Laundry equipment

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of increasing a satisfaction level of users of a coin laundry.SOLUTION: A method for collecting a usage fee of a coin laundry comprises: an operation start step of starting a drying operation; an operation ending determination step of determining whether or not to end the drying operation based on dry state of an article to be dried after the drying operation starts; an operation end step of ending the drying operation when determining to end the drying operation at the operation finishing determination step; a usage fee calculation step (step S12) of calculating the usage fee based on operation time from starting to end the drying operation after the operation end step; and a settlement step (step S13) of settling the usage fee.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for collecting usage fees for coin laundry. [Background technology]

[0002] As is well known, a coin laundry is a store that has multiple laundry machines. A user visits a coin laundry, inserts clothes and the like into the laundry machine, and pays a fee by inserting coins into the laundry machine, thereby causing the laundry machine to wash, dry, or wash and dry the clothes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3562580 [Patent Document 2] JP 2017-205480 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As described above, in a typical coin laundry, first, coins are inserted by a user, and then the laundry machine starts to operate. In other words, the usage fee is collected on a prepaid basis. As for the drying operation, the operation time is determined according to the number of coins inserted by the user, and the drying operation is performed for the determined operation time. Therefore, a user who wishes to perform the drying operation must predict the operation time required to dry his / her clothes, etc., and insert the corresponding number of coins. However, the required operation time varies depending on the type and amount of clothes, etc. to be dried, the temperature of the day, the specifications and condition of the laundry machine to be used, etc., and it is very difficult for a general user to correctly predict the required operation time.

[0005] If the number of inserted coins corresponds to a shorter operation time than is required, the drying operation will end before the clothes are sufficiently dried. In this case, the user must insert more coins to perform an additional drying operation, which is inconvenient and frustrating.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide technology that can increase the satisfaction of coin laundry users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention takes the following measures.

[0008] That is, the method for collecting usage fees for a coin laundry of the present invention is as follows: An operation start process for starting a drying operation; an operation end determination step of determining whether or not to end the drying operation based on a drying state of the object to be dried after the drying operation has been started; an operation termination step of terminating the drying operation when it is determined in the operation termination determination step that the drying operation is to be terminated; a usage fee calculation step of calculating a usage fee based on an operation time from when the drying operation is started to when it is ended after the operation ending step; a payment step of paying the usage fee; Equipped with.

[0009] In the coin laundry usage fee collection method of the present invention, a prepayment fee receiving step of receiving a prepayment fee before the operation start step; Equipped with It is preferable that in the usage fee calculation step, a deficiency fee obtained by subtracting the prepaid fee from a fee corresponding to an operation time from the start to the end of a drying operation is calculated as the usage fee.

[0010] In the coin laundry usage fee collection method of the present invention, a setting step for setting a maximum operating time; Equipped with In the operation end determination step, It is preferable to determine that the drying operation is to be terminated when the maximum operation time has elapsed, regardless of the drying state of the object to be dried.

[0011] In the coin laundry usage fee collection method of the present invention, It is preferable that the payment is made by cashless payment.

[0012] In the coin laundry usage fee collection method, In the operation end determination step, It is preferable to unlock a door of the laundry machine so that the user can check the drying status of the items to be dried, and then determine to end the drying operation when an instruction to end the drying operation is obtained from the user.

[0013] In the coin laundry usage fee collection method of the present invention, In the operation end determination step, It is preferable to identify the drying state of the object to be dried using the detection value of a temperature sensor provided in the exhaust pipe of the laundry appliance, and to determine whether or not to terminate the drying operation based on the identified drying state.

[0014] In the coin laundry usage fee collection method of the present invention, The operation end determination step includes: a transition data generating step of generating transition data indicating a transition of a drying state of the object to be dried based on a detection value of a temperature sensor provided in an exhaust pipe of the laundry machine; a display step of displaying the transition data on a display screen of a user's communication terminal; Equipped with In the operation end determination step, It is preferable to determine that the drying operation is to be terminated when an instruction to terminate the drying operation is acquired from the terminal device. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, the drying operation is not performed for the time corresponding to the prepaid usage fee, but the usage fee is calculated and settled according to the actual operation time, so that the user does not have to predict the required operation time before the drying operation starts. In addition, since the end timing of the drying operation is determined based on the actual drying state, it is difficult for the operation time to be longer than necessary or insufficient, and the user is charged an appropriate usage fee. Therefore, it is possible to provide a high level of satisfaction to users of the coin laundry.

[0016] According to the present invention, although a prepaid fee is accepted prior to the start of the drying operation, the actual operation time is determined not from the prepaid fee but from the drying state of the object to be dried. Then, a usage fee equivalent to the shortfall from the prepaid fee is calculated and settled based on the actual operation time. Therefore, even if the prepaid fee corresponds to a time shorter than the required operation time, the drying operation is not uniformly terminated before the object to be dried is sufficiently dried, and the satisfaction of the user is increased.

[0017] According to the present invention, the drying operation is terminated when the maximum operation time has elapsed regardless of the drying condition of the objects to be dried, so the operation time does not exceed the maximum operation time. Therefore, users are not charged excessive usage fees and can use the coin laundry with peace of mind.

[0018] According to the present invention, the payment of the usage fee is made by cashless payment, which improves the convenience of the user. In addition, in the case of cash payment by inserting coins, the operation time corresponding to one coin is set as a unit time, so it is difficult to adjust the operation time in small increments, but in the case of cashless payment, there is no such restriction, so the operation time can be freely adjusted. In addition, the usage fee can be made particularly appropriate.

[0019] According to the present invention, a user can open the door of a laundry machine, actually touch the objects to be dried inside, check the drying state thereof, and end the drying operation at a desired drying state.

[0020] According to the present invention, the determination of whether or not to end the drying operation is based on the drying state determined using the detection value of the temperature sensor installed in the exhaust pipe of the laundry machine, so the user does not need to actually touch the objects to be dried to check their drying state. Therefore, the user does not need to visit a coin laundry to check the drying state, improving user convenience. In addition, the drying operation is not temporarily stopped to allow the user to check the drying state, so the operation time can be shortened accordingly.

