Coin-operated laundry utilization support system

Abstract

To provide a technique which improves convenience for a user, by assisting the user so that the user can make full use of a coin-operated laundry.SOLUTION: A coin-operated laundry utilization support system SY comprises: a storage unit 20 which stores a laundry apparatus database DB including information on a plurality of coin-operated laundries 1 and a laundry apparatus 11 installed in each coin-operated laundry 1; a laundry information acquisition unit 301 which acquires laundry information L which is information regarding laundry, in a user-side terminal device 3; a laundry apparatus extraction unit 201 which extracts the laundry apparatus 11 suitable for washing the laundry from the laundry apparatus database DB, based on the laundry information L; and a laundry apparatus information notification unit 202 which notifies the terminal device 3 of the extracted laundry apparatus 11 and the coin-operated laundry 1 in which the laundry apparatus is installed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for assisting the use of coin laundry facilities. [Background technology]

[0002] As is well known, a coin laundry is a store that has multiple laundry machines that wash clothes and fabric products in response to a fee. A user visits a coin laundry with their laundry, pays the fee by inserting coins into an available laundry machine, and then inserts their laundry into the laundry machine, which then washes the laundry. When the washing is finished, the user returns to the coin laundry to pick up the washed laundry.

[0003] In this specification, "coin laundry" is not limited to stores that use a system in which laundry machines are operated by inserting coins (so-called coin system), but also includes coin laundry and the like that uses a system in which laundry machines are operated by having a card reader read an IC card or the like that stores a value (so-called cashless system). In addition, in this specification, "laundry" includes various processes performed on clothes and fabric products, such as washing process, drying process, washing and drying process, sterilization process, etc. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-339046 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In recent years, coin laundromats have installed a wide variety of laundry equipment to flexibly meet the needs of a wide variety of users and increase convenience for users. For example, when it comes to washing machines, there are small washing machines with relatively small capacity, large washing machines with relatively large capacity, washing machines with special functions for washing sneakers, futons, etc., and users can choose from these washing machines the capacity that suits their amount of laundry or the special function that suits their purpose, eliminating wasteful washing time and costs, and allowing them to wash items that cannot be washed in a washing machine at home.

[0006] The wide variety of laundry machines installed in coin laundries can only be used effectively if users are able to select the appropriate machine, but currently there are many cases where users are unable to select the appropriate machine, which can actually cause inconvenience and confusion to users. For example, if a user uses a washing machine with a capacity that is too large for the weight of the laundry, it will waste washing time and money. Conversely, if a washing machine with a capacity that is too small for the weight of the laundry is used, there is a risk that the laundry will not be washed sufficiently.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide technology that increases convenience for users by helping them make full and effective use of coin laundries. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention takes the following measures.

[0009] That is, the coin laundry usage support system of the present invention is A storage unit that stores a laundry equipment database including information on a plurality of coin laundries and laundry equipment installed in each coin laundromat; A laundry information acquisition unit that acquires laundry information, which is information related to laundry, in a user's terminal device; a laundry equipment extraction unit that extracts laundry equipment suitable for washing the laundry from the laundry equipment database based on the laundry information; a laundry equipment information notification unit that notifies the terminal device of the extracted laundry equipment and the coin laundry in which the laundry equipment is installed; Equipped with.

[0010] In the coin laundry usage support system of the present invention, The laundry information acquisition unit, displaying a plurality of images corresponding to laundry having different weights on a display unit of the terminal device, accepting a selection of one of the plurality of images from the user, and acquiring, as the laundry information, a weight of the laundry corresponding to the selected image; It is preferable that the laundry machine extraction unit extracts a laundry machine having a capacity corresponding to the weight of the laundry.

[0011] In the coin laundry usage support system of the present invention, a washing time prediction unit that predicts a washing time based on the laundry information; Equipped with It is preferable that the laundry machine information notification unit notifies the terminal device of the predicted washing time.

[0012] In the coin laundry usage support system of the present invention, the laundry equipment database includes an operation schedule for each laundry equipment installed in each of the plurality of coin-operated laundromats; It is preferable that the laundry machine information notification unit notifies the terminal device of an operation schedule of the extracted laundry machine.

[0013] In the coin laundry usage support system of the present invention, a reservation reception unit in the terminal device that receives reservations for the extracted laundry devices; It is preferable to have

[0014] In the coin laundry usage support system of the present invention, a completion time prediction unit for predicting a time required for remaining steps based on an actual time required for some steps at an intermediate stage where a part of the steps has been completed since the start of washing, and predicting an expected completion time of the washing; Equipped with It is preferable that the scheduled end time is reflected in an operation schedule of the laundry machine in the laundry machine database. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, when a user inputs laundry information about his / her laundry into a terminal device, the terminal device is notified of laundry equipment suitable for the laundry and the coin laundry in which the laundry equipment is installed. Therefore, the user can appropriately select the laundry equipment suitable for his / her laundry from the wide variety of laundry equipment installed in each of a plurality of coin laundries. This allows the user to fully utilize the coin laundry, improving the user's convenience.

