Automatic operation device management device, and automatic operation device management system

Abstract

To provide an automatic operation device management system which notifies a notification destination designated by a user of an end notification of an operation of an automatic operation device such as a laundry device in a coin-operated laundry.SOLUTION: A store management device 1 connected to a plurality of laundry devices 2, 3, and 4 arranged in a store is connected to a management server 6 via a network 5. A user terminal 7 operated by a user scans a two-dimensional code and acquires store information and access destination information to the management server 6 included in the two-dimensional code, then accesses the access destination. The user terminal 7 is guided to a Web page in which the store is specified via the access destination, wherein the laundry devices 2, 3, and 4 in the store are selectively displayed, a laundry device to be a notification object is selected therefrom, and a notification destination is registered. In response to the detection of the end of the operation of the laundry device, an end notification is transmitted to the registered notification destination.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic operating equipment management device for managing a plurality of automatic operating equipment, and an automatic operating equipment management system for managing a plurality of automatic operating equipment. [Background technology]

[0002] Automatically operated devices that provide services in response to the insertion of coins are known. For example, a coin-activated laundry machine is known as an automatic device that accepts the insertion of a coin, identifies the type of the coin, and washes and dries clothes and the like according to the amount of money deposited. Also known is a coin laundry that has multiple laundry machines installed within a store. In addition to laundry machines, other automatically operated devices include automatic massage machines and electrical and electronic devices that perform predetermined operations.

[0003] For example, if a user leaves a coin-operated laundry machine after it has finished operating, without taking in the laundry, there is a problem that the next user attempting to do laundry cannot use the laundry machine.

[0004] The appliance operation monitoring device described in JP 2015-163182 A has a function of monitoring the operating status of the appliances and notifying the user of the status of the appliances when the appliance operation is completed, in order to enable the next use promptly. This appliance operation monitoring device has a detection unit that detects the operating status of multiple appliances, and monitors the operating status of the appliances upon receiving a detection signal from the detection unit. The appliance operation monitoring device has an input terminal. A notification that the appliance operation is completed, i.e., an input of a notification destination of the completion notification, is performed by an input terminal provided in the laundry corner. The appliance operation monitoring device stores the notification destination input from the input terminal in a storage unit. Then, when the appliance operation monitoring device detects the completion of the appliance operation by the detection unit, it notifies the notification destination of the completion notification via a communication means. By notifying the user of the completion notification, the user is prompted to take in the laundry in the laundry appliance.

[0005] In conventional equipment operation monitoring devices, a user inputs the equipment number of the equipment to be used from an input terminal provided in the laundry corner, and then inputs and registers contact information such as a telephone number. The equipment operation monitoring device monitors the registered equipment, and when operation is completed, sends a completion notification to the notification destination.

[0006] Furthermore, the equipment operation monitoring device can have the termination notification sent to the registered notification destination by having the user access the management server from the user terminal in advance and registering the notification destination including an email address, telephone number, etc. When the user inputs the device number and telephone number of the device to be used by the user from an input terminal provided in the laundry corner, the equipment operation monitoring device searches for the notification destination corresponding to the input telephone number from the information registered in the management server, and can send the termination notification to the notification destination in the search result. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-163182 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, conventional equipment operation monitoring devices required an input terminal at the laundry corner when registering contacts. This caused problems such as not being able to register multiple contacts at once when the laundry corner was crowded. In addition, the use of an unfamiliar input terminal caused problems such as poor usability for users and input errors. If the user entered the wrong device number for the device being used, the user would receive an incorrect notification.

[0009] In addition, users who were not registered as members on the server in advance could only visually check the contact information entered on the input device, which could lead to incorrect input. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The automatic operating equipment management system of the present invention comprises a plurality of automatic operating equipment that are placed in a store and operate in response to payment of a fee, a user terminal operated by a user, and an automatic operating equipment management device that is communicatively connected to the automatic operating equipment and the user terminal via a network and has a storage means for storing operation information and notification destination information regarding the operation of the automatic operating equipment, and in this automatic operating equipment management system that notifies a notification destination identified by the notification destination information stored in the storage means of the operation information, the user terminal has an imaging means and an extraction means for analyzing an image acquired by the imaging means and extracting access destination information that identifies an access destination for connecting via the network, the access destination information includes store information that identifies the store, and the access destination information is information that can guide the user terminal to a management page in a state in which the store identified based on the store information is identified, and the user terminal is guided to the management page where the automatic operating equipment placed in the store is displayed in a selectable manner and information corresponding to the automatic operating equipment is displayed by passing through the access destination accessed based on the access destination information. In another aspect of the present invention, an automatic operating equipment management system includes a plurality of automatic operating equipment that are arranged in a store and operate in response to payment of a fee, a user terminal operated by a user, and an automatic operating equipment management device connected to the automatic operating equipment and the user terminal via a network, the automatic operating equipment management device acquiring operation information relating to the operation of the automatic operating equipment and notifying a notification destination specified by notification destination information previously stored in a storage means, the user terminal includes an imaging means and an extraction means for analyzing an image acquired by the imaging means and extracting access destination information that specifies a connection destination for connection via the network and store information that specifies the store in which the automatic operating equipment used by the user is arranged, the user terminal accesses the access destination specified by the access destination information extracted by the extraction means and transmits the store information to the access destination, and displays a first management page that includes information about the automatic operating equipment arranged in the store specified by the store information and allows the selection of the automatic operating equipment. a selection result of the automatic operating equipment selected via the first management page is transmitted to the automatic operating equipment management device, the automatic operating equipment management device receives access from the user terminal based on the access destination information and acquires the selection result, generates a one-time second management page having an input field for inputting the notification information of the operation information in a state in which the automatic operating equipment specified by the acquired selection result is specified, generates re-access destination information for guiding to the second management page and transmits it to the user terminal, the user terminal acquires the re-access destination information after accessing the automatic operating equipment management device, accesses the second management page based on the acquired re-access destination information, displays the second management page including information on the automatic operating equipment specified by the selection result and the input field, and transmits the notification destination information input via the input field of the second management page to the automatic operating equipment management device, the automatic operating equipment management device receives the notification destination information from the user terminal, associates the notification destination information with the device information of the automatic operating equipment specified by the selection result and stores it in a storage means,The automatic operation equipment management device acquires the operation information of the automatic operation equipment specified based on the equipment information stored in the storage means, generates notification information including the operation information, and notifies the notification information to the notification destination specified based on the notification destination information associated with the equipment information stored in the storage means. In another aspect of the present invention, an automatic operating equipment management system includes an automatic operating equipment that operates in response to payment of a fee, a user terminal operated by a user, and an automatic operating equipment management device connected to the automatic operating equipment and the user terminal via a network, and the automatic operating equipment management device acquires operation information regarding the operation of the automatic operating equipment and notifies the operation information to a notification destination specified by notification destination information previously stored in a storage means. In this automatic operating equipment management system, the user terminal has an imaging means and an extraction means for analyzing an image acquired by the imaging means and extracting access destination information that specifies a connection destination for connection via the network and device information that specifies the automatic operating equipment used by the user, and the user terminal accesses the access destination specified by the access destination information extracted by the extraction means and transmits the device information to the access destination, and the automatic operating equipment management device is accessed from the user terminal based on the access destination information and acquires the device information, and transmits the device information to the automatic operating equipment specified by the acquired device information. the automatic operating equipment management device receives the notification destination information from the user terminal and stores the notification destination information in a storage means in association with the device information; the automatic operating equipment management device acquires the operation information of the automatic operating equipment identified based on the device information stored in the storage means, generates notification information including the operation information, and notifies the notification destination of the operation information to the notification destination identified based on the device information stored in the storage means.