[0021] According to the present invention, the user can decide whether or not to end the drying operation based on the transition data showing the transition of the drying state. Therefore, the user can end the drying operation at the desired dryness. In addition, the user does not need to visit a coin laundry to check the drying state, which improves the user's convenience. Furthermore, since the drying operation is not temporarily stopped to allow the user to check the drying state, the operation time can be shortened accordingly. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of an overall configuration of a usage fee collection system SY according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration realized in a usage fee collection system SY. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the overall flow of processing executed in the usage fee collection system SY. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the overall flow of processing executed in the usage fee collection system SY. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a process flow for setting an operation end flag, which is executed in the usage fee collection system SY. [Figure 6]FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration realized in a usage fee collection system SYa according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a process flow for setting an operation end flag, which is executed in the usage fee collection system SYA. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration realized in a usage fee collection system SYb according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a process flow for setting an operation end flag, which is executed in the usage fee collection system SYb. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a process flow for setting an operation end flag, which is executed in the usage fee collection system SYb. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a process flow for setting an operation end flag, which is executed in the usage fee collection system SYb. [Figure 12] 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a reception screen 8 displayed on a touch panel 30 of a user terminal device 3b. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration realized in a usage fee collection system SYc according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overall flow of processing executed in the usage fee collection system SYc. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a process flow for setting an operation end flag, which is executed in the usage fee collection system SYc. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a process flow for setting an operation end flag, which is executed in the usage fee collection system SYc. [Figure 17] 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a reception screen 9 displayed on a touch panel 30 of a user terminal device 3c. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0024] <<First embodiment>> <1. Overall composition> A method for collecting usage fees for a coin laundry according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the overall configuration of a usage fee collection system SY, which is a system for implementing the method for collecting usage fees for a coin laundry according to an embodiment.

[0025] The usage fee collection system SY is a system for collecting usage fees for the coin laundries 1, and is composed of a plurality of coin laundries 1, a server device 2, and a user terminal device 3 held by users of the coin laundries 1.

[0026] The coin laundry 1 is a store in which multiple laundry machines 11 are installed. Each laundry machine 11 is a machine that dries clothes, fabric products, etc., or washes and dries them. Each laundry machine 11 is provided with an operation panel that accepts various operations from users. Each laundry machine 11 also has a control unit that includes a microcomputer. The microcomputer includes a CPU, which is a central processing unit, a memory consisting of a volatile storage device such as RAM, a storage unit consisting of a non-volatile storage device such as ROM, a network interface for managing connections via a communication network N, and the like.

[0027] The server device 2 is configured by a general personal computer including a CPU, a memory, a storage unit, a network interface, a display unit, an input unit, etc., or a workstation that is a computer with higher performance than a general personal computer.

[0028] The user terminal device 3 is a communication terminal device held by a user of the coin laundry 1, and is configured to include a CPU, memory, storage unit, network interface, display unit, input unit, etc., and is capable of realizing general information processing functions. Specific examples of the user terminal device 3 include smartphones, tablet-type communication terminals, mobile phones, and notebook computers. In the following explanation, it is assumed that the display unit and input unit of the user terminal device 3 are configured with a touch panel 30.

[0029] Each laundry machine 11, server device 2, and each user terminal device 3 installed in each coin laundry 1 are capable of sending and receiving data to and from each other via a communication network N such as the Internet.

[0030] <2. Functional blocks> Next, the functional configuration of the usage fee collection system SY will be described with reference to Fig. 2 in addition to Fig. 1. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration realized in the usage fee collection system SY.

[0031] Each laundry machine 11 installed in each coin laundry 1 comprises a start processing unit 101 which performs processing related to the start of operation, a maximum operation time setting unit 102 which sets a maximum drying operation time (hereinafter referred to as "maximum operation time") T, a flag management unit 103 which manages the settings of an operation start flag and an operation end flag, an operation control unit 104 which performs control related to the drying operation, and an operation end determination unit 105 which determines whether or not to end the drying operation. Each functional unit of the laundry machine 11 is realized by a microcomputer which constitutes the control unit of the laundry machine 11 executing a program stored in a memory.

[0032] Server device 2 includes a usage fee calculation unit 201 that calculates a usage fee from the operation time notified by laundry machine 11, and a payment processing unit 202 that performs payment processing for the usage fee. Each functional unit included in server device 2 is realized by installing a predetermined application software in a personal computer constituting server device 2.

[0033] The user terminal device 3 includes a payment information notifying unit 301 that notifies the user of payment details, etc. Each functional unit included in the user terminal device 3 is realized by installing a specific application software in a communication terminal device constituting the user terminal device 3.

[0034] <3. Processing flow> <3-1. Overall flow> Next, the overall flow of the processing executed in the usage fee collection system SY will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figures 3 and 4 are diagrams showing the flow of the processing.

[0035] Step S1: After the power of the laundry equipment 11 is turned on, when a user inputs predetermined user information (e.g., identification information and a password) from an operation panel provided on the laundry equipment 11 and operates the operation start button, the start processing unit 101 accepts the input operation.

[0036] Step S2: Next, the start processing unit 101 notifies the server device 2 of the input user information together with its own machine identification information. The server device 2 checks the notified user information against a customer database stored in the storage unit, and if it matches registered user information, notifies the laundry device 11 of permission to start operation. On the other hand, if the notified user information does not match any registered user information, the server device 2 notifies the laundry device 11 that it is not allowed to start operation. When the start processing unit 101 receives a notification of permission to start operation from the server device 2, it proceeds to processing of step S3. On the other hand, when a notification of not allowing the start of operation is received from the server device 2, the start processing unit 101 displays an error message or the like on the operation panel, and returns to processing of step S1 again.

[0037] Step S3: When receiving a notification of permission to start operation from the server device 2, the start processing unit 101 causes the flag management unit 103 to set the operation start flag to ON.