[0016] For many users, it is not easy to accurately grasp the weight of their laundry, and as a result, they may end up using laundry equipment with an inappropriate capacity for the weight of their laundry. However, according to the present invention, the user simply selects an image that resembles their laundry from multiple images displayed on the terminal device, and is notified of the appropriate laundry equipment with the capacity according to the weight of the laundry. Therefore, by using the notified laundry equipment, it is possible to avoid wasting washing time and money, and insufficient washing.

[0017] According to the present invention, when a user inputs laundry information about his / her laundry into a terminal device, the terminal device is notified of the laundry time. This allows the user to know the laundry time without having to go to a coin laundry, further improving convenience for the user.

[0018] According to the present invention, when a user inputs laundry information about his / her laundry into a terminal device, the terminal device is notified of the appropriate laundry machines as well as their operation schedules. If the operation schedule can be known, a situation where a user goes to a coin laundry with laundry and has to wait because the desired laundry machine is in use can be avoided, and convenience for users is further improved.

[0019] According to the present invention, when a user inputs laundry information about his / her laundry into a terminal device, the terminal device is notified of an appropriate laundry machine, and the user can reserve the laundry machine from the terminal device. By reserving the laundry machine, the user can be sure to use the desired laundry machine at the reserved time, further improving user convenience.

[0020] According to the present invention, the time required for the remaining steps is predicted based on the actual time required for some steps that have already been completed during the washing process, so that the time when the washing will be completed can be accurately predicted. Therefore, an accurate operation schedule of the laundry machine is stored in the laundry machine database, further improving convenience for users. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the overall configuration of a coin laundry usage support system SY according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration realized in the coin laundry usage support system SY. [Diagram 3] A diagram showing the flow of processing executed in the coin laundry usage support system SY. [Figure 4] 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a weight information reception screen 4 displayed on a touch panel 30 of a terminal device 3. FIG. [Diagram 5]13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a weight information reception screen 4 displayed on a touch panel 30 of a terminal device 3. FIG. [Figure 6] 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a weight information reception screen 4 displayed on a touch panel 30 of a terminal device 3. FIG. [Figure 7] 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a category information reception screen 5 displayed on the touch panel 30 of the terminal device 3. FIG. [Figure 8] 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a laundry equipment information display screen 6 displayed on a touch panel 30 of a terminal device 3. FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a reservation reception screen 7 displayed on a touch panel 30 of a terminal device 3. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration realized in a coin laundry usage support system SYa according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] A diagram showing the flow of processing executed in the coin laundry usage support system SYA. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0023] <<First embodiment>> <1. Overall composition> The overall configuration of the coin laundry usage support system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the overall configuration of the coin laundry usage support system SY according to the embodiment.

[0024] The coin laundry usage support system SY is a system for supporting the use of coin laundries 1, and is composed of a plurality of coin laundries 1, a server device 2, and a terminal device 3 held by a user of the coin laundry 1.

[0025] A coin laundry 1 is a store in which multiple laundry machines 11 are installed. Each laundry machine 11 is a machine that washes clothes and fabric products in response to payment of a fee. Multiple types of laundry machines 11 are installed in each coin laundry 1. Specifically, the "multiple types of laundry machines 11" are, for example, laundry machines 11 with different capacities and laundry machines 11 with various special functions. In addition, the "special functions" are, for example, functions for washing special fabric products such as blankets, comforters, sneakers, curtains, etc., functions for realizing special washing modes such as dry cleaning, sterilization, low-temperature drying, etc., etc.

[0026] Each laundry machine 11 has a control unit including a microcomputer. The microcomputer includes a CPU, which is a central processing unit, a memory including a volatile storage device such as a RAM, a storage unit including a non-volatile storage device such as a ROM, a network interface for managing connections via the 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 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 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 terminal device 3 are configured with a touch panel 30.

[0029] Each laundry machine 11, server device 2, and each terminal device 3 installed in each coin laundry 1 are capable of transmitting 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 coin-laundry usage support 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 coin-laundry usage support system SY.

[0031] The terminal device 3 includes a laundry information acquisition unit 301 that acquires information (laundry information) L relating to the user's laundry, a laundry machine information display unit 302 that displays laundry machine information M notified from the server device 2 on the touch panel 30, and a reservation reception unit 303 that accepts reservations for the laundry machine 11 from the user. Each of these units 301 to 303 is realized by installing predetermined application software in a communication terminal device constituting the terminal device 3.

