Washing machine, agent ordering system, washing machine control method, agent ordering system control method, and management device

Abstract

To provide a washing machine that enables a management device that manages placing orders for agents to grasp which tank stores what type of agent, even when the same agent is stored in different tanks.SOLUTION: A washing machine in the present disclosure includes: a plurality of tanks; an agent automatic supply unit that automatically supplies agents stored in the tanks to a washing tank; and a washing machine communication unit that transmits, for each tank, identification information indicating an identifier of the tank and agent type information indicating a type of the agent supplied by the agent automatic supply unit to a management device that manages ordering of the agent.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cleaning machine, an agent ordering system, a method for controlling a cleaning machine, a method for controlling an agent ordering system, and a management device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for ordering a laundry treatment liquid set on a screen displayed on a terminal device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-130756 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides a cleaning machine, an agent ordering system, a method for controlling a cleaning machine, a method for controlling an agent ordering system, and a management device that enable a management device that manages ordering of agents to know which tank stores what type of agent even when the same agent is stored in different tanks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The cleaning machine of the present disclosure comprises a plurality of tanks, an automatic agent supply unit that automatically supplies the agent stored in the tanks to a cleaning tank, and a cleaning machine communication unit that transmits, for each tank, identification information indicating an identifier of the tank and agent type information indicating the type of agent supplied by the automatic agent supply unit to a management device that manages ordering of the agent.

[0006] In addition, the agent ordering system of the present disclosure is an agent ordering system that orders an agent, comprising a cleaning machine and a management device that manages ordering of an agent to be automatically supplied to the cleaning tank of the cleaning machine, wherein the cleaning machine comprises a plurality of tanks, an automatic agent supply unit that automatically supplies the agent stored in the tanks, and a cleaning machine communication unit that transmits, for each tank, identification information indicating an identifier of the tank and agent type information indicating the type of the agent supplied by the automatic agent supply unit to the management device, and the management device comprises a management device communication unit that receives the identification information and the agent type information from the cleaning machine.

[0007] In addition, the cleaning machine control method of the present disclosure is a control method for a cleaning machine having a plurality of tanks for storing agents, and for each tank, identification information indicating an identifier of the tank and agent type information indicating the type of agent to be automatically supplied to the cleaning tank of the cleaning machine are transmitted to a management device that manages ordering of the agent.

[0008] In addition, a control method for an agent ordering system in the present disclosure is a control method for an agent ordering system that orders an agent to be automatically supplied to a cleaning tank, in which a cleaning machine having a plurality of tanks for storing the agent transmits, for each tank, identification information indicating an identifier of the tank and agent type information indicating the type of the agent, and a management device that manages the ordering of the agent receives the identification information and the agent type information from the cleaning machine.

[0009] In addition, the management device of the present disclosure is a management device that manages ordering of an agent to be automatically supplied to the cleaning tank of a cleaning machine, and is equipped with a management device communication unit that communicates with the cleaning machine having a plurality of tanks for storing the agent, and the management device communication unit receives from the cleaning machine, for each tank, identification information indicating an identifier of the tank and agent type information indicating the type of the agent to be automatically supplied by the cleaning machine. Effect of the Invention

[0010] The cleaning machine, agent ordering system, cleaning machine control method, agent ordering system control method, and management device disclosed herein enable the management device that manages agent ordering to know which tank stores what type of agent, even if the same type of agent is stored in different tanks. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a drug ordering system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an automatic agent supply unit according to a first embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a washing machine according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a terminal device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a washing machine management server according to a first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an order management server according to a first embodiment. [Figure 8] A sequence diagram showing the operation of the washing machine and the washing machine management server in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] A sequence diagram showing the operations of a terminal device, a washing machine management server, and an order management server in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 shows an example of a remaining amount setting screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a brand setting screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] A sequence diagram showing the operations of a terminal device, a washing machine, and a washing machine management server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a washing machine screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 14] A sequence diagram showing the operations of a washing machine, a terminal device, a washing machine management server, and an order management server in the first embodiment. [Figure 15]FIG. 1 shows an example of a notification mode in the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] (The knowledge and other information that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time when the inventors came up with the present disclosure, there was a technology for ordering a laundry treatment liquid set on a screen displayed by a terminal device. Meanwhile, while it is common for each of the multiple tanks of a cleaning machine such as a washing machine or dishwasher to store one type of agent, in recent years, tanks that can store any one type of agent from among multiple types of agents have been considered. However, when different tanks store the same type of agent, the inventors discovered a problem that a management device that manages the ordering of agents, such as the management server of Patent Document 1, cannot grasp which tank stores what type of agent, and in order to solve this problem, the inventors came to constitute the subject of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure provides a cleaning machine, an agent ordering system, a method for controlling a cleaning machine, a method for controlling an agent ordering system, and a management device that enable a management device that manages ordering of agents to know which tank stores what type of agent, even if the same agent is stored in different tanks.

[0013] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, in some cases, more detailed explanations than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or duplicate explanations of substantially the same configurations may be omitted. It should be noted that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0014] (Embodiment 1) [1-1. Configuration] [1-1-1. Configuration of the drug ordering system] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a drug ordering system 1000. The agent ordering system 1000 is a system that automatically orders an agent to be automatically supplied to the washing tub 11 of the washing machine 1. Examples of types of agents ordered by the agent ordering system 1000 include detergent, fabric softener, bleach, and neutral detergent. Examples of automatic ordering include ordering without inquiring of the user P as to whether the order can be executed, ordering when the user P inquires of whether the order can be executed and does not indicate an intention not to purchase, ordering when the user P inquires of whether the order can be executed and indicates an intention to purchase, and so on. The washing machine 1 is an example of a "cleaning machine." The washing tub 11 is an example of a "cleaning tub."

[0015] The agent ordering system 1000 includes a washing machine 1. The washing machine 1 is a device that washes the laundry LA in the washing tub 11. The washing machine 1 may have a function of drying the washed laundry LA. In this embodiment, a drum type washing machine is exemplified as the washing machine 1. FIG. 1 illustrates a case where the washing machine 1 is installed inside the facility H, but the washing machine 1 may be installed outside the facility H.

[0016] The washing machine 1 communicates with a washing machine management server 3 connected to a network NW via a communication device 2. The network NW includes the Internet, a telephone network, and other communication networks.

[0017] The communication device 2 is connected to the network NW and communicates with devices connected to the network NW. The communication device 2 functions as an interface device for connecting the washing machine 1 and the terminal device 4 to the network NW. The communication device 2 establishes a local network in the facility H.

[0018] The drug ordering system 1000 includes a terminal device 4. The terminal device 4 is a PC (Personal Computer) such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. An application program related to the washing machine 1 is installed in the terminal device 4, and the terminal device 4 communicates with the washing machine management server 3 by the function of the application program. In addition, the terminal device 4 has an application program related to setting an order for an agent installed in it, and the terminal device 4 communicates with the order management server 5 by the function of the application program. The order management server 5 is an example of a "management device."

[0019] In the following description, an application program related to setting agent ordering is called a "setting APP" and appropriately expressed as "setting APP421" with the reference number "421". Also, in the following description, an application program related to the washing machine 1 is called a "washing machine APP" and appropriately expressed as "washing machine APP422" with the reference number "422".

[0020] 1, a user P who is inside facility H is indicated by a solid line, and a user P who is outside facility H is indicated by a dotted line. When the terminal device 4 is used by the user P who is inside facility H, it communicates with a device connected to the network NW via the communication device 2 or without the communication device 2. When the terminal device 4 is used by the user P who is outside facility H and cannot establish a communication connection with the communication device 2, it communicates with a device connected to the network NW without the communication device 2.

[0021] The agent ordering system 1000 includes a washing machine management server 3. The washing machine management server 3 is a server device that manages the washing machine 1. An example of an object managed by the washing machine management server 3 is the type of agent stored in the tank 130. The washing machine management server 3 is connected to the network NW, and processes information with the washing machine 1, the terminal device 4, and the order management server 5 as clients.

[0022] The drug ordering system 1000 includes an order management server 5. The order management server 5 is a server device that manages the ordering of drugs. The order management server 5 manages the type of drug to be ordered, the brand of the drug to be ordered, the remaining amount of drug owned by the user P, and the like.

[0023] The order management server 5 places an order for the medicine. When placing the order for the medicine, the order management server 5 performs payment for the purchase of the medicine using the payment method designated by the user P, and also makes a delivery request for the medicine to the delivery company. For example, the order management server 5 sends an email of the delivery request to the delivery company. Upon receiving the delivery request from the order management server 5, the delivery company obtains the medicine to be delivered from the warehouse W and delivers it to the user P.

[0024] [1-1-2. Washing machine configuration] Next, the configuration of the washing machine 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic diagram of the washing machine 1. As shown in FIG.

[0025] The washing machine 1 includes a housing 10, a washing tub 11, a driving motor 12, and an automatic agent supplying unit 13.

[0026] Housing 10 is a member that forms the exterior of washing machine 1. An opening 14 is formed in the front of housing 10. A door 15 for opening and closing opening 14 is provided in the front of housing 10. A water supply port 16 is formed in the upper part of housing 10. Water supply port 16 is a connection port for connecting a hose that supplies water to washing tub 11 via automatic agent supply unit 13. A drain valve 17 is provided in the lower part of housing 10. Drain valve 17 is a valve for draining the washing water stored in washing tub 11 through opening 24.