[0038] Step S4: Furthermore, the start processing unit 101 causes the maximum operation time setting unit 102 to set the maximum operation time T. The maximum operation time setting unit 102 adds a predetermined margin time to a standard operation time that is defined according to the weight of the objects to be dried placed in the drum, and sets the obtained time as the maximum operation time T.

[0039] Step S5: On the other hand, after the power of the laundry device 11 is turned on, the operation control unit 104 determines whether or not the operation start flag is set to ON.

[0040] Step S6: If it is determined that the operation start flag is set to ON, the operation control unit 104 starts to control the drive mechanisms of the drum motor, the fan motor, and the gas burner, thereby starting the operation of each of these units in sequence and starting the drying operation. The operation control unit 104 also starts counting up the operation time.

[0041] Step S7: When the drying operation is started, the operation control unit 104 judges whether or not the operation end flag is set to ON. The process related to setting the operation end flag will be described later.

[0042] Step S8: If it is determined that the operation end flag is set to on, the operation control unit 104 controls the drive mechanisms of the drum motor, the fan motor, and the gas burner to stop the operation of each of these parts in sequence, and ends the drying operation.

[0043] Step S9: After that, the operation control unit 104 stops counting up the operation time, and notifies the server device 2 of the counted operation time, i.e., the operation time from the start to the end of the drying operation. Furthermore, the operation control unit 104 clears the count of the operation time.

[0044] Step S10: Next, the operation control unit 104 causes the flag management unit 103 to set both the operation start flag and the operation end flag to OFF.

[0045] Step S11: Meanwhile, in the server device 2, it is determined whether or not the operation time has been notified from the laundry device 11 that has notified the operation start permission.

[0046] Step S12: When the operation time is notified from the laundry machine 11, the usage fee calculation unit 201 calculates the usage fee based on the notified operation time. Specifically, the usage fee is obtained by multiplying the notified operation time by a predetermined fee per unit time.

[0047] Step S13: Next, the payment processing unit 202 pays the calculated usage fee by cashless payment. Specifically, the payment processing unit 202 refers to the customer database stored in the storage unit, reads the account information registered in association with the user information acquired in step S1, and withdraws the calculated usage fee from the account.

[0048] Step S14: When the payment is completed, the payment processing unit 202 notifies the user terminal device 3 of the payment details (specifically, the paid usage fee). When the user terminal device 3 acquires the notification of the payment details, the payment information notifying unit 301 generates a notification screen displaying the fact that the drying operation has ended and the notified payment details, and displays this on the touch panel 30. By looking at the notification screen displayed on the touch panel 30, the user can know that the drying operation has ended and can also confirm the payment details.

[0049] <3-2. Setting the operation end flag> Next, the flow of processing related to setting of the driving end flag will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the flow of the processing.

[0050] Step S101: When the drying operation is started, the operation end determination unit 105 determines whether or not the maximum operation time T has elapsed, that is, whether or not the elapsed time from the start of operation (elapsed operation time) has exceeded the maximum operation time T. If it is determined that the maximum operation time T has elapsed, the operation end determination unit 105 determines that the drying operation should be terminated, and proceeds to the process of step S107. On the other hand, if it is determined that the maximum operation time T has not elapsed, the process proceeds to the process of step S102.

[0051] Step S102: The user visits the coin laundry 1 at any time after the drying operation has started, and checks the drying state of the items to be dried. Specifically, the user first operates the operation button to instruct unlocking the door of the laundry device 11 that the user is using. If operation of the operation button to instruct unlocking is detected, the process proceeds to step S103. On the other hand, if such operation is not detected, the process returns to step S101.

[0052] Step S103: When an operation of the operation button instructing to unlock the door is detected, the operation control unit 104 accepts the operation and temporarily stops the drying operation. That is, the operation control unit 104 controls the driving mechanisms of the drum motor, the fan motor, and the gas burner to temporarily stop the operation of each of these parts. After that, the operation control unit 104 unlocks the door.

[0053] When the door is unlocked, the user opens the door and touches the object to be dried inside to check its drying state. If the user determines that the object is sufficiently dried, the user operates the operation button to instruct the drying operation to end. On the other hand, if the user determines that the object is not sufficiently dried, the user closes the door again and operates the operation button to instruct the drying operation to resume.

[0054] Step S104: If the operation button for instructing the end of the drying operation is operated, the operation end determination unit 105 determines that the drying operation should be ended, and proceeds to the process of step S107.

[0055] Step S105: On the other hand, if the operation button is operated to instruct the restart of the drying operation, the operation end determination unit 105 determines that the drying operation should not be ended, and proceeds to the process of step S106.

[0056] Step S106: When it is determined that the drying operation should not be ended, the operation end determination unit 105 instructs the operation control unit 104 to restart the drying operation. In response to the instruction, the operation control unit 104 locks the door again and controls the drive mechanisms of the drum motor, the fan motor, and the gas burner to restart the drying operation.

[0057] Step S107: If it is determined that the drying operation should be terminated (i.e., if it is determined that the maximum operation time T has elapsed (YES in step S101), or if an operation button is operated to instruct the end of the drying operation (YES in step S104)), the operation termination determination unit 105 causes the flag management unit 103 to set the operation termination flag to ON. As described above, when the operation termination flag is set to ON, the drying operation is terminated.

[0058] <4. Effects> According to this embodiment, the method includes an operation start process (step S6) for starting the drying operation, an operation end judgment process (steps S101 to S107) for judging whether or not to terminate the drying operation after the drying operation has been started based on the drying state of the object to be dried, an operation end process (step S8) for terminating the drying operation if it is judged in the operation end judgment process that the drying operation should be terminated, a usage fee calculation process (step S12) for calculating a usage fee based on the operating time from when the drying operation is started to when it is terminated after the operation end process, and a payment process (step S13) for paying the usage fee.

[0059] According to this configuration, the drying operation is not performed for a time period corresponding to the prepaid usage fee, but the usage fee is calculated and settled according to the actual operation time, so the user does not have to predict the required operation time before the drying operation starts. In addition, since the timing to end the drying operation is determined based on the actual drying state, it is difficult for the operation time to be longer than necessary or insufficient, and the user is charged an appropriate usage fee. This provides a high level of satisfaction to users of the coin laundry 1.

