Self-service laundry system

Abstract

This invention provides a self-service laundry system that reduces errors in selecting laundry equipment on the display screen of the operating terminal. [Solution] The self-service laundry system 1 comprises a plurality of laundry machines 40 installed in the store 5, an imaging device 50 that images the plurality of laundry machines 40, and an operation terminal 60 having a display screen that is operated by the user. The operation terminal 60 acquires the current image including the laundry machine 40 selected by the user on the display screen from the imaging device 50 and displays the acquired current image on the display screen.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a self-service system.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a self-service system installed in a self-service store (coin laundry store) with a plurality of laundry devices and an operation terminal that centrally performs operations related to the plurality of laundry devices (selection of devices, selection of operation courses, settlement (clearing) of usage fees, etc.). Patent Document 1 discloses a centralized settlement system including a plurality of laundry devices and a centralized settlement machine as such a self-service system.

[0003] In such a self-service system, the user (1) First, select an available laundry device from among the plurality of laundry devices, put the laundry into the selected laundry device, (2) Next, at the operation terminal, · Select the laundry device into which the laundry was put earlier from the display screens of available laundry devices, · Select an operation course from the display screens of available operation courses, · Settle (clear) according to the display screen of the usage fee, Thereby, start washing.

[0004] However, when the laundry device into which the laundry was put in (1) above and the operation terminal in (2) above are separated, the user may select a laundry device different from the laundry device into which the laundry was put in (1) above on the display screen of the operation terminal in (2) above.

[0005] In this regard, Patent Document 1 discloses that a flicker lamp is installed on each of the multiple laundry machines, and when the user selects a laundry machine on the display screen of the operation terminal in (2) above, the flicker lamp of the selected laundry machine flashes. This allows the user to confirm on the display screen of the operation terminal in (2) above whether the laundry machine into which the laundry was placed in (1) above has been correctly selected. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-120875 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] However, if multiple laundry machines and control terminals are located side by side, and the angle between the user's line of sight in front of the control terminal and the surface where the multiple laundry machines are located is small, the user may have difficulty determining whether the flashing flicker lamp is the flicker lamp of the laundry machine into which the laundry was placed as described in (1) above. Furthermore, for example, as shown in Figure 13, if the store 5 is L-shaped (or U-shaped), and multiple laundry machines 40 and control terminals 60 are located side by side in an L-shape (or U-shape), and some of the laundry machines 40, such as laundry machines 1-5, especially laundry machines 1-3 which are far from the control terminal, are not visible to the user in front of the control terminal 60, the user may not be able to see the flashing flicker lamp. Moreover, in cases where the control terminal cannot be placed inside the laundry room where the laundry machines are located, such as in a self-service laundry system installed in a public facility such as a hotel or hospital, for example, if the control terminal is placed at the entrance to the laundry room, in a corridor outside the laundry room, or in a recessed space in the corridor, the user in front of the control terminal may not be able to see the flashing flicker lamp.

[0008] This disclosure aims to provide a self-service laundry system that reduces errors in selecting laundry equipment on the display screen of the operating terminal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] (1) The self-service laundry system relating to this disclosure comprises a plurality of laundry machines installed in a store, an imaging device that images the plurality of laundry machines, and an operating terminal having a display screen and operated by a user. The operating terminal acquires the current image including the laundry machine selected by the user on the display screen from the imaging device and displays the acquired current image on the display screen.

[0010] According to the self-service laundry system described in this disclosure, when a user selects a laundry machine on the display screen of the operating terminal, the current captured image including the selected laundry machine is displayed on the display screen of the operating terminal. This allows the user to confirm on the display screen of the operating terminal whether the laundry machine into which they previously placed their laundry items was correctly selected.

[0011] For example, users can check the machine number, shape, etc., in the store from the current image of the entire laundry machine displayed on the control terminal's screen. This allows users to confirm on the control terminal's screen whether the correct laundry machine was selected for the items they just put in.

[0012] Alternatively, the user can check the operating status of the drum of the laundry machine from the door of the laundry machine in the current captured image of the drum displayed on the control terminal's display screen. For example, if the drum is not operating, the user can confirm on the control terminal's display screen that the laundry machine into which the laundry items were previously placed has been correctly selected. On the other hand, for example, if the drum is operating, the user can confirm on the control terminal's display screen that the laundry machine into which the laundry items were previously placed has not been correctly selected.

[0013] Alternatively, the user can check whether there are items to be washed inside the drum by looking at the current image of the washing machine's drum displayed on the control terminal's screen, through the door of the washing machine. For example, if the laundry items that were just put in are visible inside the drum, the user can confirm on the control terminal's screen that the washing machine in which the laundry items were just put in has been correctly selected. On the other hand, if the laundry items that were just put in are not visible inside the drum, the user can confirm on the control terminal's screen that the washing machine in which the laundry items were just put in has not been correctly selected.

[0014] This system allows users to visually confirm on the control terminal's display screen whether the correct laundry machine was selected, even when multiple laundry machines and control terminals are located side-by-side, making it difficult for the user to identify which machine they have placed their laundry into. This is also true when the store is L-shaped or U-shaped, with multiple laundry machines arranged in an L-shape or U-shape, preventing the user from identifying the machine they used. Therefore, errors in selecting the correct laundry machine on the control terminal's display screen can be reduced.

[0015] (2) In the self-service laundry system described in (1), the operating terminal may control the pan, tilt, and zoom of the imaging device and acquire the current image from the imaging device, including an enlarged image of the drum of the laundry machine selected by the user on the display screen.

[0016] This makes it easier to check whether the laundry items that were just put in are visible through the door at the drum position of the laundry machine in the current captured image displayed on the operating terminal's screen.

[0017] (3) The self-laundry system described in (1) or (2) further comprises a management device for managing the plurality of laundry machines, wherein the management device or the operation terminal acquires and stores from the imaging device an image of the laundry being loaded, including the laundry machine into which the user is loading the laundry, in response to the user opening and closing the doors of the laundry machines, and the operation terminal acquires from the management device or the operation terminal an image of the laundry being loaded, including the laundry machine selected by the user on the display screen, and may further display the acquired image of the laundry being loaded on the display screen.

[0018] According to this, the user can further confirm on the operating terminal's display screen whether the laundry machine into which the laundry items were placed was correctly selected. For example, if there is an image taken when the laundry items were placed, including the selected laundry machine, and this image is displayed on the operating terminal's display screen, and the laundry machine into which the laundry items were placed is visible in the image, the user can confirm on the operating terminal's display screen that the laundry machine into which the laundry items were placed was correctly selected. On the other hand, if there is no image taken when the laundry items were placed, including the selected laundry machine, and this image is not displayed on the operating terminal's display screen, the user can confirm on the operating terminal's display screen that the laundry machine into which the laundry items were placed was not correctly selected.

