Coin laundry system

Abstract

To provide a coin laundry system which provides a use content advantageous to a user who frequently uses a coin laundry shop, and which can increase the number of regular customers of the coin laundry shop.SOLUTION: A coin laundry system includes: a management device; a reading machine which is provided in a coin laundry shop and which reads an identification code; and a portable terminal owned by a user which can load a period application permitted to use a laundry device according to a preset use condition. The management device transmits an identification code for using the period application to the portable terminal, and in the case where the reading machine has read the identification code from the portable terminal, it receives the identification code and determines the effectiveness, and if the identification code is effective, it permits the use of the laundry device based on the use condition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a coin laundry system.

Background Art

[0002] Coin laundry stores are equipped with a large number of various laundry devices such as washing and drying machines, washing machines, and dryers, and are provided to users 24 hours a day. In particular, during the rainy season or periods of prolonged rain with little sunshine, the utilization of coin laundry stores tends to increase because washing and drying cannot be sufficiently carried out. Also, recently, due to the influence of the novel coronavirus, the number of people using coin laundry stores has increased because of their high sterilization ability during drying.

[0003] In coin laundry stores, not only the used washing and drying courses (including only the washing course and only the drying course), but also according to additional settings such as the number of rinses and drying time, a system is in place to pay a predetermined fee. Therefore, even users who frequently use coin laundry stores are not particularly favored, except to the extent that service coupons specific to the period are prepared. Also, in operating a coin laundry store, there is no way to determine the extent of regular customers.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention has been proposed in view of the above circumstances, and it is a beneficial service content for users who frequently use coin laundry stores, and aims to provide a coin laundry system that can increase the number of regular customers of coin laundry stores.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The service processing method of the coin laundry system according to the embodiment has a plurality of laundry devices and a management device for managing the plurality of laundry devices, and is a service processing method of a coin laundry system operated using a mobile terminal. Using the application installed on the mobile terminal, a service course is defined in which one or more courses of washing and drying, washing, and drying are used a defined number of times for a defined period at a defined fee, and registered with the management device. When the management device receives a request to use the service course directly or indirectly from the mobile terminal, if it determines that the request is within the defined number of times, it transmits a guide to use the laundry device according to the content of the registered service course to the mobile terminal, and the mobile terminal operates the laundry device according to the guide displayed on the screen.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, the coin laundry system of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 16. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the coin laundry system 100 of the embodiment. In FIG. 1, in the coin laundry store 10, a large number of washing / drying machines, washing machines, and drying machines (hereinafter, these are collectively referred to as the laundry device 20) are installed according to the size of the store. The centralized settlement machine (an example of a reader) 30 is a device that centrally manages the operation settings, usage fees, etc. of a large number of laundry devices 20 installed in the coin laundry store 10.

[0009] The laundry manufacturer 40 that operates the coin laundry store 10 is provided with a management device (server device) 50. When there is a separate owner who operates the coin laundry store 10, the laundry device 20 is provided by the laundry manufacturer 40. The management device 50 and the centralized settlement machine 30 are connected so as to be capable of data communication via a network (not shown). Also, the "period application" of the embodiment is installed in the user-owned mobile terminal 70 (smartphone or tablet). The mobile terminal 70 can wirelessly communicate with the management device 50 and the centralized settlement machine 30. The "period application" provides the use of the laundry device 20 under set conditions according to a preset predetermined period (for example, monthly, 50 days, 60 days, 90 days, etc.).

[0010] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a procedure for installing an identification code (for example, a QR code (registered trademark) or a barcode, etc.) for using the "period application" from the management device 50 to the mobile terminal 70. The laundry maker 40 has, for example, opened a homepage HP on a network managed by a management device 50. On this homepage HP, an identification code (for example, a QR code) for downloading a "period application" is posted. Also, at the coin laundry store 10 (for example, the centralized payment machine 30), an identification code for downloading the "period application" is posted. The identification code for downloading the "period application" may be posted in advertisements, flyers, etc. to promote its use. In FIG. 2, the user uses the QR reading function of the owned mobile terminal 70 (hereinafter referred to as a smartphone) to read the identification code from these media and download the "period application" (S50).