[0011] The automatic operating equipment management device of the present invention is communicatively connected via a network to a plurality of automatic operating equipment that are placed in a store and that operate in response to payment of a fee, and to a user terminal operated by a user, and has a storage means for storing operation information and notification destination information regarding the operation of the automatic operating equipment, and notifies the notification destination identified by the notification destination information stored in the storage means.The automatic operating equipment management device is characterized in that when the access destination is accessed based on the access destination information from the user terminal, which is equipped with an imaging means, analyzes an image acquired by the imaging means, identifies an access destination for access via the network and includes store information that identifies the store, and is equipped with an extraction means for extracting access destination information that identifies the access destination, which guides the user terminal to a management page in a state in which the store identified based on the store information is identified, the automatic operating equipment management device generates the management page on which the automatic operating equipment placed in the store is displayed in a selectable manner and information corresponding to the automatic operating equipment is displayed, and guides the user terminal to the management page. Another aspect of the present invention provides an automatic operating equipment management device, which is arranged in a store and is connected to a user terminal operated by a user via a network along with a plurality of automatic operating equipment that operate in response to payment of a fee, and which acquires operation information from the automatic operating equipment and notifies the operation information to a notification destination specified by notification destination information previously stored in a storage means, the automatic operating equipment management device being provided with an imaging means and an extraction means for analyzing an image acquired by the imaging means and extracting access destination information that specifies a connection destination for connection via the network and store information that specifies the store in which the automatic operating equipment used by the user is located, the automatic operating equipment management device being accessed based on the access destination information and acquiring the store information from the user terminal, and displaying a first management page that includes information about the automatic operating equipment arranged in the store specified by the store information and allows the user to select the automatic operating equipment, and displaying a selection result of the automatic operating equipment selected via the first management page. the method further comprises: acquiring a notification destination information for the automatic operating device specified by the acquired selection result, generating a one-time second management page having an input field for inputting the notification destination information of the operation information when the automatic operating device specified by the acquired selection result has been identified; generating re-access destination information to guide to the second management page and transmitting it to the user terminal; after the user terminal has accessed the re-access destination information based on the re-access destination information, acquiring information regarding the automatic operating device specified by the selection result and the notification destination information input via the input field of the second management page on which the input field is displayed, associating the acquired notification destination information with device information identifying the automatic operating device specified by the selection result and storing them in the storage means; acquiring the operation information of the automatic operating device identified based on the device information stored in the storage means; generating notification information including the operation information; and notifying the notification destination information to the notification destination identified based on the notification destination information associated with the device information stored in the storage means. In another aspect of the present invention, an automatic operating equipment management device is an automatic operating equipment management device in which automatic operating equipment that operates in response to payment of a fee and a user terminal operated by a user are connected via a network, the automatic operating equipment management device acquires operation information from the automatic operating equipment, and notifies the operation information to a notification destination specified by notification destination information previously stored in a storage means, the automatic operating equipment management device is provided with an imaging means, and an extraction means for analyzing an image acquired by the imaging means and extracting access destination information that specifies a connection destination for connection via the network and device information that specifies the automatic operating equipment used by the user, the automatic operating equipment management device is accessed based on the access destination information and acquires the device information, and in a state in which the automatic operating equipment specified by the acquired device information is specified, the notification destination of the operation information is notified to the user terminal. the method further comprises generating a one-time management page having an input field for inputting information, generating re-access destination information for directing the user to the management page, transmitting the generated re-access destination information to the user terminal, and after the user terminal has accessed the management page based on the re-access destination information, acquiring information relating to the automatic operation equipment identified by the device information and the notification destination information input via the input field of the management page on which the input field is displayed, associating the acquired notification destination information with the device information and storing the associated information in the storage means, acquiring operation information of the automatic operation equipment identified based on the device information stored in the storage means, generating notification information including the operation information, and notifying the notification destination of the notification information identified based on the notification destination information associated with the device information stored in the storage means. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, a user can easily register information identifying the automatic operation equipment being used and a notification destination for receiving notifications of the status of the automatic operation equipment from a familiar user terminal, and can easily check the registered notification destination, thereby reducing erroneous input of registered information. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of an automatic operating device management system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the store management device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a user terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the management server. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the laundry machine. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a first example of a display of the user terminal. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a first flowchart illustrating the operation of the automatic operation device management system. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a second flowchart illustrating the operation of the automatic operation device management system. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a third flowchart illustrating the operation of the automatic operation device management system. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second example of a display of the user terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 1 to 10. Each figure is merely schematic to the extent that the present invention can be fully understood. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples. In each figure, common components or similar components are given the same reference numerals, and their repeated explanations are omitted. Automatically operated equipment sells goods or provides services according to the amount of deposit, and is, for example, laundry equipment installed in a coin laundry, an automatic massage machine, a coin-operated electric device, a coin-operated electronic device, etc. Below, an automatically operated equipment management system will be described using laundry equipment installed in a coin laundry as an example of an automatically operated equipment.

[0015] Figure 1 is a diagram explaining the configuration of an automatic operation equipment management system. A coin laundry store is equipped with multiple laundry machines such as washing machines and dryers that operate in response to coins and other deposits. The automatic operation equipment management system manages information about the use of laundry machines 2, 3, and 4 installed in the coin laundry store, as well as information about the users who use those machines.

[0016] The first laundry machine 2, the second laundry machine 3, and the third laundry machine 4 are machines such as a washing machine, a dryer, and a washing machine with a drying function that are installed in a coin laundry store. While Fig. 1 shows an example in which three laundry machines 2, 3, and 4 are installed, the number of laundry machines installed can be one or more and is not limited to three.

[0017] A first laundry machine 2, a second laundry machine 3, and a third laundry machine 4 are connected to the store management device 1 via wired or wireless connections to send and receive data. The data includes control data, commands, and data indicating operating states, such as data that allows the store management device 1 to individually control each of the laundry machines 2, 3, and 4. The store management device 1 can also manage each of the laundry machines 2, 3, and 4 that are connected to it.

[0018] For example, the store management device 1 can obtain information related to the use of the laundry machines 2, such as the amount of usage fee paid and information related to their operation, from the laundry machines 2. The store management device 1 can also control the laundry machines 2, 3, and 4, such as starting and stopping them.

[0019] The store management device 1 receives payment information and operating status information from each of the connected laundry machines 2, 3, 4, and stores this information together with the date and time. The store management device 1 is also connected to a network 5 such as the Internet, and is connected so as to be able to communicate data with external devices.

[0020] The management server 6 is connected to the store management device 1 via the network 5 and performs data communication. The management server 6 is connected to the store management device 1 installed in each of a number of stores and acquires various information acquired by the store management device 1 in each store. The management server 6 and the store management device 1 function together as an automatic-operation equipment management means, which can manage and control each of the laundry machines 2, 3, and 4 connected to the store management device 1. In addition, since the store management devices 1 installed in each store are connected to the management server 6, the management server 6 can manage and control each of the laundry machines 2, 3, and 4 installed in each store. The management server 6 functions as an automatic-operation equipment management device that manages and controls the connected automatic-operation equipment.

[0021] The store management device 1 may also include devices such as a currency exchange device, a printer that prints receipts and coupons on recording paper, and a card handling device that issues and charges IC cards.

[0022] Furthermore, the functions and devices that perform these services may be provided externally as service devices, connected to the store management device 1 so as to be capable of data communication, and the service devices may be controlled by the store management device 1. In this case, the store management device 1 can obtain various information from the service devices and use it for control. The store management device 1 can transmit data and commands for control to the service devices and control them. For example, the store management device 1 can control the printer of the service devices to print receipts, coupons, and the like on recording paper. The store management device 1 can also control a currency exchange device to dispense currency. The store management device 1 can also control a card handling device to read and write data to IC cards.

[0023] Network 5 is a network such as the Internet to which multiple devices are connected. A store management device 1, a management server 6, and a user terminal 7 are connected to network 5. Multiple user terminals 7 and store management devices 1 can be connected to network 5. User terminal 7 communicates with management server 6 via network 5 and can send and receive various data.