[0019] (4) In the self-service laundry system described in (3), the image captured when the laundry items are loaded may further include the user loading the laundry items.

[0020] According to this, on the display screen of the operation terminal, it is possible to make it easier for the user to confirm whether the laundry equipment into which the laundry target was put just now has been correctly selected. For example, there is an imaging image at the time of putting in the laundry target including the selected laundry equipment, the imaging image at the time of putting in the laundry target is displayed on the display screen of the operation terminal, and if the laundry equipment into which the laundry target was put just now and the user himself / herself can be seen in the imaging image, the user can confirm on the display screen of the operation terminal that the laundry equipment into which the laundry target was put just now has been correctly selected.

[0021] (5) In the self-service laundry system according to (3) or (4), the management device or the operation terminal may control the pan, tilt, and zoom of the imaging device, and acquire from the imaging device an imaging image at the time of putting in the laundry target including an enlarged image of the whole of the laundry equipment into which the user is putting in the laundry target.

[0022] According to this, it is possible to make it easier to confirm whether there are the laundry equipment and the user himself / herself in the imaging image at the time of putting in the laundry target displayed on the display screen of the operation terminal.

[0023] (6) In the self-service laundry system according to any one of (3) to (5), when there is no imaging image at the time of putting in the laundry target including the laundry equipment selected by the user on the display screen, and there is an imaging image at the time of putting in the laundry target including the laundry equipment not selected by the user on the display screen, the operation terminal may display on the display screen the imaging image at the time of putting in the laundry target including the laundry equipment not selected by the user, and prompt the user to change the selection of the laundry equipment.

[0024] According to this, the user can correctly select the laundry equipment into which the laundry target was put just now on the display screen of the operation terminal. Thereby, it is possible to further reduce the selection error of the laundry equipment on the display screen of the operation terminal.

[0025] (7) Another self-service system according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of laundry devices installed in a store, an imaging device that images the plurality of laundry devices, an operation terminal having a display screen and operated by a user, and a management device that manages the plurality of laundry devices. The management device or the operation terminal acquires and stores, from the imaging device, an imaging image at the time of input of a laundry target including the laundry device into which the user is putting the laundry target in response to an opening / closing operation of the door of the laundry device by the user. The operation terminal acquires, from the management device or the operation terminal, an imaging image at the time of input of a laundry target including the laundry device selected by the user on the display screen, and displays the acquired imaging image at the time of input of the laundry target on the display screen.

[0026] According to another self-service system of the present disclosure, when a user selects a laundry device on the display screen of the operation terminal, an imaging image at the time of input of a laundry target including the selected laundry device is displayed on the display screen of the operation terminal. Thereby, the user can confirm whether the laundry device into which the laundry target was put just before is correctly selected on the display screen of the operation terminal.

[0027] For example, when there is an imaging image at the time of input of a laundry target including the selected laundry device and the imaging image at the time of input of the laundry target is displayed on the display screen of the operation terminal, and the laundry device into which the laundry target was put just before can be seen in the imaging image, the user can confirm that the laundry device into which the laundry target was put just before is correctly selected on the display screen of the operation terminal. On the other hand, when there is no imaging image at the time of input of a laundry target including the selected laundry device and the imaging image at the time of input of the laundry target is not displayed on the display screen of the operation terminal, the user can confirm that the laundry device into which the laundry target was put just before is not correctly selected on the display screen of the operation terminal.

[0028] This system allows users to visually confirm on the control terminal's display screen whether the correct laundry machine was selected, even when multiple laundry machines and control terminals are located side-by-side, making it difficult for the user to identify which machine they have placed their laundry into. This is also true when the store is L-shaped or U-shaped, with multiple laundry machines arranged in an L-shape or U-shape, preventing the user from identifying the machine they used. Therefore, errors in selecting the correct laundry machine on the control terminal's display screen can be reduced.

[0029] (8)(7) In the self-service laundry system described above, the image captured when the laundry items are put in may further include the user putting in the laundry items.

[0030] According to this, it becomes easier for users to confirm on the operating terminal's display screen whether the laundry machine into which they just put their laundry items has been correctly selected. For example, if there is an image taken when the laundry items were put in, including the selected laundry machine, and this image is displayed on the operating terminal's display screen, and the image shows the laundry machine into which the laundry items were just put in and the user themselves, then the user can confirm on the operating terminal's display screen that the laundry machine into which they just put their laundry items has been correctly selected.

[0031] In the self-service laundry system described in (9), (7), or (8), the management device or the operating terminal may control the pan, tilt, and zoom of the imaging device and acquire from the imaging device an image of the moment the laundry is loaded, including an enlarged image of the entire laundry machine into which the user is loading the laundry.

[0032] According to this, it becomes easier for users to confirm whether the laundry equipment and the user themselves are present in the image captured when laundry items are loaded, which is displayed on the operating terminal's screen.

[0033] In the self-service laundry system described in any of (10)(7) to (8), if there is no image of laundry items being loaded, including the laundry equipment selected by the user on the display screen, and there is an image of laundry items being loaded, including the laundry equipment not selected by the user on the display screen, the operating terminal may display the image of laundry items being loaded, including the laundry equipment not selected by the user, on the display screen and prompt the user to change their selection of laundry equipment.

[0034] According to this, users can correctly select the laundry machine into which they previously placed their laundry on the operating terminal's display screen. This reduces the likelihood of errors in selecting the wrong laundry machine on the operating terminal's display screen. [Effects of the Invention]