[0032] A laundry equipment database DB is stored in the memory unit 20 of the server device 2. Various information related to each laundry machine 11 installed in each coin laundry 1 is registered in the laundry equipment database DB. That is, each laundry machine 11 installed in each coin laundry 1 is given individual identification information, and specification information for each laundry machine 11, operation schedule for each laundry machine 11, store information for the coin laundry 1 in which each laundry machine 11 is installed, etc. are linked to the identification information of the laundry machine 11 and registered in this laundry equipment database DB. The server device 2 manages this laundry equipment database DB.

[0033] Here, "specification information" refers to information that indicates the specifications of laundry machine 11, and includes information indicating the capacity of laundry machine 11, special functions of laundry machine 11, etc. Furthermore, "operation schedule" refers to the state of laundry machine 11 for each unit of time, and includes information indicating whether laundry machine 11 is in operation, reserved, available, or unavailable for each unit of time. Furthermore, "store information" refers to information about coin laundry 1 in which laundry machine 11 is installed, and includes registered information such as the location of the store, equipment information provided by the store, and advertising text for the store. The equipment information and advertising text can be freely edited by the owner of each coin laundry 1.

[0034] Server device 2 includes a laundry equipment extraction unit 201 that extracts laundry equipment 11 suitable for washing from laundry equipment database DB based on laundry information L, a washing time prediction unit 202 that predicts the time required for washing (washing time) based on laundry information L, and a laundry equipment information notification unit 203 that creates laundry equipment information M including information on laundry equipment 11 extracted by laundry equipment extraction unit 201, the washing time predicted by washing time prediction unit 202, etc., and notifies terminal device 3 of this information. Each of these units 201 to 203 is realized by installing predetermined application software in a personal computer or the like constituting server device 2.

[0035] Each laundry machine 11 installed in each coin laundry 1 has a reservation management unit 101 that manages when a user reserves the laundry machine 11 so that only the user who made the reservation can use the laundry machine 11 during the reserved time period. The reservation management unit 101 is realized by a microcomputer constituting the control unit of the laundry machine 11 executing a program stored in memory.

[0036] <3. Processing flow> Next, the flow of processing executed in the coin laundry usage support system SY will be described with reference to Fig. 3 in addition to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the flow of the processing.

[0037] Step S1: First, the laundry information acquisition unit 301 acquires laundry information L. The laundry information L is information about the user's laundry, and includes weight information La indicating the weight of the laundry, type information Lb indicating the type of laundry, and location information Lc indicating the location where the user wants to do the laundry, in addition to the specification of the type of washing to be done (wash only, dry only, or wash and dry). However, it is sufficient that the laundry information L includes at least one of the weight information La, type information Lb, and location information Lc, and it is not necessary to include all of these information La, Lb, and Lc.

[0038] (Getting weight information La) A mode in which the laundry information acquisition unit 301 acquires the weight information La will be described. To acquire the weight information La, the laundry information acquisition unit 301 displays a weight information reception screen 4 for receiving input of information related to the weight of laundry on the touch panel 30. The weight information reception screen 4 includes tabs 41, 42, and 43 respectively displaying "Specify number of items," "Select from image," and "Specify from number of people / days" (for example, FIG. 4).

[0039] The weight of the laundry can be roughly determined if the type and number of clothes, etc. included in the laundry are known. The "number designation" is to acquire weight information La by accepting input of the type and number of clothes, etc. included in the laundry from the user. That is, when the user selects the tab 41 labeled "number designation", the laundry information acquisition unit 301 causes the touch panel 30 to display a screen (number acceptance screen) 4a (FIG. 4) on which types of clothes, etc. such as towels, bath towels, shirts, etc. are listed and an input box 411 for accepting input of the number of clothes, etc. displayed for each listed item of clothing, etc. are displayed. When the user inputs an arbitrary number in an arbitrary input box 411 and operates the icon 412 labeled "OK", the laundry information acquisition unit 301 calculates the weight of the laundry from the specified type and number of clothes, etc., and acquires it as weight information La.

[0040] The weight of the laundry can also be roughly estimated from the apparent volume. "Select from image" is a method of acquiring weight information La by having the user select one of a plurality of images corresponding to laundry with different volumes. That is, when the user selects tab 42 displaying "Select from image", laundry information acquisition unit 301 displays a screen (image selection screen) 4b on touch panel 30, in which a list of a plurality of images 421 is displayed and radio buttons 422 for accepting the selection of each image 421 are displayed (FIG. 5). Each image 421 corresponds to laundry with a different volume, and the weight of the laundry corresponding to each image is stored in the storage unit. When the user selects any radio button 422 and then operates icon 423 displaying "OK", laundry information acquisition unit 301 accepts the selection of the image and acquires the weight of the laundry corresponding to the selected image as weight information La.

