Laundry management system

Abstract

To provide a laundry management system for improving the convenience of a user.SOLUTION: The laundry management system 1 includes a laundry device 40 installed in a store 5, a laundry management device 10 that remotely manages the laundry device 40, and a user terminal 30 for a user of the store 5. The laundry management device 10 stores and manages various kinds of information on the laundry apparatus 40, transmits display information of the various kinds of information to the user terminal 30, and operates the laundry apparatus 40 selected based on the various kinds of information selected by the user and received from the user terminal 30. The user terminal 30 displays the display information of various kinds of information received from the laundry management device 10 by using a WEB browser, and transmits various kinds of information selected by the user from the display information of various kinds of information to the laundry management device 10. The various types of information include device information, operation course information, and fee information related to the laundry device 40.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Laundry management systems that remotely manage laundry machines installed in self-service laundry facilities such as coin laundry facilities are known. Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose such laundry management systems. Such laundry management systems include laundry machines installed in the facility, a laundry management device (control device) that remotely manages the laundry machines, an administrator terminal for the facility manager, and a user terminal for the facility's users. The laundry machines, laundry management device, administrator terminal, and user terminal are connected via a network.

[0003] In the laundry management system described in Patent Document 1, users can install dedicated application software on their terminals to perform various operations on laundry machines. However, in such a system, in large stores, many users operate many laundry machines simultaneously, and there is a risk that multiple users may try to operate the same laundry machine due to input errors into the user terminal, etc.

[0004] In this regard, in the laundry management system described in Patent Document 1, a user visits a store before performing various operations on the laundry equipment using a user terminal, and the user terminal, with dedicated application software running, reads a QR code (registered trademark) (identification mark) on the laundry equipment with its built-in camera, or acquires an identification signal on the laundry equipment via short-range wireless communication, and transmits the identification signal corresponding to the user terminal and the laundry equipment to a laundry management device (controller).The laundry management device (controller) then links the user terminal to the laundry equipment based on the received identification signal, and uses the user terminal to perform various operations on the linked laundry equipment and learn the fees.

[0005] The self-service laundry system described in Patent Document 1 requires the downloading of dedicated application software to the user's terminal, which is not very convenient for the user. In this regard, Patent Document 2 discloses that communication with the laundry management device (control device) is performed using a specific web page connected by a web browser. This eliminates the need to download dedicated application software to the user's terminal, improving user convenience. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019 / 077649 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2022 / 244096 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In the laundry management systems described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, unless a customer visits the store and links their user terminal to laundry equipment, they cannot use their terminal to perform various operations on the linked laundry equipment, such as selecting laundry equipment and operating courses, nor can they find out the availability or prices of the equipment.

[0008] In this regard, it may be desirable to be able to select the desired laundry equipment and operating course outside the store, for example at home, and to know the availability and prices of laundry equipment, without having to visit the store and link the user terminal to the laundry equipment (improved convenience).

[0009] The present disclosure aims to provide a laundry management system that improves user convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The laundry management system according to the present disclosure includes multiple laundry machines installed in a store, a laundry management device that remotely manages the multiple laundry machines, and a user terminal for users of the store. The laundry management device stores and manages various information related to the multiple laundry machines, transmits display information of the various information to the user terminal, receives the various information selected by the user from the user terminal, and operates the selected laundry machine based on the received various information. The user terminal receives the display information of the various information from the laundry management device using a web browser, displays the received display information of the various information, and transmits the various information selected by the user from the display information of the various information to the laundry management device. The various information includes machine information, operating program information, and fee information related to the multiple laundry machines.

[0011] According to the laundry management system of the present disclosure, a user terminal uses a web browser to display various information about multiple laundry machines, such as machine information (including operation information), operation program information, and fee information, allowing the user to select the desired laundry machine and operation program and understand the fees.

[0012] Furthermore, there is no need to visit the store to link the user terminal with the laundry equipment, and users can check the desired laundry equipment and operation schedule, as well as the availability and fees of laundry equipment, outside the store, for example, at home (improved convenience). Users can also compare the prices of other stores and choose the lowest-priced laundry equipment (improved convenience).

[0013] In the above-described laundry management system, the various information may further include actual images of each of the plurality of laundry machines.

[0014] According to this laundry management system, the user terminal displays actual images (photos) of multiple laundry machines, allowing the user to intuitively check whether the laundry machine selected on the web browser matches the laundry machine into which the laundry items will actually be placed, thereby reducing the mistake of selecting a different laundry machine from the one into which the laundry items will actually be placed.