[0027] The washing tub 11 is composed of an outer tub 18 and an inner tub 19. The outer tub 18 is provided inside the housing 10 and is a substantially cylindrical member having a function of storing washing water. The outer tub 18 may be called a water tub. The outer tub 18 includes a tubular portion 20 and a bottom portion 21 that closes one end of the tubular portion 20. The central axis CA of the outer tub 18 passes through the center of the bottom portion 21 and is an axis that is inclined with respect to the installation surface. The outer tub 18 has an opening 22 formed at a position opposite to the opening 14 of the housing 10. The outer tub 18 has openings 23 and 24 for passing water. The opening 23 is an opening connected to a flow path 25 that connects the automatic agent supply unit 13 and the washing tub 11. The opening 24 is a drain port for draining the washing water in the washing tub 11 to the outside.

[0028] The inner tub 19 is provided inside the outer tub 18 so as to be rotatable about a central axis CA as a rotation axis. The inner tub 19 is a substantially cylindrical member capable of accommodating the laundry LA. The inner tub 19 may be referred to as a drum. The inner tub 19 has a number of through holes 26 formed on its circumferential surface. The through holes 26 connect the inner tub 19 and the outer tub 18, allowing the wash water to move between the inner tub 19 and the outer tub 18. The inner tub 19 has an opening 27 formed at a position opposite the opening 14 of the housing 10 and the opening 22 of the outer tub 18.

[0029] Drive motor 12 is a motor that rotates inner tub 19. Drive motor 12 is driven under the control of washing machine control device 100, which will be described later.

[0030] The automatic agent supply unit 13 is a unit that automatically supplies a predetermined amount of agent from a tank 130 that stores the agent to the washing tub 11. The automatic agent supply unit 13 is provided above the outer tub 18 inside the housing 10. An upper portion of the automatic agent supply unit 13 faces an openable and closable cover 28 provided on the housing 10.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the automatic agent supplying unit 13. As shown in FIG. The automatic agent supply unit 13 includes three tanks 130 , a case 131 , three agent supply devices 132 , an agent supply flow path 133 , a water supply valve 134 , and an input part 135 .

[0032] The case 131 is a member that houses the first tank 130A, the second tank 130B, the third tank 130C, and the input portion 135. Each of the first tank 130A, the second tank 130B, and the third tank 130C is removable from the case 131.

[0033] The first tank 130A, the second tank 130B, and the third tank 130C are each set independently for the type of agent to be stored. In other words, in this embodiment, the first tank 130A, the second tank 130B, and the third tank 130C are allowed to store the same type of agent. For example, in this embodiment, the first tank 130A is allowed to store a detergent, the second tank 130B is allowed to store a fabric softener, and the third tank 130C is allowed to store a detergent.

[0034] The agent supplying device 132 is a device that sucks a predetermined amount of agent from the tank 130 and discharges it to the agent supplying flow path 133. The first agent supplying device 132A is connected to the first tank 130A, sucks a predetermined amount of agent from the first tank 130A, and discharges it to the agent supplying flow path 133. The second agent supplying device 132B is connected to the second tank 130B, sucks a predetermined amount of agent from the second tank 130B, and discharges it to the agent supplying flow path 133. The third agent supplying device 132C is connected to the third tank 130C, sucks a predetermined amount of agent from the third tank 130C, and discharges it to the agent supplying flow path 133.

[0035] The agent supply flow path 133 is a flow path member that supplies water supplied from the water supply port 16 and the agent discharged by the agent supply device 132 to the outer tub 18 via the case 131. The agent supply flow path 133 is connected to a first agent supply device 132A, a second agent supply device 132B, and a third agent supply device 132C.

[0036] The water supply valve 134 is a valve that controls the inflow of water from the water supply port 16. The water that flows in from the water supply port 16 flows into the outer tank 18 via the case 131.

[0037] The dispenser 135 is a mechanism for allowing the user P to dispense an amount of agent for one wash. The agent dispensed in the dispenser 135 flows from the case 131 through the flow path 25 into the outer tub 18.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the washing machine 1. The washing machine 1 is equipped with a washing machine control device 100. The washing machine control device 100 includes a washing machine processor 110 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a washing machine memory 120, and an interface circuit to which other devices and sensors are connected.

[0039] Washing machine memory 120 is a memory that stores programs and data. Washing machine memory 120 stores control program 121, first tank information 122, second tank information 123, third tank information 124, first history information 125, second history information 126, third history information 127, washing machine ID (Identification) 128, and other data processed by washing machine processor 110. Washing machine memory 120 has a non-volatile storage area. Washing machine memory 120 may also have a volatile storage area and constitute a work area for washing machine processor 110. Washing machine memory 120 is constituted by, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0040] The first tank information 122 is information in which contents related to the first tank 130A are recorded. The first tank information 122 has tank number information and agent type information regarding the first tank 130A. The tank number information is information indicating a tank number for identifying the tank 130 in the washing machine 1. The agent type information is information indicating the type of agent. The tank number is an example of a “tank identifier.” The tank number information is an example of “identification information.”

[0041] The second tank information 123 is information in which contents related to the second tank 130B are recorded. Regarding the second tank 130B, the second tank information 123 includes tank number information and agent type information.

[0042] The third tank information 124 is information in which contents related to the third tank 130C are recorded. The third tank information 124 has tank number information and agent type information regarding the third tank 130C.

[0043] The first history information 125 is information indicating the setting history of the type of agent stored in the first tank 130A. Each time the type of agent stored in the first tank 130A is set, the first history information 125 records the date and time when the type of agent was set, and the type of agent after setting. Also, each time the brand of agent stored in the first tank 130A is set, the first history information 125 records the date and time when the type and brand of agent were set, the type of agent after setting, and the brand of agent after setting.

[0044] The second history information 126 is information indicating the setting history of the type of agent stored in the second tank 130B. Each time the type of agent stored in the second tank 130B is set, the second history information 126 records the date and time when the type of agent was set, and the type of agent after setting. Also, each time the brand of agent stored in the second tank 130B is set, the second history information 126 records the date and time when the type and brand of agent were set, the type of agent after setting, and the brand of agent after setting.

[0045] The third history information 127 is information indicating the history of the setting of the type of agent stored in the third tank 130C. Every time the type of agent stored in the third tank 130C is set, the third history information 127 records the date and time when the type of agent was set, and the type of agent after setting. Also, every time the brand of agent stored in the third tank 130C is set, the third history information 127 records the date and time when the type and brand of agent were set, the type of agent after setting, and the brand of agent after setting.

[0046] The washing machine ID 128 is identification information for identifying the washing machine 1. An example of the washing machine ID 128 is the serial number of the washing machine 1.

[0047] The washing machine control device 100 is connected to the washing machine communication unit 101, the operation panel 102, the water supply valve 134, the drive motor 12, the drain valve 17, the first agent supply device 132A, the second agent supply device 132B, and the third agent supply device 132C as devices included in the washing machine 1. Note that other devices such as sensors may also be connected to the washing machine control device 100.

[0048] Washing machine communication unit 101 includes hardware such as a communication circuit conforming to a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with washing machine management server 3 under the control of washing machine processor 110.

[0049] Operation panel 102 is a panel having washing machine touch panel 103, which is a touch panel, operation buttons, etc. Operation panel 102 is disposed above door 15 in housing 10, for example.

[0050] The washing machine processor 110 reads and executes the control program 121 stored in the washing machine memory 120, thereby functioning as a washing machine communication unit 111, a washing execution unit 112, an automatic agent supply unit 113, and an agent setting unit 114. Washing machine communication unit 111 is an example of a "washing machine communication unit."

[0051] Washing machine communication section 111 communicates with washing machine management server 3 via washing machine communication unit 101.

[0052] The washing execution unit 112 controls mechanisms related to washing, such as the water supply valve 134, the drive motor 12, and the drain valve 17, to execute washing.

[0053] When the washing execution unit 112 automatically supplies an agent in the washing, the automatic agent supply unit 113 controls the agent supply device 132 to automatically supply the agent to the washing tub 11.

[0054] The agent setting unit 114 accepts the setting of the type of agent stored in the tank 130 for each tank 130. The setting of the type of agent also includes changing the type of agent. The agent setting unit 114 displays a screen for accepting the setting of the type of agent for each tank 130 (hereinafter referred to as the "agent type screen") on the washing machine touch panel 103.

[0055] When the agent setting unit 114 receives a setting of the type of agent stored in the first tank 130A on the agent type setting screen, it changes the type of agent recorded in the first tank information 122 to the received type of agent. In addition, when the agent setting unit 114 receives a setting of the type of agent stored in the first tank 130A on the agent type setting screen, it records the setting date and time and the type of agent after setting in the first history information 125.

[0056] The brand of agent stored in the first tank 130A is set in the terminal device 4 by a function of the washing machine APP 422. When the brand of agent stored in the first tank 130A is set in the terminal device 4, the agent setting unit 114 records in the first history information 125 the setting date and time, the set brand of agent, and the type of agent corresponding to this brand.