[0024] The first code recording medium 8, the second code recording medium 9, and the third code recording medium 10 record one-dimensional or two-dimensional codes in which data is imaged according to a predetermined rule. The user terminal 7 is provided with an imaging means, and can image codes such as one-dimensional codes and two-dimensional codes recorded in each of the code recording media 8, 9, and 10. The user terminal 7 is provided with an extraction means for analyzing the imaged one-dimensional code, two-dimensional code, and restoring and extracting the original data. The user terminal 7 acquires information necessary for control from the restored data, and can use it for control. For example, the user terminal 7 can extract access destination information such as a URL from the restored data, and control access to a web page specified by the extracted access destination information. The extracted access destination information is a connection destination to be connected via the network 5, is a URL corresponding to the web page to be accessed first, and is initial access destination information. After moving to the web page to be accessed first, re-access destination information specifying the web page to be re-accessed can be acquired, and the web page to be re-accessed can be moved to. The re-access destination is a connection destination to which the user terminal 7 connects via the network 5. Furthermore, the codes recorded in the code recording media 8, 9, and 10 may include information such as a store number uniquely assigned to a store and an equipment number uniquely assigned to a laundry equipment. For example, the store number and equipment number information may be included in the URL to be accessed.

[0025] The first code recording medium 8 is arranged to correspond to laundry machine 2, the second code recording medium 9 to laundry machine 3, and the third code recording medium 10 to laundry machine 4. The first code recording medium 8 records information including an machine number and a store number uniquely assigned to laundry machine 2, the second code recording medium 9 records information including an machine number and a store number uniquely assigned to laundry machine 3, and the third code recording medium 10 records information including an machine number and a store number uniquely assigned to laundry machine 4. By analyzing these codes, the machine number and the store number that identify the laundry machine can be extracted.

[0026] Each of the code recording media 8, 9, 10 may be an adhesive sheet such as a label, which can be affixed to the corresponding laundry machine. Also, each of the code recording media 8, 9, 10 may display a code on a display device such as an LCD.

[0027] The management server 6 is connected to the store management device 1 installed in each of multiple stores, and can acquire various information acquired by the store management device 1, as well as transmit control commands and data to the store management device 1 to control it. The store management device 1 is equipped with control means that analyzes the data and commands from the management server 6 and controls the devices based on the acquired data and commands.

[0028] For example, the user terminal 7 obtains a two-dimensional code recorded in the first code recording medium 8. The user terminal 7 then extracts a URL included in the two-dimensional code and accesses a management page indicated by the URL. The management page is a web page controlled by the management server 6. The user terminal 7 transmits the store number and the machine number included in the two-dimensional code simultaneously with or after access, so that the management server 6 can obtain the store number and the machine number. The user terminal 7 can display the management page and input characters, numbers, symbols, and the like from the management page. The management server 6 can perform predetermined control in response to the input from the user terminal 7. For example, a user or other person can display the management page on the user terminal 7 and transmit information such as a notification destination from the input field to the management server 6 and register it. At that time, the notification destination is registered in association with the store number and machine number received in advance. A specific laundry device and the information of the notification destination are stored in association with each other in the management server 6. The management server 6 can then notify the registered notification destination of information regarding the use of the laundry device identified by the store number and machine number.

[0029] Next, the devices constituting the automatic operation equipment management system will be described. Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the store management system.

[0030] The store management device 1 is equipped with a store management device control means 20 that controls the entire device, a first communication means 21 that communicates with external devices via a network 5, a second communication means 22 that communicates with devices in the store, a store management device display means 23 that displays characters and images on an LCD or the like, a store management device input means 24 that receives input through user operations, a store management device storage means 25 that stores various data such as programs, setting values, and temporary data storage, a deposit means 26 that accepts deposits of currency, identifies the denomination, and stores it in a safe (not shown), an exchange means 27 that dispenses currency of a different denomination so that the amount of the deposited amount is the same as that of the currency, a printing means 28 including a printer that prints characters and images on recording paper, a card transport means 29 that transports IC cards, and a card reader / writer 30 that reads and writes data to the IC cards. The store management device 1 can also be said to be a computer equipped with communication functions and various service functions.

[0031] The store management device control means 20 controls the first communication means 21, the second communication means 22, the store management device display means 23, the store management device input means 24, the store management device memory means 25, the deposit means 26, the currency exchange means 27, the printing means 28, the card transport means 29 and the card reader / writer 30 and performs various calculations.

[0032] The store management device control means 20 is equipped with a CPU and controls the entire device and performs various calculations according to programs stored in the store management device storage means 25.

[0033] The first communication means 21 is controlled by the store management device control means 20, and performs data communication with an external device via the network 5. By performing data communication with an external device via the first communication means 21, information stored in the store management device storage means 25 and information such as the operating status of the laundry equipment can be transmitted to the external device. Conversely, various information can be input from the external device. For example, the external device is the management server 6. The communication may be performed wirelessly or via wired connection.

[0034] The second communication means 22 is controlled by the store management device control means 20, and performs data communication with devices in the store.

[0035] The store management device display means 23 is display means such as an LCD that displays characters and images and is controlled by the store management device control means 20. The store management device input means 24 is input means such as a keyboard that is controlled by the store management device control means 20 and is used to input characters, numbers, symbols, etc. For example, the store management device display means 23 and the store management device input means 24 can be integrated by using a touch panel.

[0036] The store management device storage means 25 is controlled by the store management device control means 20. The store management device storage means 25 stores programs executed by the store management device control means 20, settings, and various information. The store management device storage means 25 also includes memory used for calculations by the store management device control means 20. The store management device storage means 25 also stores information about the usage of each laundry device 2, 3, 4 connected to the store management device 1, such as its usage history and operating status, for each device. The store management device storage means 25 can also be considered storage means that stores information about the usage of each laundry device 2, 3, 4 connected to the store management device 1. The store management device storage means 25 can use storage means such as ROM, RAM, hard disk, and flash memory.

[0037] The deposit means 26 is controlled by the store management device control means 20. The deposit means 26 accepts deposits of currency, obtains the denomination and number of currency, and inputs this information to the store management device control means 20. The store management device control means 20 can calculate and obtain the deposit amount from the denomination and number of currency deposited.

[0038] The exchanging means 27 is controlled by the store management device control means 20. The exchanging means 27 dispenses currency of a different denomination equivalent to the amount of the deposited currency. The store management device control means 20 calculates currency of a different denomination of the same amount as the deposited amount in accordance with predetermined conditions, and controls the exchanging means 27 to dispense the currency. The predetermined conditions are stored in the store management device storage means 25. For example, the predetermined conditions are exchange conditions that are predetermined regarding deposits and withdrawals, such as "five 100 yen coins and one 500 yen coin are dispensed for a deposited 1000 yen bill." The store management device control means 20 can also control only the dispensing function and control the dispensing of currency.

[0039] The printing means 28 is controlled by the store management device control means 20. The printing means 28 includes a printer that prints characters and figures. For example, the printing means 28 prints receipts, currency exchange details, coupons, and advertisements on recording paper under the control of the store management device control means 20. The store management device control means 20 can control the printing means 28 to print print data that it has acquired or generated.

[0040] The store management device 1 is capable of issuing and charging IC cards. The card transport means 29 is controlled by the store management device control means 20. In addition, the card reader / writer 30 is controlled by the store management device control means 20.

[0041] When issuing a new IC card, first, the store management device 1 is switched to IC card issuing mode. When a predetermined amount is deposited in the deposit means 26, the card transport means 29 transports one IC card from the card storage and ejects it from the insertion / ejection slot. The IC card is written with electronic money amount data corresponding to the deposited amount by the card reader / writer 30 arranged in the middle of the transport path. When electronic money is charged to the IC card, in other words, electronic money is added to the IC card, the store management device 1 is switched to IC card charge mode. The IC card is inserted from the insertion / ejection slot, and the card transport means 29 transports the IC card to the card reader / writer 30. When a predetermined amount is deposited in the deposit means 26, the card reader / writer 30 adds electronic money equivalent to the deposited amount to the electronic money originally stored. After that, the IC card is ejected from the insertion / ejection slot. If the predetermined amount is not deposited, the IC card is ejected from the insertion / ejection slot without adding any amount.