[0015] In the above-described laundry management system, the laundry management device may store and manage actual image images of each of the plurality of laundry machines in association with the product numbers of each of the plurality of laundry machines.

[0016] In the above-mentioned laundry management system, the laundry management device may store and manage the store's location information, acquire the user terminal's location information from the user terminal, and operate selected laundry equipment when the error between the location indicated by the store's location information and the location indicated by the user terminal's location information is less than a predetermined value.

[0017] According to this laundry management system, if the difference between the store's location and the user's terminal's location is less than a predetermined value, the laundry management device 10 determines that the user is in the store and operates the selected laundry equipment. In other words, if the difference between the store's location and the user's terminal's location is more than the predetermined value, the laundry management device 10 determines that the user is not in the store and does not operate the selected laundry equipment. This prevents users from mistakenly selecting and operating laundry equipment in another store. It also prevents tampering by remotely operating laundry equipment from outside the store.

[0018] In the above-mentioned laundry management system, the laundry management device may be configured to check whether the error between the location indicated by the store's location information and the location indicated by the user terminal's location information is below a predetermined value immediately before the payment process.

[0019] However, if a user realizes that the payment method does not have enough funds just before the payment process, i.e., just before the laundry begins, they may leave the store to charge their payment method. In this case, the user may complete the payment process and start the laundry machine before returning to the store. It is unsafe for the user to operate the laundry machine while away from the store. In this regard, the laundry management system of this embodiment can prevent the user from performing the payment process, i.e., operating the laundry machine, while away from the store.

[0020] In the above-mentioned laundry management system, the laundry management device may be configured to not allow the user terminal to perform payment processing if the error between the location indicated by the store's location information and the location indicated by the user terminal's location information is not below a predetermined value.

[0021] In the above-mentioned laundry management system, the laundry management device may be configured to display an error on the user terminal if the error between the location indicated by the store's location information and the location indicated by the user terminal's location information is not below a predetermined value.

[0022] In the above-described laundry management system, the location information of the user terminal may be in a form including longitude and latitude obtained by a GPS function of the user terminal.

[0023] In the above-described laundry management system, the predetermined value may be changeable.

[0024] If the store is located in a complex, the accuracy of the user terminal's location information (e.g., longitude and latitude from the GPS function) will decrease within the building. In this regard, it is preferable that the predetermined value for confirming the location of the user terminal and the location of the store be significantly changed for a store located in a complex.

[0025] In the above-mentioned laundry management system, when the GPS function of the user terminal is turned off, the laundry management device may use the user terminal to confirm with the user whether or not the user is in the store. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the convenience of store users in a laundry management system. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [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] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a laundry operation performed by the laundry management system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a laundry operation performed by the laundry management system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a laundry operation performed by the laundry management system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of display information (web page) of store information displayed by a web browser on a user terminal. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of model information displayed (on a web page) by a web browser on a user terminal. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of device information displayed (on a web page) by a web browser on a user terminal. [Figure 11]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of display information (web page) of driving course information by a web browser of a user terminal. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of display information (WEB page) of additional option information displayed by a WEB browser on a user terminal. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of confirmation display information (WEB page) displayed by a WEB browser on a user terminal. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of confirmation display information (WEB page) displayed by a WEB browser on a user terminal. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of display information (web page) of usage content information displayed by a web browser on a user terminal. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of display information (web page) for logging in via a web browser on a user terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] 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.

[0029] [Laundry Management System] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing 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, and multiple laundry machines 40. The laundry management device 10, the administrator terminal 20, the user terminal 30, and the laundry machines 40 are connected via a wireless or wired network such as the Internet. The laundry machines 40 are installed in a store 5 and are connected via a wireless or wired local area network (LAN) using a router 6.

[0030] The laundry management device 10 is a server device that remotely manages laundry machines 40. 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 users (users, customers) of the store 5. The laundry machine 40 is a machine that washes and dries laundry items, or washes only, or dries only.

[0031] (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.

[0032] The communication unit 11 communicates with the administrator terminal 20, the user terminal 30, and the laundry machine 40. The communication unit 11 is a communication interface that complies with a wireless or wired communication standard.