[0011] Next, the user starts the "period application" installed on the smartphone 70 (S52). Then, according to the input screen for user registration, etc., user registration, etc. is performed (S54). If the user information, etc. corresponding to the set input screen is correctly input (Yes in S56), the smartphone 70 receives an identification code (for example, a QR code) for using the "period application" and ends (S58). If the user information, etc. is not correctly input in S56, re-registration is performed and re-examination is received, or the operation is ended.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the procedure for registering user information in the management device 50 by the smartphone 70 installed with the "period application" shown in S54 of FIG. 2. When the user launches the "Period Application" of the smartphone 70, after going through procedures such as entering the user ID and password, a general user registration screen is displayed. Then, using this screen, the user inputs "user name", "address", "date of birth", etc. for user registration in the user information table 501 described later. Also, as registration of payment information such as a credit card, the user inputs credit card information (card number, name, expiration date, etc.). Furthermore, as store selection, the user reads out a store map handling the "Period Application" in the area where the user of the laundry maker 40 uses (resides), and selects and inputs the desired store. Additionally, the user selects and inputs one of the prepared multiple period courses. Here, taking the "Monthly Course" shown below as an example of the period course, it will be described with respect to the two prepared period courses, but it is not limited to this. For example, it is convenient to have at least two courses among the only-washing course, only-drying course, and washing-drying course. These user information are registered (stored) in the user information table 501 provided in the database 50a of the management device 50 via the network. ◇ Monthly "2000 Yen Course" (Course 1): Drying only, 10 times a month ◇ Monthly "5000 Yen Course" (Course 2): Washing and drying 6 times, unlimited drying

[0013] Generally, it takes about 30 minutes to dry the laundry after washing using a dryer. Since the general usage fee of the dryer is 100 yen for 10 minutes, the usage fee for one use of the dryer is about 300 yen. In the monthly "2,000 yen course", since the equivalent of 10 dryer uses (300 yen × 10 times = 3,000 yen) can be used, there is a discount of 1,000 yen if used 10 times. In the monthly "5,000 yen course", since the usage fee for one use of the washer-dryer is usually about 1,000 yen, the period fee is paid after 5 uses. Therefore, in the monthly "5,000 yen course", the usage fee for one use of the washer-dryer and the usage fee for the unlimited-use dryer are discounted. Thus, since multiple courses of a fee system that benefits the user are set for the "period application", it is beneficial and convenient for users who frequently use coin laundry store 10. Also, since the coin laundry store can be used with a simple operation of the owned smartphone 70 without bringing cash or cards to the coin laundry store 10, the convenience is also good.

[0014] Figure 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example when coin laundry store 10 is not a directly managed store of laundry manufacturer 40 and there is a separate store owner. In the case of such a store form, the owner terminal 80 owned by the owner of store A and the management device 50 of laundry manufacturer 40 are connected so as to be capable of data communication via a network (not shown), and related information can be shared with store A that introduces the "period application". Note that the distribution of the fees associated with the introduction of the "period application" is determined by a contract between laundry manufacturer 40 and the store owner.

[0015] For example, when store A is selected during store selection in FIG. 3, if the user of the "period application" newly registers with respect to the owner terminal 80 of the store A from the management device 50, the owner terminal 80 is notified. The owner terminal 80 can view a list of what users have set store A. Thereby, the store owner can grasp the number of customers (regular customers) of the "period application" using store A. Further, since the contract information of the "period application" is provided from the management device 50 to the owner terminal 80, the sales amount of regular customers can be grasped in advance.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the connection relationship between the centralized settlement machine 30 and the management device (server device) 50. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example list of user information registered in the database 50a of the management device 50. FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of the determination operation of the management device 50 for determining the validity of the identification code using the "period application" and an example of the identification code management table 503. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the usage (use) history table 505 of the users registered in the database 50a of the management device 50.

[0017] In FIG. 5, the centralized settlement machine 30 is provided with a camera 30a and a display touch panel 30b. The camera 30a reads the identification code 60a of the "period application" displayed on the screen of the smartphone 70 and inputs it into the centralized settlement machine 30. Operation guidance information from the centralized settlement machine 30 is displayed on the display touch panel 30b, and selection information from the user is input into the centralized settlement machine 30. The centralized settlement machine 30 and the management device 50 are connected via a network. Therefore, the information of the identification code 60a read by the camera 30a of the centralized settlement machine 30 is transmitted to the management device 50 and recorded in the usage history table 505 in the database 50a. In addition, in the centralized settlement machine 30 of FIG. 5, input / output parts such as cash / credit card / debit card, etc., which are not directly related to the embodiment, are omitted. In a coin laundry store without a centralized settlement machine 30, a reader for reading the identification code 60a is provided.

[0018] In the user information table 501 of the database 50a of the management device 50, various input information shown in FIG. 3 is registered as user information and the like. FIG. 6 shows an example list of user information for each user registered in the user information table 501. As user information, "user ID", "password", "name", "address", "birthday", "store registration date", "card information", "store name", etc. are registered. However, in the owner terminal 80 shown in FIG. 4, "customer name", "address", "birthday", "store registration date", etc. indicated by reference numeral 90 in FIG. 6 are shared, but "settlement information such as credit cards" is set not to be shared. This can prevent the leakage of important credit card information of individuals (user information) from the contracting store.