[0060] This embodiment also includes a setting step (step S4) for setting a maximum operation time. Then, in the operation end determination step, it is determined that the drying operation is to be ended when the maximum operation time has elapsed, regardless of the dryness state of the object to be dried (step S101).

[0061] With this configuration, the drying operation ends when the maximum operation time T has elapsed regardless of the drying condition of the objects to be dried, so the operation time never exceeds the maximum operation time T. Therefore, even if a user forgets to come and check the drying condition, for example, excessive drying operation will not be performed and the user will not be charged an excessive usage fee. Therefore, users can use the coin laundry 1 with peace of mind.

[0062] In addition, in this embodiment, the payment of the usage fee is made by cashless payment, which improves the convenience of the user. In addition, in the case of cash payment by inserting coins, the operation time corresponding to one coin is set as a unit time, so it is difficult to adjust the operation time in small increments, but in the case of cashless payment, there is no such restriction, so the operation time can be freely adjusted. In addition, the usage fee can be made particularly appropriate.

[0063] In this embodiment, in the operation end determination step, the door of the laundry appliance 11 is unlocked to allow the user to check the drying state of the items to be dried (step S103), and then, when an instruction to end the drying operation is obtained from the user, it is determined that the drying operation is to be ended (step S104). With this configuration, the user can open the door of the laundry appliance 11, actually touch the items to be dried inside, check their drying state, and end the drying operation at the desired drying state.

[0064] In this embodiment, after the drying operation is completed, a notification step is performed to notify the user of the completion of the drying operation and the payment details (step S13). Therefore, the user can know that the drying operation is completed and can check the payment details without having to wait at the coin laundry 1.

[0065] <<Second embodiment>> A usage fee collection system SYa according to the second embodiment will be described. Similar to the usage fee collection system SY according to the first embodiment, the usage fee collection system SYa includes a plurality of coin laundromats 1 in which a plurality of laundry machines 11a are installed, a server device 2, and a user terminal device 3. In the following explanation, differences from the first embodiment will be explained. Also, the same elements as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0066] <1. Functional blocks> The functional configuration of the usage fee collection system SYA will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration realized in the usage fee collection system SYA.

[0067] Each laundry machine 11a is provided with a temperature sensor 111 in an exhaust pipe. Each laundry machine 11a further includes, in addition to the above-mentioned functional units 101 to 105, a temperature information acquisition unit 106 that acquires a detection value of the temperature sensor 111, and a dryness state determination unit 107 that determines the dryness state of the object to be dried.

[0068] <2. Processing flow> The overall flow of processing executed in the usage fee collection system SYA according to this embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment (FIGS. 3 and 4). However, in the usage fee collection system SYA, the processing flow relating to setting the operation end flag differs from that of the first embodiment. The processing relating to setting the operation end flag executed in the usage fee collection system SYA will be described below with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the processing flow.

[0069] Step S201: When the drying operation is started, the operation end determination unit 105 determines whether or not the maximum operation time T has elapsed. If it is determined that the maximum operation time T has elapsed, the operation end determination unit 105 determines that the drying operation should be terminated, and proceeds to the processing of step S205. On the other hand, if it is determined that the maximum operation time T has not elapsed, the processing proceeds to the processing of step S202.

[0070] Step S202: Next, the temperature information acquisition unit 106 judges whether or not it has acquired temperature information from the temperature sensor 111 provided in the exhaust pipe. That is, when the drying operation is started, the temperature sensor 111 provided in the exhaust pipe acquires temperature information in the exhaust pipe at a predetermined regular timing (e.g., every minute) and notifies the temperature information acquisition unit 106. If the temperature information acquisition unit 106 acquires the temperature information, the process proceeds to step S203. On the other hand, if the temperature information is not acquired, the process returns to step S201.

[0071] Step S203: The temperature in the exhaust pipe has a correlation with the dryness state of the object to be dried, and the storage unit of the laundry machine 11a stores correlation data that indicates the correlation between the dryness degree of the object to be dried and the temperature in the exhaust pipe. Here, the "dryness degree" is a parameter that quantifies the dryness state (degree of dryness) of the object to be dried, for example, from 0 to 100. When the dryness state determination unit 107 acquires the temperature information, it refers to the correlation data stored in the storage unit and acquires the dryness degree that corresponds to the temperature information. This allows the dryness state of the object to be dried to be identified.

[0072] Step S204: Next, the operation end determination unit 105 determines whether the dryness level identified in step S203 is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold value. The "first threshold value" is a value of dryness level (e.g., 95) corresponding to a dryness state that can generally be regarded as a state in which the object to be dried is sufficiently dried, and is registered in advance in the storage unit. That is, here, it is determined whether the object to be dried is sufficiently dried. When it is determined that the dryness level is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, the operation end determination unit 105 determines that the drying operation should be terminated, and proceeds to the processing of step S205. On the other hand, when it is determined that the dryness level is smaller than the first threshold value, the operation end determination unit 105 determines that the drying operation should not be terminated, and returns to the processing of step S201.

[0073] Step S205: If it is determined that the drying operation should be terminated (i.e., if it is determined that the maximum operation time T has elapsed (YES in step S201), or if it is determined that the dryness is equal to or greater than the first threshold value (YES in step S204)), the operation termination determination unit 105 causes the flag management unit 103 to set the operation termination flag to ON. As described above, when the operation termination flag is set to ON, the drying operation is terminated.

[0074] <3.Effects> In this embodiment, in the operation end determination process (steps S201 to S205), the drying state of the object to be dried is identified using the detection value of the temperature sensor 111 provided in the exhaust pipe of the laundry appliance 11a (steps S202 to S203), and it is determined whether or not to end the drying operation based on the identified drying state (step S204).

