Laundry management system

Abstract

To provide a laundry management system for proposing an operation course of an appropriate capacity corresponding to the weight of a laundry object.SOLUTION: The laundry management system 1 includes a plurality of laundry devices 40 installed in a store 5, a weight measuring device 50 that measures a weight of a laundry object, and an operation course suggestion device 60 that receives the weight of the laundry object from the weight measuring device 50 and suggests, to a user of the store 5, an operation course of an appropriate capacity corresponding to the received weight of the laundry object and a laundry device 40 corresponding to the operation course of the appropriate capacity among the plurality of laundry devices 40.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a laundry management system. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a known laundry management system that remotely manages laundry machines installed in a coin laundry store. Patent Document 1 discloses such a laundry management system. This laundry management system includes laundry machines installed in the store and a laundry management device that remotely manages the laundry machines. The laundry machines and the laundry management device are connected via a network. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6815693 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When using laundry machines in stores, some users have reported difficulty selecting a laundry machine's operation mode. For example, operation modes are classified by weight of the laundry items in addition to classifications such as wash-dry, wash only, and dry only. Therefore, users must know the weight of the laundry items in advance in order to select an operation mode. However, many users find it troublesome to know the weight of the laundry items in advance, and often do not know the weight of the laundry items in advance, making it difficult for them to select an operation mode.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a laundry management system that improves user convenience (operability). [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The laundry management system according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of laundry machines installed in a store, a weight measuring device that measures the weight of laundry items, and an operating course suggestion device that receives the weight of the laundry items from the weight measuring device and displays and suggests to users of the store an operating course with an appropriate capacity that corresponds to the received weight of the laundry items, and laundry machines among the plurality of laundry machines that correspond to the operating course with the appropriate capacity.

[0007] According to the laundry management system of the present disclosure, a user simply places an item to be washed on a weight measuring device to receive a display suggestion of an operation program with an appropriate volume corresponding to the weight of the item and a laundry machine corresponding to the operation program with the appropriate volume. Therefore, the user can appropriately and easily select an operation program with a volume corresponding to the weight of the item to be washed without knowing the weight of the item in advance. As a result, convenience (operability) for the user can be improved.

[0008] In the above-mentioned laundry management system, the operating course suggestion device registers and stores operating courses of multiple capacities for the multiple laundry machines, and may select the appropriate capacity operating course corresponding to the weight of the laundry item from the registered and stored operating courses of multiple capacities.

[0009] In the above-mentioned laundry management system, if there is no available laundry equipment corresponding to the operating course with the appropriate capacity corresponding to the weight of the laundry item, the operating course suggestion device may select an operating course with a capacity different from the appropriate capacity from the plurality of registered and stored operating courses, modify the selected operating course with a different capacity to create an operating course with the appropriate capacity, and select a laundry equipment from the plurality of laundry equipment that corresponds to the operating course with the different capacity as the corresponding laundry equipment.

[0010] In the above laundry management system, the operating plan for the appropriate capacity after the change creation may include a change fee obtained by changing the standard fee for the operating plan for the different capacity, or next time discount information.

[0011] In the laundry management system, the operating program suggestion device may display and suggest an operating program with the different capacity before the change creation, in addition to the operating program with the appropriate capacity after the change creation.

[0012] In the above-mentioned laundry management system, the operating course for the different capacity before the change creation may include a standard fee for the operating course for the different capacity, and the operating course for the appropriate capacity after the change creation may include a change fee that is a change from the standard fee for the operating course for the different capacity, or next-time discount information.

[0013] In the above laundry management system, the operating program suggestion device may create an operating program for the appropriate capacity based on the weight of the laundry object.

[0014] In the above-mentioned laundry management system, if there is no laundry equipment available that corresponds to an operating course with the appropriate capacity corresponding to the weight of the laundry item, the operating course suggestion device may select a laundry equipment from the plurality of laundry equipment that corresponds to an operating course with a capacity different from the appropriate capacity as the corresponding laundry equipment.

[0015] In the above-mentioned laundry management system, the operating course suggestion device may notify the corresponding laundry equipment selected by the user of the operating course with the appropriate capacity selected by the user based on the user's selection operation on the displayed suggestions, and the corresponding laundry equipment may operate based on the operating course notified by the operating course suggestion device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the convenience (operability) of users in a laundry management system. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a laundry management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a laundry management device in the laundry management system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a manager terminal in the laundry management system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user terminal in the laundry management system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a diagram showing an example of an operation terminal (operating course suggestion device) in the laundry management system shown in FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an operation of proposing an operating course with an appropriate capacity by the laundry management system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display suggesting an operation course with an appropriate capacity. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display suggesting laundry machines with appropriate capacities. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] An example of an embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same or equivalent parts are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0019] [Laundry Management System] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a laundry management system according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the laundry management system 1 includes a laundry management device 10, an administrator terminal 20, a user terminal 30, multiple laundry machines 40, a weight measuring device 50, and an operation terminal 60. The laundry management device 10, the administrator terminal 20, the user terminal 30, the laundry machines 40, the weight measuring device 50, and the operation terminal 60 are connected via a wireless or wired network such as the Internet. The laundry machines 40, the weight measuring device 50, and the operation terminal 60 are installed in a store 5 and connected via a wireless or wired local area network (LAN) using a router 6.