[0019] FIG. 7(a) is a flowchart showing the determination operation of the management device 50 for determining the validity of the identification code 60 using the "period application". When the end of the contract period (predetermined period) is approaching, the management device 50 displays a request for continued use and a notice of fee payment (notice in the case of automatic transfer) to the user's smartphone 70 (S60). Next, the management device 50 determines whether the update date set according to the user registration date and the contract period of the user has arrived (S62). If it is determined that the update date has arrived (Yes in S62), the management device 50 checks whether the usage fee for the new period has been transferred (S64). If the transfer is completed, the management device determines that the identification code is "valid" and registers it in the identification code management table 503 provided in the database 50a as information including the "valid" period as shown in FIG. 7(b) (S66).

[0020] As a result, since the identification code that utilizes the "period application" read by the camera 30a of the centralized settlement machine 30 is identified as "valid" by the management device 50, the user can use the laundry device 20 under set conditions during the new period. If the usage fee has not been transferred in S64, the management device 50 determines that the identification code is "invalid" and records it in the identification code management table 503 (S68). As a result, even a user who has refrained from using the laundry device 20 (determined as "invalid") due to circumstances can resume being "valid" and reuse the laundry device 20 by paying the usage fee for the "period application" of the new period. Note that regardless of the user registration date, a fixed date such as the 1st or 15th of each month may be set among the contract conditions at the time of user registration as the update date.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a usage (operation) history table 505 of a user registered in the database 50a of the management device 50. Since the identification code 60 read by the camera 30a and its usage date and time information are transmitted from the centralized settlement machine 30 to the management device 50, the management device 50 accumulatively records them in the usage history table 505 of the database 50a. In a coin laundry store without a centralized settlement machine 30, it is advisable to record the usage history of the laundry device 20 and the communication history with the smartphone 70 together as the usage history.

[0022] FIG. 8 shows an example of the usage results for each identification code recorded in the usage history table 505. FIG. 8(a) shows an example of the usage history of the "2000 yen course" per month, and FIG. 8(b) shows an example of the usage history of the "5000 yen course" per month. In the example of FIG. 8(a), corresponding to the user ID "TO1000" and the identification (QR) code number "TO20201252", three usage results (date, start time, and end time) of the dryer are recorded. In the history information, the usage period (here, a one-month period) "2020 / 07 / 25 to 2020 / 08 / 24" and the remaining number of uses of the dryer "7" (subtracted according to the recorded usage results) are recorded. In the example of Fig. 8(b), corresponding to the user ID "TO3000" and the identification (QR) code number "TO20201121", three usage records (date, start time, and end time) of the washing and drying machine are recorded. In the history information, the usage period (here, a one-month period) "2020 / 08 / 02 to 2020 / 09 / 01" and the remaining usage times "3" of the washing and drying machine (subtracted according to the usage record) are recorded. Since the use of the dryer is unlimited, only its usage record is recorded.

[0023] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation control by the centralized settlement machine 30 and the management device 50 that execute the "period application". When using the coin laundry store 20, the user displays the identification code 60a of the "period application" received as described above on the screen of the smartphone 70 (S100). Next, the user brings the smartphone 70 close to the centralized settlement machine 30 and allows the identification code 60a to be read by the camera 30a of the centralized settlement machine 30 (S110). In a coin laundry store without a centralized settlement machine 30, the same process is performed by a reader (for example, Fig. 15) that reads the identification code 60a.

[0024] The management device 50 identifies, for example, as a "monthly course" from the information in the usage history table 505 through mutual communication with the centralized settlement machine 30 that has read the identification code 60a, and also identifies whether the identification code is, for example, a monthly "2000 yen course (Course 1)" or a monthly "5000 yen course (Course 2)" (S120). Then, when it is identified as the monthly "2000 yen course", the management device 50 first determines whether the number of usages is within the monthly usage limit. In the monthly "2000 yen course", for example, the setting condition (contract condition) permits up to 10 uses of drying per month. Therefore, the management device 50 refers to the history information in the usage history table 505 to determine whether it has exceeded the monthly usage limit (for example, 10 times) (S130). If it is determined that the monthly usage limit of 10 times has been reached, the identification code 60a is set to "invalid" (S140). Setting the identification code 60a to "invalid" means recording "invalid" in the area corresponding to the identification code 60a in the database 50a of the management device 50.

[0025] When the management device 50 determines in S130 that the monthly usage count is within the limit, it further determines whether the daily usage count (for example, 2 times) is exceeded (S150). If the management device 50 meets these two conditions, it causes the user to select a dryer to be used via the centralized settlement machine 30 and operates the dryer. The management device 50 decrements the usage count by 1 and updates the usage history table 505 (S160). The centralized settlement machine 30 temporarily stores the usage record of the dryer internally as a history and notifies the management device 50 of the usage record (usage time) (S170). Note that the notification to the management device 50 may be sent in batches for several days. If, in S150, the daily usage count (for example, 2 times) is exceeded, the management device 50 puts the reading of the identification code 60a on "hold" and ends by notifying the smartphone 70 and / or the display touch panel 30b that "usage is not possible today, so usage after tomorrow will be guided" (S180).