[0075] According to this configuration, whether or not to end the drying operation is determined based on the drying state identified using the detection value of the temperature sensor 111 provided in the exhaust pipe of the laundry machine 11a, so the user does not need to actually touch the objects to be dried to check their drying state. Therefore, the user does not need to visit the coin laundry 1 to check the drying state, improving user convenience. Also, since the drying operation is not temporarily stopped to allow the user to check the drying state, the operation time can be shortened accordingly.

[0076] <<Third embodiment>> A fee collection system SYb according to the third embodiment will now be described. As with the fee collection systems SY and SYA according to the first and second embodiments, the fee collection system SYb includes a plurality of coin laundromats 1 in which a plurality of laundry machines 11b are installed, a server device 2, and a user terminal device 3b. In the following explanation, differences from the first and second embodiments will be explained. Also, the same elements as those in the first and second embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0077] <1. Functional blocks> The functional configuration of the usage fee collection system SYb will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration realized in the usage fee collection system SYb.

[0078] Each laundry machine 11b is provided with a temperature sensor 111 in an exhaust pipe. In addition to the above-mentioned functional units 101-107, each laundry machine 11b also includes a transition data generating unit 108 that generates data (transition data) D1 indicating a transition of the dryness state, a predicted data generating unit 109 that generates data (predicted data) D2 indicating a prediction of a future transition of the dryness state, and a data notifying unit 110 that notifies user terminal device 3b of each of these data D1 and D2.

[0079] The user terminal device 3b includes, in addition to the above-mentioned functional unit 301, an end instruction receiving unit 302 that receives an instruction to end the drying operation from the user.

[0080] <2. Processing flow> The overall flow of processing executed in the usage fee collection system SYb according to this embodiment is similar to that of the first and second embodiments (FIGS. 3 and 4). However, in the usage fee collection system SYb, the processing flow relating to setting the operation end flag differs from that of the first and second embodiments. The processing relating to setting the operation end flag executed in the usage fee collection system SYb will be described below with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11. FIGS. 9 to 11 are diagrams showing the processing flow.

[0081] Step S301: When the drying operation is started, the operation end determination unit 105 determines whether or not the maximum operation time T has elapsed. If it is determined that the maximum operation time T has elapsed, the operation end determination unit 105 determines that the drying operation should be terminated, and proceeds to the processing of step S311. On the other hand, if it is determined that the maximum operation time T has not elapsed, the processing proceeds to the processing of step S302.

[0082] Step S302: Next, the temperature information acquisition unit 106 judges whether or not it has acquired temperature information from the temperature sensor 111 provided in the exhaust pipe. If the temperature information acquisition unit 106 has acquired temperature information, the process proceeds to step S303. On the other hand, if the temperature information has not been acquired, the process returns to step S301.

[0083] Step S303: When the temperature information is acquired, the dryness determining unit 107 refers to the correlation data stored in the storage unit and acquires the degree of dryness corresponding to the temperature information, thereby determining the dryness of the object to be dried.

[0084] Step S304: Next, the transition data generating unit 108 judges whether or not the degree of dryness identified in step S303 is equal to or greater than a predetermined second threshold. The "second threshold" is a value of the degree of dryness (e.g., 70) corresponding to a state in which the drying of the object to be dried has progressed to a certain degree, and is registered in advance in the storage unit. That is, here, it is judged whether or not the drying of the object to be dried has progressed to a certain degree. If it is judged that the degree of dryness is equal to or greater than the second threshold, the transition data generating unit 108 judges that transition data D1 should be generated, and proceeds to the processing of step S305. On the other hand, if it is judged that the degree of dryness is smaller than the second threshold, the processing returns to the processing of step S301.

[0085] Step S305: If it is determined that trend data D1 should be generated, the trend data generation unit 108 generates data that chronologically organizes a group of dryness degrees acquired from the start of the drying operation to the present time based on the time when the temperature information corresponding to the dryness degrees was acquired, and acquires this as trend data D1.

[0086] Step S306: The transition of dryness is categorized into several patterns depending on the type of the object to be dried, and a plurality of pattern types of the transition data D1 are stored in advance in the storage unit. When the transition data D1 is acquired in step S305, the prediction data generating unit 109 extracts the pattern that has the highest degree of agreement with the acquired transition data D1 from the plurality of pattern types stored in the storage unit, predicts the future transition of dryness based on the extracted pattern, and generates prediction data D2.

[0087] Step S307: When the transition data D1 and the prediction data D2 are acquired, the data notification unit 110 notifies the user terminal device 3 via the server device 2 of the data D1 and D2.

[0088] Step S401: In the user terminal device 3b, the end instruction receiving unit 302 judges whether or not the transition data D1 and the prediction data D2 have been acquired. When both data D1 and D2 have been acquired, the process proceeds to step S402.

[0089] Step S402: When the transition data D1 and the prediction data D2 are acquired, the end instruction receiving unit 302 generates the reception screen 8 for receiving an end instruction, and causes the touch panel 30 to display the reception screen 8.

[0090] 12 shows an example of the configuration of the reception screen 8. As shown here, the transition data D1 and the prediction data D2 are displayed in a graph format on the reception screen 8. By looking at these data D1 and D2 on the reception screen 8, the user can understand how much drying has progressed at the present time and how the degree of dryness will change in the future.

[0091] The reception screen 8 includes an end icon 81 that displays "End drying" and an end reservation icon 82 that displays "Reserve the end of drying." When reserving the end of drying, an input box 83 is also displayed for inputting a specification for how many minutes after which the drying should end. When the user wants to end the drying immediately, the user operates the end icon 81. When the user wants to reserve the end of drying, the user operates the end reservation icon 82 after specifying a desired time in the input box 83.

[0092] Steps S403 and S404: When the operation of the end icon 81 is accepted, the end instruction accepting unit 302 notifies the laundry device 11b via the server device 2 of the acceptance.

[0093] Steps S405 and S406: On the other hand, if the operation of the end reservation icon 82 is accepted, the end instruction accepting unit 302 notifies the laundry device 11b of that fact via the server device 2 together with the time input in the input box 83 (standby time).