[0042] 3 is a block diagram of a user terminal. The user terminal 7 is a device that can be connected to the network 5, such as a mobile phone, smartphone, tablet PC, or personal computer, and is a terminal device operated by a user. The user terminal 7 is preferably a portable computer with a communication function. The user terminal 7 can connect to the management server 6 via the network 5 and perform data communication. The user terminal 7 can access the management server 6, display a management page, and make a predetermined input from the management page, thereby causing the management server 6 to execute a predetermined operation.

[0043] The user terminal 7 includes a user terminal control means 40 for controlling the entire device, a terminal communication means 41 for communicating with external devices via the network 5, a terminal display means 42 for displaying characters and images such as an LCD, a terminal input means 43 for inputting data through user operations, a terminal storage means 44 for storing various data, and a terminal imaging means 45 for capturing images. For example, the terminal imaging means 45 is an imaging means such as an electronic camera.

[0044] The user terminal control means 40 includes a CPU, and controls the entire device and performs various calculations according to the programs stored in the terminal storage means 44 .

[0045] The terminal communication means 41 is controlled by the user terminal control means 40, and performs data communication with an external device via the network 5. The user terminal 7 can control the terminal communication means 41 to perform data communication with the external device. Information stored in the user terminal 7, information on the operating state, etc. can be transmitted to the external device. Conversely, various information can be input from the external device to the user terminal 7. For example, the external device is the management server 6. The communication can be performed wirelessly or via wires.

[0046] The terminal display means 42 is a display means such as an LCD that displays characters and images and is controlled by the user terminal control means 40. The terminal input means 43 is an input means such as a keyboard that is controlled by the user terminal control means 40 and inputs characters, numbers, symbols, and the like to the user terminal control means 40. For example, a touch panel in which the terminal display means 42 and the terminal input means 43 are integrated can be used.

[0047] The terminal storage means 44 is controlled by the user terminal control means 40. The terminal storage means 44 stores programs, setting values, and various information executed by the user terminal control means 40. The terminal storage means 44 also includes a memory used for the calculations of the user terminal control means 40. The terminal storage means 44 is a storage means such as a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk, or a flash memory.

[0048] The user terminal 7 includes an extraction means for analyzing the image of the two-dimensional code acquired by the terminal imaging means 45, and for analyzing and extracting coded information such as the URL of the management page, the store number, and the machine number. The extraction means is configured by the user terminal control means 40 operating according to a program. The user terminal control means 40 includes a web browser function configured by operating according to a program. The user terminal control means 40 extracts the URL of a web page, and acquires the data of the web page specified by the URL from the management server 6 by the web browser, and displays the web page on the terminal display means 42. Furthermore, the terminal input means 43 allows the user to select an item and input characters. The user terminal control means 40 can transmit the input data to the management server 6.

[0049] The user terminal 7 also has an email function that is configured by the user terminal control means 40 operating according to a program. It is capable of sending, receiving, and displaying emails. By registering an email address that the user terminal 7 can receive as a notification destination in the management server 6, the user terminal 7 can receive notifications from the management server 6 by email. The user can receive notifications when the laundry equipment they are using has finished by email. In addition to notifications, additional services such as electronic receipts, coupons, coupon information, and advertisements can be added to the email body or as attachments.

[0050] Next, the management server will be described with reference to Figure 4, which is a block diagram of the management server.

[0051] The management server 6 functions as an automatic operation equipment management device that manages and controls the connected laundry equipment. It can also be realized by treating the management server 6 and the store management device 1 as an integrated unit and making them function as an automatic operation equipment management means that manages and controls the connected laundry equipment. Although the management server 6 and the store management device 1 have been described as separate devices connected via the network 5, the management server 6 and the store management device 1 may also be integrated into one device. The management server 6 can receive commands and requests from user terminals 7 and perform various controls.

[0052] The management server 6 can accept commands and requests from the user terminal 7 and provide information to the user terminal 7. The management server 6 can accept commands and requests from the user terminal 7, control the operation of the store management device 1, and print receipts and the like using the printing means 28. The management server 6 can obtain various data from the store management device 1 of each store, for example data related to the use of the laundry equipment, and notify the user terminal 7 of the operating status of the laundry equipment.

[0053] Various operations of the management server 6 are controlled by a server control means 50. The server control means 50 includes a CPU, and the operations are controlled according to a program stored in a server storage means 55.

[0054] The server control means 50 includes a management page control section 51, a DB control section 52 that controls the database, and a one-time URL generation section 53 that is a means for generating access destination information.

[0055] The management page control unit 51 generates Web page data for the management page operated by the user to display information about the services provided and to provide the services, accepts input, and processes the input. The user terminal 7 accesses the management page, displays the management page on the user terminal 7, and inputs predetermined items from the management page. The management page control unit 51 obtains the input information from the user terminal 7 and performs processing according to the input information.

[0056] The DB control unit 52 controls reading, writing, searching, etc. of information in a laundry information DB 56 described later.

[0057] When the user terminal 7 is accessed by a URL read and obtained from any of the code recording media 8, 9, 10, the one-time URL generation unit 53 generates a one-time URL to be used only once and sends it to the user terminal that accessed the site. The generated one-time URL is sent to the user terminal 7, and the user terminal 7 accesses the received one-time URL again and displays the management page. The management page control unit 51 generates management page data for a URL corresponding to the one-time URL and manages access. Even if the one-time URL is used to access the site again on another occasion, the management page cannot be accessed or displayed.

[0058] Furthermore, the server control means 50 can generate notification information, which is the content of an e-mail, and send it to a designated destination. The management server 6 can send e-mail to a destination stored in the management server 6. In other words, generating the content to be sent by e-mail and sending it to a designated destination can also be called a notification means.

[0059] The server communication means 54 is connected to the server control means 50 and is controlled by the server control means 50. The server communication means 54 is connected to the network 5 and transmits and receives data to and from external devices. For example, the management server 6 transmits and receives data to and from the user terminal 7 and the store management device 1 via the server communication means 54.

[0060] The server storage means 55 is connected to the server control means 50 and is controlled by the server control means 50. The server storage means 55 stores the control program of the server control means 50, various information required for control, setting values, etc. The server storage means 55 also includes a memory used for the calculations of the server control means 50. The server storage means 55 is a storage means such as a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk, or a flash memory.

[0061] Laundry information DB 56 is connected to and controlled by server control means 50. Server control means 50 includes a DB control unit 52 which controls laundry information DB 56. Laundry information DB 56 includes a member information DB 57, a device information DB 58, and a current status DB 59. Information stored in laundry information DB 56 is searched by server control means 50, and information is stored, deleted, and retrieved.

[0062] The laundry information DB 56 is a database relating to laundry equipment and users. The server control means 50 acquires various information from the store management device 1 and user terminal 7 connected to the network 5, and stores it in the laundry information DB 56 according to predetermined conditions. For example, the acquired various information is stored in association with an ID uniquely assigned to the user or laundry equipment. For example, the ID may be a membership number or the equipment number of the laundry equipment. The server control means 50 can search for various information from the laundry information DB 56. The searched and acquired information is used for control by the server control means 50. The searched information is not only used for control and calculations of the server control means 50, but is also sent to other devices connected to the network 5.

[0063] For example, when it is desired to obtain the usage status of a certain laundry device, the server control means 50 can search and obtain the usage status of the target laundry device from the laundry information DB 56 based on the device number, which is a unique number for the laundry device, and the item to be obtained. For example, the item to be obtained may be the date and time or the period. The server control means 50 can use the obtained information for control. For example, in a store specified by a store number, information on the date and time when the laundry device was used, the usage time information, and the device number can be used to search the laundry information DB 56 for information on the laundry device specified by the device number that was used during that period. In other words, the server control means 50 can obtain information associated with the device number, such as whether the laundry device specified by the device number was used, the fee, and whether a receipt was issued.