[0026] In S120 of FIG. 9, when it is determined that the monthly fee is the "5000 yen course", the management device 50 determines whether to use the dryer by communicating with the smartphone 70 (or via the centralized settlement machine 30) (S200). If it is not a dryer usage, the management device 50 refers to the usage history table 505 and determines whether the usage count of the washing and drying course exceeds the monthly usage count (for example, 6 times) (S210). If the usage count does not exceed the monthly usage count, it causes the user to select a washing and drying machine to be used via the centralized settlement machine 30 and operates the dryer. The management device 50 decrements the usage count by 1 and updates the usage history table 505 (S220). Then, the centralized settlement machine 30 temporarily stores the usage record (usage time) of the washing and drying machine internally as a history, notifies the management device 50 of the usage record, and ends (S170).

[0027] In S200 of FIG. 9, when the dryer is used, and in S210 when the number of uses of the washing and drying course exceeds the monthly number of uses, since the dryer is used, the management device 50 determines whether the use of the dryer exceeds the daily number of uses (for example, 1 time) (S230). If it does not exceed the daily number of uses (for example, 1 time), the user is allowed to select the dryer to be used via the centralized settlement device 30, and the dryer is operated (S240). The centralized settlement device 30 temporarily stores the usage record of the dryer internally as a history, and notifies the management device 40 of the usage record (usage time) and then ends (S170). In S230, if the daily number of uses (for example, 1 time) is exceeded, the management device 50 puts the reading of the identification code 60a on "hold", and notifies the smartphone 70 and / or the display touch panel 30b that "since the use today is not possible, the use after tomorrow is guided" and then ends (S250). Note that the history notification to the management device 50 may be sent in a lump for several days. In a coin laundry store without the centralized settlement device 30, the user may directly operate the buttons of the washing machine, dryer, or washing and drying machine to select and operate them.

[0028] FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are diagrams showing examples of guidance examples (menus) transmitted from the management device 50 to the smartphone 70. When the identification code 60a displayed on the smartphone 70 is read by the camera 30a of the centralized settlement device 30, the centralized settlement device 30 provides the management device 50 with the reading information of the identification code 60a. In response to this, the management device 50 refers to the usage history table 505 and displays operation guidance on the smartphone 70 from the usage history corresponding to the identification code 60a. FIG. 10 shows an example of the operation guidance for the monthly "2000 yen course", and FIG. 11 shows an example of the operation guidance for the monthly "5000 yen course".

[0029] Figure 10(a) shows a normal usage guidance example when using a dryer with a monthly fee of "2,000 yen course", where the monthly usage times and the daily usage times are within the set conditions. The user selects one of the dryers 1 to 3 that they want to use according to the guidance shown in Figure 10(a) displayed on the smartphone 70, and operates the selected dryer. The operation control may be performed from the centralized settlement machine 30. Figure 10(b) shows an example of guiding that since the monthly usage times of the dryer reach the set condition (the 10th time), the identification code 60a becomes "invalid", and at the same time guiding the usage in the new period. In Figure 10(b), since it is the 10th usage of the dryer, the user selects one of the dryers 1 to 3 that they want to use according to the guidance, and operates the selected dryer. Figure 10(c) shows an example of guiding the usage after tomorrow by "holding" the reading of the identification code 60a because the daily usage times have completed the set condition (the 2nd time).

[0030] Figure 11(a) shows a normal usage guidance example when using a washing and drying machine with a monthly fee of "5,000 yen course", where the monthly usage times of the washing and drying machine and the daily usage times of the dryer are within the set conditions. The user selects one of the washing and drying machines 1 to n that they want to use according to the guidance shown in Figure 11(a) displayed on the smartphone 70, and operates the selected washing and drying machine. The operation control may be performed from the centralized settlement machine 30. Figure 11(b) shows an example of guiding the unlimited use of the dryer with the identification code 60a when the monthly usage times of the washing and drying machine have reached the set condition (the 6th time). The user selects one of the dryers 1 to 3 that they want to use according to the guidance shown in Figure 11(b) displayed on the smartphone 70, and operates the selected dryer. Figure 11(c) shows an example of guiding the usage after tomorrow by "holding" the reading of the identification code 60a when the monthly usage times of the washing and drying machine have reached the set condition (the 6th time) and the daily usage times of the dryer have completed the set condition (1 time per day).

[0031] Next, referring to FIGS. 12 to 14, other embodiments will be described. Another embodiment shows an example where a coin laundry store is installed on the first floor of an apartment building or other multi-family housing as one of the commercial facilities. In such a case, for the residents of the multi-family housing, as a resident privilege, during the lease period, a contract allowing unlimited use of the laundry equipment in the coin laundry store is concluded according to the residents' wishes. In the lease contract, unlimited use of the laundry equipment in the coin laundry store is specified, and the monthly rent including the fee for unlimited use of the laundry equipment is set.