[0035] According to this disclosure, it is possible to reduce errors in selecting laundry equipment on the display screen of the operating terminal in a self-service laundry system. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0036] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of a self-service laundry system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows an example of a laundry management device in a self-service laundry system. [Figure 3] Figure 1 shows an example of an administrator terminal in a self-service laundry system. [Figure 4] Figure 1 shows an example of a user terminal in a self-service laundry system. [Figure 5] Figure 1 shows an example of an operating terminal (driving course suggestion device) in a self-service laundry system. [Figure 6]This is a flowchart of the confirmation operation for selecting laundry equipment using the self-service laundry system according to this embodiment. [Figure 7A] This is a flowchart of the confirmation operation for selecting laundry equipment using the self-service laundry system according to this embodiment. [Figure 7B] This is a flowchart of the confirmation operation for selecting laundry equipment using the self-service laundry system according to this embodiment. [Figure 7C] This is a flowchart of the confirmation operation for selecting laundry equipment using the self-service laundry system according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a display screen for confirming laundry equipment selection. [Figure 9A] This is a flowchart of the confirmation operation for selecting laundry equipment using a self-service laundry system according to Modification 1 of this embodiment. [Figure 9B] This is a flowchart of the confirmation operation for selecting laundry equipment using a self-service laundry system according to Modification 1 of this embodiment. [Figure 9C] This is a flowchart of the confirmation operation for selecting laundry equipment using a self-service laundry system according to Modification 1 of this embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a display screen for confirming laundry equipment selection. [Figure 11A] This is a flowchart of the confirmation operation for selecting laundry equipment by a self-service laundry system according to Modification 2 of this embodiment. [Figure 11B] This is a flowchart of the confirmation operation for selecting laundry equipment by a self-service laundry system according to Modification 2 of this embodiment. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of a display screen for confirming laundry equipment selection. [Figure 13] This is a store layout diagram illustrating an example of a store shape in a self-service laundry system, as well as an example of the arrangement of laundry equipment and operating terminals. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0037] An example of an embodiment of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0038] [Self-service laundry system] Figure 1 shows an example of a self-service laundry system according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the self-service laundry system 1 comprises a laundry management device 10, an administrator terminal 20, a user terminal 30, a plurality of laundry machines 40, an imaging device 50, and an operation terminal 60. The laundry management device 10, administrator terminal 20, user terminal 30, laundry machines 40, imaging device 50, and operation terminal 60 are connected via a wireless or wired network such as the Internet. The laundry machines 40, imaging device 50, and operation terminal 60 are installed in a store 5 and are connected via a wireless or wired local area network (LAN) using a router 6. The laundry machines 40 are connected to the router 6 via a data controller 7.

[0039] The laundry management device 10 is a server device that remotely manages the laundry equipment 40 and the operation terminal 60. The administrator terminal 20 is a device for the administrator of store 5 (the owner or an administrator authorized by the owner). The user terminal 30 is a device for the users of store 5. The laundry equipment 40 is a device that performs washing and drying, washing only, or drying only for laundry items. The imaging device 50 is a device that images the laundry equipment. The operation terminal 60 is a device that integrates and processes operations performed by users.

[0040] (Laundry management device) Examples of laundry management devices 10 include information processing devices such as PCs and large computers. Figure 2 shows an example of a laundry management device in the self-service laundry system shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the laundry management device 10 comprises a communication unit 11, a control unit 12, a storage unit 13, an operation unit 14, and a display unit 15.

[0041] The communication unit 11 communicates with the administrator terminal 20, user terminal 30, laundry equipment 40, imaging equipment 50, and operation terminal 60. The communication unit 11 is a communication interface compliant with wireless or wired communication standards.

[0042] The control unit 12 performs overall control of the laundry management device 10. The control unit 12 stores and manages various information about the laundry equipment 40 in the storage unit 13, such as the current operating status of the laundry equipment 40, the operation course information and operation setting information related to the operation of the laundry equipment 40, the equipment size information related to the size of the laundry equipment 40, the fee information related to the charges for the laundry equipment 40, and sales information. The control unit 12 transmits display information of various information related to the laundry equipment 40 to the administrator terminal 20.

[0043] Furthermore, the control unit 12 acquires, stores, and manages images from the imaging device 50 of the laundry machine 40 and the user, including the user, when the user places laundry items into the machine, in response to the user opening and closing the door of the laundry machine 40. The control unit 12 transmits the images of the laundry items being placed into the machine to the operation terminal 60. Details of the images of the laundry items being placed into the machine will be described later.

[0044] Thus, the laundry management device 10 functions as a web server compliant 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. The laundry management device 10 also functions as a server device that stores and manages images captured when laundry items are loaded.

[0045] The control unit 12 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 12 are realized, for example, by executing a program stored in the storage unit 13. The program may be provided via a network, or it may be provided 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 storage media include non-transitory tangible media.

[0046] The storage unit 13 stores programs executed by the control unit 12. The storage unit 13 also stores various information related to the laundry machine 40, such as the current operating status of the laundry machine 40, the operation course information and operation setting information related to the operation of the laundry machine 40, the machine size information related to the size of the laundry machine 40, the fee information related to the laundry machine 40, and sales information. The storage unit 13 also stores images captured when laundry items are loaded.

[0047] The storage unit 13 consists of a recording medium such as ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or a removable memory card.

[0048] The control unit 14 is an operation unit used by the administrator of the laundry management device 10. The control unit 14 is composed of, for example, a keyboard or mouse with physical operation buttons, or a touch panel with virtual operation buttons.

[0049] The display unit 15 is a notification unit that notifies the administrator of the laundry management device 10 of information. The display unit 15 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[0050] (Administrator terminal) Examples of administrator terminals 20 include information processing devices such as smartphones, tablets, and PCs. Figure 3 shows an example of an administrator terminal in the self-service laundry system shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 3, the administrator terminal 20 comprises a communication unit 21, a control unit 22, a storage unit 23, an operation unit 24, and a display unit 25.

[0051] The communication unit 21 communicates with the laundry management device 10. The communication unit 21 is a communication interface compliant with wireless or wired communication standards.

[0052] The control unit 22 performs overall control of the administrator terminal 20. The control unit 22 displays various information about the laundry equipment 40 received from the laundry management device 10 on the display unit 25, such as the current operating status information of the laundry equipment 40, the operation course information and operation setting information related to the operation of the laundry equipment 40, the equipment size information related to the size of the laundry equipment 40, the fee information related to the charges for the laundry equipment 40, and sales information.

[0053] In this way, the administrator terminal 20 displays the information provided by the laundry management device 10, which is a web server, using an application such as a general-purpose web browser.

[0054] The control unit 22 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 22 are realized, for example, by executing a program (application) stored in the storage unit 23. The program (application) may be provided via a network, or it may be provided recorded on a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc). Examples of storage media include non-transitory tangible media.

[0055] The storage unit 23 stores programs (applications) executed by the control unit 22. The storage unit 23 also temporarily stores various information about the laundry equipment 40 received from the laundry management device 10, such as the current operating status of the laundry equipment 40, the operation course information and operation setting information related to the operation of the laundry equipment 40, the equipment size information related to the size of the laundry equipment 40, the fee information related to the charges for the laundry equipment 40, and sales information.

[0056] The storage unit 23 consists of a recording medium such as ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or a removable memory card.

[0057] The control unit 24 is an operation unit used by the administrator. The control unit 24 consists of, for example, a keyboard or mouse with physical operation buttons, or a touch panel with virtual operation buttons.

[0058] The display unit 25 is a notification unit that notifies the administrator of information. The display unit 25 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[0059] (User terminal) Examples of user terminals 30 include information processing devices such as smartphones, tablets, and PCs. Figure 4 shows an example of a user terminal in the self-service laundry system shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 4, the user terminal 30 includes a communication unit 31, a control unit 32, a storage unit 33, an operation unit 34, a display unit 35, and a camera 36.