[0057] When the agent setting unit 114 receives the setting of the type of agent stored in the second tank 130B on the agent type setting screen, it changes the type of agent recorded in the second tank information 123 to the received type of agent. In addition, when the agent setting unit 114 receives the setting of the type of agent stored in the second tank 130B on the agent type setting screen, it records the setting date and time and the type of agent after setting in the second history information 126.

[0058] The brand of agent stored in the second tank 130B is set in the terminal device 4 by a function of the washing machine APP 422. When the brand of agent stored in the second tank 130B is set in the terminal device 4, the agent setting unit 114 records in the second history information 126 the setting date and time, the set brand of agent, and the type of agent corresponding to this brand.

[0059] When the agent setting unit 114 receives a setting of the type of agent stored in the third tank 130C on the agent type setting screen, it changes the type of agent recorded in the third tank information 124 to the received type of agent. In addition, when the agent setting unit 114 receives a setting of the type of agent stored in the third tank 130C on the agent type setting screen, it records the setting date and time and the type of agent after setting in the third history information 127.

[0060] The brand of agent stored in the third tank 130C is set in the terminal device 4 by a function of the washing machine APP 422. When the brand of agent stored in the third tank 130C is set in the terminal device 4, the agent setting unit 114 records the setting date and time, the set brand of agent, and the type of agent corresponding to this brand in the third history information 127.

[0061] In addition, in recording the brand of the agent in the washing machine 1, the washing machine management server 3, and the terminal device 4 perform the following information processing. The terminal device 4 acquires the type of agent set in the washing machine 1 from the washing machine management server 3 by the function of the washing machine APP 422, displays a list of the brands of agents that can be set for each acquired type, and accepts the selection of the brand of the agent from the list. The list of the brands of the agent may be acquired from the washing machine management server 3, or may be acquired from an external server different from the washing machine management server 3. When the brand of the agent is selected from the list, the terminal device 4 notifies the washing machine management server 3 of a pair of the tank number of the tank 130 in which the brand of the agent is selected and the brand of the selected agent. When the washing machine management server 3 receives this notification, it generates information in which the tank number, the brand of the agent selected by the terminal device 2, and the type of the agent corresponding to this brand are recorded, and transmits the information to the washing machine 1. Then, based on the information received from the washing machine management server 3, the washing machine 1 records the setting date and time, the brand of the agent that was set, and the type of agent corresponding to this brand in the target history information among the first history information 125, the second history information 126, and the third history information 127.

[0062] [1-1-3. Terminal device configuration] Next, the configuration of the terminal device 4 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the terminal device 4. As shown in FIG. The terminal device 4 includes a terminal control device 400 , a terminal communication unit 401 , and a terminal touch panel 402 .

[0063] The terminal control device 400 includes a terminal processor 410 such as a CPU or MPU, a terminal memory 420, and an interface circuit to which other devices and sensors are connected. A terminal communication unit 401 and a terminal touch panel 402 are connected to the terminal control device 400. Other devices such as sensors may also be connected to the terminal control device 400.

[0064] The terminal memory 420 is a memory that stores programs and data. The terminal memory 420 stores a washing machine APP 422, a setting APP 421, a dedicated ID 423, a washing machine ID 128, and other data to be processed by the terminal processor 410. The terminal memory 420 has a non-volatile storage area. The terminal memory 420 may also have a volatile storage area and constitute a work area for the terminal processor 410. The terminal memory 420 is constituted by, for example, a ROM or a RAM. The dedicated ID 423 is dedicated identification information for accessing the order management server 5 .

[0065] Terminal communication unit 401 includes hardware such as a communication circuit conforming to a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with washing machine management server 3 and order management server 5 under the control of terminal processor 410. The terminal touch panel 402 is a touch panel.

[0066] The terminal processor 410 reads out and executes a setting APP 421 stored in the terminal memory 420, thereby functioning as a first terminal communication unit 411, a first display control unit 412, and a first reception unit 413. First display control unit 412 is an example of a "notification unit."

[0067] The first terminal communication section 411 communicates with the order management server 5 via the terminal communication unit 401 . The first display control unit 412 causes a screen related to setting of ordering a drug to be displayed on the terminal touch panel 402. In the following description, the screen related to setting of ordering a drug will be referred to as a "setting screen" and will be denoted by the symbol "SG". The first reception unit 413 receives various inputs from the user P via the setting screen SG.

[0068] Terminal processor 410 reads out and executes washing machine APP 422 stored in terminal memory 420, thereby functioning as second terminal communication section 414, second display control section 415, and second reception section 416.

[0069] Second terminal communication section 414 communicates with washing machine management server 3 via terminal communication unit 401. The second display control unit 415 causes the terminal touch panel 402 to display a screen related to the washing machine 1. In the following description, the screen related to the washing machine 1 is referred to as a "washing machine screen" and is denoted by the symbol "LG." The second reception unit 416 receives various inputs from the user P via the washing machine screen LG.

[0070] [1-1-4. Configuration of washing machine management server] Next, the configuration of the washing machine management server 3 will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the washing machine management server 3.

[0071] The washing machine management server 3 includes a first server control device 300 and a first server communication unit 301.

[0072] The first server control device 300 includes a first server processor 310 such as a CPU or MPU, a first server memory 320, and an interface circuit to which other devices and sensors are connected.

[0073] First server memory 320 is a memory that stores programs and data. First server memory 320 stores control program 321, washing machine management DB (database) 322, and other data processed by first server processor 310. First server memory 320 has a non-volatile storage area. First server memory 320 may also have a volatile storage area and constitute a work area of ​​first server processor 310. First server memory 320 is constituted by, for example, a ROM or a RAM.

[0074] Washing machine management DB 322 is a database that manages information related to washing machine 1. One record R1 stored in washing machine management DB 322 has a client ID. Record R1 also has washing machine ID 128 for the client ID. Record R1 also has tank number information and agent type information for each tank 130 of washing machine 1 for washing machine ID 128. The client ID is identification information used for the washing machine management server 3 and the order management server 5 to cooperate with each other.

[0075] The first server communication unit 301 includes hardware such as a communication circuit conforming to a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with the washing machine 1, the terminal device 4, and the order management server 5 under the control of the first server control device 300.

[0076] The first server processor 310 reads out and executes a control program 321 stored in the first server memory 320, thereby functioning as a first server communication unit 311 and a first server processing unit 312.

[0077] The first server communication section 311 communicates with the washing machine 1, the terminal device 4, and the order management server 5 via the first server communication unit 301. First server processing unit 312 performs processing relating to washing machine management DB 322.

[0078] [1-1-5. Order Management Server Configuration] Next, the configuration of the order management server 5 will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the order management server 5. As shown in FIG.

[0079] The order management server 5 includes a second server control device 500 and a second server communication unit 501 .

[0080] The second server control device 500 includes a second server processor 510 such as a CPU or MPU, a second server memory 520, and an interface circuit to which other devices and sensors are connected.

[0081] The second server memory 520 is a memory that stores programs and data. The second server memory 520 stores a control program 521, a user management DB 522, an order setting management DB 523, a stock management DB 524, and other data processed by the second server processor 510. The second server memory 520 has a non-volatile storage area. The second server memory 520 may also have a volatile storage area and constitute a work area of ​​the second server processor 510. The second server memory 520 is constituted by, for example, a ROM or a RAM.

[0082] User management DB 522 is a database that manages information related to user P. One record R2 stored in user management DB 522 has a client ID. Record R2 also has delivery destination information for the client ID. Record R2 also has notification information for the client ID. Record R2 also has payment method information for the client ID. Record R2 also has a washing machine ID 128 for the client ID.

[0083] The delivery destination information is information indicating the delivery destination, such as the address of facility H. The notification information is information for notifying the user P of a certain content, such as an address for communicating with an external server that provides a notification service. Examples of such an external server include a server that provides a push notification service and a server that provides an email transmission service. The payment method information is information that indicates the payment method for purchasing the drug.

[0084] Order setting management DB 523 is a database that manages settings related to ordering of agents. One record R3 stored in order setting management DB 523 has a client ID. Record R3 also has a washing machine ID 128 for the client ID. Record R3 also has tank number information, agent type information, brand information, and remaining amount information for each tank 130 of washing machine 1 for washing machine ID 128.

[0085] The brand information is information that indicates the brand of the agent. Note that the brand information included in the record R3 is information used for automatic ordering, and is not information used for automatic supply to the washing machine 1. The remaining amount information is information indicating the remaining amount of agent that the user P possesses.

[0086] The brand management DB 524 is a database for managing information related to the brand of medicine. The brand management DB 524 has a record R4 for each type of medicine. Each record R4 has information on the type of medicine and one or more pieces of brand information.

[0087] The second server communication unit 501 includes hardware such as a communication circuit conforming to a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with the terminal device 4 and the washing machine management server 3 under the control of the second server control device 500.

[0088] The second server processor 510 reads out and executes a control program 521 stored in the second server memory 520, thereby functioning as a second server communication unit 511, a second server processing unit 512, and an order processing unit 513. The second server communication unit 511 is an example of a "management device communication unit."