[0032] For example, assuming the rent of the tenant is 80,000 yen per month, in the unlimited use course (Course 3) of the dryer of the laundry equipment 20 per month, a tenant privilege contract is concluded at 88,000 yen including the fee for the laundry equipment 20. For example, also in the unlimited use course (Course 4) of the washer and dryer of the laundry equipment 20 per month, a tenant privilege contract is concluded at 95,000 yen including the fee for the laundry equipment 20. By concluding such a tenant privilege contract, the user can use the laundry equipment unlimitedly according to the contract conditions, so that they can obtain a cost-effective system. On the other hand, the laundry owner of the apartment building can obtain a fixed income of about 100,000 yen per month if there are about 10 rooms, for example. And to achieve this, a "Resident Privilege Application" is prepared. It should be noted that the owner of the apartment building and the owner of the laundry store operate under a transaction contract regarding the "Resident Privilege Application" concluded in advance between the two parties.

[0033] FIG. 12(a) is a flowchart showing the procedure for setting an identification code for using the "Resident Privilege Application" from the management device 50 to the smartphone 70. When a resident of an apartment building concludes an unlimited-use contract (at the request of the resident) for a laundry device in a coin laundry store within the apartment building (Yes in S200), the resident acquires the "Resident Privilege Application" provided by the owner of the apartment building or the owner of the laundry store using the smartphone 70 owned by the resident. In the management device 50, the user information input by starting the "Resident Privilege Application" installed in the smartphone 70 is registered (S210). Since the user information is the resident (personal information has already been obtained at the time of the occupancy contract), it may be the minimum necessary. However, in order to prevent unauthorized use of the "Resident Privilege Application", user input is performed with the unique information of the smartphone 70 (for example, LINE-ID number or mobile phone number, etc.) as a mandatory input condition. The management device 50 registers the acquired unique information in the identification code management table 504 shown in FIG. 13. Thereby, the unique information of the smartphone 70 and the issued identification code can be linked and stored (S220). Then, the management device 50 transmits an identification code (for example, QR code) for using the "Resident Privilege Application" to the smartphone 70 and ends (S230).

[0034] FIG. 12(b) shows the procedure for automatically updating the identification code 60b for using the "Resident Privilege Application" as "valid" in the management device 50. The management device 50 checks whether it is the update date, for example, based on the update date set in the occupancy contract at the time of residence. If it is the update date (Yes in S250), it checks whether the monthly rent (including the fee for the laundry device 20) has been transferred normally (S260). Then, when the transfer is made, the management device 50 sets the identification code (for example, QR code) assigned to the user as "valid" and automatically updates the identification code management table 504 shown in FIG. 13, for example, on a monthly basis. As a result, users of the "Resident Privilege Application" can use the laundry device 20 freely according to the conditions contracted during the occupancy period without doing anything else as long as they transfer the monthly rent. If the monthly rent has not been transferred normally in S250, the management device 50 invalidates the identification code assigned to the user and records it in the identification code management table 504 (S280). When the management device 50 receives information indicating that the overdue rent has been transferred from the owner terminal 80 or the like at a later date, it records the identification code 60b as "valid" in the identification code management table 504 and sets it to be reusable.

[0035] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation control by the centralized settlement machine 30 and the management device 50 that execute the "Resident Privilege Application". When using the coin laundry store 20, the identification code 60b of the resident privilege received as described above is displayed on the screen of the smartphone 70 (for example, the LINE screen) (S290). Next, the smartphone 70 is brought close to the centralized settlement machine 30, and the identification code 60b is read by the camera 30a of the centralized settlement machine 30 (S300). At the same time as reading the identification code 60b, the centralized settlement machine 30 acquires the unique information (LINE-ID or mobile phone number, etc.) of the smartphone 70. In a coin laundry store without a centralized settlement machine 30, the same process is performed by a reader (for example, FIG. 15) that reads the identification code 60b.

[0036] The centralized calculator 30 transmits the identification code 60b and the unique information obtained via the network to the management device 50. The management device 50 refers to the identification code management table 504 in the database 50a to check whether the owner of the smartphone 70 is a contract holder of the resident privilege and whether the identification code is "valid" (S310). If it is determined that the smartphone 70 does not belong to the resident privilege holder by comparing both pieces of unique information, or if the identification code is not "valid", a notice is sent to the call center to process the availability of the laundry device 20 through an inquiry such as confirmation of being a resident (S315). Thus, even if an attempt is made to provide the identification code 60b to a third party to obtain illegal benefits, unauthorized use can be suppressed by comparing the unique information of the smartphone 70 registered in the identification code management table 504 with the obtained unique information.