[0041] Also, the amount of laundry that one adult or one child puts out in a day is roughly fixed, and the weight of the laundry can be estimated from this. "Specify from number of people and number of days" is to acquire weight information La by having the user input the number of people who put out the laundry and the number of days. That is, when the user selects tab 43 indicating "Specify from number of people and number of days", laundry information acquisition unit 301 displays a screen (number of people acceptance screen) 4c on touch panel 30, in which input boxes 431 and 432 for accepting input of the number of adults and children, and input box 433 for accepting input of the number of days (FIG. 6). The storage unit stores the average weight of laundry that one adult or one child puts out in a day, and when the user inputs any value in each input box 431 to 433 and operates icon 434 indicating "OK", laundry information acquisition unit 301 calculates the weight of the laundry from the specified number of people and number of days, and acquires it as weight information La.

[0042] (Get type information Lb) Next, a manner in which the laundry information acquisition unit 301 acquires the type information Lb will be described. To acquire the type information Lb, the laundry information acquisition unit 301 displays a type information reception screen 5 on the touch panel 30 to receive input of information related to the type of laundry (FIG. 7). As described above, each laundry device 11 installed in each coin laundry 1 is equipped with various special functions. The type information reception screen 5 displays a list of special fabric products that can be washed by the special functions and special washing modes realized by the special functions. The type information reception screen 5 also displays radio buttons 51 that accept selection of each item displayed in the list. When a user selects any radio button 51 and then operates an icon 52 displayed as "OK", the laundry information acquisition unit 301 acquires the contents of each selected item as type information Lb.

[0043] (Get location information Lc) Next, a manner in which the laundry information acquisition unit 301 acquires the position information Lc will be described. When acquiring the position information Lc, the laundry information acquisition unit 301 uses the GPS function of the terminal device 3 to identify the position of the terminal device 3 and acquires it as the position information Lc. However, the position information Lc may be acquired by accepting an input of the position information from a user via the touch panel 30.

[0044] Step S2: When the laundry information acquisition unit 301 acquires at least one of the weight information La, the type information Lb, and the position information Lc through each of the above-mentioned aspects, it notifies the server device 2 of the acquired information.

[0045] Step S3: When the laundry information L is acquired from the terminal device 3, the server device 2 starts the following process.

[0046] Step S4: First, the laundry equipment extraction unit 201 extracts laundry equipment 11 suitable for washing from the laundry equipment database DB based on the laundry information L acquired from the terminal device 3.

[0047] Specifically, the laundry equipment extraction unit 201 first identifies one or more coin laundries 1 suitable for washing based on the location information Lc included in the laundry information L. Specifically, for example, the laundry equipment extraction unit 201 identifies all coin laundries 1 whose distance from a position defined by the location information Lc is equal to or less than a predetermined value as coin laundries 1 suitable for washing. Then, from each laundry equipment 11 installed in each identified coin laundry 1, it extracts equipment (washing machine, dryer, or washer-dryer) appropriate for the type of washing to be done (first extraction step).

[0048] Next, the laundry machine extraction unit 201 identifies the capacity of the laundry machine 11 suitable for washing based on the weight information La included in the laundry information L. Then, from among the laundry machines 11 extracted in the first extraction step, the laundry machine 11 with the identified capacity is extracted (second extraction step).

[0049] Next, the laundry equipment extraction unit 201 identifies the required special function based on the type information Dc included in the laundry information L. Then, the laundry equipment 11 equipped with the special function is extracted from among the laundry equipment 11 extracted in the second extraction step (third extraction step).

[0050] The laundry equipment suitable for washing is extracted by the above first to third extraction steps. As described above, the laundry information L only needs to include at least one of the weight information La, type information Lb, and location information Lc, and may not include any information. If any information is not included, the extraction step that uses that information is skipped. For example, if type information Lb is not included, the second extraction step is skipped.

[0051] Step S5: Next, the washing time prediction unit 202 predicts the washing time based on the laundry information L acquired from the terminal device 3. Specifically, the washing time prediction unit 202 predicts the washing time based on the weight information La and type information Lb included in the laundry information L. Well-known methods can be used to predict the washing time from the weight and type of laundry.

[0052] Step S6: The laundry equipment information notification unit 203 acquires the identification information of each laundry equipment 11 extracted by the laundry equipment extraction unit 201 in step S4, and the washing time predicted by the washing time prediction unit 202 in step S5. Furthermore, the laundry equipment information notification unit 203 references the laundry equipment database DB to acquire the operation schedule of each extracted laundry equipment 11 and the store information of the coin laundry 1 in which each laundry equipment 11 is installed. Then, the laundry equipment information notification unit 203 generates laundry equipment information M that includes this group of acquired information. The generated laundry equipment information M is then notified to the terminal device 3.