[0089] Second server communication section 511 communicates with terminal device 4 and washing machine management server 3 via second server communication unit 501.

[0090] The second server processing unit 512 performs processes related to the user management DB 522 , the order setting management DB 523 , and the stock management DB 524 .

[0091] The order processing unit 513 performs processing related to ordering of medicines. That is, the order processing unit 513 determines whether or not to order medicines, and orders medicines when it determines to order medicines.

[0092] Here, the process for ordering the medicine will be described in detail. The order processing unit 513 identifies record R2 to be processed from the user management DB 522. For example, the order processing unit 513 identifies record R2 in which the cumulative usage amount has been updated as the record to be processed. Next, the order processing unit 513 identifies, from the order setting management DB 523, a record R3 having the client ID 423 of the identified record R2. Next, the order processing unit 513 refers to the identified record RR3 and determines whether or not to order the agent for each tank number. More specifically, the order processing unit 513 determines whether or not the remaining amount of the agent recorded in the record R3 for each tank number is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. Then, the order processing unit 513 determines to order the agent for the tank 130 with the tank number where the remaining amount of the agent is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold, and determines not to order the agent for the tank 130 with the tank number where the remaining amount of the agent is not equal to or less than the predetermined threshold.

[0093] When it is determined that the agent is to be ordered, the order processing unit 513 acquires, from the identified record R3, brand information of the agent in the tank 130 having the tank number for which it has been determined that the order is to be placed. Next, the order processing unit 513 performs payment for the purchase of the drug of the brand indicated by the acquired brand information based on the payment method recorded in the identified record R2. The order processing unit 513 also makes a delivery request to the delivery company. The delivery request includes the delivery destination information in the identified record R2 and the brand information acquired from record R3.

[0094] [1-2. Operation] Next, the operation of each unit of the drug ordering system 1000 will be described.

[0095] [1-2-1. Operation related to notification of drug type] In the present embodiment, the type of agent is set for each tank 130 in the washing machine 1. Then, in the present embodiment, the type of agent set in the washing machine 1 is notified to the washing machine management server 3. First, the operation of each unit of the drug ordering system 1000 related to this notification will be described.

[0096] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing the operations of the washing machine 1 and the washing machine management server 3.

[0097] When a predetermined trigger occurs, washing machine communication unit 111 of washing machine 1 transmits washing machine related information to washing machine management server 3 (step SA1). Here, examples of the predetermined trigger include the arrival of a predetermined period for transmitting washing machine related information, or the agent setting unit 114 accepting the setting of the type of agent.

[0098] The washing machine related information includes washing machine ID 128 stored in washing machine memory 120. The washing machine related information also includes a combination of tank number information and agent type information included in first tank information 122, a combination of tank number information and agent type information included in second tank information 123, and a combination of tank number information and agent type information included in third tank information 124.

[0099] When first server communication unit 311 of washing machine management server 3 receives the washing machine-related information, first server processing unit 312 updates washing machine management DB 322 based on the received washing machine-related information (step SA2).

[0100] Step SA2 will now be described in detail. The first server processing unit 312 identifies the record R1 of the washing machine ID 128 included in the washing machine related information from the washing machine management DB 322. Next, the first server processing unit 312 refers to the identified record R1 and the washing machine-related information, and, assuming that the agent type information corresponding to the same tank number information is in an update relationship, updates each of the agent type information held by the identified record R1 to each of the agent type information included in the washing machine-related information.

[0101] [1-2-2. Operations related to drug ordering settings] In this embodiment, in order to automatically order medicines, the user P operates the terminal device 4 to make settings related to ordering medicines. Next, the operation of each unit of the drug ordering system 1000 involved in setting an order for a drug will be described.

[0102] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing operations of terminal device 4, washing machine management server 3, and order management server 5.

[0103] When a predetermined trigger occurs, the first terminal communication unit 411 of the terminal device 4 transmits first transmission request information to the order management server 5 (step SB1). Here, an example of the predetermined trigger is the launching of the setting APP 421.

[0104] The first transmission request information is information requesting the order management server 5 to transmit various information related to the drug. The first transmission request information includes a dedicated ID 423 stored in the terminal memory 420. Note that an access token may be recorded in the first transmission request information instead of the dedicated ID 423.

[0105] When second server communication unit 511 of order management server 5 receives the first transmission request information from terminal device 4, it transmits second transmission request information to washing machine management server 3 (step SB2).

[0106] The second transmission request information is information requesting the washing machine management server 3 to transmit various information related to the agent. The second transmission request information includes a client ID corresponding to the dedicated ID 423 included in the received first transmission request information. The correspondence between the dedicated ID 423 and the client ID is stored in the order management server 5.

[0107] Next, when first server communication unit 311 of washing machine management server 3 receives the second transmission request information, it identifies record R1 of the client ID included in the second transmission request information from washing machine management DB 322 (step SB3).

[0108] Next, the first server communication unit 311 transmits the first response information to the order management server 5 (step SB4).

[0109] The first response information is information indicating a response to the second transmission request information, and includes the washing machine ID 128 of the record R1 identified in step SB3, all of the tank number information of the record R1 identified in step SB3, and all of the agent type information of the record R1 identified in step SB3. Note that the first response information includes the tank number information and the agent type information in correspondence with the record R1.

[0110] Upon receiving the first response information, the second server communication unit 511 of the order management server 5 transmits second response information to the terminal device 4 (step SB5).

[0111] The second response information is information indicating a response to the first transmission request information. The second response information includes the washing machine ID 128 included in the first response information. The second response information also includes all of the tank number information and agent type information included in the first response information while maintaining the correspondence relationship in the first response information.

[0112] Upon receiving the second response information from the order management server 5, the first terminal communication unit 411 of the terminal device 4 transmits third transmission request information to the order management server 5 (step SB6). The third transmission request information is information that requests the order management server 5 to transmit brand information.

[0113] When the second server communication unit 511 of the order management server 5 receives the third transmission request information from the terminal device 4, it reads out all records R4 from the stock management DB 524 (step SB7).

[0114] Next, the second server communication unit 511 transmits the third response information to the terminal device 4 (step SB8). The third response information is information indicating a response to the third transmission request information, and includes all of the records R4 read out in step SB7.

[0115] When the first terminal communication unit 411 of the terminal device 4 receives the third response information from the order management server 5, the first display control unit 412 displays the remaining amount setting screen SG1 based on the received second response information and third response information (step SB9).

[0116] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the remaining amount setting screen SG1. The remaining amount setting screen SG1 is a setting screen SG for setting the remaining amount of the agent.

[0117] The remaining amount setting screen SG1 has a remaining amount input area A1. The remaining amount input area A1 is an area for inputting the remaining amount of agent set in the washing machine 1. The remaining amount input area A1 displays the tank number for each tank 130. In FIG. 10, the number following the word "tank" is the tank number. The remaining amount input area A1 also displays an input field L for inputting the remaining amount of agent for each tank 130.

[0118] 10, the remaining amount setting screen SG1 has a confirm button B1. The confirm button B1 is a software button for confirming the remaining amount of the agent input on the remaining amount setting screen SG1.

[0119] The first display control unit 412 generates the remaining amount setting screen SG1 based on the second response information received from the order management server 5. That is, the first display control unit 412 generates the remaining amount setting screen SG1 that displays the tank number recorded in the second response information.

[0120] On the remaining amount setting screen SG1, the user P inputs the remaining amount of agent held by the user P for each tank 130. Note that the remaining amount held by the user P includes not only the remaining amount of agent stored in the tank 130, but also the remaining amount of agent not stored in the tank 130. After inputting the remaining amounts of agent for the three tanks 130, the user P operates the confirm button B1 to finish setting the remaining amounts of agent on the remaining amount setting screen SG1.

[0121] Returning to the explanation of the sequence diagram of FIG. 9, when the confirm button B1 is operated on the remaining amount setting screen SG1, the first terminal communication unit 411 transmits remaining amount setting request information to the order management server 5 (step SB10).

[0122] The remaining amount setting request information is information requesting the setting of the remaining amount of the agent. The remaining amount setting request information includes washing machine ID 128 stored in terminal memory 420. In addition, the remaining amount setting request information includes tank number information and remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount input in input field L for each tank 130.

[0123] When the second server communication unit 511 of the order management server 5 receives the remaining amount setting request information, the second server processing unit 512 updates the user management DB 522 and the order setting management DB 523 based on the received remaining amount setting request information (step SB11).

[0124] Step SB11 will now be described in detail. Second server processing unit 512 identifies record R2 having washing machine ID 128 of the remaining amount setting request information from user management DB 522. Next, the second server processing unit 512 resets the cumulative usage indicated by the cumulative usage information in the identified record R2 to zero.

[0125] Step SB11 will now be described in detail. The second server processing unit 512 identifies, from the order setting management DB 523, record R3 having the washing machine ID 128 of the remaining amount setting request information. Next, the second server processing unit 512 refers to the identified record R3 and the remaining amount setting request information, and, assuming that the remaining amount information corresponding to the same tank number information is in an update relationship, updates each of the remaining amount information held by the identified record R3 to each of the remaining amount information included in the remaining amount setting request information.

