Service processing method for coin laundry systems
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2026183926
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-08-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-16
Smart Images
Figure 2026169346000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a service processing method for a coin laundry system.
Background Art
[0002] Coin laundry shops are equipped with a large number of various laundry apparatuses such as washing / drying machines, washing machines, and dryers, and are provided to users 24 hours a day. In particular, in the rainy season with little sunshine or periods of prolonged rain, washing and drying cannot be performed sufficiently, so the use of coin laundry shops tends to increase. In addition, recently, due to the impact of the novel coronavirus, the number of people using coin laundry shops has been increasing due to their high sterilization capacity during drying.
[0003] Coin laundry shops adopt a system in which users pay a predetermined fee according to not only the selected washing / drying course (including courses that are only a washing course or only a drying course), but also additional settings such as the number of rinses and drying time. Therefore, even users who frequently use coin laundry shops do not receive special preferential treatment, other than that period-specific service coupons are prepared. Furthermore, when operating a coin laundry shop, there is no way to grasp how many regular customers there are.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0004]
Patent Document 1
Patent Document 2
Patent Document 3
Summary of Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0005] The problem that this invention aims to solve has been proposed in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a coin laundry system that offers advantageous usage options for frequent users of coin laundry stores and can increase the number of regular customers of coin laundry stores. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] The service processing method for the coin laundry system of the embodiment is a service processing method for a coin laundry system having a plurality of laundry machines and a management device for managing the plurality of laundry machines, and operated using a mobile terminal, wherein an application installed on the mobile terminal is used to define a fixed-rate course that allows the use of one or more courses of wash and dry, wash and dry, for a predetermined number of times over a predetermined period for a predetermined fee, and registers this with the management device, and when the management device receives a request to use the fixed-rate course directly or indirectly from the mobile terminal, if it determines that the request is within the predetermined number of times, it sends instructions to the mobile terminal on how to use the laundry machines according to the content of the registered fixed-rate course, and the mobile terminal operates the laundry machines according to the instructions displayed on the screen, wherein the instructions displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal display selectable laundry machines that are eligible to use the wash and dry, wash and dry courses, and the mobile terminal operates the laundry machine selected by the user according to the instructions. Furthermore, the service processing method for the coin laundry system of the embodiment is a service processing method for a laundry system in which a user operates a laundry machine using a mobile terminal owned by the user, and is characterized in that, using an application installed on the mobile terminal, a fixed-rate course is defined and registered in a database, which is a fixed-rate course in which one or more courses of wash and dry, wash and dry, are used a fixed number of times for a fixed period of time at a fixed price; when a request to use the fixed-rate course is received directly or indirectly from the mobile terminal, a determination step is made to determine whether the request is within the fixed number of times; when the determination step determines that the request is within the fixed number of times, an instruction regarding guidance on using the laundry machine according to the content of the registered fixed-rate course is sent to the mobile terminal; and based on the instruction sent in the transmission step, the mobile terminal displays the guidance, and the laundry machine is operated based on the selection result of the guidance displayed in the display step. Furthermore, the service processing method for the coin laundry system described above is characterized by comprising: a recording step of recording the usage history of the wash-and-dry, wash-and-dry course in the database for each user's mobile terminal; and an update step of updating the usage history of the wash-and-dry, wash-and-dry course for the user who owns the mobile terminal, which is recorded in the database each time the laundry device is used from the mobile terminal. Furthermore, the service processing method for the coin laundry system described above is characterized by comprising a monthly usage count recording step for recording the number of times the fixed-rate course is used on a monthly basis, and executing the transmission step if, as determined by the judgment step, the number of times the monthly usage is within the predetermined number of times. Furthermore, the service processing method for the coin laundry system described above is characterized in that the guidance displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal includes the details of the fixed-rate course and the current number of uses or remaining number of uses for the wash and dry course, or wash and dry. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0007] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of a coin laundry system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This flowchart shows the procedure for setting an identification code to use the "period application" on a mobile terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This diagram shows how a user registers and performs other actions using a smartphone with the "period application" according to the embodiment installed. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates a configuration example where a coin laundry is not directly operated by a laundry manufacturer, but rather has a separate store owner. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the connection relationship between the centralized payment machine and the management device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a list of user information registered in the database of the management device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows a flowchart of the determination operation of a management device that determines the validity of an identification code using the "period application" according to the embodiment, and an example of an identification code management table. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the usage history of the laundry device for each user (identification code) recorded in the database according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] Operation control by a centralized payment machine and management device that executes the "period application" according to the embodiment is shown in the flowchart. [Figure 10] This figure shows a first example of a message sent from the management device of the embodiment to a user's smartphone. [Figure 11] This figure shows a second example of a message sent from the management device of the embodiment to a user's smartphone. [Figure 12]This flowchart shows the procedure for setting an identification code to use the "Resident Benefits Application" on a smartphone by a management device in another embodiment, and the operation of the management device for determining the validity of the identification code to use the "Resident Benefits Application". [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of an identification code management table for a management device in another embodiment. [Figure 14] This flowchart shows the operation of the centralized payment machine and management device that execute the "resident benefits application" in other embodiments. [Figure 15] This figure shows the configuration of another embodiment in which a dedicated device is used to read the identification code of a smartphone, and another embodiment of the laundry device. [Figure 16] This figure shows another configuration of the coin laundry system according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0008] The coin laundry system of this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 16. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the coin laundry system 100 of this embodiment. In Figure 1, the coin laundry store 10 is equipped with a large number of washer-dryers, washing machines, and dryers (hereinafter referred to as laundry equipment 20) according to the size of the store. The centralized payment machine (an example of a reader) 30 is a device that centrally manages the operation settings and usage fees of the numerous laundry equipment 20 installed in the coin laundry store 10.