[0060] The communication unit 31 communicates with the laundry management device 10. The communication unit 31 is a communication interface compliant with wireless or wired communication standards.

[0061] 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). Various functions of the control unit 32 are realized, for example, by executing programs (applications) stored in the storage unit 33. Programs (applications) may be provided via a network, or they may be provided 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 storage media include non-transitory tangible media.

[0062] The storage unit 33 stores programs (applications) executed by the control unit 32. The storage unit 33 is composed of a recording medium such as ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or a removable memory card.

[0063] The operation unit 34 is an operation unit that the user operates. The operation unit 34 consists of, for example, a keyboard or mouse with physical operation buttons, or a touch panel with virtual operation buttons.

[0064] The display unit 35 is a notification unit that notifies the administrator of information. The display unit 35 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[0065] (Laundry equipment) The laundry equipment 40 is installed in store 5, which is managed by the administrator. The laundry equipment 40 includes various types of equipment, such as equipment with washing and drying functions, equipment with washing functions only, and equipment with drying functions only. The laundry equipment 40 also includes equipment of various sizes (capacities). In this embodiment, the laundry equipment 40 may have a door that includes an area made of a transparent material such as glass, which serves as the door for loading and unloading laundry items. The laundry equipment 40 operates based on the operating course (operating setting) notified from the operating terminal 60.

[0066] The control of various data from the laundry machines 40 is performed by the data controller 7 (see Figure 1). For example, the data controller 7 receives information on the laundry machine's operating course, price, machine size, and operating course settings from the laundry management device 10, and transmits it to each of the laundry machines 40. Also, for example, the data controller 7 receives information on the operating status of the laundry machine and payment information from each of the laundry machines 40, and transmits it to the laundry management device 10.

[0067] (Imaging equipment) Examples of imaging devices 50 include security cameras installed in store 5, or cameras installed on laundry machines 40. The imaging device 50 pans, tilts, and zooms in on the target laundry machine 40 in response to the control of the operation terminal 60, captures a current image including the laundry machine 40 selected by the user on the display screen of the operation terminal 60, and transmits the current image to the operation terminal 60. In addition, the imaging device 50 pans, tilts, and zooms in on the target laundry machine 40 in response to the control of the laundry management device 10 or the operation terminal 60, captures an image of the laundry machine 40 into which the user is placing laundry items, including the user, and transmits the image of the laundry items being placed to the laundry management device 10 or the operation terminal 60.

[0068] (Operating terminal) Examples of the operating terminal 60 include information processing devices such as PCs and large computers. In the store 5, for example, one operating terminal 60 is installed for each of the multiple laundry machines 40, and it is a terminal that centrally performs operations related to the multiple laundry machines 40, such as selecting a laundry machine, selecting a washing course, and settling the usage fee (also called a multi-terminal). The operating terminal 60 also performs remote operation control of the laundry machines 40. As shown in Figure 5, the operating terminal 60 comprises a communication unit 61, a control unit 62, a storage unit 63, an operation unit 64, and a display unit 65.

[0069] The communication unit 61 communicates with the laundry management device 10, the laundry equipment 40, and the imaging device 50. The communication unit 11 is a communication interface compliant with wireless or wired communication standards.

[0070] The control unit 62 performs overall control of the operation terminal 60. The control unit 62 integrates and processes operations performed by the user. For example, the control unit 62 centrally performs operations related to multiple laundry machines 40, such as selecting a laundry machine, selecting a washing course, and settling the usage fee. For example, the control unit 62 displays a machine selection screen, including available laundry machines 40, on the display unit 65, allowing the user to select a laundry machine 40. The control unit 62 also displays a washing course selection screen, including available washing courses, on the display unit 65, allowing the user to select a washing course. Furthermore, the control unit 62 displays a payment screen, including the usage fee, on the display unit 65, allowing the user to make the payment. In addition, the control unit 62 remotely controls the operation of the laundry machines 40.

[0071] Furthermore, the control unit 62, in response to the user's selection operation of the laundry equipment 40 on the display screen of the display unit 65, acquires the current captured image, including the laundry equipment 40 selected by the user on the display screen, from the imaging device 50 and displays it on the display unit 65. This allows the user to confirm on the display screen whether the laundry equipment 40 into which the laundry items were previously placed has been correctly selected. Details of the laundry equipment selection confirmation process will be described later.

[0072] Furthermore, the control unit 62, in response to the user's selection operation of the laundry equipment 40 on the display screen of the display unit 65, acquires an image captured when the laundry items were loaded, including the laundry equipment 40 selected by the user on the display screen, from the laundry management device 10 or the operation terminal 60, and displays it on the display unit 65. This allows the operation terminal 60 to confirm on the display screen whether the laundry equipment 40 into which the laundry items were loaded was correctly selected. Details of the laundry equipment selection confirmation process will be described later.

[0073] The control unit 62 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 62 are realized, for example, by executing a program stored in the storage unit 63. The program may be provided via a network, or it may be provided 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 storage media include non-transitory tangible media.

[0074] The memory unit 63 stores programs executed by the control unit 12. The memory unit 13 also stores multiple capacity operating courses (operating settings) for all laundry machines 40 installed in the store 5. The memory unit 13 also temporarily stores the currently acquired image and the image taken when laundry items are loaded.

[0075] The storage unit 63 consists of a recording medium such as ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or a removable memory card.

[0076] The control unit 64 is an operation unit used by customers of the store 5. The control unit 64 is composed of, for example, a keyboard or mouse with physical operation buttons, or a touch panel with virtual operation buttons.

[0077] The display unit 65 is a notification unit that notifies users of store 5 of information. The display unit 65 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display unit 65 functions as a display screen.

[0078] (Confirmation of laundry equipment selection) Next, with reference to Figures 6 to 8, the operation of confirming the selection of laundry equipment by the self-service laundry system 1 described above will be explained. Figures 6 to 7C are flowcharts of the operation of confirming the selection of laundry equipment by the self-service laundry system according to this embodiment, and Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen for confirming the selection of laundry equipment.

[0079] Note that the functions and operations of the laundry management device 10 in Figure 6 may also be performed by the operation terminal 60.

[0080] First, the user selects an available laundry machine 40 from among several laundry machines 40 and places the laundry items into the selected machine 40. For example, the user opens the door of the laundry machine 40, places the laundry items into the machine 40, and closes the door of the laundry machine 40.

[0081] At this time, as shown in Figure 6, the laundry machine 40 detects the door opening operation (S101) and notifies the laundry management device 10 (or operation terminal 60). The laundry management device 10 (or operation terminal 60) then instructs the imaging device 50 to focus on the laundry machine 40 into which the laundry items are being placed, based on location information corresponding to, for example, identifiable information of the laundry machine 40 (e.g., machine identification number) (S102). The imaging device 50 then pans, tilts, and zooms in on the laundry machine 40 into which the laundry items are being placed (S103).