[0126] In this manner, by updating step SB11, each time the remaining amount of the agent is set on the remaining amount setting screen SG1, the cumulative amount of the agent used is reset to zero, and the remaining amount of the agent managed by the order management server 5 is also updated. This allows the order processing unit 513 to properly order the agent.

[0127] When the confirm button B2 is operated on the remaining amount setting screen SG1, the second display control unit 415 displays the brand setting screen SG2 based on the received second response information and third response information (step SB12).

[0128] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the brand setting screen SG2. The brand setting screen SG2 is a setting screen SG for setting the brand of the agent. The brand setting screen SG2 includes a tank selection screen SG21, a type selection screen SG22, and a brand selection screen SG23.

[0129] The tank selection screen SG21 has a tank selection area A2. The tank selection area A2 is an area for selecting one tank 130 from the multiple tanks 130. The tank selection area A2 displays a first selection icon IC1 for selecting the tank 130 for each tank 130. The first selection icon IC1 displays at least the corresponding tank number. In FIG. 11, the number following the word "tank" is the tank number.

[0130] If the display objects of the tank selection area A2 cannot all fit within the display area of ​​the tank selection area A2, the tank selection area A2 displays a scroll bar BR1 as shown in FIG.

[0131] When the first reception unit 413 receives an operation of the first selection icon IC1, the first display control unit 412 switches the display screen from the tank selection screen SG21 to the type selection screen SG22.

[0132] The type selection screen SG22 has a type selection area A3. The type selection area A3 is an area for selecting the type of agent stored in the tank 130 selected on the tank selection screen SG21. The type selection area A3 displays the type of agent stored in the tank 130 selected on the tank selection screen SG21. The type selection area A3 also displays a second selection icon IC2 for each type of agent. The second selection icon IC2 is an icon for selecting the type of agent.

[0133] If the objects to be displayed in the type selection area A3 do not all fit within the display area of ​​the type selection area A3, the type selection area A3 displays a scroll bar BR2 as shown in FIG.

[0134] When the first reception unit 413 receives an operation of the second selection icon IC2, the first display control unit 412 switches the display screen from the type selection screen SG22 to the stock selection screen SG23.

[0135] The brand selection screen SG23 is a screen for selecting a brand of a medicine. The brand selection screen SG23 is a screen that displays a list of brands of the type of medicine indicated by the operated second selection icon IC2. The brand selection screen SG23 in the example of FIG. 11 displays a list of brands of "Medicine A."

[0136] The stock selection screen SG23 has a stock selection area A4. The brand selection area A4 is an area for selecting a brand of medicine. The brand selection area A4 displays a third selection icon IC3 for selecting a brand of medicine for each brand of medicine. When the third selection icon IC3 is selected on the brand selection screen SG23, the display screen on the brand setting screen SG2 switches from the brand selection screen SG23 to the screen before transition to the brand selection screen SG23. When a brand of medicine is selected by selecting the third selection icon IC3, the name of the brand of medicine selected on the brand selection screen SG23 is further displayed on the first selection icon IC1 corresponding to the selected brand of medicine.

[0137] If the display objects in the stock selection area A4 cannot all fit into the display area of ​​the stock selection area A5, the stock selection area A4 displays a scroll bar BR3 as shown in FIG.

[0138] The tank selection screen SG21 and the type selection screen SG22 each have a Confirm button B2. The Confirm button B2 is a software button for confirming the brand of the agent selected on the brand setting screen SG2.

[0139] The second display control unit 415 generates the tank selection screen SG21 based on the second response information received from the order management server 5. That is, the second display control unit 415 generates the tank selection screen SG21 for the tank number recorded in the second response information.

[0140] Furthermore, the second display control unit 415 generates a type selection screen SG22 based on the second response information and the third response information received from the order management server 5. That is, the second display control unit 415 generates a type selection screen SG22 that displays the type of drug for each type of drug recorded in the second response information and displays a second selection icon IC2 for each type of drug recorded in the third response information.

[0141] Furthermore, the second display control unit 415 generates a brand selection screen SG23 based on the third response information received from the order management server 5. That is, the second display control unit 415 generates a brand selection screen SG23 that displays a third selection icon IC3 for each brand of drug recorded in the third response information for each type of drug recorded in the third response information.

[0142] On the brand setting screen SG2, the user P selects the brand for each of the first tank 130A, the second tank 130B, and the third tank 130C. Then, after selecting the brand for each of the three tanks 130, the user P operates the confirm button B2 to end the setting of the agent brand on the brand setting screen SG2.

[0143] Returning to the explanation of the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 9, when the Confirm button B2 is operated on the brand setting screen SG2, the second terminal communication unit 414 transmits brand setting request information to the order management server 5 (step SB13).

[0144] The brand setting request information is information requesting setting of the brand of the agent. The brand setting request information includes washing machine ID 128 stored in terminal memory 420. In addition, the brand setting request information includes tank number information, agent type information, and brand information for each agent whose brand is selected on brand selection screen SG23.

[0145] When the second server communication unit 511 of the order management server 5 receives the brand setting request information from the terminal device 4, the second server processing unit 512 updates the order setting management DB 523 based on the received brand setting request information (step SB14).

[0146] Step SB14 will now be described in detail. The second server processing unit 512 identifies, from the order setting management DB 523, record R3 of the washing machine ID 128 included in the brand setting request information. Next, the second server processing unit 512 updates each of the agent type information and brand information contained in the identified record R2 to each of the agent type information and brand information contained in the brand setting request information. Note that the second server processing unit 512 performs this update by referring to the identified record R2 and the brand setting request information, assuming that agent type information and brand information corresponding to the same tank number information are in an update relationship.

[0147] By updating in step SB14, the brand of the drug set on the brand setting screen SG2 is automatically ordered.

[0148] [1-2-3. Operations related to displaying setting history] The terminal device 4 of the present embodiment can display a setting history, which is a history of settings related to agents received by the washing machine 1. Next, the operation of the drug ordering system 1000 relating to the display of the setting history will be described. FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing operations of the terminal device 4, the washing machine 1, and the washing machine management server 3.

[0149] When a predetermined trigger occurs, the second terminal communication unit 414 of the terminal device 4 transmits the first history request information to the order management server 5 (step SC1). Here, an example of the predetermined trigger is the start-up of the washing machine APP 422.

[0150] The first history request information is information requesting transmission of the setting history to washing machine management server 3. The first history request information includes washing machine ID 128 stored in terminal memory 420.

[0151] When first server communication unit 311 of washing machine management server 3 receives the first history request information, it transmits second history request information to washing machine 1 (step SC2). The second history request information is information requesting washing machine 1 to transmit the setting history. The second history request information includes washing machine ID 128 included in the first history request information.

[0152] When washing machine communication section 111 of washing machine 1 receives the second history request information from washing machine management server 3, washing machine communication section 111 reads first history information 125, second history information 126, and third history information 127 from washing machine memory 120 (step SC3).

[0153] Next, washing machine communication unit 111 transmits fourth response information to washing machine management server 3 (step SC4). The fourth response information is information indicating a response to the second history request information, and includes the three pieces of history information read out in step SC3.

[0154] Next, upon receiving the fourth response information, first server communication unit 311 of washing machine management server 3 transmits fifth response information to terminal device 4 (step SC5). The fifth response information is information indicating a response to the first history request information, and includes the three pieces of history information included in the fourth response information.

[0155] Next, when the second terminal communication unit 414 of the terminal device 4 receives the fifth response information from the washing machine management server 3, the second display control unit 415 displays the washing machine screen LG based on the three pieces of history information included in the received fifth response information (step SC6).

[0156] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the washing machine screen LG. The washing machine screen LG includes a first washing machine screen LG1, a second washing machine screen LG2, and a third washing machine screen LG3. The first washing machine screen LG1 is a screen in a higher hierarchy than the second washing machine screen LG2. The second washing machine screen LG2 is a screen in a higher hierarchy than the third washing machine screen LG3.

[0157] The first washing machine screen LG1 corresponds to the top screen in the washing machine screen LG. The first washing machine screen LG1 has a display button B3 for displaying the setting history. When the first reception unit 413 receives an operation of the display button B3, the second display control unit 415 switches the display screen from the first washing machine screen LG1 to the second washing machine screen LG2.

[0158] The second washing machine screen LG2 is a screen for selecting a tank 130 for displaying the setting history. The second washing machine screen LG2 has a fourth selection icon IC4 for selecting the tank 130 for each tank 130. The tank number is displayed on the fourth selection icon IC4. In FIG. 13, the number following the word "tank" is the tank number. When the first reception unit 413 receives an operation of the fourth selection icon IC4, the second display control unit 415 changes the display screen from the second washing machine screen LG2 to the third washing machine screen LG3.

[0159] The third washing machine screen LG3 is a screen for displaying a list of the setting history. The third washing machine screen LG3 displays a list of the setting history for the tank 130 corresponding to the fourth selection icon IC4 operated on the second washing machine screen LG2.

[0160] Because the setting history can be displayed in this manner, if an inconvenience occurs, such as the ordering of medication not being executed at the appropriate time, User P can easily check the cause of the inconvenience by viewing the setting history, such as whether an incorrect setting was made on the setting screen SG.