[0037] In S310 of FIG. 14, if it is determined that the owner of the smartphone 70 is a contract holder of the resident privilege, the management device 50 refers to the usage history table 505 to determine whether the identification code is for the unlimited dryer course (Course 3) or the all-you-can-use course (Course 4) (S320). If it is determined to be the unlimited dryer course, the management device 50 determines whether the number of daily usages (for example, within 3 times) has been exceeded (S330). If the management device 50 has not exceeded the number of daily usages (Yes in S330), it notifies the centralized calculator 30 to allow the user to select the dryer to be used and operate the dryer. Then, the centralized calculator 30 temporarily stores the usage record of the dryer internally as a history and notifies the management device 50 of the usage record and ends (S380). Note that the notification to the management device 50 may be sent in a consolidated manner for several days. If, in S330, the number of daily usages (for example, within 3 times) has been exceeded, the management device 50 puts the reading of the identification code 60b on "hold" and, via the smartphone 70 and / or the centralized calculator 30, notifies the user that "usage is not available today, so usage after tomorrow will be guided" and ends (S350).

[0038] In S320 of FIG. 14, when it is determined that it is an all-you-can-use course, the management device 50 determines whether the number of daily uses of the laundry device 20 (for example, within 2 times) is exceeded (S360). If the number of daily uses (for example, within 2 times) is not exceeded, it notifies the centralized payment machine 30 to allow the user to select the laundry device 20 to be used and operate the laundry device 20 (S370). Then, the centralized payment machine 30 temporarily stores the usage record of the laundry device 20 internally as a history, and notifies the management device 50 of the usage record and then ends (S380). In S360, if the number of daily uses (for example, 2 times) is exceeded, the management device 50 puts the reading of the identification code 60b on "hold", and via the smartphone 70 and / or the centralized payment machine 30, notifies the user that "since the use today is not possible, the use after tomorrow will be guided" and then ends (S390). Note that the notification to the management device 50 may be sent in a lump for several days. In a coin laundry store without the centralized payment machine 30, the user may directly operate the buttons of the washing machine, dryer, or washer-dryer to select and operate them.

[0039] FIG. 15 shows an example of reading the identification code 60a of the smartphone 70 using a dedicated machine 200 (having the function of a reader) with a built-in identification code reader instead of the centralized payment machine 30. When using the dedicated machine 200, the centralized payment machine 30 may not be provided. In other words, in a coin laundry store without the centralized payment machine 30, the dedicated machine 200 can be used as a substitute. Then, when the smartphone 70 is brought close to the dedicated machine 200, the identification code 60a (60b) incorporated in the "period application" or "resident privilege application" is read by the built-in reader and transmitted to the management device 50 via a wireless network, and the same processing is executed.

[0040] Also, among the laundry apparatuses 20 shown in FIG. 15, the laundry apparatus 20a is provided for users of the "period application" or "resident privilege application" throughout the day. Further, the laundry apparatus 20b is provided for users of the "period application" or "resident privilege application" at a specific time (in the morning or from 8:00 am to 11:00 am) on specific days of the week (for example, Saturdays and Sundays). By setting such laundry apparatuses 20a and 20b, it is possible to preferentially provide laundry apparatuses to users who use the services of the "period application" or "resident privilege application" over general customers. Thereby, the use of this service can be expanded. In a laundry store where priority use is set, for operations that do not use the identification codes 60a and 60b of the centralized payment machines 30, the corresponding laundry apparatuses 20a and 20b are programmed so as not to be selectable according to the priority use setting content. In a laundry store without a centralized payment machine 30, it is desirable to separately install the laundry apparatuses 20a and 20b for priority use, or to clearly indicate that they are the laundry apparatuses 20a and 20b for priority use.

[0041] FIG. 16 shows a system for managing a plurality of centralized payment machines 30 by a cloud server 300. The management device 50, the cloud server 300, and the plurality of centralized payment machines 30 are connected so as to be capable of data communication via a network (not shown). The management device 50 stores the setting information of the "period application" or "resident privilege application" in the cloud server 300. Therefore, the plurality of centralized payment machines 30 store the execution program of the "period application" or "resident privilege application" supplied from the cloud server 300 instead of from the management device 50. The sharing of user information and the recording of usage history information are also realized by data communication between the cloud server 300 and the plurality of centralized payment machines 30.

[0042] As described above, according to the coin laundry system of the embodiment, it includes a management device 50, a reader 30 or 200 provided in the coin laundry store 20 for reading an identification code, and a user-owned mobile terminal 70 capable of installing a period application for the period during which the use of the laundry device 20 is permitted according to the set usage conditions. The management device 50 transmits an identification code 60a for using the period application to the mobile terminal 70. When the reader 30 or 200 reads the identification code 60a from the mobile terminal 70, it receives the identification code 60a and determines its validity. If it is valid, it permits the use based on the usage conditions of the laundry device 20. Therefore, for users who frequently use the coin laundry store 10, they can use the laundry device 20 at a price lower than the normal price. Also, since the users of the "period application" become regular customers, the usage efficiency of the laundry device 20 in the store can be improved.