[0020] The laundry management device 10 is a server device that remotely manages laundry machines 40 and operation terminals 60. The manager terminal 20 is a device for the manager of the store 5 (the owner or a manager authorized by the owner). The user terminal 30 is a device for the user of the store 5. The laundry machine 40 is a machine that washes and dries laundry items, or only washes or only dries laundry items. The weight measuring device 50 is a machine that measures the weight of laundry items. The operation terminal 60 is a device that integrates and processes operations by users. In this embodiment, the operation terminal 60 functions as a driving course suggestion device.

[0021] (Laundry management device) Examples of laundry management device 10 include information processing devices such as PCs and large computers. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of a laundry management device in the laundry management system shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, laundry management device 10 includes a communication unit 11, a control unit 12, a memory unit 13, an operation unit 14, and a display unit 15.

[0022] The communication unit 11 communicates with the administrator terminal 20, the user terminal 30, the laundry device 40, the weight measuring device 50, and the operation terminal 60. The communication unit 11 is a communication interface that complies with a wireless or wired communication standard.

[0023] Control unit 12 performs overall control of laundry management device 10. Control unit 12 stores and manages various information related to laundry machine 40 in storage unit 13, such as current operating status information of laundry machine 40, operating program information related to the operation of laundry machine 40 and its operating setting information, machine size information related to the size of laundry machine 40, fee information related to the fee for laundry machine 40, and sales information. Control unit 12 transmits display information of the various information related to laundry machine 40 to administrator terminal 20. Details of the various information related to laundry machine 40 will be described later.

[0024] In this way, the laundry management apparatus 10 functions as a web server conforming to, for example, the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (http), and provides the administrator terminal 20 with an html file including display information in, for example, html (HyperText Markup Language).

[0025] The control unit 12 is configured with an arithmetic processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The various functions of the control unit 12 are realized by executing programs stored in the storage unit 13, for example. The programs may be provided via a network, or may be provided by being recorded on a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc). Examples of the storage medium include non-transitory tangible media.

[0026] Memory unit 13 stores programs executed by control unit 12. Memory unit 13 also stores various information related to laundry machine 40, such as current operating status information of laundry machine 40, operating program information related to the operation of laundry machine 40 and its operating setting information, machine size information related to the size of laundry machine 40, fee information related to the fee for laundry machine 40, and sales information.

[0027] The storage unit 13 is configured with a recording medium such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a removable memory card.

[0028] The operation unit 14 is an operation unit operated by an administrator of the laundry management device 10. The operation unit 14 is configured, for example, with a keyboard or a mouse having physical operation buttons, or a touch panel having virtual operation buttons.

[0029] The display unit 15 is a notification unit that notifies information to the manager of the laundry management apparatus 10. The display unit 15 is configured, for example, with a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[0030] (Administrator terminal) Examples of the manager terminal 20 include information processing devices such as a smartphone, tablet, and PC. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the manager terminal in the laundry management system shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 3, the manager terminal 20 includes a communication unit 21, a control unit 22, a memory unit 23, an operation unit 24, and a display unit 25.

[0031] The communication unit 21 communicates with the laundry management device 10. The communication unit 21 is a communication interface that complies with a wireless or wired communication standard.

[0032] The control unit 22 performs overall control of the administrator terminal 20. The control unit 22 displays on the display unit 25 various information about the laundry machine 40 received from the laundry management device 10, such as current operating status information about the laundry machine 40, operation program information about the operation of the laundry machine 40 and its operation setting information, machine size information about the size of the laundry machine 40, fee information about the fee for the laundry machine 40, and sales information.

[0033] In this way, the manager terminal 20 uses an application such as a general-purpose web browser to display the display information provided by the laundry management apparatus 10, which is a web server.

[0034] The control unit 22 is configured with an arithmetic processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The various functions of the control unit 22 are realized by executing programs (applications) stored in the storage unit 23, for example. The programs (applications) may be provided via a network, or may be provided by being recorded on a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc). Examples of the storage medium include non-transitory tangible media.

[0035] The storage unit 23 stores programs (applications) executed by the control unit 22. The storage unit 23 also temporarily stores various information related to the laundry machine 40 received from the laundry management device 10, such as current operating status information of the laundry machine 40, operating program information related to the operation of the laundry machine 40 and its operating setting information, machine size information related to the size of the laundry machine 40, fee information related to the fee for the laundry machine 40, and sales information.