[0161] [1-2-4. Operations related to sending usage information] In this embodiment, the washing machine 1 transmits usage information to the order management server 5. Then, the order management server 5 cumulatively counts the usage amount of the agent indicated by the received usage information, and places an order for the agent based on the counted cumulative usage amount.

[0162] Next, the operation of the drug ordering system 1000 related to the transmission of usage information will be described. FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram showing the operations of the washing machine 1, the terminal device 4, the washing machine management server 3, and the order management server 5.

[0163] As shown in FIG. 14, when washing machine 1 and washing machine management server 3 are communicatively connected to each other, washing machine communication unit 111 of washing machine 1 transmits agent-related information every time an agent is automatically supplied (step SD1).

[0164] The agent-related information includes washing machine ID 128 stored in washing machine memory 120. The agent-related information also includes all information contained in tank information corresponding to the type of agent most recently automatically supplied among the tank information stored in washing machine memory 120. The agent-related information also includes usage amount information indicating the usage amount of the agent most recently automatically supplied.

[0165] Next, when the first server communication unit 311 of the washing machine management server 3 receives the agent-related information from the washing machine 1, the first server communication unit 311 transmits the received agent-related information to the order management server 5 (step SD2).

[0166] Next, when the second server communication unit 511 of the order management server 5 receives the agent-related information from the washing machine management server 3, the second server processing unit 512 determines whether the type of agent set in the washing machine 1 is set as the type of agent to be ordered (step SD3).

[0167] Step SD3 will now be described in detail. The second server processing unit 512 identifies the record R3 of the washing machine ID 128 included in the agent-related information from the order setting management DB 523. Next, the second server processing unit 512 determines whether the agent type information in the identified record R3 includes the agent type information in the agent-related information. If the second server processing unit 512 determines that the agent type set in the washing machine 1 is set as the agent type to be ordered, the second server processing unit 512 determines that the agent type set in the washing machine 1 is not set as the agent type to be ordered, if the second server processing unit 512 determines that the agent type set in the washing machine 1 is not set as the agent type to be ordered.

[0168] If it is determined in step SD3 that the type of agent set in the washing machine 1 is set as the type of agent to be ordered, the second server processing unit 512 updates the user management DB 522 based on the received agent-related information (step SD4).

[0169] Step SD4 will now be described in detail. The second server processing unit 512 identifies, from the order setting management DB 523, record R3 having the washing machine ID 128 included in the agent-related information. Next, the second server processing unit 512 refers to the identified record R3 and the agent-related information, and, assuming that the remaining amount information and usage amount information corresponding to the same tank number information are in an update relationship, updates the remaining amount of agent indicated by the remaining amount information in the identified record R3 to an amount obtained by subtracting the usage amount indicated by the usage amount information in the agent-related information.

[0170] If it is determined in step SD3 that all of the agent types set in the washing machine 1 are not set as agent types to be ordered, the second server communication unit 511 transmits notification request information to an external server that provides a notification service (step SD5). The notification request information is information requesting a notification that the type of agent most recently received by the washing machine 1 is not set as the type of agent to be ordered.

[0171] In step SD5, second server communication unit 511 identifies record R2 having washing machine ID 128 included in the received agent-related information from user management DB 522. Then, second server communication unit 511 transmits notification request information to an external server providing a notification service, based on the notification information of identified record R2.

[0172] When the order management server 5 transmits the notification request information, the first display control unit 412 notifies the user that the type of agent most recently received by the washing machine 1 is not set as the type of agent to be ordered (step SD6).

[0173] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the notification mode in step SD6. FIG. 15 illustrates an example in which a notification is sent in the form of a push notification to the effect that the type of agent most recently received by the washing machine 1 is not set as the type of agent to be ordered. 15, second display control unit 415 displays notification information TJ on terminal touch panel 402. Notification information TJ is information notifying that the type of agent most recently received by washing machine 1 is not set as the type of agent to be ordered.

[0174] In this way, by sending a notification in step SD6, user P can easily understand that no settings related to ordering drugs have been made on the setting screen SG, thereby reducing the occurrence of drugs not being ordered at the appropriate time.

[0175] [1-3. Effects, etc.] The washing machine 1 includes a plurality of tanks 130, an automatic agent supply unit 113 that automatically supplies the agent stored in the tanks 130 to the washing tub 11, and a washing machine communication unit 111 that transmits, for each tank 130, tank number information indicating the tank number of the tank 130 and agent type information indicating the type of agent supplied by the automatic agent supply unit 113 to the order management server 5.

[0176] This allows the order management server 5 to obtain the correspondence between the tank number and the type of agent automatically supplied to the washing machine 1. Therefore, even if the same type of agent is stored in different tanks 130, the order management server 5 can know which tank 130 stores what type of agent.

[0177] Washing machine communication unit 111 further transmits to order management server 5 usage amount information indicating the amount of agent used that has been supplied by automatic agent supply unit 113, together with the tank number information and the agent type information.

[0178] This allows the order management server 5 to obtain the correspondence between the tank number, the type of agent automatically supplied to the washing machine 1, and the amount of agent used that was automatically supplied to the washing machine 1. Therefore, even if the same agent is stored in different tanks 130, the order management server can know how much of what type of agent has been used in which tank 130.

[0179] The agent ordering system 1000 includes a washing machine 1 and an order management server 5 that manages orders for an agent to be automatically supplied to the washing tub 11 of the washing machine 1. The washing machine 1 includes a plurality of tanks 130, an automatic agent supply unit 113 that automatically supplies the agent stored in the tanks 130, and a washing machine communication unit 111 that transmits, for each tank 130, tank number information indicating the tank number of the tank 130 and agent type information indicating the type of agent supplied by the automatic agent supply unit 113 to the order management server 5. The order management server 5 includes a second server communication unit 511 that receives the tank number information and the agent type information from the washing machine 1.

[0180] This provides the same effects as those of the washing machine 1 described above.

[0181] The washing machine communication unit 111 further transmits usage amount information indicating the usage amount of the agent supplied by the automatic agent supply unit 113 together with the tank number information and the agent type information to the order management server 5. The second server communication unit 511 receives the tank number information, the agent type information, and the usage amount information from the washing machine 1.

[0182] This provides the same effects as those of the washing machine 1 described above.

[0183] The order management server 5 includes an order processing unit 513 that orders the agent based on the tank number information, agent type information, and usage amount information received by the second server communication unit 511.

[0184] According to this, even if the same type of agent is stored in different tanks 130, the order management server 5 can order the agent by taking into consideration what type of agent and how much has been used in each tank 130.

[0185] The agent ordering system 1000 includes a terminal device 4. The terminal device 4 includes a first display control unit 412 that displays a setting screen SG that accepts settings related to ordering of agents for each tank 130. An order processing unit 513 orders agents based on the settings related to ordering of agents for each tank 130 accepted on the setting screen SG.

[0186] According to this, since drugs can be automatically ordered based on settings related to ordering of drugs, the drugs set on the setting screen SG can be automatically ordered.

[0187] The washing machine 1 includes an agent setting unit 114 that receives, for each tank 130, a setting of the type of agent to be stored in the tank 130. The setting screen SG displays, for each tank 130, the type of agent received by the agent setting unit 114.

[0188] This allows the user to know on the setting screen SG what type of agent is set for which tank 130. This allows the user to easily make settings related to ordering agents for each tank 130.

[0189] The washing machine 1 includes a chemical agent setting unit 114 for each tank 130, which receives settings related to the chemical agent stored in the tank 130. The terminal device 4 includes a second display control unit 415 for each tank 130, which displays a setting history that is a history of settings related to the chemical agent received by the chemical agent setting unit 114.

[0190] This allows the setting history to be displayed, so if an inconvenience occurs, such as the ordering of medication not being executed at the appropriate time, user P can easily check the cause of the inconvenience by viewing the setting history, such as whether an incorrect setting was made on the setting screen SG.

[0191] The agent setting unit 114 receives settings of the type of agent for each tank 130. The setting history includes a history of the type of agent received by the agent setting unit 114.

[0192] This allows the user P to know what types of agent settings the washing machine 1 has accepted in the past. Therefore, if an inconvenience occurs, such as an agent order not being executed at the appropriate time, the user P can more easily investigate the cause of the inconvenience, such as whether the wrong type of agent was set on the setting screen SG, by viewing the setting history.

[0193] The agent setting unit 114 receives settings of agent brands for each tank 130. The setting history includes a history of agent brands received by the agent setting unit 114.

[0194] This allows the user P to know what brand of agent the washing machine 1 has accepted in the past. Therefore, if an inconvenience occurs, such as an agent not being ordered at the appropriate time, the user P can more easily check the cause of the inconvenience, such as whether the wrong brand of agent was set on the setting screen SG, by viewing the setting history.

[0195] The washing machine 1 includes an agent setting unit 114 that receives, for each tank 130, the setting of the type of agent to be stored in the tank 130. The terminal device 4 includes a first display control unit 412 that notifies the user that, when the type of agent most recently received by the agent setting unit 114 for each tank 130 differs from the type of agent set as an agent to be ordered on the setting screen SG, the type of agent most recently received by the washing machine 1 is not set as an agent to be ordered.