[0082] Next, the laundry management device 10 (or operation terminal 60) instructs the imaging device 50 to share the image of the laundry machine 40 into which the laundry items are placed (S104). The imaging device 50 then transmits the image of the laundry machine 40 into which the laundry items are placed to the laundry device 10 (or operation terminal 60) (S105).

[0083] Next, the laundry management device 10 (or operating terminal 60) receives and stores an image captured by the imaging device 50 of the laundry machine 40 when the laundry is loaded (S106). For example, the image captured when the laundry is loaded is stored in association with identifiable information of the laundry machine 40 (e.g., machine identification number).

[0084] Subsequently, the laundry machine 40 detects the closing of the door (S107) and notifies the laundry management device 10 (or operation terminal 60). The laundry management device 10 (or operation terminal 60) then instructs the imaging device 50 to stop sharing the image of the laundry machine 40 into which the laundry items have been placed (S108). The imaging device 50 then stops sharing the image of the laundry machine 40 into which the laundry items have been placed (S109).

[0085] Next, the laundry management device 10 (or operating terminal 60) instructs the imaging device 50 to stop focusing on the laundry machine 40 into which the laundry items have been placed (S110). The imaging device 50 then releases the pan, tilt, and zoom from the laundry machine 40 into which the laundry items have been placed (S111).

[0086] As a result, the laundry management device 10 (or operating terminal 60) stores an image of the laundry being loaded, including the laundry machine 40 into which the user is loading the laundry, in response to the opening and closing operation of the laundry machine 40. The image of the laundry being loaded may include a magnified image of the entire laundry machine into which the user is loading the laundry. The image of the laundry being loaded may also include the user loading the laundry.

[0087] The images captured when laundry items are loaded may be both still images of the opening and closing of the door of the laundry machine 40, or they may be just one of the still images of the opening and closing of the door of the laundry machine 40. Alternatively, the images captured when laundry items are loaded may be the entire video from the opening to the closing of the door of the laundry machine 40, or they may be a part of the video from the opening to the closing of the door of the laundry machine 40.

[0088] Next, the user moves from the laundry machine 40 to the control terminal 60 and operates the display screen of the control terminal 60. For example, the user selects the centralized payment function on the display screen (home screen) of the control terminal 60.

[0089] The operating terminal 60 then detects the selection of the centralized payment function (S201) and displays a device selection screen showing the available laundry machines 40 (S202).

[0090] Next, the user selects the laundry machine 40 into which they previously placed their laundry from the machine selection screen of available laundry machines 40. For example, the machine selection screen may display a map that mimics the store layout, or a display of the machine number assigned to the store, etc.

[0091] The operating terminal 60 then detects the selection of the laundry machine 40 (S203) and instructs the imaging device 50 to focus on the entire laundry machine 40 or the drum based on location information corresponding to identifiable information of the selected laundry machine 40 (e.g., machine identification number) (S204). The imaging device 50 then pans, tilts, and zooms in on the entire laundry machine 40 or the drum (S205).

[0092] Next, the operating terminal 60 instructs the imaging device 50 to share the image of the selected laundry machine 40 (S206). The imaging device 50 then transmits an image of the entire selected laundry machine 40 or the drum to the operating terminal 60 (S207).

[0093] Next, the operating terminal 60 instructs the laundry management device 10 (or the operating terminal 60) to share the captured image of the selected laundry machine 40 when laundry items are loaded, based on identifiable information of the selected laundry machine 40 (e.g., machine identification number) (S208). Then, if the laundry management device 10 (or the operating terminal 60) has an captured image of the selected laundry machine 40 when laundry items are loaded, it transmits it to the operating terminal 60 (S209).

[0094] Next, as shown in Figure 8, the operation terminal 60 displays the current captured image I1 of the selected laundry machine 40 on the display screen (S210). The operation terminal 60 also displays the captured images I2 and I3 of the selected laundry machine 40 and the user's laundry items when they are placed in the machine on the display screen (S210). If there are no captured images I2 and I3 of the selected laundry machine 40 and the user's laundry items when they are placed in the machine, they will not be displayed. The operation terminal 60 also displays a message M on the display screen prompting the user to confirm whether the selected laundry machine 40 is correct (S211).

[0095] As described above, the images I2 and I3 captured when laundry items are loaded may be both still images of the opening and closing of the door of the laundry machine 40, or they may be just one of the two still images. Alternatively, the images I2 and I3 captured when laundry items are loaded may be the entire video from the opening to the closing of the door of the laundry machine 40, or they may be a part of the video from the opening to the closing of the door of the laundry machine 40.

[0096] Similarly, the current captured image I1 may be a still image or a video. Furthermore, the current captured image may include a magnified image of the entire selected laundry machine 40, or a magnified image of the drum of the selected laundry machine 40.

[0097] These captured images I1, I2, and I3 may be displayed across the entire display screen. Alternatively, these captured images I1, I2, and I3 may be displayed in a portion of the display screen (e.g., upper left, upper right, etc.), and may also be displayed on the driving course selection screen and payment screen described later. This increases the opportunities for user confirmation.

[0098] Furthermore, the current captured image I1 may display multiple enlarged images, such as an enlarged image of the entire laundry machine 40 and an enlarged image of the drum of the laundry machine 40. This allows the user to confirm the machine number in the store, the shape of the machine, etc., from the enlarged image of the entire laundry machine 40. In addition, the user can confirm the operating status of the drum (for example, if the drum is operating, the user can recognize that the selected machine is incorrect) and the presence or absence of laundry items inside the drum (for example, if there are no laundry items inside the drum, the user can recognize that the selected machine is incorrect) from the enlarged image of the drum of the laundry machine 40. This increases the amount of information available for the user to confirm.

[0099] Furthermore, the images I2 and I3 captured when laundry items are loaded may be enlarged images of the entire laundry machine 40, including the user. This allows the user to confirm whether they are present or not, or whether other users are present. This increases the amount of information available for user confirmation.

[0100] Returning to Figure 7A, the user performs an operation on the display screen to confirm whether the selected laundry machine 40 is correct (212). As shown in Figure 7B, for example, if the operation terminal 60 detects that the selected laundry machine 40 is correct (YES in S213), it displays a drive course selection screen showing the available drive courses (S214).

[0101] The user selects a laundry course from the available courses selection screen. The operating terminal 60 then detects the selection of a laundry course (S215) and displays a payment screen showing the usage fee for the selected laundry machine 40 and laundry course (S216).