[0053] Step S7: When the laundry machine information M is acquired from the server device 2, the following process is started in the terminal device 3.

[0054] Step S8: First, laundry equipment information display unit 302 causes touch panel 30 to display laundry equipment information display screen 6, which displays laundry equipment information M obtained from server device 2 (FIG. 8). The laundry equipment information display screen 6 displays each piece of information contained in laundry equipment information M. That is, laundry equipment information display screen 6 displays store information 61 of coin laundry 1 in which laundry equipment 11 suitable for washing is installed, identification information 62 of the laundry equipment 11, current operating status 63 of the laundry equipment 11, and washing time 64. By looking at laundry equipment information display screen 6, the user can know which laundry equipment 11 in which coin laundry 1 to use, whether the laundry equipment 11 can be used now, how long the washing will take, etc.

[0055] Step S9: The laundry machine information display screen 6 includes an end instruction icon 65 marked "End" and a reservation instruction icon 66 marked "Reserve." When the user operates the end instruction icon 65, the laundry machine information display unit 302 notifies the server device 2 of this, closes the laundry machine information display screen 6, and ends the process. Furthermore, when a notification is received from the terminal device 3 that the end instruction has been received from the user, the server device 2 also ends the process.

[0056] Step S10: When the user operates the reservation instruction icon 66 displayed on the laundry machine information display screen 6 (YES in step S9), the reservation reception unit 303 accepts a reservation for the laundry machine 11. To accept a reservation from a user, the reservation reception unit 303 first displays the reservation reception screen 7 for accepting the reservation on the touch panel 30 (FIG. 9).

[0057] The reservation reception screen 7 displays an operation schedule table 71 that shows the operation schedule of each laundry device 11 extracted as suitable for washing. The operation schedule table 71 shows the status of each laundry device 11 for each unit time. That is, each laundry device 11 is shown using a mark or the like to show whether it is "available," "reserved," "in operation," or "unavailable" for each unit time. The reservation reception screen 7 also displays a date input box 72 for receiving date input.

[0058] When a user inputs a desired date into the date input box 72, the reservation reception unit 303 creates an operation schedule table 71 for each laundry device 11 for the input date by referring to the laundry equipment information M, and displays this on the reservation reception screen 7.

[0059] In the operation schedule table 71 displayed on the reservation reception screen 7, the mark corresponding to "Available" is an icon that accepts reservation operations. In other words, when a user operates the mark corresponding to "Available" displayed in any time period of any laundry device 11, the reservation reception unit 303 accepts a reservation to use the specified laundry device 11 in the specified time period.

[0060] Step S11: When the reservation reception unit 303 accepts a reservation, it generates reservation information R including the identification information of the reserved laundry machine 11, the identification information of the user who made the reservation, the reservation start time, and the washing time included in the laundry machine information M, and notifies the server device 2 of this information.

[0061] Step S12: When the reservation information R is acquired from the terminal device 3, the server device 2 starts the following process.

[0062] Step S13: First, the server device 2 updates the laundry machine database DB, specifically the operation schedule of the reserved laundry machine 11, based on the information included in the reservation information R acquired from the terminal device 3. That is, the server device 2 sets the scheduled end time to the reservation start time plus the washing time, and sets the status of the laundry machine 11 to "reserved" during the time period from the reservation start time to the scheduled end time. The server device 2 also notifies the reserved laundry machine 11 of the acquired reservation information R.

[0063] Step S14: When the reservation information R is acquired from the server device 2, the laundry machine 11 starts the following process.

[0064] Step S15: First, reservation management unit 101 manages laundry machine 11 so that only the user who made the reservation can use it during the time period related to the reservation. Specifically, reservation management unit 101 locks the door of laundry machine 11 at the reservation start time, and makes it unusable unless the user who made the reservation is identified (for example, by inputting identification information and a password). Also, if a user who has not made a reservation tries to use laundry machine 11 during the time period before the reservation start time, reservation management unit 101 determines whether the scheduled end time of the washing is before the reservation start time or not before starting the washing, and if the scheduled end time is after the reservation start time, a message such as "This washing machine cannot be used because a reservation has been made. Please use another washing machine" is displayed on the operation panel and the washing is prohibited from starting. This ensures that the user who made the reservation can use laundry machine 11 at the reserved time.