[0033] Control unit 12 performs overall control of laundry management device 10. Control unit 12 stores and manages various information related to store 5 and laundry machines 40, such as store information related to store 5, machine information related to laundry machines 40, and operating program information related to the operation of laundry machines 40, in storage unit 13. Control unit 12 transmits display information of the various information related to store 5 and laundry machines 40 to administrator terminal 20 and user terminal 30. Details of the various information related to store 5 and laundry machines 40 and the display information thereof will be described later.

[0034] In this way, the laundry management device 10 functions as a web server that complies with, for example, HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) and provides, for example, an html file containing display information in html (HyperText Markup Language) to the administrator terminal 20 and the user terminal 30.

[0035] 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.

[0036] The memory unit 13 stores programs executed by the control unit 12. The memory unit 13 also stores various information related to the store 5 and the laundry device 40, such as store information related to the store 5, device information related to the laundry device 40, and operation course information related to the operation of the laundry device 40.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] (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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] The control unit 22 performs overall control of the manager terminal 20. The control unit 22 displays on the display unit 25 various information about the store 5 and the laundry equipment 40 received from the laundry management device 10, such as store information about the store 5, equipment information about the laundry equipment 40, and operation course information about the operation of the laundry equipment 40.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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 store 5 and the laundry machines 40 received from the laundry management device 10, such as store information related to the store 5, machine information related to the laundry machines 40, and operation course information related to the operation of the laundry machines 40.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] (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, and a display unit 35.

[0050] 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.

[0051] The control unit 32 performs overall control of the user terminal 30. The control unit 32 displays on the display unit 35 various information about the store 5 and the laundry equipment 40 received from the laundry management device 10, such as store information about the store 5, equipment information about the laundry equipment 40, and operating course information about the operation of the laundry equipment 40.

[0052] In this way, the user terminal 30 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.

[0053] The control unit 32 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 32 are realized by executing a program (application) stored in the storage unit 33, for example. The program (application) 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.

[0054] The storage unit 33 stores programs (applications) executed by the control unit 32. The storage unit 33 also temporarily stores various information about the store 5 and laundry equipment 40 received from the laundry management device 10, such as store information about the store 5, equipment information about the laundry equipment 40, and operation course information about the operation of the laundry equipment 40.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] (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 with various capacities (sizes). Laundry machines 40 operate based on an operation course (detailed operation settings) notified by laundry management device 10.

[0059] (Store information) The store information includes, for example, the following information associated with each store 5 (see FIG. 8 described later for an example of display information for store information): Store identification number Store name (e.g., AQUA Laundry Lounge Kyoto XX store) Store address, phone number, opening hours, and business days ·Store location information (longitude and latitude) Notices from the store The laundry management device 10 stores and manages store information for each store 5.

[0060] (Device information) The device information includes, for example, the following information associated with each store 5 and each laundry device 40 (see FIGS. 9 and 10, described later, for an example of the display information of the device information): Laundry equipment identification number (e.g., machine number, identification number in the store) Laundry equipment model number (e.g., different models and capacities) Laundry equipment models (washer / dryers, washing machines, dryers, sneaker-specific machines, futon-specific machines, etc.) Actual image (e.g., a photo) of the front of the laundry machine Laundry equipment availability (availability) The laundry management device 10 stores and manages device information for each store 5 and each laundry device 40.

[0061] The laundry management device 10 may store and manage an actual image of the front of the laundry machine in association with the product number of the laundry machine. In this way, the actual image of the front of the laundry machine is displayed in association with the product number of the laundry machine in the display image of the machine information.

[0062] (Driving course information) The operating course information includes, for example, the following information associated with each laundry device 40 (see FIGS. 11 and 12 described later for examples of display information for the operating course information): Laundry equipment model number (e.g., different models and capacities) Laundry equipment models (washer / dryers, washing machines, dryers, sneaker-specific machines, futon-specific machines, etc.) - Operation course (10kg washing and drying course, 16kg washing and drying course, 23kg washing and drying course, etc.), time, fee -Detailed driving settings for each driving course - Additional options (additional drying, auxiliary agents, softener, etc.), time, fee

[0063] Detailed 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. The laundry management device 10 stores and manages operation course information for each laundry machine 40. These detailed operation settings may be added as additional options, allowing the user to fine-tune the operation settings of the operation course.

[0064] (Laundry operation) Next, the laundry operation by the above-described laundry management system 1 will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 7 and Figures 8 to 15. Figures 5 to 7 are flowcharts showing an example of the laundry operation by the laundry management system according to this embodiment. Figures 8 to 15 are diagrams showing an example of information (web page) displayed by the web browser of the user terminal 30.