[0064] The data stored in the member information DB 57 includes a member number, an email address, a password, a display name, attribute information, points, a balance, history information, and the like.

[0065] An email address is an email address. Emails are used to contact users, such as to send notifications. Since an email address is also a unique character string, it can be used in the same way as a membership number. For example, an email address can be used as a user ID instead of a membership number.

[0066] The password is the password used by the user when logging in to the user's member page. The password is kept secret by the user and is used to verify the user's identity when logging in to the member page. Instead of a password, personal biometric information such as fingerprints, veins, or irises may be used.

[0067] The membership number or email address is user-specific information that is assigned to each user to identify the user. The combination of the user-specific information and password stored in the member information DB 57 can also be considered as authentication information that is compared to log in to the member page.

[0068] The display name is the name that will be displayed on the user's member page. On the member page, you can choose to display a nickname instead of your real name. The display name is also the name that will be displayed in email notifications, etc.

[0069] The attribute information is information on various attributes of a user, such as the member's ranking, gender, age, frequency of use, etc., which is information that represents a value of the attributes of the user.

[0070] Points are awarded according to the use of laundry equipment and can be accumulated. Points are added when awarded and subtracted when used. Users can convert their accumulated points into various rewards. A set number of points is required to use each reward. Users can receive rewards by using the number of points they have accumulated according to the reward they wish to receive. For example, rewards are services that are beneficial to users, such as a service in which 1 point is converted to 1 yen and can be used like cash, additional services such as upgrading the finishing agent, and discount services for usage fees.

[0071] The balance is the remaining amount of electronic money. By charging the electronic money according to the deposited amount, it can be used in the same way as cash.

[0072] The data in the points and balance items are valuable data because they can be used as payment when using laundry equipment.

[0073] The history information includes information about laundry equipment used by the user, electronic money charges, etc. The history information is associated with the date and time of use, and information about the use of laundry equipment, the use of the store management device 1, the use of the member page, etc. can be stored. It is also possible to search for desired information from the history information.

[0074] The device information DB 58 is a database that stores information about multiple laundry devices connected to the store management device 1. The device information DB 58 stores information such as the type of laundry device and its usage status. Each laundry device is assigned a unique device number. The device information DB 58 stores various information associated with the device number. Information stored in the device information DB 58 includes the device number, store number, device type, fee, attribute information, history information, etc.

[0075] The store number is a unique number assigned to the store management device 1 installed in each coin laundry store. The store in which the laundry equipment is installed can be identified by the store number. Two or more store management devices 1 may be installed in one store. Since different laundry equipment is connected to each store management device 1, a store number is assigned to each store management device 1. By searching using the store number, the management server 6 can obtain information such as the store management device 1 identified by the store number and the equipment numbers of all connected laundry equipment.

[0076] The machine type is information about the type of laundry machine. The machine type information is assigned a value corresponding to the type, such as a clothes washer, a dryer, or a washing machine with a drying function, and the type of laundry machine can be identified. Since the machine types used at each store can be identified, it is possible to identify consumables required at each store.

[0077] The fee is fee information for using the laundry equipment. The fee information also includes the operation time of the equipment corresponding to the fee. A usage fee can be set for each laundry equipment. In addition, if the laundry equipment has modes for the presence or absence of finishing agent, extended drying time, different types of detergent, etc., the fee for each mode is stored.

[0078] The attribute information is information on various attributes of the laundry device, such as the manufacturer, model, serial number, installation date, installation cost, consumables, the presence or absence of modes, the name of the store where the device is installed, the type of mode, the device name, etc., which are converted into values.

[0079] The history information is the usage history of the laundry equipment, and is stored in association with the equipment number of the laundry equipment, the date and time of use when the laundry equipment was used, the start time of use, the duration of use, the user's unique number, the usage mode, the fee, the payment method, whether or not a receipt was issued, the store number, etc., and is accumulated information regarding the use of the laundry equipment.

[0080] Current status DB 59 is a database that stores information regarding the current status of the laundry devices. The data stored in current status DB 59 stores various information associated with a device number. The information stored in current status DB 59 includes user information such as a device number, a store number, an operating status, and a user's unique number. For example, every time a change occurs in the information stored in current status DB 59, the changed information can be added to the history information in device information DB 58.

[0081] The machine number is a unique number assigned to each laundry machine. Various information is stored in association with the machine number.

[0082] The store number is a unique number assigned to each store management device 1 installed in each coin laundry store.

[0083] The operating status is a valued version of information about the operation of the laundry device. It indicates the current status of the laundry device. For example, it indicates whether the laundry device is in operation, stopped, has a shortage of consumables, or is disabled due to a malfunction.

[0084] The operating status can be collected and recorded by the server control means 50 periodically collecting information on the operating status of the laundry equipment collected by the store management device 1 from the store management device 1. Alternatively, the store management device 1 can collect and record information by sending it to the management server 6 periodically or when the operating status of a connected laundry equipment changes. Alternatively, the management server 6 can record information on whether a laundry equipment is in operation by determining, based on the start time of the laundry equipment's operation and a preset operation time, that the laundry equipment is in operation for a specified period of time after operation has started and is not in operation for other periods.

[0085] User information is information that identifies the user using the laundry equipment. For example, user information is the membership number of the user currently using the laundry equipment. If the membership number is unknown when using cash or other means, it is a specific number that has been determined in advance. If an IC card is used to pay with electronic money, information about the user associated with the IC card's unique number can be obtained, and this information can be used for control.

[0086] The server control means 50 can search the current status DB 59, generate data so that the usage status of the laundry machines for each store can be displayed in list form, and send the data to the user terminal 7. Alternatively, a web page can be generated in list form and displayed by the user terminal 7. The access destination of the web page can be sent to a specified notification destination by e-mail or the like.

[0087] Next, the laundry machine will be described with reference to Fig. 5, which is a block diagram of the laundry machine.

[0088] An automatic operation device is equipped with a deposit means, and operates automatically according to the amount of deposit, and is equipped with a communication means for communicating with an external device, and a control means for controlling these. An example of an automatic operation device will be described below using laundry device 2. Laundry device 2 is a laundry device such as a washing machine, a dryer, or a washing machine with a dryer, and is equipped with deposit means 62. When a predetermined amount of money is deposited, laundry device control means 60 controls laundry device 61 to start operation. Laundry device control means 60 causes laundry device 61 to perform a predetermined operation and then stops. For example, the predetermined operation is an operation for a predetermined time for a dryer, or washing, rinsing, and spin-drying operations for a washing machine. Furthermore, laundry device 2 is equipped with laundry device communication means 63, and is connected to store management device 1.

[0089] Various operations of the laundry machine 2 are controlled by a laundry machine control means 60. The laundry machine control means 60 includes a CPU and a memory, and the operations are controlled according to programs and setting values ​​stored in the memory.

[0090] The laundry means 61 is connected to the laundry machine control means 60 and controlled by the laundry machine control means 60. For example, the laundry means 61 is a device such as a washing machine that washes clothes, a dryer that dries clothes, or a washing machine with a drying function that dries clothes after washing. The laundry machine control means 60 can control the start of the operation of the laundry means 61 or the stop of the operation after a predetermined operation. The laundry machine control means 60 can also control the change of the usage mode of the laundry means 61. The usage mode is a mode of the laundry machine 2 that operates at different fees depending on differences in the washing operation time, the drying operation time, the type of detergent, etc. The laundry machine control means 60 can also obtain the status of the laundry means 61. For example, the laundry machine control means 60 can detect or calculate the status such as abnormality, operating, stopped, etc. from a sensor provided in the laundry means 61. For example, the laundry machine control means 60 can count the time from the start and determine that the laundry means 61 is operating until a predetermined time has elapsed and that the laundry means 61 is stopped after the predetermined time has elapsed.