[0094] Step S308: When a notification that the end icon 81 has been operated is acquired, the operation end determination unit 105 determines that the drying operation should be ended, and proceeds to the process of step S311.

[0095] Step S309: On the other hand, if a notification is acquired that the end reservation icon 82 has been operated, the driving end determination unit 105 proceeds to the process of step S310.

[0096] Step S310: When a notification is received that the end reservation icon 82 has been operated, the operation end determination unit 105 starts counting the timer and determines whether the standby time acquired together with the notification has elapsed. If it is determined that the standby time has elapsed, the operation end determination unit 105 determines that the drying operation should be ended, and proceeds to the processing of step S311.

[0097] Step S311: When it is determined that the drying operation should be terminated (i.e., when it is determined that the maximum operation time T has elapsed (YES in step S301), when a notification is obtained that the termination icon 81 has been operated (YES in step S308), or when a notification is obtained that the termination reservation icon 82 has been operated and the specified waiting time has elapsed (YES in step S310)), the operation termination judgment unit 105 causes the flag management unit 103 to set the operation termination flag to on. As described above, when the operation termination flag is set to on, the drying operation is terminated.

[0098] <3.Effects> In this embodiment, the operation end determination step (steps S301 to S311, steps S401 to S406) includes a transition data generating step (steps S302 to S305) of generating transition data D1 indicating a transition of the drying state of the object to be dried based on a detection value of a temperature sensor 111 provided in an exhaust pipe of the laundry appliance 11b, and a display step (step S402) of displaying the transition data D1 on the touch panel 30 which is the display screen of the user terminal device 3 of the user. Then, when an instruction to end the drying operation is acquired from the user terminal device 3, it is determined that the drying operation is to be ended (steps S308, S311).

[0099] According to this configuration, the user can decide whether or not to end the drying operation based on the transition data D1 that indicates the transition of the drying state. Therefore, the user can end the drying operation at the desired dryness. Also, since the user does not need to visit the coin laundry 1 to check the drying state, convenience for the user is improved. Furthermore, since the drying operation is not temporarily stopped to allow the user to check the drying state, the operation time can be shortened accordingly.

[0100] In this embodiment, the operation end determination step (steps S301 to S311, steps S401 to S406) includes a prediction data generating step (step S306) for generating prediction data D2 predicting a future transition of the drying state of the object to be dried based on the transition data D1, and the prediction data D2 is displayed together with the transition data D1 on the touch panel 30 which is the display screen of the user terminal device 3 of the user (step S402). Also, when an instruction to reserve the end of the drying operation is acquired from the user terminal device 3, it is determined that the drying operation is to be ended after a specified waiting time has elapsed (steps S309 to S311).

[0101] According to this configuration, the user can decide whether or not to end the drying operation based on the transition data D1 and the prediction data D2. The user can also schedule the drying operation to end at any time. By looking at the prediction data D2, the user can easily predict the time when the objects to be dried will reach the desired dryness, so the user can easily specify an appropriate waiting time for stopping the drying operation when the objects reach the desired dryness.

[0102] <<Fourth embodiment>> A usage fee collection system SYc according to the fourth embodiment will be described. As with the usage fee collection systems SY, SYa, and SYb according to the first to third embodiments, the usage fee collection system SYc includes a plurality of coin laundromats 1 in which a plurality of laundry machines 11c are installed, a server device 2, and a user terminal device 3c. In the following explanation, differences from the first to third embodiments will be explained. Also, the same elements as those in the first to third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0103] <1. Functional blocks> The functional configuration of the usage fee collection system SYc will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration realized in the usage fee collection system SYc.

[0104] Each laundry machine 11c is provided with a temperature sensor 111 in an exhaust pipe. In addition to the above-mentioned functional units 101-107, each laundry machine 11c is also provided with a dryness notification unit 112 that notifies the user terminal device 3c of the dryness of the object to be dried. In this embodiment, each laundry machine 11c also has a usage fee calculation unit 113 that calculates a usage fee from the operation time and a payment processing unit 114 that performs a payment process for the usage fee.

[0105] The user terminal device 3 c includes a termination instruction receiving unit 302 .

[0106] <2. Processing flow> <2-1. Overall flow> Next, the overall flow of the processing executed in the usage fee collection system SYc will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing the flow of the processing.

[0107] Step S51: After the power of the laundry machine 11 is turned on, the start processing unit 101 accepts a prepaid fee from the user. The prepaid fee is paid, for example, by the user inserting cash (for example, coins) into a payment machine installed in the laundry machine 11 or a payment machine installed in the coin laundry 1.

[0108] Step S52: When the advance payment is accepted and an instruction to start the drying operation is further accepted from the user, the start processing unit 101 causes the flag management unit 103 to set the operation start flag to ON.

[0109] Step S53: The start processing unit 101 also causes the maximum driving time setting unit 102 to set a maximum driving time T, a minimum driving time S, and a notification waiting time M. The maximum driving time setting unit 102 sets the driving time equivalent to the prepaid fee paid in step S51 as the minimum driving time S. The maximum driving time setting unit 102 also sets the time obtained by subtracting a predetermined time (for example, about a few minutes) from the minimum driving time S as the notification waiting time M.

[0110] Step S54: On the other hand, after the power of the laundry apparatus 11 is turned on, the operation control section 104 determines whether or not the operation start flag is set to ON.

[0111] Step S55: If it is determined that the operation start flag is set to ON, the operation control section 104 starts the drying operation. Also, the operation control section 104 starts counting up the operation time.

[0112] Step S56: When the drying operation is started, the operation control unit 104 judges whether or not the operation end flag is set to ON. The process related to setting the operation end flag will be described later.

[0113] Step S57: If it is determined that the operation end flag is set to ON, the operation control unit 104 ends the drying operation.

[0114] Step S58: After that, the operation control unit 104 stops counting up the operation time, calculates the counted operation time, i.e., the operation time from the start to the end of the drying operation, and notifies the usage fee calculation unit 113. Furthermore, the operation control unit 104 clears the count of the operation time.