[0036] The storage unit 23 is configured with a recording medium such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a removable memory card.

[0037] The operation unit 24 is an operation unit operated by an administrator and is configured, for example, by a keyboard or a mouse having physical operation buttons, or a touch panel having virtual operation buttons.

[0038] The display unit 25 is a notification unit that notifies the administrator of information and is configured, for example, as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[0039] (User terminal) Examples of the user terminal 30 include information processing devices such as smartphones, tablets, and PCs. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a user terminal in the laundry management system shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 4, the user terminal 30 includes a communication unit 31, a control unit 32, a memory unit 33, an operation unit 34, a display unit 35, and a camera 36.

[0040] The communication unit 31 communicates with the laundry management apparatus 10. The communication unit 31 is a communication interface that complies with a wireless or wired communication standard.

[0041] The control unit 32 performs overall control of the user terminal 30. The control unit 32 is composed of arithmetic processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The various functions of the control unit 32 are realized, for example, by executing programs (applications) stored in the storage unit 33. The programs (applications) may be provided via a network, or may be provided by being recorded on a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc). Examples of the storage medium include non-transitory tangible media.

[0042] The storage unit 33 stores programs (applications) executed by the control unit 32. The storage unit 33 is configured with a recording medium such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a removable memory card.

[0043] The operation unit 34 is an operation unit that is operated by a user and is configured, for example, by a keyboard or a mouse having physical operation buttons, or a touch panel having virtual operation buttons.

[0044] The display unit 35 is a notification unit that notifies the administrator of information. The display unit 35 is configured, for example, by a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[0045] (Laundry equipment) Laundry machines 40 are installed in a store 5 managed by an administrator. Laundry machines 40 include various types of machines, such as machines with a washing and drying function, machines with only a washing function, and machines with only a drying function. Laundry machines 40 also include machines of various sizes (capacities). Laundry machines 40 operate based on an operation program (operation setting) notified from an operation terminal 60.

[0046] (Weight measuring equipment) An example of weight measuring device 50 is a dedicated weighing scale installed in store 5. Weight measuring device 50 measures the weight of an item to be laundered. Weight measuring device 50 transmits the measured weight of the item to be laundered to operation terminal 60.

[0047] (Operation terminal) The operation terminal 60 may be an information processing device such as a PC or a mainframe computer. In this embodiment, the operation terminal 60 functions as an operation course suggestion device. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an operation terminal (operation course suggestion device) in the laundry management system shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 5, the operation terminal 60 includes a communication unit 61, a control unit 62, a storage unit 63, an operation unit 64, and a display unit 65.

[0048] The communication unit 61 communicates with the laundry management apparatus 10, the laundry devices 40, and the weight measuring devices 50. The communication unit 61 is a communication interface that complies with wireless or wired communication standards.

[0049] The control unit 62 performs overall control of the operation terminal 60. The control unit 62 performs integrated processing of user operations. For example, the control unit 62 centrally performs reception processing, payment processing, and the like. The control unit 62 also proposes to the user of the store 5 an operating program with an appropriate capacity corresponding to the weight of the laundry items received from the weight measuring device 50, and a laundry machine 40 compatible with the operating program with the appropriate capacity. For example, the control unit 62 may select an operating program with an appropriate capacity corresponding to the weight of the laundry items from multiple operating programs with different capacities registered and stored in the memory unit 63. Alternatively, the control unit 62 may create an operating program with an appropriate capacity based on the weight of the laundry items. The control unit 62 causes the display unit 65 to display the corresponding operating program with the appropriate capacity and the laundry machine 40 compatible with the operating program with the appropriate capacity.

[0050] Furthermore, based on the user's selection operation on the displayed suggestions, the control unit 62 notifies the corresponding laundry machine 40 selected by the user of the operating course with the appropriate capacity via the communication unit 61. Details of the operating course with the appropriate capacity and the laundry machine corresponding to the operating course with the appropriate capacity will be described later.

[0051] The control unit 62 is composed of an arithmetic processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The various functions of the control unit 62 are realized by executing a program stored in the storage unit 63, for example. The program may be provided via a network, or may be provided by being recorded on a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc). Examples of the storage medium include non-transitory tangible media.

[0052] The storage unit 63 stores programs executed by the control unit 12. The storage unit 13 also registers and stores operation programs (operation settings) for multiple capacities for all laundry machines 40 installed in the store 5. The storage unit 13 also temporarily stores the created operation programs for appropriate capacities and the laundry machines 40 corresponding to the operation programs for appropriate capacities.

[0053] The storage unit 63 is configured with a recording medium such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a removable memory card.