[0065] First, the user browses store information using the user terminal 30. For example, the user inputs the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the web page of the laundry management device 10, which is a web server, into the web browser of the user terminal 30. For example, the user may use the history of URLs accessed by reading a QR (Quick Response) code provided in the store at the time of first use. Alternatively, the user may use a link URL in a social networking service (SNS) such as LINE (registered trademark), Instagram (registered trademark), Facebook (registered trademark), X (Twitter) (registered trademark), TikTok (registered trademark), or YouTube (registered trademark) provided by the store manager or the like.

[0066] 5, the user terminal 30 requests store information from the laundry management device 10 (step S1). In response to the request, the laundry management device 10 refers to the store information and device information and transmits display information (web page) of the store information to the user terminal 30 (step S2). The user terminal 30 receives the display information of the store information from the laundry management device 10 and displays the received display information (web page) of the store information on a web browser (step S3).

[0067] The processes of steps S1 to S3 may be performed periodically at predetermined time intervals (for example, one to several minutes). This allows, for example, the availability information (operation status) of the laundry devices described below to be updated as needed, allowing the user to grasp the latest availability information (operation status) of the laundry devices.

[0068] For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the display information (WEB page) of the store information includes the following: Store name (e.g., AQUA Laundry Lounge Kyoto XX store) Store address, phone number, opening hours, and business days Notices from the store Equipment availability information (operating status) Laundry start operation button A1

[0069] Next, the user selects the model of laundry machine 40 using user terminal 30. For example, the user clicks the operation button A1 for starting laundry use on the display information (web page) of store information. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, user terminal 30 requests model information from laundry management device 10 (step S4). In response to the request, laundry management device 10 refers to the device information and transmits display information (web page, model list) of the models of laundry machines 40 in the store to user terminal 30 (step S5). User terminal 30 receives the display information of the models of laundry machines 40 in the store from laundry management device 10 and displays the received display information (web page, model list) of the models of laundry machines 40 in the web browser (step S6).

[0070] The processes of steps S4 to S6 may be performed periodically at predetermined time intervals (for example, one minute to several minutes).

[0071] For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the display information (web page, model list) of the models of laundry machines 40 in the store includes the following: Washer / dryer selection button B1 Washing machine selection button B2 Dryer selection button B3 Sneakers - Select button B4 Futon-only machine selection button (not shown)

[0072] This allows the user to select a selection button B1 to B4 for the desired laundry device 40 model from the displayed information (web page, model list) for the laundry device 40 model.

[0073] Next, the user selects a laundry device 40 using the user terminal 30. For example, as described above, the user selects a selection button B1 to B4 for the model of the desired laundry device 40 in the display information (web page, model list) for the laundry device 40 models. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the user terminal 30 requests device information from the laundry management device 10 (step S7). In response to the request, the laundry management device 10 refers to the device information and transmits display information (web page, device list) for the laundry device 40 corresponding to the selected model to the user terminal 30 (step S8). The user terminal 30 receives the display information for the laundry device 40 corresponding to the selected model from the laundry management device 10 and displays the received display information (web page, device list) for the laundry device 40 on the web browser (step S9).

[0074] The processing of steps S7 to S9 may be executed periodically at predetermined intervals (for example, one minute to several minutes). This allows, for example, selection buttons for available laundry devices (described later) and the operation status and remaining operation time of unavailable laundry devices to be updated as needed, allowing the user to grasp the latest operation status and remaining operation time of available and unavailable laundry devices.

[0075] For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the display information (web page, device list) of the laundry device 40 corresponding to the selected model includes the following: Laundry machine number Actual image (e.g., a photo) of the front of the laundry machine For available laundry machines, press the selection button C1 - For unavailable laundry equipment, the operating status and remaining operating time

[0076] This allows the user to select the selection button C1 of the desired laundry device 40 in the displayed information (web page, device list) of the laundry device 40.

[0077] Next, the user selects an operation course using the user terminal 30. For example, as described above, the user selects the selection button C1 of the desired laundry device 40 in the display information (web page, device list) of the laundry device 40. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the user terminal 30 requests operation course information from the laundry management device 10 (step S10). In response to the request, the laundry management device 10 refers to the device information and the operation course information and transmits display information (web page, operation course list) of the operation course of the selected laundry device 40 to the user terminal 30 (step S11). The user terminal 30 receives the display information of the operation course of the selected laundry device 40 from the laundry management device 10 and displays the received display information (web page, operation course list) of the operation course of the laundry device 40 on the web browser (step S12).