[0091] The deposit means 62 identifies the denomination of the deposited currency and counts the number of coins. When the amount of the deposited currency reaches a predetermined amount, the deposit means 62 outputs a signal to the laundry machine control means 60 to notify the completion of the deposit. After the predetermined amount is deposited, the laundry machine control means 60 controls the laundry means 61 to start operating.

[0092] The laundry machine communication means 63 is connected to and controlled by the laundry machine control means 60. The laundry machine 2 is connected to the store management device 1 via the laundry machine communication means 63, enabling data transmission and reception. For example, the store management device 1 can control the start and stop of the connected laundry machine 2, and can obtain information regarding the operating status of the laundry machine 2.

[0093] Information regarding the deposited amount is output from the deposit means 62 to the laundry machine communication means 63. The laundry machine communication means 63 obtains the deposited amount and sends it to the store management device 1 together with time information. The laundry machine communication means 63 also obtains status information such as start, stop, and abnormality of the operation of the laundry means 61, and sends it together with the time information to the store management device 1. The information sent from the laundry machine communication means 63 to the store management device 1 is associated with the machine number of the laundry machine 2 and time information. The time information also includes the date. The store management device 1 can obtain various information such as the machine number, time information, the status of the laundry machine 2, and the deposited amount. In other words, the laundry machine communication means 63 can be said to be a transmission means that transmits various information to the store management device 1.

[0094] The deposit means 62 may be connected to the laundry machine control means 60 via the laundry machine communication means 63. The deposit means 62 may include an IC card reader / writer, and by controlling the IC card reader / writer, it may be possible to accept deposits using electronic money or credit card payments. The deposit means 62 may include a display device and an image capture device, and may be able to accept payments using two-dimensional codes. To allow payments using such deposit methods in addition to cash, the deposit means 62 must communicate with an external payment server or other device that performs payments. For this reason, the deposit means 62 is connected to the laundry machine communication means 63 that can communicate with external devices. By making the deposit means 62 and the laundry machine communication means 63 function as an integrated unit, various types of payments can be made.

[0095] After the deposit means 62 completes payment by cash, IC card, credit card, two-dimensional code, etc., it transmits information to the laundry machine control means 60 directly or via the laundry machine communication means 63 that a specified amount has been deposited. The information is used for control processing at the destination. For example, a signal equivalent to the signal output when cash is deposited is generated by the laundry machine communication means 63 and output to the laundry machine control means 60.

[0096] Next, the operation of the automatic operation device management system will be described. First, the process in which the management server 6 collects information on the operation of each laundry device will be described. Fig. 7 is a first flowchart for explaining the operation of the automatic operation device management system.

[0097] Although multiple laundry machines are connected to the store management device 1, an example in which only a first laundry machine 2 is connected will be described.

[0098] In step S11, the user deposits money into the deposit means 62 of the first laundry machine 2, the denomination of the deposited money is identified, the number of deposited money is obtained, and the process proceeds to the next step. If money is deposited by an IC card, credit card, two-dimensional code, or the like other than money, the process proceeds to step S12.

[0099] In step S12, a process is performed to receive a predetermined amount of money required to use the first laundry machine 2. That is, a payment process is performed corresponding to various payment methods, such as cash payment, which confirms that the amount of money deposited in the first laundry machine 2 has reached a predetermined amount, electronic money payment, which confirms that a predetermined amount has been deducted from the electronic money stored in the IC card, credit card payment, two-dimensional code payment, etc. After the payment is completed, the process proceeds to step S13.

[0100] In step S13, the payment data is temporarily stored in the first laundry machine 2, and the process proceeds to the next step. For example, the laundry machine communication means 63 is provided with a storage means, and the payment data is stored in the storage means. The first laundry machine 2 acquires the payment method, payment amount, information identifying the laundry machine, information identifying the user using the machine, information regarding the laundry machine function selected by the user, and information regarding usage such as the start time of usage and usage time as payment data, and stores the acquired payment data. Also, when cash is used, it may not be possible to identify the user using the machine, in which case the information indicates that the user is a cash user.

[0101] In step S14, after the payment is completed, the first laundry machine 2 starts operation according to the amount of the deposit. The laundry machine control means 60 starts operation of the laundry means 61. The first laundry machine 2 goes into a state of waiting for the next process by an interrupt or the like.

[0102] The store management device 1 periodically checks the status of the connected laundry machines, for example every 10 seconds or every minute. The store management device 1 receives payment data from the first laundry machine 2 and transmits the payment data to the management server 6.

[0103] In step S15, the store management device 1 periodically checks whether any connected laundry machines have been newly used. That is, at a specified time interval, such as every 10 seconds or every minute, it requests all connected laundry machines, in this case the first laundry machine 2, to send new payment data. The store management device 1 waits to receive payment data from the first laundry machine 2 that requested the payment data. If there is new payment data in the first laundry machine 2, the store management device 1 acquires that payment data. The store management device 1 periodically checks whether there is new payment data for all connected laundry machines, and performs processing to acquire the new payment data if there is any.

[0104] In step S16, the first laundry machine 2 transmits the stored payment data to the store management device 1 when there is a request for new payment data from the store management device 1.

[0105] In step S17, the store management device 1 waits to receive payment data from the laundry machine that requested it. When the store management device 1 receives payment data from the first laundry machine 2, it stores the received payment data in the store management device storage means 25. The store management device 1 checks for new payment data at specified time intervals for all connected laundry machines and collects new payment data. When the store management device 1 has finished collecting payment data for that round, it moves on to the next step.

[0106] Next, in step S18, the store management device 1 transmits the collected payment data to the management server 6. Then, the store management device 1 goes into a standby state.

[0107] We have described a process in which the store management device 1 periodically collects new payment data and transmits the new payment data to the management server 6. However, it is also possible for the management server 6 to periodically, for example every minute, check the store management device 1 for the presence of new payment data, and if new payment data is available, transmit the new payment data from the store management device 1 to the management server 6.

[0108] In step S19, the management server 6 stores the received payment data in the laundry information DB 56. The payment data is stored for each laundry device. For example, the payment data is stored in the device information DB 58.

[0109] Although an example has been described in which the store management device 1 periodically collects payment data, by including data on the operating status of the first laundry appliance 2 in the payment data, the store management device 1 can periodically collect the operating status of the first laundry appliance 2. Furthermore, the management server 6 can periodically collect data on the operating status of the first laundry appliance 2.

[0110] In this way, the automatic operation equipment management system periodically checks the operation of each laundry equipment, collects payment data, and stores the collected information in the database of the management server 6.

[0111] Next, a description will be given of a process of a request made by a user to the management server 6 to notify the user terminal 7 of information regarding the status of the laundry machine used. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a first example of a display on the user terminal. FIG. 8 is a second flowchart explaining the operation of the automatic operation machine management system. An example will be described in which a user uses a first laundry machine 2 and receives a notification that the operation of this machine has ended.

[0112] The user reads the two-dimensional code from the first code recording medium 8 arranged corresponding to the first laundry appliance 2 using the user terminal 7, and makes a specific request to the management server 6. The user can receive notification of information relating to the operation of the first laundry appliance 2 from the management server 6.

[0113] In step S20, the two-dimensional code recorded on the first code recording medium 8 is read and analyzed by the user terminal 7. The code includes information on the URL of a management page. The URL of the management page may include the store number of the store and the device number of the first laundry device 2. The code also includes a store number unique to the store and a device number unique to the first laundry device 2. This URL of the management page is initial access destination information for the management page that the user terminal 7 accesses first.

[0114] Next, in step S21, the user terminal 7 makes a request to the management server 6 to access the management page based on the URL of the obtained management page. At this time, by including the obtained store number and equipment number in the request, the management server 6 can obtain the store number and equipment number. The management server 6 can obtain which laundry equipment in which store a service request is being made, and manage and control it.

[0115] Next, in step S22, the management server 6 performs processing to respond to a request for access to the management page from the user terminal 7. The management server 6 transmits data of the management page to the user terminal 7.