[0054] The operation unit 64 is an operation unit operated by a user of the store 5. The operation unit 64 is configured, for example, with a keyboard or mouse having physical operation buttons, or a touch panel having virtual operation buttons.

[0055] The display unit 65 is a notification unit that notifies information to users of the store 5. The display unit 65 is configured, for example, by a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[0056] (Proposal of appropriate capacity operation course) Next, the operation of proposing an operating course with an appropriate capacity by the laundry management system 1 described above will be described with reference to Fig. 6 to Fig. 8. Fig. 6 is a flowchart of the operation of proposing an operating course with an appropriate capacity by the laundry management system 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display suggesting an operating course with an appropriate capacity, and Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display suggesting a laundry device with an appropriate capacity.

[0057] First, a user places an item to be laundered on weight measuring device 50. Weight measuring device 50 measures the weight of the item to be laundered (step S101) and transmits the measured weight of the item to operation terminal 60 (step S102).

[0058] Alternatively, a user may place the laundry item in a laundry basket or laundry bag on the weight measuring device 50. In this case, the weight of the laundry basket or laundry bag may be subtracted from the measured value. Alternatively, a predetermined weight may be subtracted from the measured value. Note that since the laundry basket or laundry bag is relatively light compared to the laundry item, it is not necessary to subtract the weight of the laundry basket or laundry bag from the measured value.

[0059] Next, the operation terminal (operation program suggestion device) 60 receives the weight of the laundry object from the weight measuring device 50 (step S103), and displays and suggests to the user an operation program with an appropriate capacity corresponding to the received weight of the laundry object (FIG. 7) (step S104). The operation terminal 60 also displays and suggests to the user laundry devices 40 that are compatible with the operation program with the appropriate capacity (FIG. 8) (step S104).

[0060] For example, operation terminal 60 has registered and stored therein operation programs (operation settings) for a plurality of capacities for a plurality of laundry appliances 40. Types of laundry appliances 40 include, for example, washer-dryers capable of both washing and drying, washing machines capable of washing only, and dryers capable of drying only, and laundry appliances 40 come in capacities of, for example, S size, M size, L size, and XL size. For example, an M size washer-dryer can handle 17 kg of washing and 10 kg of washing and drying, an L size washer-dryer can handle 27 kg of washing and 16 kg of washing and drying, and an XL size washer-dryer can handle 34 kg of washing and 23 kg of washing and drying.

[0061] The operation courses include, for example, a wash / dry course, a washing course, and a drying course, and for each operation course, operation settings relating to the operation of the laundry machine 40 are set. The operation settings are, for example, - The amount of water, water temperature, presence and amount of detergent, presence and amount of auxiliary agent, time, number of rotations and number of repetitions in the washing process, - Water volume, water temperature, presence and amount of fabric softener, presence and amount of auxiliary agent, time, rotation speed and number of repetitions in the rinsing process, The time and rotation speed of the dehydration process, and - Temperature and time of the drying process; and the like.

[0062] The operating courses may include a small amount course in which the operating settings are adjusted to accommodate small amounts of laundry items, a delicates course in which the operating settings are adjusted to accommodate laundry items that require delicate handling, a sterilization course in which the operating settings of the drying function are adjusted to sterilize laundry items in a dry state, etc.

[0063] From these registered and recorded operating programs for multiple volumes, the operation terminal 60 may select and display an operating program for an appropriate capacity corresponding to the weight of the laundry item (FIG. 7). For example, if the weight of the laundry item is 10 kg or less, the operation terminal 60 selects and displays a 10 kg wash / dry program for a medium size that corresponds to that weight, and similarly selects and displays all operating programs corresponding to that weight, such as the wash and dry programs. For example, if the weight of the laundry item is more than 10 kg but not more than 16 kg, the operation terminal 60 selects and displays a 16 kg wash / dry program for a large size that corresponds to that weight, and similarly selects and displays all operating programs corresponding to that weight, such as the wash and dry programs. For example, if the weight of the laundry item is more than 16 kg but not more than 23 kg, the operation terminal 60 selects and displays a 23 kg wash / dry program for an extra large size that corresponds to that weight, and similarly selects and displays all operating programs corresponding to that weight, such as the wash and dry programs. As shown in FIG. 7, the operation terminal 60 may also display additional options such as sterilization and additional drying. As shown in FIG. 7, the operation terminal 60 may also display information such as the driving time and fee for each driving course, and information such as the driving time and fee for additional options.

[0064] At this time, for example, the operation terminal 60 may display and suggest only laundry devices 40 that are compatible with an operating program with an appropriate capacity from among laundry devices 40 that are not currently in use and are available (FIG. 8). Alternatively, for example, the operation terminal 60 may display all laundry devices 40 in the store 5, and may display and suggest laundry devices 40 that are compatible with an operating program with an appropriate capacity, that are not currently in use, and are available, in a manner that distinguishes them from the other laundry devices 40.