[0078] The processes of steps S10 to S12 may be performed periodically at predetermined time intervals (for example, one minute to several minutes).

[0079] For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the display information (web page, list of operation courses) of the selected laundry machine 40 includes the following: Selected laundry machine number Actual image of the front of the selected laundry equipment - The operation course of the selected laundry equipment (10kg wash / dry course, 16kg wash / dry course, 23kg wash / dry course, etc.), time, and fee Selection button D1

[0080] This allows the user to select the selection button D1 for the desired operation course in the display information (web page, operation course list) of the operation courses of the laundry machine 40.

[0081] Next, the user may select additional options using the user terminal 30. For example, as described above, the user selects the selection button D1 for the desired operation course in the display information (web page, list of operation courses) of the operation courses of the laundry device 40. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the user terminal 30 requests additional option information from the laundry management device 10 (step S13). In response to the request, the laundry management device 10 refers to the device information and the operation course and transmits display information (web page, list of additional options) of the additional options of the selected laundry device 40 to the user terminal 30 (step S14). The user terminal 30 receives the display information of the additional options of the selected laundry device 40 from the laundry management device 10 and displays the received display information (web page, list of additional options) of the additional options of the laundry device 40 on the web browser (step S15).

[0082] The processes of steps S13 to S15 may be performed periodically at predetermined time intervals (for example, one minute to several minutes).

[0083] For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the display information (web page, list of additional options) of the additional options for the selected laundry device 40 includes the following: Selected laundry machine number Actual image of the front of the selected laundry equipment -Additional options for the selected laundry equipment (extra drying, auxiliary agents, softener, adjustment of operation settings for operation courses, etc.), time, and fee Selection button E1

[0084] This allows the user to select the selection button E1 for the desired additional option in the display information (web page, list of additional options) of the additional options of the laundry device 40.

[0085] Next, the user confirms the usage details using the user terminal 30. For example, as described above, the user selects the selection button for the desired additional option in the display information (web page, list of additional options) of the additional options for the laundry device 40. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the user terminal 30 transmits information on the model, device, operating program, and additional options of the selected laundry device 40 to the laundry management device 10 and requests usage details confirmation information (step S16). The laundry management device 10 receives the information on the model, device, operating program, and additional options of the selected laundry device 40 from the user terminal 30 and creates display information for the usage details confirmation information.

[0086] At this time, the laundry management device 10 confirms whether the location of the user terminal 30 matches the location of the store 5. For example, the laundry management device 10 requests location information from the user terminal 30 (step S17). In response to the request, the user terminal 30 transmits the location information of the user terminal 30 (e.g., longitude and latitude from the GPS function) to the laundry management device 10 (step S18). The laundry management device 10 receives the location information of the user terminal 30 from the user terminal 30 and confirms whether the error (distance conversion value) between the received location of the user terminal 30 and the previously stored location of the store 5 (e.g., longitude and latitude) is equal to or less than a predetermined value (step S19). The predetermined value is set according to the size of the store. For example, the predetermined value is preferably equal to or greater than 10 m and equal to or less than 50 m.

[0087] If the error between the location of the user terminal 30 and the location of the store 5 is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the laundry management device 10 transmits the created display information of the usage content confirmation information to the user terminal 30 (step S20). The user terminal 30 receives the display information of the usage content confirmation information from the laundry management device 10 and displays the received display information of the usage content confirmation information on the web browser (step S21).

[0088] For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the display information of the usage confirmation information of the selected laundry device 40 includes the following: Selected laundry machine number Actual image of the front of the selected laundry equipment - The selected laundry equipment operation course (e.g., 16kg wash / dry course), time, and fee - Additional options for the selected laundry equipment (extra drying, etc.), time, and fee Total fee Payment method (PayPay (registered trademark), LINE Pay (registered trademark), etc.) selection button F1

[0089] Before displaying the usage confirmation information, the user terminal 30 may display a confirmation message asking whether the laundry items have been placed in the selected laundry equipment 40 and whether the door of the laundry equipment 40 has been closed, as shown in FIG. 13.

[0090] 6, if the error between the location of the user terminal 30 and the location of the store 5 is not equal to or less than the predetermined value, the laundry management device 10 transmits error display information to the user terminal 30 (step S22). The user terminal 30 receives the error display information from the laundry management device 10 and displays the received error display information on the web browser (step S23).