[0043] According to the coin laundry system of the embodiment, the management device 50 has an identification code management table 503 for managing the validity of the identification code 60a. The management device 50 is configured to set "valid" for the corresponding identification code recorded in the identification code management table 503 in response to the payment of the usage fee of the period application. Therefore, the user can use the laundry device 20 inexpensively using the owned mobile terminal (smartphone) 70 only by paying the usage fee of the period application.

[0044] According to the coin laundry system of the embodiment, the identification code management table 503 is configured to record the validity period of the identification code. Therefore, during the validity period, the user can use the laundry device 20 inexpensively using the owned mobile terminal (smartphone) 70. Also, before the expiration date, a payment notice for the usage fee is provided by the management device 50, so the service can be used with confidence.

[0045] According to the coin laundry system of the embodiment, the management device 50 further has a usage history table 505, records the usage based on the usage conditions of the laundry device 20 in the usage history table 505, refers to the usage history table 505 when reading the identification code, checks whether it is within the range of the usage conditions, and if it is determined to be within the range, permits the use based on the usage conditions of the laundry device 20. Therefore, even if the usage conditions (number of times) of the laundry device 20 are forgotten, the system will check and guide, so that the service can be used with confidence.

[0046] According to the coin laundry system of the embodiment, the period course using the period application includes at least two or more courses among the first course of only washing, the second course of only drying, and the third course of washing and drying. Therefore, the user can select a favorite course according to the usage form of the laundry device 20.

[0047] According to the coin laundry system of the embodiment, the management device 50 is configured to enable the use of the washing machine or dryer when the monthly usage frequency and the daily usage frequency are within the set range in the first course or the second course. Therefore, there is no worry of interfering with the use of other users' coin laundry stores due to the daily usage frequency limit.

[0048] According to the coin laundry system of the embodiment, the management device 50 is configured to give a guide of only drying when the washing and drying course exceeds the monthly usage frequency in the third course. Therefore, the user can use the laundry device 20 in a cost-effective manner.

[0049] According to the coin laundry system of the embodiment, a management device 50, readers 30 and 200 provided in a coin laundry store installed in an apartment building where residents live, for reading an identification code, and a user-owned mobile terminal 70 capable of installing a resident privilege application that permits the use of a laundry device according to set usage conditions are provided. The management device 50 transmits an identification code 60b for using the resident privilege application to the mobile terminal 70. When the readers 30 and 200 read the identification code 60b from the mobile terminal 70, the management device 50 receives the identification code 60b and determines its validity. If it is valid, the management device 50 permits the use based on the usage conditions of the laundry device 20. Therefore, for a user who uses a coin laundry store installed in an apartment building where the user lives, the user can inexpensively use the laundry device 20 just by paying the rent. In addition, since users of the resident privilege application become regular customers, the operating rate of the coin laundry store installed in the apartment building can be increased, and stable management can be realized with fixed income.

[0050] According to the coin laundry system of the embodiment, the management device 50 has an identification code management table 504 for managing the validity of the identification code 60b. The management device 50 sets "valid" for the corresponding identification code recorded in the identification code management table 504 in response to the regular payment of the rent of the apartment building including the usage fee of the laundry device. Therefore, the user can inexpensively use the laundry device 20 using the owned mobile terminal (smartphone) 70 just by paying the rent.

[0051] According to the coin laundry system of the embodiment, the identification code management table 504 is configured to record the validity period of the identification code 60b and the unique information of the mobile terminal 70. Therefore, since the unique information of the mobile terminal 70 is linked to and managed with the identification code 60b, unauthorized use of the identification code 60b can be prevented.

[0052] According to the coin laundry system of the embodiment, since the management device 50 can identify whether the portable terminal 70 is legitimate when reading the identification code 60b by using the unique information of the portable terminal 70 recorded in the identification code management table 504, unauthorized use of the identification code 60b can be prevented.

[0053] According to the coin laundry system of the embodiment, the management device 50 further has a usage history table 505, records the usage based on the usage conditions of the laundry device 20 in the usage history table 505, refers to the usage history table 505 when reading the identification code 60b, checks whether it is within the range of the usage conditions, and if it is determined to be within the range, permits the use based on the usage conditions of the laundry device 20. Therefore, even if the usage conditions (number of times) of the laundry device 20 are forgotten, the system will check and guide, so that the service can be used with confidence.

[0054] According to the coin laundry system of the embodiment, the resident privilege course using the resident privilege application includes at least two or more of the unlimited washing machine course, unlimited dryer course, and unlimited washing and drying machine course. Therefore, the user can select a preferred course according to the usage form of the laundry device 20.

[0055] According to the coin laundry system of the embodiment, in the unlimited washing machine course or unlimited dryer course or unlimited washing and drying machine course, when the number of daily usages is within the set range, the management device 50 enables the use of the washing machine or dryer or washing and drying machine. Therefore, there is no worry of disturbing the use of other users' coin laundry stores due to the limit on the number of daily usages.