[0065] Furthermore, the operation course with the appropriate capacity (FIG. 7) and the laundry equipment corresponding to the operation course with the appropriate capacity (FIG. 8) may be displayed in parallel on one screen, or may be displayed one by one on one screen (in fixed order). If the user first selects the operation course with the appropriate capacity in FIG. 7, the display may be narrowed down to show only the laundry equipment corresponding to the selected operation course in FIG. 8. On the other hand, if the user first selects the corresponding laundry equipment in FIG. 8, the display may be narrowed down to show only the operation course with the appropriate capacity corresponding to the selected laundry equipment in FIG. 7.

[0066] Next, the user selects an operating program with a desired capacity from the display suggestions in Fig. 7. The user also selects a laundry machine 40 with a desired capacity from the display suggestions in Fig. 8. The operation terminal 60 then inputs the operating program with the appropriate capacity selected by the user and the corresponding laundry machine 40 selected by the user based on the user's selection operation for the display suggestions (step S105). The operation terminal 60 notifies the corresponding laundry machine 40 selected by the user of the operating program with the appropriate capacity selected by the user (operation settings) (step S106).

[0067] The corresponding laundry machine 40 receives the operation program from the operation terminal 60 (step S107) and sets the received operation program (operation settings) (step S108). As a result, the corresponding laundry machine 40 operates based on the operation program (operation settings) notified from the operation terminal (operation program suggestion device) 60.

[0068] As described above, in the laundry management system 1 of this embodiment, the weight measuring device 50 measures the weight of the laundry item, and the operation terminal (operation program suggestion device) 60 displays and suggests to the user an operation program (operation setting) with an appropriate capacity corresponding to the measured weight of the laundry item, and laundry equipment compatible with this operation program with the appropriate capacity. Thus, by simply placing the laundry item on the weight measuring device 50, the user receives a display suggestion of an operation program with an appropriate capacity corresponding to the weight of the laundry item, and laundry equipment compatible with this operation program with the appropriate capacity. Therefore, the user can easily and appropriately select an operation program with a capacity corresponding to the weight of the laundry item, without having to know the weight of the laundry item in advance. As a result, user convenience (operability) can be improved.

[0069] In addition, if an operation course with an appropriate capacity for the weight of the laundry items is selected, for example, by avoiding the selection of an operation course with a large capacity for the weight of the laundry items, consumption of resources such as water and gas can be reduced.Furthermore, if the course fee and operation time are set appropriately for the weight of the laundry items, financial and time losses can be reduced.

[0070] In addition, users can be guided to an operating course with the appropriate capacity for the weight of the laundry items, which can save water from the perspective of the SDGs and reduce water bills from the perspective of administrators.

[0071] The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for a laundry machine to detect the weight of laundry items placed inside the machine. This technology detects the weight of the laundry items by detecting the load (current value) of the motor that rotates the drum, similar to a domestic drum-type washer-dryer.

[0072] However, according to the knowledge of the inventors of the present application, commercial laundry machines have large drums and motors, and the load (current value) on the motor is large regardless of the weight of the laundry items, making it difficult to detect the weight of the laundry items from changes in the load (current value) on the motor, as with the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1. Therefore, in commercial laundry machines, operational settings such as the amount of water in the washing and rinsing steps and the time for the drying step are fixed for each type and size of laundry machine.

[0073] Furthermore, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, the technology that detects the weight of laundry items after they are placed in the laundry machine does not allow a laundry machine with an appropriate capacity and corresponding operation course to be selected before the laundry items are placed in the laundry machine. Therefore, if the capacity of the laundry machine is not appropriate after the weight of the laundry items is detected, for example, if there is another laundry machine with an appropriate capacity that is available, the user may have to go through the trouble of transferring the laundry items to the other laundry machine.

[0074] Furthermore, as described in Patent Document 1, when a laundry machine is equipped with a sensor that detects the weight of an object to be washed, the following problems arise. It is difficult to measure the weight of clothes using a general weight sensor. For example, if the sensor is installed at the bottom of the laundry machine or under the drum, the weight of the main body is large, making it difficult to measure light weights such as clothes (leading to large errors). In addition, there are concerns about durability due to vibrations and heat that are applied when the laundry machine is in operation. On the other hand, when determining the weight of clothes by other means (for example, the load on the motor), as mentioned above, it is difficult to detect (large error) because the resistance of the clothes is small compared to the motor output. Also, it is greatly affected by external factors (motor temperature, air temperature, mechanical wear, etc.). Furthermore, since it can only be measured after the drum has rotated, it cannot be reflected in the operating fee in advance. Furthermore, if the sensor breaks down, it is necessary to arrange for a dedicated part to replace it.