[0091] Here, depending on the user, the GPS function of the user terminal 30 may be turned off, and as shown in FIG. 7, the user terminal 30 may not transmit location information (e.g., longitude and latitude of the GPS function) to the laundry management device 10 (step S31). In this case, the laundry management device 10 transmits display information for user location confirmation along with display information for the created usage content confirmation information to the user terminal 30 (step S32). The user terminal 30 receives the display information for usage content confirmation information and the display information for user location confirmation from the laundry management device 10 (step S33), and first displays the received display information for user location confirmation on the web browser (step S34). When the user confirms the user location, the user terminal 30 displays the received error display information on the web browser (step S35).

[0092] For example, as shown in Fig. 14, the user terminal 30 may display information for confirming the user's location, such as a confirmation that the user is in the store. In this case, the laundry management device 10 determines that the user is in the store based on the user's self-declaration.

[0093] Next, the user executes the payment process. For example, the user selects the payment method selection button F1 on the display information (web page) of the usage content confirmation information. Then, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the user terminal 30 transmits the selected payment method to the laundry management apparatus 10 (step S24). The laundry management apparatus 10 receives the selected payment method from the user terminal 30 and executes the payment process using the received payment method (step S25).

[0094] When the payment process is completed, the laundry management device 10 requests the selected laundry machine 40 to perform the laundry operation according to the selected operation course (step S26). The laundry machine 40 then receives the operation course and performs the laundry operation according to the received operation course (step S27).

[0095] At this time, the laundry management device 10 updates the operation status of the laundry device in the device information according to the laundry operation of the laundry device 40.

[0096] As described above, according to the laundry management system 1 of this embodiment, the user terminal 30 uses a web browser to display various information about multiple laundry machines 40, such as machine information (including operation information), operation program information, and fee information (FIGS. 10, 11, and 12). This allows the user to select the desired laundry machine 40 and operation program and understand the fees.

[0097] Furthermore, there is no need to visit store 5 to link user terminal 30 with laundry machine 40. Users can find out the desired laundry machine 40 and operation schedule, and can check the availability and fees of laundry machine 40 outside the store, for example, at home (improved convenience). Users can also compare the fees of other stores and select a laundry machine with a lower fee (improved convenience).

[0098] Furthermore, according to the laundry management system 1 of this embodiment, the user terminal 30 displays actual images (photos) of multiple laundry devices 40 (FIGS. 10, 11, 12, and 15). For example, the front panel of the laundry device 40 may have a variety of colors (e.g., blue for washing machine, red for washer-dryer, and yellow for dryer). Alternatively, the capacity of the laundry device may be indicated on the front (e.g., S size, M size, L size, XL size). This allows the user to intuitively check whether the laundry device selected on the web browser matches or does not match the laundry device into which the laundry items will actually be loaded, thereby reducing the chance of selecting a different laundry device than the one into which the laundry items will actually be loaded.

[0099] Furthermore, according to the laundry management system 1 of this embodiment, the laundry management device 10 checks whether the error between the location of the store 5 and the location of the user terminal 30 is within a predetermined value immediately before the payment process, i.e., immediately before the start of laundry. If the error between the location of the store 5 and the location of the user terminal 30 is not within the predetermined value, the laundry management device 10 does not allow the user terminal 30 to perform the payment process or operate the laundry equipment. This prevents a user from mistakenly selecting, paying for, and operating laundry equipment at another store. It also prevents tampering by operating laundry equipment remotely from outside the store.

[0100] Here, if a user realizes that the payment method does not have enough funds to charge just before the payment process, i.e., just before the laundry begins, they may leave the store to charge their payment method. In this case, the user may complete the payment process and start the laundry machine before returning to the store. In this way, it is unsafe for the user to operate the laundry machine while away from the store. In this regard, the laundry management system 1 of this embodiment can prevent the user from performing the payment process, i.e., operating the laundry machine, while away from the store.

[0101] Here, if the store is part of a complex, the accuracy of the location information of the user terminal 30 (e.g., longitude and latitude of the GPS function) decreases within the building. In this case, if the store is part of a complex and the accuracy of the location information of the user terminal 30 decreases, if the specified value is narrow, an error may occur because the location of the user terminal 30 does not match the location of the store 5, even though the user is actually near the laundry device 40 in the store 5. In this regard, the specified value for confirming the location of the user terminal 30 and the location of the store 5 may be changeable. For example, in a store that is part of a complex, the specified value may be expanded from 50 meters to 100 meters. For example, the manager of the store 5 may be able to change the specified value in the laundry management device 10 via the manager terminal 20.