[0196] This allows the user P to easily understand that settings related to ordering medicine have not been made on the settings screen SG, thereby reducing the occurrence of medicine being ordered at an inappropriate time.

[0197] A method of controlling a washing machine 1 having a plurality of tanks 130 for storing agents includes transmitting, to an order management server 5, tank number information indicating the tank number of the tank 130 and agent type information indicating the type of agent to be automatically supplied to the washing tub 11 of the washing machine 1 for each tank 130.

[0198] This provides the same effects as those of the washing machine 1 described above.

[0199] In a control method of the agent ordering system 1000 that orders an agent to be automatically supplied to the washing tub 11 of the washing machine 1, the washing machine 1 having a plurality of tanks 130 that store agents transmits tank number information indicating the tank number of the tank 130 and agent type information indicating the type of agent for each tank 130. In addition, in a control method of the agent ordering system 1000, the order management server 5 receives the tank number information and the agent type information from the washing machine 1.

[0200] This provides the same effects as those of the washing machine 1 described above.

[0201] The order management server 5 includes a second server communication unit 511 that communicates with the washing machine 1 that includes a plurality of tanks 130 that store agents. The second server communication unit 511 receives, for each tank 130, tank number information indicating the tank number of the tank 130 and agent type information indicating the type of agent that the washing tub 11 automatically supplies from the washing machine 1.

[0202] This provides the same effects as those of the washing machine 1 described above.

[0203] (Other embodiments) As described above, the above-mentioned first embodiment has been described as an example disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. In addition, it is also possible to combine the components described in the above-mentioned first embodiment to create a new embodiment. Therefore, other embodiments will be exemplified below.

[0204] In the above embodiment, the washing machine 1 is exemplified as the "cleaning machine", but the "cleaning machine" may be a machine that cleans objects with a cleaning agent, such as a dishwasher. If the "cleaning machine" is a dishwasher, the "cleaning tank" corresponds to a tank in which dishes are washed.

[0205] In the above embodiment, a drum type washing machine is exemplified as the washing machine 1, but the washing machine 1 may be a vertical washing machine.

[0206] In the above-described embodiment, the washing machine management server 3 and the order management server 5 are described as separate server devices, but these servers may be configured as the same server device. In addition, the washing machine management server 3 and the order management server 5 may be configured as multiple server devices having different processing contents.

[0207] In the embodiment described above, the remaining amount of the agent is subtracted each time the agent is automatically supplied, and the agent is ordered when the remaining amount falls below a threshold. In another embodiment, the order management server 5 may cumulatively manage the amount of agent used, and may order the agent when the cumulative amount of agent used reaches a predetermined threshold or more.

[0208] In the above-described embodiment, the amount of agent used is notified every time the agent is automatically supplied. In another embodiment, the washing machine 1 may store the usage amount information and transmit the stored usage amount information to the washing machine management server 3 at a predetermined timing.

[0209] In the embodiment described above, the washing machine 1 is configured not to accept the setting of the brand of the agent stored in the tank 130. In another embodiment, the washing machine 1 may be configured to accept the setting of the brand of the agent. In this other embodiment, the brand of the agent accepted by the washing machine 1 is reflected in the history information stored by the washing machine 1.

[0210] In the above-described embodiment, the terminal device 4 uses the function of an external notification service to notify the terminal device 4 that the type of agent most recently received by the washing machine 1 is not set as the type of agent to be ordered. In another embodiment, the order management server 5 does not use an external notification service, but transmits notification request information to the terminal device 4, and the terminal device 4 notifies the terminal device 4 that the type of agent most recently received by the washing machine 1 is not set as the type of agent to be ordered based on the received notification request information. In this other embodiment, the terminal device 4 is not limited to a smartphone or a tablet terminal, and may be a non-portable device such as a television.

[0211] In the embodiment described above, the washing machine 1 is configured to include three tanks 130, but the number of tanks 130 included in the washing machine 1 may be any number equal to or greater than two.

[0212] In the above-described embodiment, the tank number is exemplified as the "tank identifier". However, the "tank identifier" is not limited to a number indicating a sequence, and may be any object capable of identifying the tank 130 at least within the washing machine 1, such as a serial number.

[0213] In the above embodiment, a dedicated application program to be installed is exemplified as a program for implementing each functional unit of the terminal processor 410, but the program may be a browser or the like.

[0214] In the above-described embodiment, the "management device" is exemplified as an order management server 5 connected to a wide area network. In other embodiments, the "management device" may be a device connected to a local network. An example of this device is a device that centrally manages washing machines 1 in a coin laundry.

[0215] In the above-described embodiment, the function of the setting APP 421 is used to send a push notification that the type of agent most recently received by the washing machine 1 is not set as the type of agent to be ordered. However, the manner of notification is not limited to a push notification, and may be other manners such as a notification by e-mail. In this case, the functional unit of the terminal processor 410 that notifies the user that an e-mail has arrived is an example of a "notification unit." In this case, an example of a program that causes the terminal processor 410 to function as a notification unit is an application program for receiving and viewing e-mail.

[0216] Washing machine processor 110, first server processor 310, terminal processor 410, and second server processor 510 may be configured by a single processor or by multiple processors. These processors may be hardware programmed to realize the corresponding functional units. That is, these processors may be configured by, for example, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays).

[0217] The configurations of washing machine 1, washing machine management server 3, terminal device 4, and order management server 5 shown in Figures 4 to 7 are merely examples, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessarily necessary to implement hardware corresponding to each part individually, and it is also possible to implement a configuration in which one processor executes a program to realize the functions of each part. Also, some of the functions realized by software in the above-mentioned embodiment may be hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be software.

[0218] The step units of the operations shown in Figures 8, 9, 12, and 14 are divided according to the main processing contents in order to make the operations easier to understand, and the operation is not limited by the manner in which the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units. The operations may be divided into more step units according to the processing contents. Furthermore, one step unit may be divided so as to include more processing. Furthermore, the order of the steps may be appropriately changed within a range that does not interfere with the purpose of this disclosure.

[0219] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, and the like can be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0220] (Additional Note) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0221] (Technology 1) A cleaning machine comprising a plurality of tanks, an automatic agent supply unit that automatically supplies the agent stored in the tanks to a cleaning tank, and a cleaning machine communication unit that transmits, for each of the tanks, identification information indicating an identifier of the tank and agent type information indicating the type of the agent supplied by the automatic agent supply unit to a management device that manages ordering of the agent. According to this, the management device that manages the ordering of the agent can obtain the correspondence between the tank identifier and the type of agent that is automatically supplied by the cleaning machine. Therefore, even if the same type of agent is stored in different tanks, the management device that manages the ordering of the agent can know which tank stores what type of agent.

[0222] (Technology 2) The cleaning machine described in Technology 1, wherein the cleaning machine communication unit further transmits usage information indicating the amount of the agent supplied by the automatic agent supply unit to the management device together with the identification information and the agent type information. According to this, the management device that manages the ordering of the agent can obtain the correspondence between the tank identifier, the type of agent automatically supplied by the cleaning machine, and the amount of the agent automatically supplied by the cleaning machine used. Therefore, even if the same agent is stored in different tanks, the management device that manages the ordering of the agent can know how much of what type of agent has been used in which tank.

[0223] (Technology 3) A chemical agent ordering system that includes a cleaning machine and a management device that manages the ordering of chemical agents to be automatically supplied to the cleaning tank of the cleaning machine, wherein the cleaning machine includes a plurality of tanks, an automatic chemical agent supply unit that automatically supplies the chemical agent stored in the tanks, and a cleaning machine communication unit that transmits, for each tank, identification information indicating an identifier of the tank and chemical agent type information indicating the type of chemical agent supplied by the automatic chemical agent supply unit to the management device, and the management device includes a management device communication unit that receives the identification information and the chemical agent type information from the cleaning machine. This provides the same effects as the cleaning machine described in Technique 1.

[0224] (Technology 4) The cleaning machine communication unit further transmits usage information indicating the amount of the agent used supplied by the automatic agent supply unit together with the identification information and the agent type information to the management device, and the management device communication unit receives the identification information, the agent type information, and the usage information from the cleaning machine. In this agent ordering system, According to this, the same effect as that of the cleaning machine described in the second technique can be achieved.

[0225] (Technology 5) The drug ordering system according to Technology 4, wherein the management device includes an order processing unit that orders the drug based on the identification information, the drug type information, and the usage amount information received by the management device communication unit. With this, even if the same type of agent is stored in different tanks, the management device can order the agent by taking into consideration what type of agent and how much has been used in each tank.

[0226] (Technology 6) A drug ordering system as described in Technology 5, comprising a terminal device, the terminal device comprising a first display control unit that displays a setting screen that accepts settings related to ordering the drug for each of the tanks, and the order processing unit that orders the drug based on the settings related to ordering the drug for each of the tanks accepted on the setting screen. According to this, since the medicine can be automatically ordered based on the settings related to ordering of the medicine, the medicine set on the setting screen can be automatically ordered.

[0227] (Technology 7) The cleaning machine is provided with a drug setting unit that accepts settings for the type of drug to be stored in the tank for each tank, and the setting screen displays the type of drug accepted by the drug setting unit for each tank. The drug ordering system described in Technology 6. This allows the user to know on the setting screen what type of agent is set in which tank, and therefore the user can easily set up agent ordering for each tank.