[0065] <4. Effects> In the coin laundry usage support system SY according to the above embodiment, a laundry equipment database DB containing information on a plurality of coin laundries 1 and the laundry machines 11 installed in each coin laundry 1 is stored in the memory unit 20 of the server device 2. The coin laundry usage support system SY is equipped with a laundry information acquisition unit 301 in a user's terminal device 3 that acquires laundry information L, which is information related to laundry, a laundry equipment extraction unit 201 that extracts laundry equipment 11 suitable for washing laundry from the laundry equipment database DB based on the laundry information L, and a laundry equipment information notification unit 203 that notifies the terminal device 3 of the extracted laundry equipment 11 and the coin laundry 1 in which the laundry equipment 11 is installed.

[0066] With this configuration, when a user inputs laundry information L about his / her laundry into terminal device 3, a laundry machine 11 suitable for the laundry and the coin laundry 1 in which the laundry machine 11 is installed are notified to the terminal device 3. Therefore, the user can appropriately select the laundry machine 11 suitable for his / her laundry from the wide variety of laundry machines 11 installed in each of the multiple coin laundries 1. This enables the user to make full and effective use of the coin laundry 1, improving user convenience.

[0067] In the coin laundry usage support system SY according to the above embodiment, the laundry information acquisition unit 301 displays a plurality of images 421, each corresponding to laundry of different weights, on the touch panel 30 which is the display unit of the terminal device 3, and accepts a selection of one of the images 421 from the user, and acquires the weight of the laundry corresponding to the selected image 421 as laundry information L. Then, the laundry equipment extraction unit 201 extracts a laundry equipment 11 with a capacity according to the weight of the laundry.

[0068] For many users, it is not easy to accurately grasp the weight of their laundry, and as a result, they may end up using laundry equipment 11 with an inappropriate capacity for the weight of their laundry. However, with the above configuration, the user simply selects an image that resembles their laundry from among the multiple images 421 displayed on the terminal device 3, and is notified of laundry equipment 11 with an appropriate capacity according to the weight of the laundry. Therefore, by using the notified laundry equipment 11, it is possible to avoid wasting washing time and money, and insufficient washing.

[0069] Furthermore, the coin laundry usage support system SY according to the above embodiment includes a washing time prediction unit 202 that predicts the washing time based on the laundry information L. Then, a laundry machine information notification unit 203 notifies the terminal device 3 of the predicted washing time.

[0070] According to this configuration, when a user inputs laundry information L about his / her laundry into the terminal device 3, the washing time is notified to the terminal device 3. Since the washing time can be known without having to go to the coin laundry 1, the convenience for the user is further improved.

[0071] Furthermore, in the coin laundry usage support system SY according to the above embodiment, the laundry equipment database DB contains the operation schedule of each laundry equipment 11 installed in each of the multiple coin laundries 1, and the laundry equipment information notification unit 203 notifies the terminal device 3 of the operation schedule of the extracted laundry equipment 11.

[0072] With this configuration, when a user inputs laundry information L about his / her laundry into terminal device 3, the terminal device 3 is notified of the appropriate laundry machine 11 as well as its operation schedule. If the operation schedule can be known, a situation in which a user goes to a laundromat with laundry and has to wait because the desired laundry machine 11 is in use can be avoided, further improving convenience for the user.

[0073] In addition, in the coin laundry usage support system SY according to the above embodiment, the terminal device 3 is provided with a reservation reception unit 303 that receives reservations for the extracted laundry machines 11.

[0074] With this configuration, when a user inputs laundry information L relating to his / her laundry into terminal device 3, an appropriate laundry machine 11 is notified to terminal device 3, and the user can reserve the notified laundry machine 11 from terminal device 3. By reserving laundry machine 11, the user can be sure to use the desired laundry machine 11 at the reserved time, further improving user convenience.

[0075] <<Second embodiment>> In the above embodiment, the operation schedule of each laundry machine 11 is registered in the laundry machine database DB stored in the memory unit 20 of the server device 2, and the current operation status 63 and operation schedule table 71 of the laundry machine 11 identified based on this are displayed on the touch panel 30 of the user's terminal device 3 (Figures 8 and 9).

[0076] Here, the operation schedule in the laundry machine database DB is updated, for example, as follows: When a wash is started in each laundry machine 11, the control unit of the laundry machine 11 predicts the scheduled end time of the wash by adding a reference required time, which is predefined in the program of the laundry machine, to the start time of the wash. Then, the control unit notifies the server device 2 of the start time and the scheduled end time. Upon receiving the notification, the server device 2 sets the status of the laundry machine 11 to "in operation" for the time period from the start time to the scheduled end time. This updates the laundry machine database DB.

[0077] Even in this embodiment, it is possible to ensure that a sufficiently accurate operation schedule is stored in the laundry equipment database DB. However, according to the second embodiment described below, the accuracy of the operation schedule stored in the laundry equipment database DB can be further improved.