[0116] At this time, it is preferable that the management server 6 generates a one-time URL in the one-time URL generation unit 53, transmits it to the user terminal 7, and then the user terminal 7 re-accesses the management page specified by the one-time URL. This one-time URL is re-access destination information. By using the one-time URL, it is not possible to re-access the management page specified by the one-time URL later, so that the problem of the management server 6 being repeatedly accessed by the stored one-time URL can be avoided.

[0117] Next, in step S23, the user terminal 7 waits to receive data for the management page from the management server 6, and after receiving the data for the management page, displays the management page using the functions of the web browser. The management page is displayed on the terminal display means 42, for example, as shown in FIG. 6. In this example, the store name, the machine number, and the model name are displayed in the target machine display area 70. If a receipt is desired to be issued at the same time, the receipt required button 75 is touched. The color changes when touched, indicating that issuance of a receipt has been selected. The notification destination is entered in the notification input area 71 using the keyboard displayed in the keyboard area 74. The execute button 73 is a button for confirming the input, and sends the input information to the management server 6. The cancel button 72 is a button for stopping the process and returning to the "Yes" state.

[0118] Although the example of issuing a receipt has been given as a service, other services such as issuing a service coupon may be displayed so that the user can select a desired service. For example, a service may be provided to print a service coupon in addition to a receipt.

[0119] Next, in step S24, a specific request for notifying the notification destination of the end notification is input from the management page displayed on the terminal display means 42. The user inputs an e-mail address as the notification destination in the notification input area 71. For example, the user is made to visually confirm the number of the target device, etc., and input an e-mail address as the notification destination. In the case of notifying by short message or voice, a telephone number may be used. When the execute button 73 is touched, the user terminal control means 40 recognizes that the button has been pressed, and proceeds to a process for notifying the notification destination of the end notification by the management server 6. When the execute button 73 is touched, the request time, which is the time when the request was made, is obtained, and the process proceeds to the next process. The request time can be treated as transmission date and time information when the request for notification of the end notification is transmitted from the user terminal 7.

[0120] Next, in step S25, the user terminal control means 40 transmits notification destination information as a request for notification of an end notification to the management server 6. The request for notification of an end notification includes, as request data, a device number for identifying the device, a store number, notification destination information, and a request time. The request for notification of an end notification also includes service specific information for identifying the service. The service specific information is notification of the end notification and issuance of a receipt. If there are other services selected, requests for those services are also included.

[0121] Next, in step S26, the management server 6 waits to receive a request for notification of an end notification, and when the request for notification of an end notification is received, it analyzes the received request for notification of an end notification and extracts the request data and service specific information. The device number, store number, request time, and notification destination information contained in the request data are extracted. Also, since this is a series of processes, the store number and device number are recognized in advance by the management server 6, so the device number and store number are not necessarily required in the request data. Furthermore, the type of service requested is extracted as service specific information. The type of service requested, such as notification of an end notification or issuance of a receipt, is extracted. It is possible to distinguish between services by assigning a predetermined number for each service.

[0122] Next, in step S27, the management server 6 checks whether the request for notification of end notification meets the conditions. If the requirements are met, the process proceeds to step S28; if not, the process proceeds to step S29. The conditions for the request are predetermined and stored in the management server 6. For example, if a request for notification of end notification is made within a predetermined period after the operation of the target device has started, the request for notification of end notification is accepted, and if it is outside the period, the request is not accepted. In this case, the operation start time of the target device is searched from the laundry information DB 56 and compared with the requested time. If the requested time is within the predetermined period from the start time, the request is accepted, and if not, the request is not accepted.

[0123] For example, 10 minutes from the start time is set as the specified period for accepting a request for an end notification. If end notifications are accepted unconditionally, there is a risk of them being registered after the operation has ended, leading to mischief. If payment has been made for the laundry equipment and it has been a short time since the operation started, it is likely that the user is present on-site. It is at such times that an end notification request can be made. Also, during this specified period, it is possible to re-register the notification destination, and if re-registered, the notification destination is overwritten.

[0124] In addition, the number of times a service is requested can be a condition. When a receipt is requested, the laundry information DB 56 is searched for the presence or absence of a receipt for the target machine, and if a receipt has not been issued, the request is accepted, and if a receipt has already been issued, the request is rejected. Similarly, for other requested services, the laundry information DB 56 is searched for the presence or absence of a service for the target machine, and a comparison is made. If it is determined that the service can be provided, the service is accepted, and if it is determined that the service cannot be provided, the request is rejected. This can also be said to be a notification determination means for determining whether or not a notification should be issued.

[0125] Next, in step S28, the request data and the service specification information are stored in management server 6. For example, the request data and the service specification information are stored as a history of service requests such as a request for notification of completion notification and a request for issuing a receipt in the machine information of laundry information DB 56. Furthermore, when a request for completion notification is received, management server 6 periodically checks whether there is an object that satisfies the notification conditions, and when there is an object that satisfies the notification conditions, sends an completion notification to the notification destination.

[0126] By checking the history of requested services such as receipt issuance, it is possible to know whether or not a requested service such as receipt issuance has been performed, thereby preventing duplicate issuance and other processing.

[0127] Next, in step S29, the management server 6 sends a confirmation notification to the notification destination entered by the user, indicating that the request data and service specific information have been received. If the notification destination is an email address, a confirmation email containing the request data and the contents of the service specific information is sent to the notification destination. Furthermore, by adding to the message in the confirmation email the URL of a web page that can display the operation status of the laundry equipment, the operation status and remaining time can also be checked using a web browser. The confirmation notification can be considered an additional service, but specific additional services are processed without the need for selection or specification.

[0128] By receiving the confirmation email sent to the notification destination, the user can confirm that the notification destination was correct, the contents of the request, the target device, etc. Also, if the request was not accepted, the user is notified of this fact. The user then waits until the next process begins.

[0129] When the user makes a new request for notification of the end of notification, the management server 6 overwrites the request data and the service specific information and continues processing the request. In this case, the notification destination registered just before may be notified that the notification destination for the end of notification has been registered again. If the notification destination is email, an email is sent notifying the previous notification destination that it has been changed. This can prevent a third party from changing the notification destination by mistake.

[0130] In the above example, the code recorded on the first code recording medium 8 includes the URL of the management page, the store number, and the device number. Here, a process of identifying and extracting the laundry device used by the user when the code recorded on the first code recording medium 8 does not include the device number will be described. When the user terminal 7 accesses the management server 6, the management server acquires the store number and searches the laundry information DB 56 for the device number associated with the store number. A management page reflecting the search result is created, and the user terminal 7 is allowed to select the laundry device on the management page. The management server 6 generates data for a management page that displays a list of laundry devices selectably from the list of device numbers associated with the store number, and transmits the data to the user terminal 7. The user selects the device number of the laundry device being used from the list of device numbers displayed on the user terminal 7. The device number selected by the user terminal 7 is transmitted to the management server 6, and the management server 6 acquires the device number of the laundry device being used by the user. In this way, even if the code recorded on the recording medium does not include the device number, if the user terminal 7 can extract the store number, it is possible to identify and extract the laundry device being used from the list of laundry devices arranged in the store from the displayed management page. Such processing by the user terminal 7 can be said to be a means for extracting the store number and the machine number of the user terminal 7.

[0131] For example, by providing this type of processing between steps S20 and S21, even if the machine number is not included in the code, if the machine number is not sent to management server 6, a selectable management page can be generated on the user terminal, thereby identifying and extracting the laundry machine used by the user. It is also possible to simultaneously search for information such as the model corresponding to the machine number along with the machine number, and add and display it. It is also possible to record a URL linking to a management page for selecting the store number and machine number as a code on a recording medium, and to access the management page from user terminal 7, thereby displaying all the stores in the same chain and allowing the user to select them.

[0132] Next, a process of notifying the end notification to the notification destination of the user will be described. Fig. 9 is a third flowchart for explaining the operation of the automatic operation device management system. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a second example of the display of the user terminal.