[0075] In contrast to this, the embodiment in which the weight of the laundry object is measured using the weight measuring device 50 has the following advantages. Some commercially available weighing scales have communication functions, so these can be used as weight measurement devices. Also, in the case of repairs, a commercially available weighing scale can be arranged and replaced, making maintenance easy. -Since the garment is measured directly, there is little measurement error. -The weight of the laundry items can be determined before starting operation.

[0076] (Variation 1) In the above-described embodiment, an operation for suggesting an operation course with an appropriate capacity when a laundry machine corresponding to the operation course with an appropriate capacity corresponding to the weight of the laundry items is available has been described. In Modification 1, an operation for suggesting an operation course with an appropriate capacity when a laundry machine corresponding to the operation course with an appropriate capacity corresponding to the weight of the laundry items is not available will be described.

[0077] In step S104 of the operation of proposing an operating course for an appropriate capacity shown in Figure 6, if there is no available laundry equipment corresponding to an operating course for an appropriate capacity corresponding to the weight of the laundry object, the operation terminal (operating course proposing device) 60 may select an operating course for a capacity different from the appropriate capacity from the multiple operating courses for capacities registered and stored, modify the selected operating course for a different capacity to create an operating course for an appropriate capacity, and select a laundry equipment 40 from the multiple laundry equipment 40 that corresponds to the operating course for the different capacity as the corresponding laundry equipment.

[0078] For example, if there is no medium-sized laundry machine 40 available that corresponds to an operation course with an appropriate capacity, but there is an large-sized laundry machine 40 available that corresponds to an operation course with a different capacity from the appropriate capacity, the amount of water used in the washing and rinsing processes in the operation settings for the operation course (different capacity operation course) of the large-sized laundry machine 40 is reduced to the amount of water used in the washing and rinsing processes in the operation settings for the operation course (appropriate capacity operation course) of the medium-sized laundry machine 40. In addition, the time required for the drying process in the operation settings for the operation course (different capacity operation course) of the large-sized laundry machine 40 is reduced to the time required for the drying process in the operation settings for the operation course (appropriate capacity operation course) of the medium-sized laundry machine 40.

[0079] On the other hand, for example, if no L-size laundry machine 40 corresponding to an operation course with an appropriate capacity is available, but an M-size laundry machine 40 corresponding to an operation course with a different capacity from the appropriate capacity is available, the amount of water used in the washing and rinsing processes in the operation settings for the M-size laundry machine 40 (operation course with a different capacity) is increased to the amount of water used in the washing and rinsing processes in the operation settings for the L-size laundry machine 40 (operation course with an appropriate capacity). Also, the time required for the drying process in the operation settings for the M-size laundry machine 40 (operation course with a different capacity) is extended to the time required for the drying process in the operation settings for the L-size laundry machine 40 (operation course with an appropriate capacity).

[0080] Modification 1 improves the availability of laundry machine 40. Furthermore, if medium-sized laundry machine 40 can be operated as large-sized laundry machine 40, the number of large-sized laundry machines 40 installed can be reduced, and the number of medium-sized laundry machines 40 for general household users, which have higher operating efficiency, installed can be increased.

[0081] Furthermore, the operation terminal (driving course suggestion device) 60 may change information such as the driving time and fee of the selected driving course with a different capacity to create information such as the driving time and fee of the driving course with an appropriate capacity. In other words, the driving course with an appropriate capacity after the change may include a driving time and a changed fee that are the modified driving time and standard fee of the driving course with a different capacity.

[0082] For example, when changing the operating course of L-size laundry equipment 40 (operating course with a different capacity) to the operating course of M-size laundry equipment 40 (operating course with an appropriate capacity), the operating time and fee are also changed from those for L-size to those for M-size. On the other hand, when changing the operating course of M-size laundry equipment 40 (operating course with a different capacity) to the operating course of L-size laundry equipment 40 (operating course with an appropriate capacity), the operating time and fee are also changed from those for M-size to those for L-size.

[0083] The fee information may or may not be changed. For example, the fee information may be actively changed in order to increase the number of users during the off-season, the spring and summer when temperatures are relatively high, or on sunny days. On the other hand, for example, during busy periods such as when people change clothes, or during the rainy season or on rainy days, when there are already many users, it may be possible to choose not to actively change the fee information.

[0084] Alternatively, instead of reducing the usage fee, added value such as issuing a coupon or giving points may be provided. In this case, the driving course with the appropriate capacity after the change creation may include next-time discount information such as issuing a coupon or giving points instead of a changed fee obtained by changing the standard fee for the driving course with a different capacity.