[0056] According to the coin laundry system of the embodiment, at least a part (20a, 20b) of the laundry device is configured to be provided for priority use by a period application or a resident privilege application. Therefore, even when the coin laundry store is crowded, a laundry device 20 that can be preferentially used by users using this service is prepared, so that the use of this system can be promoted.

[0057] According to the coin laundry system of the embodiment, when the management device 50 permits use based on the usage conditions of the laundry device 20, a guidance menu according to the usage conditions and usage history of the period application or the resident privilege application is displayed on the mobile terminal 70. Therefore, the user can use this system with confidence, and can select and operate the laundry device 20 according to the guidance menu displayed on the mobile terminal 70.

[0058] According to the coin laundry system of the embodiment, it further has an owner terminal 80 of the coin laundry store 10. When a user is registered with the management device 70 by the mobile terminal 70, the user registration information shared at the owner terminal 80 of the coin laundry store 10 does not include settlement information. Therefore, since the shared user registration information does not include settlement information such as a credit card, it is possible to prevent the most important information of the credit card, which is personal information, from leaking from the contracting store.

[0059] The embodiments of the present invention are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope.

Explanation of Signs

[0060] 100…Coin laundry system 10… Coin laundry store, 20… Laundry equipment 30… Central payment machine (reader), 30a… Camera, 30b… Display touch panel 40… Laundry manufacturer, 50… Management device (server device) 50a… Database, 501… User information table, 503, 504… Identification code management table, 505… Usage history table 60, 60a, 60b… Identification code (e.g., QR code) 70… Mobile terminal (smartphone or tablet) 80… Owner terminal, 200… Dedicated machine (reader), 300… Cloud server

Claims

1. A service processing method for a coin laundry system having a plurality of laundry devices and a management device for managing the plurality of laundry devices, and operating using a mobile terminal, comprising: Using an application installed on the mobile terminal, determining a service course in which one or more courses of washing and drying, washing, or drying are used a defined number of times for a defined period at a defined fee, and registering the service course with the management device; When the management device receives a request to use the service course directly or indirectly from the mobile terminal, if it determines that the request is within the defined number of times, it transmits to the mobile terminal a guidance to use the laundry device according to the content of the registered service course; The mobile terminal operates the laundry device according to the guidance displayed on the screen. A service processing method for a coin laundry system, characterized in that.

2. The management device is provided with a table for managing the usage history of the service course for each mobile terminal of the user; The management device: Each time the mobile terminal uses the laundry device, updates the number of times the service course of the user owning the mobile terminal is used, which is recorded in the table; When receiving a request to use the service course, refers to the number of times of use in the table to determine whether it is within the defined number of times. The service processing method for a coin laundry system according to claim 1, characterized in that.

3. The table records the number of times of use updated on a monthly basis for the service course; The management device guides the use of the laundry device when the updated number of times of use is within the defined number of times. The service processing method for a coin laundry system according to claim 2, characterized in that.

4. The guidance displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal includes the content of the service course and the current number of times of use or the remaining number of times of use. The service processing method for a coin laundry system according to claim 1, characterized in that.

5. The guidance displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal is characterized in that the laundry device to which the service course is applicable is displayed so as to be selectable. The service processing method for a coin laundry system according to claim 1.

6. A service processing method for a laundry system that operates a plurality of laundry devices provided in a laundry store using a user-owned mobile terminal, comprising: A registration step of using an application installed on the mobile terminal to define a service course in which one or more courses of washing and drying, washing, or drying are used a defined number of times for a defined period at a defined fee, and registering the service course in a database; A determination step of determining whether a request to use the service course is received directly or indirectly from the mobile terminal and whether the request is within the defined number of times; A transmission step of, when it is determined in the determination step that the request is within the defined number of times, transmitting an instruction regarding guidance to use the laundry device according to the content of the registered service course to the mobile terminal; Based on the instruction transmitted in the transmission step, a display step in which the mobile terminal performs a display regarding the guidance; and A service processing method for a laundry system, characterized in that the laundry device is operated based on a selection result for the guidance displayed in the display step.

7. A recording step of recording a usage history of the service course in the database for each mobile terminal of the user; An update step of updating the usage history of the service course of the user who owns the mobile terminal recorded in the database each time the laundry device is used from the mobile terminal; The service processing method for a coin laundry system according to claim 6, characterized by comprising the above steps.

8. A monthly usage count recording step of recording the monthly usage count of the service course used on a monthly basis; The transmission step is executed when it is determined in the determination step that the monthly usage count is within the defined number of times. The service processing method for a coin laundry system according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by the above step.

9. The service processing method for a coin laundry system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the guidance displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal includes the content of the service course and the current usage count or the remaining usage count.

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