[0102] The user makes the payment (settlement) according to the payment screen for the usage fee. Then, the operating terminal 60 completes the payment (S217) and remotely operates the selected laundry machine 40 (S218).

[0103] Furthermore, the operating terminal 60 instructs the imaging device 50 to stop sharing the captured images of the selected laundry machine 40 (S219). The imaging device 50 then stops transmitting the captured images of the selected laundry machine 40 (S220).

[0104] Furthermore, the operating terminal 60 instructs the imaging device 50 to stop focusing on the selected laundry machine 40 (S221). The imaging device 50 then cancels the pan, tilt, and zoom on the selected laundry machine 40 (S222).

[0105] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 7C, for example, if the operating terminal 60 detects a confirmation operation that the selected laundry equipment is incorrect (NO in S213), it may return to step S202 in Figure 7A and request the user to select the laundry equipment 40 again.

[0106] At this time, the operating terminal 60 instructs the imaging device 50 to stop sharing the captured images of the selected laundry machine 40 (S231), and the imaging device 50 stops transmitting the captured images of the selected laundry machine 40 (S232).

[0107] Furthermore, the operating terminal 60 instructs the imaging device 50 to stop focusing on the selected laundry machine 40 (S233), and the imaging device 50 releases the pan, tilt, and zoom on the selected laundry machine 40 (S234).

[0108] As described above, according to the self-laundry system 1 of this embodiment, when a user selects a laundry machine 40 on the display screen of the operation terminal 60, the current captured image including the selected laundry machine 40 is displayed on the display screen of the operation terminal 60. This allows the user to confirm on the display screen of the operation terminal 60 whether the laundry machine 40 into which the laundry items were previously placed has been correctly selected.

[0109] For example, the user can check the machine number, shape, etc., of the laundry machine 40 in the store from the current captured image of the entire machine displayed on the display screen of the operating terminal 60. This allows the user to confirm on the display screen of the operating terminal 60 whether the laundry machine 40 into which the laundry items were placed earlier was correctly selected.

[0110] Alternatively, the user can check the operating status of the drum of the laundry machine 40 from the door of the laundry machine 40 in the current captured image of the drum displayed on the display screen of the operating terminal 60. For example, if the drum is not operating, the user can confirm on the display screen of the operating terminal 60 that the laundry machine 40 into which the laundry items were previously placed has been correctly selected. On the other hand, for example, if the drum is operating, the user can confirm on the display screen of the operating terminal 60 that the laundry machine 40 into which the laundry items were previously placed has not been correctly selected.

[0111] Alternatively, the user can check whether there are any laundry items inside the drum of the laundry machine 40 by looking at the door of the laundry machine 40 in the current captured image of the drum of the laundry machine 40 displayed on the display screen of the operating terminal 60. For example, if the laundry items that were just put in are visible inside the drum, the user can confirm on the display screen of the operating terminal 60 that the laundry machine 40 into which the laundry items were just put has been correctly selected. On the other hand, for example, if the laundry items that were just put in are not visible inside the drum, the user can confirm on the display screen of the operating terminal 60 that the laundry machine 40 into which the laundry items were just put has not been correctly selected.

[0112] This allows the user to visually confirm on the display screen of the operation terminal 60 whether the laundry machine 40 into which they placed their laundry has been correctly selected, even when multiple laundry machines 40 and operation terminals 60 are located side by side, making it difficult for the user at the operation terminal 60 to confirm which laundry machine 40 they placed their laundry into; even when, as shown in Figure 13, the store 5 is L-shaped (or U-shaped) and multiple laundry machines 40 and operation terminals 60 are located side by side in an L-shape (or U-shape), making it impossible for the user at the operation terminal 60 to confirm which laundry machine 40 they placed their laundry into; and even when, like in a self-service laundry system installed in a public facility such as a hotel or hospital, the operation terminal 60 cannot be placed inside the laundry room where the laundry machines 40 are located, for example, when the operation terminal 60 is located outside the laundry room, making it impossible for the user at the operation terminal 60 to confirm which laundry machine 40 they placed their laundry into. Therefore, it is possible to reduce errors in selecting laundry machines 40 on the display screen of the operation terminal 60.

[0113] Furthermore, according to the self-service laundry system 1 of this embodiment, when a user selects a laundry machine 40 on the display screen of the operation terminal 60, the image captured at the time the laundry items were loaded, including the selected laundry machine 40, is displayed on the display screen of the operation terminal 60. This allows the user to confirm on the display screen of the operation terminal 60 whether the laundry machine 40 into which the laundry items were loaded was correctly selected.

[0114] For example, if there is an image taken when laundry items are loaded, including the selected laundry machine 40, and the image taken when laundry items are loaded is displayed on the display screen of the operation terminal 60, and the laundry machine 40 into which the laundry items were loaded is visible in the image, the user can confirm on the display screen of the operation terminal 60 that the laundry machine 40 into which the laundry items were loaded has been correctly selected. On the other hand, if there is no image taken when laundry items are loaded, including the selected laundry machine 40, and the image taken when laundry items are loaded is not displayed on the display screen of the operation terminal 60, the user can confirm on the display screen of the operation terminal 60 that the laundry machine 40 into which the laundry items were loaded has not been correctly selected.

[0115] This allows the user to visually confirm on the display screen of the operation terminal 60 whether the laundry machine 40 into which they placed their laundry has been correctly selected, even when multiple laundry machines 40 and operation terminals 60 are located side by side, making it difficult for the user at the operation terminal 60 to confirm which laundry machine 40 they placed their laundry into; even when, as shown in Figure 13, the store 5 is L-shaped (or U-shaped) and multiple laundry machines 40 and operation terminals 60 are located side by side in an L-shape (or U-shape), making it impossible for the user at the operation terminal 60 to confirm which laundry machine 40 they placed their laundry into; and even when, like in a self-service laundry system installed in a public facility such as a hotel or hospital, the operation terminal 60 cannot be placed inside the laundry room where the laundry machines 40 are located, for example, when the operation terminal 60 is located outside the laundry room, making it impossible for the user at the operation terminal 60 to confirm which laundry machine 40 they placed their laundry into. Therefore, it is possible to reduce errors in selecting laundry machines 40 on the display screen of the operation terminal 60.

[0116] Furthermore, the image captured when the laundry items are loaded may also include the user loading the laundry items. This makes it easier for the user to confirm on the display screen of the operation terminal 60 whether the laundry machine 40 into which the laundry items were loaded has been correctly selected. For example, if there is an image captured when the laundry items are loaded that includes the selected laundry machine 40, and this image is displayed on the display screen of the operation terminal 60, and the image shows both the laundry machine 40 into which the laundry items were loaded and the user themselves, the user can confirm on the display screen of the operation terminal 60 that the laundry machine 40 into which the laundry items were loaded has been correctly selected.

