if a Swahili web page does not exist, the page will be automatically created, quickly machine translated, and sent out.

[0081] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, the facility in which the device is installed is a laundry shop, but the facility of the present invention can also be other facilities such as a hotel, a restaurant, etc.

[0082] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, since there are many cases where no translation is available, data for displaying device information in a specified language may be generated by using translation software for device information created in a language other than the specified language.

[0083] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, a telephone number with international numbers is identified by the user inputting the telephone number with international numbers into a user terminal, but the telephone number with international numbers may be identified in other ways, for example, by photographing a telephone number with international numbers written on a device or a pamphlet with a user terminal and analyzing the image.

[0084] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, the language was identified by a telephone number with international numbers, and data for displaying device information in the identified language was sent to the mobile terminal as text data, but it may also be configured so that the language is determined by the telephone number with international numbers, and a reply is returned to the mobile terminal in the language of the voice.

[0085] Although the specific first and second embodiments have been described above, the aspects of the present invention are not limited to these. For example, in the first embodiment, billing is performed by credit card, but it may be performed by prepaid card, debit card, mobile phone usage fee, etc. Also, the user may connect to the Internet at home or the like, start a dedicated application, and check the availability information of laundry machines. In addition, the specific configurations of the terminal usage system, the equipment control system, and the self-laundry system, and the specific procedures for controlling the output of operation commands, etc. may be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1 Self-service laundry system 2 Laundry stores 20 Laundry Equipment 21 Glass Window 22 Lid 23 Identification code (linking part) 24 Display 24a One-time password 26 Server 27 Wireless LAN 30 Internet 31 User terminal 31a screen 32 Administrator terminal

Claims

1. A terminal usage system characterized by having an information transmission means for identifying the language of a user of a mobile terminal based on a telephone number with international numbers obtained from the mobile terminal, and transmitting data to the mobile terminal for displaying information on the device in the identified language.

2. The equipment installed in the facility, A terminal usage system including a control device that communicates with mobile terminals of a plurality of users and controls the devices in accordance with the communication results, The device is provided with a linking unit, The control device includes: an instruction manual transmission means for identifying a language of a user of the mobile terminal by a telephone number with an international number obtained from the mobile terminal, and transmitting data for displaying an instruction manual for the device in the identified language to the mobile terminal; a linking means for linking one of the user's mobile terminals with the device using the linking unit; an operation command output means for outputting an operation command to the device linked to the mobile terminal based on a driving request signal from the mobile terminal after the linking; An equipment control system comprising:

3. A plurality of laundry machines installed in a laundry store and having at least one of a washing function and a drying function; A self-service laundry system including a control device that communicates with mobile terminals of a plurality of users and controls the operation of the laundry equipment in accordance with the communication results, At least one surface of the laundry device is provided with a tying portion, The control device includes: an instruction manual transmission means for identifying a language of a user of the mobile terminal by an international telephone number obtained from the mobile terminal, and transmitting data for displaying an instruction manual for the laundry machine in the identified language to the mobile terminal; a linking unit that links one of the user's mobile terminals with one of the laundry devices using the linking unit; an operation command output means for outputting an operation command to the laundry device linked to the mobile device based on an operation request signal from the mobile device after the linking means has linked the laundry device to the mobile device; A self-laundry system comprising:

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