[0085] (Variation 2) In the above-described modified example 1, a configuration is described in which only an operating program with an appropriate capacity after the change creation is proposed. In modified example 2, a configuration is described in which an operating program with a different capacity before the change creation is proposed in addition to an operating program with an appropriate capacity after the change creation.

[0086] 6, if there is no available laundry machine that corresponds to an operating course with an appropriate capacity that corresponds to the weight of the laundry items, the operation terminal (operating course suggestion device) 60 may select an operating course with a capacity different from the appropriate capacity from the plurality of operating courses with capacities that have been registered and stored, modify the selected operating course with the different capacity to create an operating course with an appropriate capacity, and select a laundry machine 40 that corresponds to the operating course with the different capacity from the plurality of laundry machines 40 as the corresponding laundry machine.The operation terminal (operating course suggestion device) 60 may then display and suggest the operating course with the different capacity before the change, in addition to the operating course with the appropriate capacity after the change.

[0087] For example, if there is no M-size laundry equipment 40 available that corresponds to an operating course with an appropriate capacity, but there is an L-size laundry equipment 40 available that corresponds to an operating course with a capacity different from the appropriate capacity, in addition to the operating course with the appropriate capacity after the changes are created by changing the operating settings of the L-size laundry equipment 40's operating course (operating course with a different capacity) to the operating settings of the M-size laundry equipment 40's operating course (operating course with an appropriate capacity), the operating course with the different capacity before the changes were created, i.e., the operating course of the L-size laundry equipment 40, may also be displayed and suggested.

[0088] On the other hand, for example, if there is no L-size laundry equipment 40 available that corresponds to an operating course with an appropriate capacity, but an M-size laundry equipment 40 is available that corresponds to an operating course with a capacity different from the appropriate capacity, in addition to the operating course with the appropriate capacity after the changes are created by changing the operating settings of the M-size laundry equipment 40's operating course (operating course with a different capacity) to the operating settings of the L-size laundry equipment 40's operating course (operating course with an appropriate capacity), the operating course with the different capacity before the changes, i.e., the operating course of the M-size laundry equipment 40, may also be displayed and suggested.

[0089] In addition, the operating course of a different capacity before the change creation includes the standard fee for the operating course of a different capacity, and as described above, the operating course of an appropriate capacity after the change creation may include a change fee that is a change from the standard fee for the operating course of a different capacity, or next-time discount information such as the issuance of a coupon or the awarding of points.

[0090] This allows the user to have freedom of choice. For example, the user can select, according to preference, an operating course for the L-size laundry machine 40 before the change (an operating course with a different capacity) that uses more water than an operating course for the M-size laundry machine 40 that is an operating course with an appropriate capacity after the change. Alternatively, a user who prioritizes saving time or low costs can select an operating course for the M-size laundry machine 40 before the change (an operating course with a different capacity) that takes less time or costs less than an operating course for the L-size laundry machine 40 that is an appropriate capacity after the change.

[0091] (Variation 3) In the above-described embodiment, an operating program with an appropriate capacity corresponding to the weight of the laundry items is selected from a plurality of operating programs with pre-stored capacities. In Modification 3, an operating program with an appropriate capacity is created based on the weight of the laundry items.

[0092] 6, the operation terminal (operation program suggestion device) 60 may create an operation program (operation settings) with an appropriate volume based on the weight of the laundry items. Furthermore, the operation terminal 60 may create information such as the operation time and fee for the operation program based on the operation settings for the created operation program with an appropriate volume.

[0093] In this case, too, if there is no laundry equipment available that corresponds to an operating course with an appropriate capacity corresponding to the weight of the laundry items, the operation terminal 60 may select a laundry equipment that corresponds to an operating course with a capacity different from the appropriate capacity as the corresponding laundry equipment.

[0094] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and various modifications and variations are possible. For example, the above-described embodiments and variations have exemplified a configuration in which laundry equipment 40, weight measuring equipment 50, and operation terminal 60 are connected to each other via a wireless or wired local area network (LAN) using router 6 in store 5. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration, and laundry equipment 40, weight measuring equipment 50, and operation terminal 60 may be connected to each other via short-range communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or inter-device communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0095] In the above-described embodiment and modified example, an example in which the operation terminal 60 and the weight measuring device 50 are provided has been described. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the weight measuring device may be configured integrally with the operation terminal.

[0096] In the above-described embodiment and modified example, as shown in FIG. 1, an example has been given in which an operation terminal 60 is provided in the store 5 to centrally perform integrated processing of user operations, such as reception processing and payment processing, and this operation terminal 60 functions as an operation program suggestion device. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can also be applied to a configuration that does not include such an operation terminal 60. In this case, for example, the operation program suggestion device may be realized by combining the laundry management device 10 and the user terminal 30.