[0133] The management server 6 periodically checks the operating status of the laundry devices, for example every 30 seconds or every minute. The management server 6 checks whether there are any laundry devices for which a completion notification has been requested and which have completed operation. If there is a laundry device for which a completion notification has completed operation, the management server 6 acquires the notification destination and sends the completion notification. If there is no target laundry device, no completion notification is sent. At that time, if there is a request to add another service, such as issuing a receipt, the management server 6 adds the requested service and sends the notification.

[0134] First, in step S30, the server control means 50 of the management server 6 searches and acquires information about the operation of the laundry machines it manages from the laundry information DB 56. The current status DB 59 stores the current status of each laundry machine. Information about requests from the user terminal 7 is also stored here as the current status.

[0135] Next, in step S31, the server control means 50 judges whether or not there is a laundry device that has completed its operation and is requesting a completion notification. If there is, the process proceeds to the next step. If there is not, the process proceeds to step S40. This can also be called a notification judgment means that judges whether or not to notify.

[0136] Next, in step S32, the server control means 50 searches the laundry information DB 56 to obtain the destination of the end notification of the laundry device that has completed the operation.

[0137] Next, in step S33, the server control means 50 checks whether or not there is an additional service requested by the user. It checks whether or not a receipt is requested, and if so, proceeds to step S34, and if not, proceeds to step S36. Here, an example is explained regarding a receipt, but the server control means 50 checks whether or not there is a request for each service, such as issuing a coupon ticket or providing advertising information, and accordingly obtains information corresponding to each service as in steps S34 and S35, and generates service data. This can also be said to be a notification determination means that determines whether or not to notify.

[0138] Next, in step S34, the server control means 50 searches the laundry information DB 56 to obtain the payment data corresponding to the laundry machine for which a receipt is requested.

[0139] Next, in step S35, receipt data is generated based on the payment data. The receipt data is generated based on the payment data and data such as date and time, the laundry equipment used, the fee, and the payment method.

[0140] Next, in step S36, the server control means 50 generates email data. The email data is notification information including information about the operation of the laundry device to be sent to the notification destination. For example, it includes a message that the operation of the laundry device has ended. The message includes the store name and the device number so that the user can identify the laundry device used. If there is an additional service, information about the additional service is attached to the email or included in the message. If a receipt is requested for the additional service, a receipt is attached to the email. If the additional service is a coupon or advertisement, it is added to the email, or the coupon or advertisement is attached to the email in a specific format such as a PDF file. If it is a URL of a specific web page, it may be included in the email message.

[0141] Next, in step S37, the server control means 50 transmits the generated email data to the designated notification destination. The operation status of the laundry device designated by the user terminal 7 is notified to the notification destination designated by the user terminal 7.

[0142] Next, in step S38, the server control means 50 records the history of the process in the laundry information DB 56. Information such as whether a notification was sent and whether a receipt was issued is stored together with date and time information.

[0143] Next, in step S39, the server control means 50 deletes the information relating to the notification destination.

[0144] Next, in step S40, the data of the web page of the operation information of the laundry machines managed by the management server 6 is updated. The data is updated periodically and the system waits for the next process.

[0145] The user can also check the operating status of the laundry machine from a web page that displays this operating status. The URL of this web page can be included, together with the message, in the confirmation email received when the notification destination is entered on the user terminal 7.

[0146] The content of the completion notification sent to the notification destination is, for example, at least a completion notification 80, as shown in Fig. 10. If a receipt is requested, a receipt 81 is displayed. The receipt file is a file in a predetermined format such as PDF. This receipt file can be displayed on the terminal display means 42 for confirmation.

[0147] The completion notification is sent by email, so the display format will vary depending on the program used to display the email. If you do not want to change the display format, you can create an image data file in a format such as GIF or JPEG, or a PDF file, and attach it to the email to notify the completion.

[0148] The end notice may be sent by email in text format, containing the end date and time, store name, device number, model name, and a message indicating that the device operation has ended. When the email is displayed, the device and end time are identified.

[0149] In addition, while regular operation checks are performed in step S30, payment data is sent in step S18, and when the management server 6 receives it, the payment data may be included together with information on the laundry equipment that has completed operation, thereby checking the operation of the connected laundry equipment.

[0150] Also, although the notification of the end of operation has been described as an example, it can be an additional service when notifying a notice of the end. As the timing of notification, time information on how many minutes before the end to notify, that is, the notice time, is set in advance, and when the notice of end is selected as an additional service, the server control means 50 of the management server 6 periodically checks the operation and acquires the time until the end in step S30. It is preferable that the notice time can be set by the user when inputting the notification destination. This can be realized by providing a frame for inputting a setting value on the management page and allowing the desired time to be input there. Then, in step S31, the notice time of the notice notification is compared with the time when the operation of the device ends, and it is judged whether it is the timing to issue the notice. If it is judged that the notice should be issued, in step S32, the notification destination is acquired. Then, since it is not the timing to issue a receipt in step S33, the process proceeds to step S36 and mail data is generated. The mail data is a message indicating how many minutes remain until the end. Then, in step S37, a notice of the end is sent to the specified notification destination. In step S38, the history is recorded, and in step S39, since the end notification has not yet been sent, the process is skipped. Then, the process proceeds to step S40. By carrying out the process in this manner, the management server 6 can send the end advance notification to the notification destination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0151] 1. Store management device 2. First laundry machine 3. Second laundry machine 4. Third laundry equipment 5. Network 6 Management Server 7 User terminal 8. First code recording medium 9. Second code recording medium 10. Third Code Recording Medium

Claims

1. A plurality of automatic operation devices are arranged in the store and operate in response to payment of a fee; A user terminal operated by a user; an automatic operation equipment management device that is communicably connected to the automatic operation equipment and the user terminal via a network, and has a storage means for storing operation information and notification destination information relating to the operation of the automatic operation equipment; 2. An automatic operation device management system that notifies the operation information to a notification destination specified by the notification destination information stored in the storage means, the user terminal has an imaging means and an extraction means for analyzing an image acquired by the imaging means and extracting access destination information that specifies an access destination for connection via the network; The access destination information includes store information for identifying the store, and the access destination information is information capable of guiding the user terminal to a management page in which the store identified based on the store information is identified, An automatic operating equipment management system characterized in that the user terminal is directed to the management page where the automatic operating equipment located in the store is displayed in a selectable manner and information corresponding to the automatic operating equipment is displayed by passing through the access destination that is accessed based on the access destination information.

2. The user terminal transmits the notification information to the automatic operation device management device via input of the notification information on the management page; 2. The automatic operation equipment management system according to claim 1, wherein the automatic operation equipment management device stores the received notification destination information in the storage means.

3. The automatic operation equipment management device stores information corresponding to the automatic operation equipment in association with equipment information identifying the automatic operation equipment, The automatic operating equipment management system according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the automatic operating equipment management device obtains information corresponding to the automatic operating equipment to be displayed on the management page from the storage means based on the equipment information of the selected automatic operating equipment.

4. The user terminal transmits a request for a predetermined additional service together with the notification destination information to the automatic operation device management device; The automatic operating equipment management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that when the automatic operating equipment management device receives a request for the additional service from the user terminal, it notifies the notification destination of the additional service together with the operation information.

5. An automatic operation equipment management device is provided in a store, and is communicatively connected via a network to a plurality of automatic operation equipment that operates in response to payment of a fee and to a user terminal operated by a user, and has a storage means for storing operation information and notification destination information relating to the operation of the automatic operation equipment, and notifies the notification destination specified by the notification destination information stored in the storage means of the operation information, An automatic operating equipment management device comprising: an imaging means for analyzing an image acquired by the imaging means; and an extraction means for extracting access destination information that identifies the access destination for accessing via the network, the access destination including store information that identifies the store, and which directs the user terminal to a management page in which the store identified based on the store information is identified.When the access destination is accessed from the user terminal based on the access destination information, the management page is generated in which the automatic operating equipment located in the store is displayed in a selectable manner and information corresponding to the automatic operating equipment is displayed, and the user terminal is directed to the management page.

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