[0117] Furthermore, if the image captured when the laundry items, including the laundry machine 40 selected by the user, are loaded is not stored, and the image captured when the laundry items, including the laundry machine not selected by the user, are loaded is stored, the operating terminal 60 may display the image captured when the laundry items, including the laundry machine not selected by the user, are loaded on the display screen and prompt the user to change their selection of the laundry machine 40.

[0118] For example, the operating terminal 60 may simultaneously display all the images captured when laundry items were loaded, including laundry equipment not selected by the user, or it may display them in order from those with the closest capture time to the current time.

[0119] According to this, users can correctly select the laundry machine into which they previously placed their laundry on the operating terminal's display screen. This reduces the likelihood of errors in selecting the wrong laundry machine on the operating terminal's display screen.

[0120] Furthermore, the images captured when laundry items are loaded into the machine may be deleted after a predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes) has elapsed since the time of capture. In addition, when it is confirmed that the laundry machine selected on the operating terminal's display screen is correct and payment is completed, or when the operation is completed, the images captured when laundry items are loaded into the selected laundry machine 40 may be deleted.

[0121] (Confirmation operation for laundry equipment selection in Modification Example 1) In the embodiment described above, both the currently captured image and the image captured when the laundry item was loaded were displayed on the display screen of the operation terminal 60. In this modified example 1, only the currently captured image is displayed on the display screen of the operation terminal 60.

[0122] Referring to Figures 9A to 10, the operation to confirm the selection of laundry equipment by the self-laundry system 1 according to Modification 1 of this embodiment will be described. Figures 9A to 9C are flowcharts of the operation to confirm the selection of laundry equipment by the self-laundry system according to Modification 1 of this embodiment, and Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen for confirming the selection of laundry equipment.

[0123] First, the user selects an available laundry machine 40 from among several laundry machines 40 and places the laundry items into the selected laundry machine 40.

[0124] Next, the user moves from the laundry machine 40 to the control terminal 60 and operates the display screen of the control terminal 60. For example, the user selects the centralized payment function on the display screen (home screen) of the control terminal 60.

[0125] The operating terminal 60 then detects the selection of the centralized payment function (S201) and displays a device selection screen showing the available laundry machines 40 (S202).

[0126] Next, the user selects the laundry machine 40 into which they previously placed their laundry items, from the machine selection screen of available laundry machines 40.

[0127] The operating terminal 60 then detects the selection of the laundry machine 40 (S203) and instructs the imaging device 50 to focus on the entire laundry machine 40 or the drum based on location information corresponding to identifiable information of the selected laundry machine 40 (e.g., machine identification number) (S204). The imaging device 50 then pans, tilts, and zooms in on the entire laundry machine 40 or the drum (S205).

[0128] Next, the operating terminal 60 instructs the imaging device 50 to share the image of the selected laundry machine 40 (S206). The imaging device 50 then transmits an image of the entire selected laundry machine 40 or the drum to the operating terminal 60 (S207).

[0129] Next, as shown in Figure 10, the operation terminal 60 displays the current captured image I1 of the selected laundry machine 40 on the display screen (S210). The operation terminal 60 also displays message M on the display screen prompting the user to confirm whether the selected laundry machine 40 is correct or not (S211).

[0130] The user performs an operation on the display screen to confirm whether the selected laundry machine 40 is correct (212). As shown in Figure 9B, for example, if the operation terminal 60 detects that the selected laundry machine 40 is correct (YES in S213), it displays a course selection screen showing the available courses (S214).

[0131] The user selects a laundry course from the available courses selection screen. The operating terminal 60 then detects the selection of a laundry course (S215) and displays a payment screen showing the usage fee for the selected laundry machine 40 and laundry course (S216).

[0132] The user makes the payment (settlement) according to the payment screen for the usage fee. Then, the operating terminal 60 completes the payment (S217) and remotely operates the selected laundry machine 40 (S218).

[0133] Furthermore, the operating terminal 60 instructs the imaging device 50 to stop sharing the captured images of the selected laundry machine 40 (S219). The imaging device 50 then stops transmitting the captured images of the selected laundry machine 40 (S220).

[0134] Furthermore, the operating terminal 60 instructs the imaging device 50 to stop focusing on the selected laundry machine 40 (S221). The imaging device 50 then cancels the pan, tilt, and zoom on the selected laundry machine 40 (S222).

[0135] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 9C, for example, if the operating terminal 60 detects a confirmation operation that the selected laundry equipment is incorrect (NO in S213), it may return to step S202 in Figure 9A and request the user to select the laundry equipment 40 again.

[0136] At this time, the operating terminal 60 instructs the imaging device 50 to stop sharing the captured images of the selected laundry machine 40 (S231), and the imaging device 50 stops transmitting the captured images of the selected laundry machine 40 (S232).

[0137] Furthermore, the operating terminal 60 instructs the imaging device 50 to stop focusing on the selected laundry machine 40 (S233), and the imaging device 50 releases the pan, tilt, and zoom on the selected laundry machine 40 (S234).

[0138] As explained above, the self-laundry system 1 of this modified example 1 can also obtain the same advantages as the self-laundry system 1 of the embodiment described above.

[0139] (Confirmation operation for laundry equipment selection in Modification Example 2) In the embodiment described above, both the currently captured image and the image captured when the laundry items were loaded were displayed on the display screen of the operation terminal 60. In this modified example 2, only the image captured when the laundry items were loaded is displayed on the display screen of the operation terminal 60.

[0140] Referring to Figures 6 and 11A to 12, the operation to confirm the selection of laundry equipment by the self-laundry system 1 according to Modification 2 of this embodiment will be described. Figures 11A to 11B are flowcharts of the operation to confirm the selection of laundry equipment by the self-laundry system according to Modification 2 of this embodiment, and Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen for confirming the selection of laundry equipment.

[0141] First, the user selects an available laundry machine 40 from among several laundry machines 40 and places the laundry to be washed into the selected laundry machine 40. For example, the user opens the door of the laundry machine 40, places the laundry to be washed into the laundry machine 40, and closes the door of the laundry machine 40. At this time, the processes described in steps S101 to S111 above are performed.

[0142] Next, the user moves from the laundry machine 40 to the control terminal 60 and operates the display screen of the control terminal 60. For example, the user selects the centralized payment function on the display screen (home screen) of the control terminal 60.

[0143] The operating terminal 60 then detects the selection of the centralized payment function (S201) and displays a device selection screen showing the available laundry machines 40 (S202).

[0144] Next, the user selects the laundry machine 40 into which they previously placed their laundry items, from the machine selection screen of available laundry machines 40.