[0097] For example, the laundry management device 10 can create an operating course with an appropriate capacity corresponding to the measured weight of the laundry item, and laundry equipment corresponding to this operating course with an appropriate capacity, and the user terminal 30 can display and suggest to the user the created operating course with an appropriate capacity and the corresponding laundry equipment.

[0098] In the above-described embodiment and modified example, the operation terminal (operation course suggestion device) 60 suggests and displays laundry machines 40 in the store 5. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the operation terminal (operation course suggestion device) 60 may suggest and display laundry machines 40 in other stores managed by the laundry management device 10, in addition to laundry machines 40 in the store 5.

[0099] For example, if there is no available laundry machine in the store 5 that is compatible with an operation course with an appropriate capacity corresponding to the weight of the laundry items, the operation course suggestion device may display laundry machines in other nearby stores that are compatible with an operation course with an appropriate capacity corresponding to the weight of the laundry items. In this case, for example, the operation terminal 60 or the user terminal 30 may cooperate with the laundry management device 10 that manages the laundry machines in the store 5 and other stores to realize the operation course suggestion device.

[0100] For example, the laundry management device 10 can create an operating course with an appropriate capacity corresponding to the measured weight of the laundry item, and laundry equipment in the store and other stores that corresponds to this operating course with an appropriate capacity, and the operation terminal 60 or the user terminal 30 can display and suggest to the user the created operating course with an appropriate capacity and corresponding laundry equipment in the store and other stores.

[0101] In the above-described embodiment and modified examples, laundry management device 10 stores various information related to laundry device 40, such as current operating status information of laundry device 40, operating program information related to the operation of laundry device 40 and its operating setting information, device size information related to the size of laundry device 40, fee information related to the fee for laundry device 40, and sales information. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. An external device connected to laundry management device 10 via a network, such as a data server device, may store all or part of the various information related to laundry device 40. In this case, laundry management device 10 simply acquires the various information related to laundry device 40 from the external device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1. Laundry Management System 5 stores 6 Router 10 Laundry management device 11, 21, 31, 61 Communications Department 12, 22, 32, 62 Control section 13,23,33,63 Storage section 14,24,34,64 Operation section 15,25,35,65 Display section 20 Administrator terminal 30 User terminal 36 Camera 40 Laundry Equipment 50 Weight measuring equipment 60 Operation terminal (driving course suggestion device)

Claims

1. Multiple laundry machines installed in the store, a weight measuring device for measuring the weight of an object to be laundered; an operation program suggestion device that receives the weight of the laundry object from the weight measuring device, and displays and suggests to the store user an operation program with an appropriate capacity corresponding to the received weight of the laundry object, and laundry machines among the plurality of laundry machines that correspond to the operation program with the appropriate capacity; A laundry management system comprising:

2. The driving course suggestion device a plurality of capacity operation programs for the plurality of laundry machines are registered and stored; selecting an operation program with an appropriate volume corresponding to the weight of the laundry object from the plurality of operation programs with volumes registered and stored; The laundry management system of claim 1 .

3. When there is no available laundry machine corresponding to the operation course having the appropriate capacity corresponding to the weight of the laundry object, the operation course suggestion device selecting an operating course with a capacity different from the appropriate capacity from the plurality of operating courses with capacities that have been registered and stored, and changing the selected operating course with a different capacity to create an operating course with the appropriate capacity; selecting a laundry machine corresponding to the operation course with the different capacity from among the plurality of laundry machines as the corresponding laundry machine; The laundry management system of claim 2 .

4. The operation course of the appropriate capacity after the change is made includes a change fee obtained by changing the standard fee of the operation course of the different capacity, or next-time discount information. The laundry management system of claim 3 .

5. The driving course suggestion device In addition to the operation course with the appropriate capacity after the change is made, the operation course with the different capacity before the change is made is also displayed and proposed. The laundry management system of claim 3 .

6. The operating course of the different capacity before the change is made includes a standard charge for the operating course of the different capacity, The operation course of the appropriate capacity after the change is made includes a change fee obtained by changing the standard fee of the operation course of the different capacity, or next-time discount information. The laundry management system of claim 5 .

7. The driving course suggestion device creating an operation course of the appropriate volume based on the weight of the laundry object; The laundry management system of claim 1 .

8. When there is no available laundry machine corresponding to the operation course having the appropriate capacity corresponding to the weight of the laundry object, the operation course suggestion device selecting, from the plurality of laundry machines, a laundry machine corresponding to an operation course having a capacity different from the appropriate capacity, as the corresponding laundry machine; The laundry management system of claim 7.

9. The driving course suggestion device notifying the corresponding laundry device selected by the user of the operation course with the appropriate capacity selected by the user based on a selection operation by the user in response to the displayed proposal; The compatible laundry equipment is: Operate based on the driving course notified from the driving course suggestion device. The laundry management system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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