[0115] Step S59: Next, the operation control unit 104 causes the flag management unit 103 to set both the operation start flag and the operation end flag to OFF.

[0116] Step S60: On the other hand, the usage fee calculation unit 113 calculates the usage fee based on the notified operation time. Specifically, the usage fee is obtained by multiplying the notified operation time by a predetermined fee per unit time, minus the prepaid fee accepted in step S51. This usage fee corresponds to the usage fee for the additional drying operation described later, and is the amount obtained by multiplying the additional operation time by the fee per unit time.

[0117] Step S61: Next, the payment processing unit 114 pays the calculated usage fee (i.e., the usage fee for the additional drying operation) by cashless payment. Specifically, when the user causes a card reader to read an IC card or the like in which a value is stored, the payment processing unit 114 obtains the usage fee for the additional drying operation from the IC card.

[0118] <2-2. Setting the operation end flag> Next, the flow of processing related to setting of the driving end flag will be described with reference to Fig. 15 and Fig. 16. Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 are diagrams showing the flow of the processing.

[0119] Step S601: When the drying operation is started, the operation end determination unit 105 determines whether or not the maximum operation time T has elapsed. If it is determined that the maximum operation time T has elapsed, the operation end determination unit 105 determines that the drying operation should be terminated, and proceeds to the processing of step S611. On the other hand, if it is determined that the maximum operation time T has not elapsed, the processing proceeds to the processing of step S602.

[0120] Step S602: Next, the driving end determination unit 105 determines whether or not the notification waiting time M has elapsed. If it is determined that the notification waiting time M has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S603.

[0121] Step S603: Here, the temperature information acquisition unit 106 acquires temperature information from the temperature sensor 111 provided in the exhaust pipe.

[0122] Step S604: When the temperature information is acquired, the dryness determining unit 107 refers to the correlation data stored in the storage unit and acquires the degree of dryness corresponding to the temperature information, thereby determining the dryness of the object to be dried.

[0123] Step S605: When the dryness degree is acquired, the dryness degree notifying unit 112 notifies the user terminal device 3c via the server device 2 of the identified dryness degree.

[0124] Step S701: In the user terminal device 3c, the end instruction receiving unit 302 judges whether or not the dryness degree has been acquired. When the dryness degree has been acquired, the process proceeds to step S702.

[0125] Step S702: When the dryness level is acquired, the end instruction receiving unit 302 generates the reception screen 9 for receiving an end instruction, and displays it on the touch panel 30.

[0126] FIG. 17 shows an example of the configuration of the reception screen 9. As shown here, the reception screen 9 displays the degree of dryness, which indicates the current drying state of the object to be dried. The reception screen 9 also includes an end icon 91 displaying "Do not perform additional drying" and an additional instruction icon 92 displaying "Perform additional drying". In addition, when an additional drying operation is to be performed, an input box 93 is displayed for receiving a designation of the operation time (additional operation time). When the user wants to end the drying operation without performing an additional drying operation, the user operates the end icon 91. In addition, when the user wants to perform an additional drying operation, the user inputs a desired time in the input box 93 and then operates the additional instruction icon 92.

[0127] Steps S703 and S704: When the operation of the end icon 91 is accepted, the end instruction accepting unit 302 notifies the laundry device 11c via the server device 2 of the acceptance.

[0128] Steps S705 and S706: On the other hand, if the operation of the additional instruction icon 92 is accepted, the end instruction accepting unit 302 notifies the laundry device 11c to that effect via the server device 2 together with the time input in the input box 93 (additional operation time).

[0129] Steps S606 and S607: When the laundry device 11c receives a notification that the end icon 91 has been operated, the operation end determination unit 105 determines that the operation should be ended without performing an additional drying operation. In this case, the operation end determination unit 105 waits for the minimum operation time S to elapse, and then proceeds to the process of step S611.

[0130] Steps S608 and S609: On the other hand, when a notification that the additional instruction icon 92 has been operated is obtained in the laundry device 11c along with a specification of additional operation time, the operation end judgment unit 105 waits for the minimum operation time S to elapse and proceeds to processing of step S610.

[0131] Step S610: When the minimum operation time S has elapsed, the operation end determination unit 105 starts counting the timer and determines whether the specified additional operation time has elapsed. If it is determined that the additional operation time has elapsed, the operation end determination unit 105 determines that the drying operation should be ended, and proceeds to the processing of step S611.

[0132] Step S611: If it is determined that the drying operation should be terminated (i.e., if it is determined that the maximum operation time T has elapsed (YES in step S601), if a notification is obtained that the end icon 91 has been operated and the minimum operation time S has elapsed (YES in step S607), or if a notification is obtained that the additional instruction icon 92 has been operated and the specified additional operation time has elapsed (YES in step S610)), the operation termination judgment unit 105 causes the flag management unit 103 to set the operation termination flag to on. As described above, when the operation termination flag is set to on, the drying operation is terminated.

[0133] <3.Effects> In this embodiment, a prepaid fee receiving step for receiving a prepaid fee is performed (step S51) before the operation start step (step S55). Then, in a usage fee calculation step (step S60), a deficiency fee is calculated by subtracting the prepaid fee from the fee corresponding to the operation time from the start to the end of the drying operation.

[0134] According to this configuration, although the prepaid fee is accepted prior to the start of the drying operation, the actual operation time is determined not from the prepaid fee but from the drying state of the object to be dried. Then, based on the actual operation time, a usage fee equivalent to the shortfall from the prepaid fee (i.e., the usage fee for the additional drying operation) is calculated and settled. Therefore, even if the prepaid fee corresponds to a time shorter than the required operation time, the drying operation is not uniformly terminated before the object to be dried is sufficiently dried, and the satisfaction of the user is increased.

[0135] <<Modifications>> In the first embodiment, after checking the drying state of the items to be dried, the user inputs an instruction to end operation by operating a specific operation button provided on the operation panel of the laundry equipment 11, but instead of this (or in addition), the configuration may be such that the user is able to input the instruction via the user terminal device 3.