[0078] The coin laundry usage support system SYA according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 10 and 11. Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration realized in the coin laundry usage support system SYA according to the second embodiment. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the flow of processing executed in the coin laundry usage support system SYA. Note that in the following explanation, configurations different from the first embodiment will be explained, and configurations that are the same as those in the first embodiment will be represented by the same reference numerals and explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0079] In the coin-laundry usage support system SYa, each laundry machine 11 has, in addition to a reservation management unit 101, a completion time prediction unit 102 that predicts the completion time of a wash being performed on the laundry machine 11. Similar to the reservation management unit 101, the completion time prediction unit 102 is realized by a microcomputer constituting the control unit of the laundry machine 11 executing a program stored in memory.

[0080] The process flow for updating the operation schedule in the laundry machine database DB in the coin laundry usage support system SYA will be described with reference to FIG.

[0081] Step S101: When washing starts in the laundry machine 11, the end time prediction unit 102 of the laundry machine 11 predicts the scheduled end time of the washing by adding a standard required time that is predefined in the machine's program to the start time of the washing.

[0082] Step S102: When the scheduled end time is acquired, the end time prediction unit 102 notifies the server device 2 of the start time and the scheduled end time together with its own identification information.

[0083] When the server device 2 acquires the start time and the scheduled end time of the washing from the laundry machine 11, the server device 2 updates the laundry machine database DB based on the acquired information. That is, the server device 2 sets the status of the laundry machine 11 to "in operation" during the time period from the start time to the scheduled end time acquired from the laundry machine 11.

[0084] Step S103: Meanwhile, in the laundry machine 11 where washing has started, the end time prediction unit 102 judges whether or not a predetermined process has been completed. The predetermined process is a process arbitrarily selected from a series of processes related to washing. In the following description, the series of processes related to washing is assumed to consist of two washing processes, and the predetermined process is assumed to be the first washing process.

[0085] Step S104: When a predetermined step (i.e., the first washing step) is completed, the end time prediction unit 102 predicts the time required for the remaining step (i.e., the second washing step) based on the time required from the start of washing to the completion of the predetermined step, and based on this, predicts the scheduled end time of the washing.

[0086] Specifically, the end time prediction unit 102 obtains the fluctuation rate by dividing the time required for the first washing step by the reference time required for the first washing step.Then, the end time prediction unit 102 predicts the time required for the second washing step by multiplying the fluctuation rate by the reference time required for the second washing step.Then, the time obtained by adding the predicted time required to the start time of the second washing step is obtained as the scheduled end time.

[0087] In order to obtain a more accurate scheduled end time, the end time prediction unit 102 may calculate the fluctuation rate individually for each process included in the first washing process, i.e., the water supply process, the drainage process, the intermediate spin balance process, etc., and predict the required time for the second washing process as the value obtained by multiplying the standard required time for each process included in the second washing process by the fluctuation rate of the process.

[0088] Step S105: When the scheduled end time is acquired, the end time prediction unit 102 notifies the server device 2 of the scheduled end time again together with its own identification information.

[0089] When the server device 2 receives the re-notification of the scheduled end time from the laundry machine 11, the server device 2 updates the laundry machine database DB again based on the re-notified information. That is, the server device 2 updates the laundry machine database DB so that the status of the laundry machine 11 in the time period until the re-notified scheduled end time becomes "in operation". As a result, the scheduled end time predicted by the end time prediction unit 102 is reflected in the operation schedule of the laundry machine 11 in the laundry machine database DB.

[0090] In this way, in the coin laundry support system SYA according to the embodiment described above, the end time prediction unit 102 predicts the estimated end time of the laundry when some of the steps have been completed after the start of the laundry in the laundry machine 11, by predicting the time required for the remaining steps based on the actual time required for some of the steps. The estimated end time is then reflected in the operation schedule of the laundry machine 11 in the laundry machine database DB.

[0091] With this configuration, the time required for the remaining steps is predicted based on the actual time required for some of the steps that have already been completed during the washing process, so that the time when the washing will finish can be accurately predicted. Therefore, an accurate operation schedule of the laundry machine 11 is stored in the laundry machine database DB. This in turn increases the accuracy of the current operation status 63 and operation schedule table 71 of the laundry machine 11 that are specified based on this. This further improves convenience for the user.

[0092] <<Modifications>> In the laundry machine 11, after the start of washing, the user may instruct an extension process. Typically, the extension process is assumed to be for performing additional drying operation when drying is insufficient. In consideration of the possibility of such an extension process, a message such as "Please note that the start time of washing may be delayed due to an extension of use by the previous user" may be displayed on the reservation reception screen 7 for accepting reservations.