[0145] The operating terminal 60 then detects the selection of the laundry machine 40 (S203) and, based on identifiable information of the selected laundry machine 40 (e.g., machine identification number), instructs the laundry management device 10 (or the operating terminal 60) to share the image captured when the laundry items are loaded into the selected laundry machine 40 (S208). The laundry management device 10 (or the operating terminal 60) then transmits the image captured when the laundry items are loaded into the selected laundry machine 40 to the operating terminal 60 if such an image exists (S209).

[0146] Next, as shown in Figure 12, the operation terminal 60 displays the selected laundry machine 40 and the captured images I2 and I3 of the user's laundry items on the display screen (S210). If there are no captured images I2 and I3 of the selected laundry machine 40 and the user's laundry items, they will not be displayed. The operation terminal 60 also displays message M on the display screen prompting the user to confirm whether the selected laundry machine 40 is correct (S211).

[0147] The user performs an operation on the display screen to confirm whether the selected laundry machine 40 is correct (212). As shown in Figure 11B, for example, if the operation terminal 60 detects that the selected laundry machine 40 is correct (YES in S213), it displays a course selection screen showing the available courses (S214).

[0148] The user selects a laundry course from the available courses selection screen. The operating terminal 60 then detects the selection of a laundry course (S215) and displays a payment screen showing the usage fee for the selected laundry machine 40 and laundry course (S216).

[0149] The user makes the payment (settlement) according to the payment screen for the usage fee. Then, the operating terminal 60 completes the payment (S217) and remotely operates the selected laundry machine 40 (S218).

[0150] On the other hand, for example, if the operating terminal 60 detects that the selected laundry equipment is incorrect (NO in S213), it may return to step S202 in Figure 11A and request the user to select the laundry equipment 40 again.

[0151] As explained above, the self-laundry system 1 of this modified example 2 also offers the same advantages as the self-laundry system 1 of the embodiment described above.

[0152] While embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible. For example, in the embodiments and modifications described above, a configuration in which the laundry equipment 40, imaging equipment 50, and operating terminal 60 are connected in store 5 via a wireless or wired local area network (LAN) using a router 6 was illustrated. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the laundry equipment 40, imaging equipment 50, and operating terminal 60 in store 5 may be connected by short-range communication such as Bluetooth (trademark registered) or device-to-device communication such as Wi-Fi (trademark registered).

[0153] Furthermore, in the embodiments and modifications described above, a configuration in which the self-laundry system 1 includes a user terminal 30 was illustrated, as shown in Figure 1. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the self-laundry system 1 may also include a configuration that does not include a user terminal 30.

[0154] Furthermore, in the embodiments and modifications described above, the laundry management device 10 is shown to store various information about the laundry equipment 40, such as the current operating status of the laundry equipment 40, the operating course information and its setting information related to the operation of the laundry equipment 40, the equipment size information related to the size of the laundry equipment 40, the fee information related to the fee for the laundry equipment 40, and sales information, and also stores images captured when laundry items are loaded. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and an external device connected to the laundry management device 10 via a network, such as a data server device, may store all or part of the various information about the laundry equipment 40, and also store all or part of the images captured when laundry items are loaded. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0155] 1. Self-service laundry system 5 stores 6 Routers 7. Data Controller 10 Laundry management device 11,21,31,61 Communications Department 12,22,32,62 Control Unit 13,23,33,63 Storage section 14,24,34,64 Operation section 15,25,35,65 Display section 20 Administrator terminals 30 User terminals 36 Cameras 40 Laundry equipment 50 Imaging equipment 60 Operating terminals

Claims

1. Multiple laundry machines installed in the store, An imaging device for imaging the aforementioned multiple laundry machines, A terminal having a display screen and operated by the user, Equipped with, The aforementioned operating terminal is The current image, including the laundry equipment selected by the user on the display screen, is acquired from the imaging device. The acquired image is displayed on the display screen. Self-service laundry system.

2. The aforementioned operating terminal is Control the pan, tilt, and zoom of the aforementioned imaging device. The system acquires the current captured image from the imaging device, including an enlarged image of the drum of the laundry machine selected by the user on the display screen. The self-service laundry system according to claim 1.

3. The system further comprises a management device for managing the aforementioned multiple laundry machines, The management device or the operating terminal acquires and stores an image from the imaging device of the moment when the user puts laundry into the laundry machine, including the laundry machine into which the user is putting laundry, in response to the user opening and closing the door of the laundry machine. The aforementioned operating terminal is The management device or the operation terminal acquires an image of the laundry items being loaded, including the laundry equipment selected by the user on the display screen, The acquired image of the laundry item being loaded is further displayed on the display screen. The self-service laundry system according to claim 1.

4. The self-laundry system according to claim 3, wherein the image captured when the laundry items are loaded further includes the user loading the laundry items.

5. The management device or the operating terminal is Control the pan, tilt, and zoom of the aforementioned imaging device. The imaging device acquires an image of the laundry machine at the time the user puts in the laundry, including an enlarged image of the entire machine. The self-service laundry system according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The aforementioned operating terminal is If, on the aforementioned display screen, there is no image of the laundry items being loaded, including the laundry equipment selected by the user, and there is an image of the laundry items being loaded, including the laundry equipment not selected by the user, The display screen will show images of laundry items being loaded, including laundry equipment not selected by the user, and will prompt the user to change their selection of laundry equipment. The self-service laundry system according to claim 3 or 4.

7. Multiple laundry machines installed in the store, An imaging device for imaging the aforementioned multiple laundry machines, A terminal having a display screen and operated by the user, A management device for managing the aforementioned multiple laundry machines, Equipped with, The management device or the operating terminal acquires and stores an image from the imaging device of the moment when the user puts laundry into the laundry machine, including the laundry machine into which the user is putting laundry, in response to the user opening and closing the door of the laundry machine. The aforementioned operating terminal is The management device or the operation terminal acquires an image of the laundry items being loaded, including the laundry equipment selected by the user on the display screen, The captured image of the laundry item being loaded is displayed on the display screen. Self-service laundry system.

8. The self-laundry system according to claim 7, wherein the image captured when the laundry items are loaded further includes the user loading the laundry items.

9. The management device or the operating terminal is Control the pan, tilt, and zoom of the aforementioned imaging device. The imaging device acquires an image of the laundry machine at the time the user puts in the laundry, including an enlarged image of the entire machine. The self-service laundry system according to claim 7 or 8.

10. The aforementioned operating terminal is If, on the aforementioned display screen, there is no image of the laundry items being loaded, including the laundry equipment selected by the user, and there is an image of the laundry items being loaded, including the laundry equipment not selected by the user, The display screen will show images of laundry items being loaded, including laundry equipment not selected by the user, and will prompt the user to change their selection of laundry equipment. The self-service laundry system according to claim 7 or 8.

Images