[0228] (Technology 8) A drug ordering system as described in Technology 6 or 7, wherein the cleaning machine is provided with a drug setting unit for each tank that accepts settings related to the drug stored in the tank, and the terminal device is provided with a second display control unit for each tank that displays a setting history, which is a history of settings related to the drug accepted by the drug setting unit. This makes it possible to display the setting history, so that if an inconvenience occurs, such as an order for medication not being placed at the appropriate time, the user of the terminal device can easily investigate the cause of the inconvenience by viewing the setting history, such as whether an incorrect setting was made on the setting screen.

[0229] (Technology 9) The agent ordering system described in Technology 8, wherein the agent setting unit accepts settings of the agent type for each tank, and the setting history includes a history of the agent type accepted by the agent setting unit. This allows the user of the terminal device to know what settings of the types of agents the washer has accepted in the past. Therefore, if a problem occurs, such as an agent not being ordered at the appropriate time, the user of the terminal device can more easily investigate the cause of the problem, such as whether the wrong agent type was set on the setting screen, by viewing the setting history.

[0230] (Technology 10) A drug ordering system as described in Technology 9, wherein the drug setting unit accepts settings for the brand of the drug for each tank, and the setting history includes a history of the brands of the drug accepted by the drug setting unit. This allows the user of the terminal device to know what brand of agent the cleaner has accepted in the past. Therefore, if an inconvenience occurs, such as an agent not being ordered at the appropriate time, the user of the terminal device can more easily investigate the cause of the inconvenience, such as whether the wrong brand of agent was set on the setting screen, by viewing the setting history.

[0231] (Technology 11) A drug ordering system described in any one of Technologies 6 to 10, wherein the cleaning machine is provided with a drug setting unit that accepts, for each tank, the setting of the type of drug to be stored in the tank, and the terminal device is provided with a notification unit that, for each tank, if the type of drug most recently accepted by the drug setting unit differs from the type of drug set as an order target on the setting screen, notifies the user that the type of drug most recently accepted by the cleaning machine is not set as an order target. This allows the user of the terminal device to easily understand that settings related to ordering medication have not been made on the settings screen, thereby reducing the occurrence of medication being ordered at an inappropriate time.

[0232] (Technology 12) A method for controlling a cleaning machine having multiple tanks for storing agents, in which, for each tank, identification information indicating an identifier of the tank and agent type information indicating the type of agent to be automatically supplied to the cleaning tank of the cleaning machine are transmitted to a management device that manages ordering of the agent. This provides the same effects as the cleaning machine described in Technique 1.

[0233] (Technology 13) A control method for a chemical ordering system that orders a chemical to be automatically supplied to a cleaning tank, in which a cleaning machine having a plurality of tanks for storing the chemical transmits, for each tank, identification information indicating an identifier of the tank and chemical type information indicating the type of the chemical, and a management device that manages the ordering of the chemical receives the identification information and the chemical type information from the cleaning machine. This provides the same effects as the cleaning machine described in Technique 1.

[0234] (Technology 14) A management device that manages the ordering of an agent to be automatically supplied to the cleaning tank of a cleaning machine, the management device having a management device communication unit that communicates with the cleaning machine having a plurality of tanks for storing the agent, the management device communication unit receiving, for each tank, identification information indicating an identifier of the tank and agent type information indicating the type of the agent to be automatically supplied by the cleaning machine from the cleaning machine. This provides the same effects as the cleaning machine described in Technique 1. [Industrial Applicability]

[0235] As described above, the cleaning machine, agent ordering system, cleaning machine control method, agent ordering system control method, and management device of the present invention can be used in applications where the management device that manages agent ordering is aware of the details related to the agents stored in each tank. [Explanation of symbols]

[0236] 1. Washing machine (cleaning machine) 3. Washing machine management server 4 Terminal Equipment 5. Order management server (management device) 11 Washing tub (cleaning tub) 110 Washing Machine Processor 111 Washing machine communication unit (cleaning machine communication unit) 112 Laundry Department 113 Automatic agent supply unit 114 Agent Setting Section 120 Washing Machine Memory 121 Control Program 122 First Tank Information 123 Second Tank Information 124 3rd Tank Information 125 First History Information 126 Second History Information 127 Third History Information 128 Washing machine ID 130 Tank 130A First Tank 130B No. 2 Tank 130C 3rd Tank 310 First Server Processor 311 First Server Communication Department 312 First server processing section 320 First Server Memory 321 Control Program 322 Washing machine management DB 410 Terminal Processor 411 First terminal communication unit 412 First display control unit (notification unit) 413 First Reception Section 414 Second terminal communication unit 415 Second display control unit 416 Second Reception Section 420 Terminal Memory 421 Settings APP 422 Washing machine APP 423 Client ID 510 Second Server Processor 511 Second server communication unit (management device communication unit) 512 Second Server Processing Unit 513 Order Processing Unit 520 Second Server Memory 521 Control Program 522 Client DB 523 Order Setting Management DB 524 Stock Management DB 1000 Drug ordering system SG settings screen

Claims

1. Several tanks and an automatic agent supply unit that automatically supplies the agent stored in the tank to the cleaning tank; and a cleaning machine communication unit that transmits, for each of the tanks, identification information indicating an identifier of the tank and agent type information indicating the type of the agent supplied by the automatic agent supply unit to a management device that manages orders of the agent. Cleaning machine.

2. The cleaning machine communication unit further transmits usage amount information indicating a usage amount of the agent supplied by the automatic agent supply unit to the management device together with the identification information and the agent type information.

2. The cleaning machine according to claim 1.

3. A cleaning agent ordering system including a cleaning machine and a management device that manages ordering of a cleaning agent to be automatically supplied to a cleaning tank of the cleaning machine, the system including: The cleaning machine includes: Several tanks and an automatic agent supply unit that automatically supplies the agent stored in the tank; a cleaning machine communication unit that transmits, for each of the tanks, identification information indicating an identifier of the tank and agent type information indicating the type of the agent supplied by the automatic agent supply unit to the management device; The management device includes: a management device communication unit that receives the identification information and the agent type information from the cleaning machine; Medication ordering system.

4. the cleaning machine communication unit further transmits usage amount information indicating a usage amount of the agent supplied by the automatic agent supply unit to the management device together with the identification information and the agent type information; the management device communication unit receives the identification information, the agent type information, and the usage amount information from the cleaning machine. The drug ordering system according to claim 3.

5. The management device includes: an order processing unit that orders the agent based on the identification information, the agent type information, and the usage amount information received by the management device communication unit; The drug ordering system according to claim 4.

6. A terminal device is provided, the terminal device includes a first display control unit that displays a setting screen for receiving settings related to ordering the agent for each of the tanks, The ordering processing unit orders the agent based on the setting related to ordering the agent for each tank received on the setting screen. The drug ordering system according to claim 5.

7. The cleaning machine includes an agent setting unit that receives a setting of the type of agent stored in each of the tanks, the setting screen displays the type of agent received by the agent setting unit for each tank; The drug ordering system according to claim 6.

8. The cleaning machine includes an agent setting unit for receiving settings related to the agent stored in each of the tanks, The terminal device includes a second display control unit that displays, for each tank, a setting history that is a history of settings related to the agent received by the agent setting unit. The drug ordering system according to claim 6.

9. The agent setting unit receives a setting of the type of agent for each tank, The setting history includes a history of the type of the agent received by the agent setting unit. The drug ordering system according to claim 8.

10. The agent setting unit receives a setting of the brand of the agent for each of the tanks, The setting history includes a history of the brand of the agent received by the agent setting unit. The drug ordering system according to claim 9.

11. The cleaning machine includes an agent setting unit that receives a setting of the type of agent stored in each of the tanks, The terminal device includes a notification unit that notifies the user that the type of agent most recently accepted by the agent setting unit for each tank is not set as an agent to be ordered when the type of agent most recently accepted by the agent setting unit is different from the type of agent set as an agent to be ordered on the setting screen. The drug ordering system according to claim 6.

12. A method for controlling a cleaning machine having multiple tanks for storing agents, comprising the steps of: transmitting, for each of the tanks, identification information indicating an identifier of the tank and agent type information indicating the type of the agent to be automatically supplied to the cleaning tank of the cleaning machine to a management device that manages ordering of the agent; How to control a cleaning machine.

13. A method for controlling a cleaning agent ordering system that orders a cleaning agent to be automatically supplied to a cleaning tank, comprising: a cleaning machine including a plurality of tanks for storing the agent, transmitting, for each of the tanks, identification information indicating an identifier of the tank and agent type information indicating a type of the agent; a management device that manages ordering of the agent receives the identification information and the agent type information from the cleaning machine; A method for controlling a drug ordering system.

14. A management device for managing orders of agents to be automatically supplied to a cleaning tank of a cleaning machine, a management device communication unit that communicates with the cleaning machine having a plurality of tanks that store the agent; The management device communication unit receiving, for each of the tanks, identification information indicating an identifier of the tank and agent type information indicating a type of the agent to be automatically supplied by the cleaning machine from the cleaning machine; Management device.

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