[0093] In addition, when the extension process cuts into the reserved time, the terminal device 3 of the user who made the reservation may be notified of the change. Specifically, when the server device 2 receives a notification from the laundry machine 11 of the change in the scheduled end time due to the extension process and updates the laundry machine database DB, the server device 2 determines whether the time slot that should be changed to "operating" by the notification is currently set to "reserved". If the time slot that should be changed is set to "reserved", the server device 2 may notify the terminal device 3 of the user who made the reservation and display a message such as "The start time of the washing will be delayed by XX minutes due to the extension of the previous user's use" on the touch panel 30 of the terminal device 3. Furthermore, in the terminal device 3 that received the notification, the reservation reception unit 303 may display the reservation reception screen 7 on the touch panel 30, which displays the operation schedule table 71 showing the latest operation status of the laundry machine 11, and accept the change of the reservation from the user.

[0094] In each of the above embodiments, the washing time prediction unit 202 may take into account the specification information of the laundry device 11 extracted in step S4 when predicting the washing time. In this case, the washing time is calculated for each laundry device 11 extracted in step S4, and the washing time for each laundry device 11 is displayed on the laundry device information display screen 6. Therefore, the user can select a laundry device 11 taking the washing time into account.

[0095] In each of the above embodiments, the terminal device 3 is a communication terminal device held by a user of the coin laundry 1, but the terminal device 3 may be a communication terminal device installed in the coin laundry 1 or the like.

[0096] In each of the above embodiments, the washing time prediction unit 202, the reservation reception unit 303, and the reservation management unit 101 are not essential elements, and at least one of them may be omitted.

[0097] In each of the above-described embodiments, at least one of the functional units 201-203 provided in the server device 2 may be implemented in the laundry machine 11 or the terminal device 3. Also, at least one of the functional units 301-303 provided in the terminal device 3 may be implemented in the server device 2 or the laundry machine 11.

[0098] In the second embodiment, the manner in which the end time prediction unit 102 predicts the required time for the remaining steps based on the actual required time from the start of washing to the completion of a predetermined step is not limited to the above example. For example, the end time prediction unit 102 may determine the degree of dryness of the laundry based on information obtained from a sensor or the like provided in the laundry appliance 11 when the drying process for a predetermined time is completed, and predict the time required to completely dry the laundry.

[0099] 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]

[0100] 1. Coin laundry 11 Laundry equipment 101 Reservation Management Department 102 End time prediction unit 2. Server equipment 20 Memory section 201 Laundry machine extraction section 202 Washing Time Prediction Unit 203 Laundry Equipment Information Notification Department 3 Terminal Equipment 30 Touch Panel 301 Laundry information acquisition unit 302 Laundry equipment information display unit 303 Reservations Department SY Coin laundry usage support system DB Laundry Equipment Database L Laundry information M Laundry Equipment Information R Reservation Information

Claims

1. A storage unit that stores a laundry equipment database including information on a plurality of coin laundries and laundry equipment installed in each coin laundromat; A laundry information acquisition unit that acquires laundry information, which is information related to laundry, in a user's terminal device; a laundry equipment extraction unit that extracts laundry equipment suitable for washing the laundry from the laundry equipment database based on the laundry information; a laundry equipment information notification unit that notifies the terminal device of the extracted laundry equipment and the coin laundry in which the laundry equipment is installed; A coin laundry usage support system.

2. The coin laundry usage support system according to claim 1, The laundry information acquisition unit, displaying a plurality of images corresponding to laundry having different weights on a display unit of the terminal device, accepting a selection of one of the plurality of images from the user, and acquiring, as the laundry information, a weight of the laundry corresponding to the selected image; A coin laundry usage support system, wherein the laundry equipment extraction unit extracts laundry equipment with a capacity according to the weight of the laundry.

3. The coin laundry usage support system according to claim 1 or 2, a washing time prediction unit that predicts a washing time based on the laundry information; Equipped with A coin laundry usage support system in which the laundry equipment information notification unit notifies the terminal device of the predicted washing time.

4. The coin laundry usage support system according to claim 1 or 2, the laundry equipment database includes an operation schedule for each laundry equipment installed in each of the plurality of coin-operated laundromats; the laundry machine information notification unit notifies the terminal device of the operation schedule of the extracted laundry machine. Coin laundry usage support system.

5. The coin laundry usage support system according to claim 4, a reservation reception unit in the terminal device that receives reservations for the extracted laundry devices; A coin laundry usage support system.

6. The coin laundry usage support system according to claim 5, a completion time prediction unit for predicting a time required for remaining steps based on an actual time required for some steps at an intermediate stage where a part of the steps has been completed since the start of washing, and predicting an expected completion time of the washing; Equipped with The scheduled end time is reflected in an operation schedule of the laundry equipment in the laundry equipment database. Coin laundry usage support system.

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