[0102] 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 illustrate a form in which a web browser is used without member registration. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and a member registration function, i.e., a login function, may be provided. Furthermore, the present disclosure may also include a survey function and a coupon discount function.

[0103] For example, as shown in Figure 16, login (membership registration) requires only an email address or an SNS account such as LINE, Apple (registered trademark), or Google (registered trademark). In other words, login (membership registration) does not require personal information such as the user's name, address, phone number, or age. This makes it easier for users to register as members.

[0104] The survey then asks for personal information from users. The survey does not require personal information such as the user's name, address, or phone number. Users can choose whether or not to participate in the survey. Users who respond to the survey will be issued a discount coupon.

[0105] In this case, the laundry management device 10: Customer information (email address or SNS such as LINE, Apple, Google, etc.), Survey information (e.g., frequency of visits, means of transportation to the store, gender, age, number of family members living together, etc.), Coupon discount information Order history information (usage history information) may be stored and managed.

[0106] As shown in Fig. 8, the display information (web page) of the store information may include a selection button A2 for responding to a questionnaire after logging in. The questionnaire results are stored and managed in the questionnaire information. Furthermore, the display information (web page) of the store information may include a link operation button A3 to display information of coupon information and a link operation button A4 to display information of usage history information after logging in.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 15, the display information (WEB page) of the usage confirmation information may include a coupon discount selection button F2 after login.

[0108] The timing of the login shown in Figure 16 is not particularly limited, and may be before the display information (WEB page) of store information shown in Figure 8, after the display information (WEB page) of store information shown in Figure 8, or before the display information (WEB page) of usage confirmation shown in Figure 15, i.e., immediately before the payment processing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 1. Laundry Management System 5 stores 6 Router 10 Laundry management device 11, 21, 31 Communications Department 12, 22, 32 Control unit 13,23,33 Storage section 14,24,34 Operation section 15,25,35 Display section 20 Administrator terminal 30 User terminal 40 Laundry Equipment

Claims

1. Multiple laundry machines installed in the store, a laundry management device that remotely manages the plurality of laundry machines; a user terminal for a user of the store; Equipped with The laundry management device includes: storing and managing various information relating to the plurality of laundry machines; Transmitting display information of the various information to the user terminal; receiving the various information selected by the user from the user terminal, and operating the laundry device selected based on the received various information; The user terminal Using a web browser, receive display information of the various information from the laundry management device and display the received display information of the various information; transmitting the various information selected by the user from the display information of the various information to the laundry management device; The various information includes equipment information, operation program information, and fee information regarding the plurality of laundry machines. Laundry management system.

2. The laundry management system according to claim 1 , wherein the various information further includes an actual image of each of the plurality of laundry machines.

3. The laundry management system according to claim 2 , wherein the laundry management device stores and manages actual images of each of the plurality of laundry machines in association with product numbers of each of the plurality of laundry machines.

4. The laundry management device includes: storing and managing the location information of the store; Acquire location information of the user terminal from the user terminal; operating the selected laundry equipment when the error between the location indicated by the store location information and the location indicated by the user terminal location information is equal to or less than a predetermined value; The laundry management system of claim 1 .

5. The laundry management system according to claim 4, wherein the laundry management device checks whether an error between the location indicated by the store's location information and the location indicated by the user terminal's location information is less than a predetermined value immediately before the payment process.

6. The laundry management system according to claim 5, wherein the laundry management device does not allow the user terminal to perform payment processing if the error between the location indicated by the store's location information and the location indicated by the user terminal's location information is not less than a predetermined value.

7. A laundry management system as described in any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the laundry management device displays an error on the user terminal if the error between the location indicated by the store's location information and the location indicated by the user terminal's location information is not below a predetermined value.

8. The laundry management system according to claim 4 , wherein the location information of the user terminal includes longitude and latitude determined by a GPS function of the user terminal.

9. The laundry management system according to claim 8 , wherein the predetermined value is changeable.

10. The laundry management system according to claim 8 , wherein, when the GPS function of the user terminal is OFF, the laundry management device uses the user terminal to confirm with the user whether or not the user is in the store.

Images