[0136] In the second embodiment, the value of the first threshold used to determine whether the object to be dried has been sufficiently dried is registered in advance in the memory unit, but this value may also be set arbitrarily by the user when the drying operation is started.

[0137] In the second embodiment, the dryness degree acquired in step S203 is transmitted to the user terminal device 3, and the notified dryness degree is displayed on the touch panel 30 of the user terminal device 3, and an instruction to end the drying may be received from the user who sees this via the user terminal device 3. In this case, when the user inputs an instruction to acquire the dryness degree via the user terminal device 3, temperature information is acquired (step S202) and the dryness degree is specified (step S203), and the specified dryness degree may be transmitted to the user terminal device 3.

[0138] In the third embodiment, the creation and notification of the prediction data D2 may be omitted. That is, only the transition data D1 may be generated, the transition data D1 may be notified to the user terminal device 3b, and only the transition data D1 may be displayed on the user terminal device 3b.

[0139] In the third embodiment, the timing at which the transition data D1 and the prediction data D2 are generated is determined based on the drying state of the object to be dried, but both data D1 and D2 may be generated in response to an instruction from a user. Specifically, for example, when a user inputs an instruction to generate data via the user terminal device 3, the transition data D1 is generated (step S305) and the prediction data D2 is generated (step S306), and both the generated data D1 and D2 may be displayed on the touch panel 30 of the user terminal device 3.

[0140] In the third embodiment, the user inputs an instruction to end operation via the user terminal device 3b. Alternatively (or in addition), the user may input the instruction by operating a predetermined operation button provided on the operation panel of the laundry equipment 11b.

[0141] In the third embodiment, the value of the second threshold value used in determining whether or not the drying of the object to be dried has progressed to a certain extent may be set arbitrarily by the user at the stage when the drying operation is started.

[0142] In the fourth embodiment, the prepaid fee may be a predetermined amount or an amount arbitrarily selected by the user. The prepaid fee may be paid by reading an IC card or the like in which a value is stored with a card reader.

[0143] In each of the above embodiments, the payment of the usage fee is made by cashless payment, but it may also be made by cash payment.

[0144] In the above embodiments, the usage fee is paid each time the drying operation is performed, but the usage fee may be paid all at once, for example, on a monthly basis. In other words, the total amount of the usage fee for one month may be paid all at once.

[0145] In each of the above embodiments, after the drying operation is completed, it is determined whether the drying operation has been performed normally, and if it is determined that the drying operation has not been performed normally, the payment may not be made. In this case, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the user is charged the usage fee even if the drying operation has not been performed normally due to a malfunction of the laundry equipment 11, 11a, 11b, 11c. In addition, in the case of the conventional prepayment method, if the drying operation has not been performed normally due to a malfunction of the laundry equipment 11, 11a, 11b, 11c, the manager of the coin laundry 1 must refund the usage fee to the user. However, this modified example eliminates such a hassle.

[0146] In the above modification, if there is a time period during which the drying operation is performed normally, the usage fee for only the time during which the drying operation is performed normally may be charged. In this case, even if a malfunction occurs in the laundry device 11, 11a, or 11b during the drying operation, the usage fee for the time during which the drying operation is performed normally may be collected from the user.

[0147] In each of the above embodiments, when using the laundry equipment 11, the user inputs user information from an operation panel provided on the laundry equipment 11. However, this input may also be performed by displaying a screen showing, for example, an identification code (e.g., a QR code (registered trademark), an OCR code, a barcode, etc.) on the touch panel 30 of the user terminal device 3 and having the laundry equipment 11 read the screen.

[0148] In each of the above embodiments, the maximum driving time T may be set by accepting a user's specification of the maximum driving time T. Specifically, for example, the maximum driving time setting unit 102 may accept a specification of a usage fee limit from a user, and set the driving time corresponding to the limit as the maximum driving time T.

[0149] In each of the above embodiments, the maximum operation time T does not necessarily have to be set.

[0150] In each of the above-described embodiments, at least one of the functional units 101 to 114 included in the laundry machines 11, 11a, 11b, and 11c may be realized in the server device 2 or the user terminal devices 3, 3b, and 3c.

[0151] In each of the above embodiments, the user terminal devices 3, 3b, 3c are communication terminal devices held by users of the coin laundry 1, but the user terminal devices 3, 3b, 3c may also be communication terminal devices installed in the coin laundry 1 or the like.

[0152] In each of the above embodiments, it goes without saying that the coin laundry 1 may be equipped with a laundry machine that only washes clothes and fabric products (that is, a laundry machine that does not have a drying function).

[0153] The processes exemplified in the above embodiments may be combined with each other. For example, in the overall process flow according to the fourth embodiment, the setting of the operation end flag may be performed by the processes described in the first to third embodiments.

[0154] Other configurations may also be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Needless to say, the configurations exemplified in the respective embodiments may also be partially combined with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0155] 1. Coin laundry 11,11a,11b,11c Laundry equipment 111 Temperature Sensor 101 Start processing unit 102 Flag Management Department 103 Maximum operation time setting section 104 Operation control unit 105 Operation end decision unit 106 Temperature information acquisition section 107 Dryness Specification Section 108 Transition Data Generation Unit 109 Prediction Data Generation Unit 110 Data notification section 112 Dryness notification section 113 Usage Fee Calculation Department 115 Payment Processing Unit 2. Server equipment 201 Usage Fee Calculation Department 202 Payment Processing Unit 3,3b Terminal device 30 Touch Panel 301 Payment Information Notification Department 302 Termination Instruction Reception Department SY,SYa,SYb,SYc Usage fee collection system

Claims

[Claim 1] An operation start process for starting a drying operation; an operation end determination step of determining whether or not to end the drying operation based on a drying state of the object to be dried after the drying operation has been started; an operation termination step of terminating the drying operation when it is determined in the operation termination determination step that the drying operation is to be terminated; a usage fee calculation step of calculating a usage fee based on an operation time from when the drying operation is started to when it is ended after the operation ending step; a payment step of paying the usage fee; A method for collecting fees for using a coin laundry, comprising:

Images