[0009] A management device (server device) 50 is provided at a laundry manufacturer 40 that operates a laundromat store 10. If there is a separate owner who operates the laundromat store 10, the laundry device 20 is provided by the laundry manufacturer 40. The management device 50 and the central settlement machine 30 are connected to be capable of data communication via a network not shown. In addition, the "period application" of the embodiment is installed in a user-owned mobile terminal 70 (smartphone or tablet). The mobile terminal 70 can perform wireless communication with the management device 50 and the central settlement machine 30. The "period application" provides use of the laundry device 20 under set conditions in accordance with a preset predetermined period (for example, monthly, 50 days, 60 days, 90 days, etc.).
[0010] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing a procedure for installing an identification code (for example, QR Code (registered trademark) or barcode, etc.) for using the "period application" from the management device 50 to the mobile terminal 70. The laundry manufacturer 40 has, for example, established a homepage HP on a network managed by the management device 50. On this homepage HP, an identification code (for example, a QR Code) that allows the "period application" to be downloaded is posted. In addition, the laundromat store 10 (for example, the central settlement machine 30) also posts an identification code that allows the "period application" to be downloaded. The identification code capable of downloading the "period application" may be posted on advertisements, flyers or the like to promote its use. In Figure 2, the user uses the QR reading function of the owned mobile terminal 70 (hereinafter referred to as a smartphone) to read the identification code from those media and download the "period application" (S50).
[0011] Next, the user activates the "period application" installed on the smartphone 70 (S52). Then, user registration and the like are performed according to an input screen for user registration and the like (S54). If the user information and the like corresponding to the set input screen are correctly input (Yes in S56), the smartphone 70 receives an identification code (for example, a QR code) for using the "period application", and the process ends (S58). If the user information and the like are not correctly input in S56, the user either re-registers for re-examination or terminates the operation.
[0012] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a procedure for registering user information in the management device 50 by the smartphone 70 on which the "period application" is installed, which is shown in S54 of Figure 2. When the user activates the "period application" on the smartphone 70, a general user registration screen is displayed through a procedure of inputting a user ID, a password, and the like. Then, using the screen, "user name", "address", "birthday", and the like are input as user registration to a user information table 501 to be described later. In addition, as registration of payment information such as a credit card, credit card information (card number, holder name, expiration date, etc.) is input. Further, as store selection, a store map that handles the "period application" in the area where the user provided by the laundry machine 40 uses (resides) is read out, and a desired store is selected and input. Furthermore, one of a plurality of prepared period courses is selected and input. Here, as the period courses, the following "monthly courses" are taken as an example to describe the two prepared period courses, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it is convenient to have at least two courses among a washing-only course, a drying-only course, and a washing / drying course. These pieces of user information are registered (stored) in the user information table 501 provided in the database 50a of the management device 50 via the network. ◇Monthly "2000 yen course" (First course): 10 times of drying only per month ◇Monthly "5000 yen course" (Second course): 6 times of washing and drying, unlimited drying use
[0013] Normally, it takes about 30 minutes to dry laundry using a dryer. The typical dryer usage fee is 100 yen for 10 minutes, so one use costs 300 yen. The monthly "2000 yen course" allows for 10 uses of the dryer (equivalent to 3000 yen x 10 uses), so using it 10 times results in a 1000 yen discount. The monthly "5000 yen course" normally costs around 1000 yen for one wash and dry cycle, so the monthly fee is recouped after 5 uses. Therefore, the monthly "5000 yen course" offers discounts on both one wash and dry cycle and unlimited dryer use. In this way, the "monthly application" offers multiple courses with advantageous pricing structures for users, making it a cost-effective and convenient option for frequent users of coin laundries. Furthermore, since users can use the coin laundry store 10 with simple operations on their smartphone 70 without having to bring cash or cards to the store, it is also very convenient.
[0014] Figure 4 shows an example configuration where the coin laundry store 10 is not directly operated by the laundry manufacturer 40, but has a separate store owner. In this store configuration, the owner terminal 80 owned by the owner of store A and the management device 50 of the laundry manufacturer 40 are connected via a network (not shown) that enables data communication, allowing relevant information to be shared with store A, which is implementing the "period application." The distribution of fees associated with the implementation of the "period application" is determined by a contract between the laundry manufacturer 40 and the store owner.
[0015] For example, when selecting a store as shown in Figure 3, if store A is selected, the management device 50 notifies the owner terminal 80 of store A that a new user of the "period application" has been registered. The owner terminal 80 can view a list of which users have set up store A. This allows the store owner to understand the number of customers (regular customers) using the "period application" at store A. In addition, since the contract information for the "period application" is provided to the owner terminal 80 from the management device 50, the owner can understand the sales of regular customers in advance.
[0016] Figure 5 shows the connection relationship between the centralized payment machine 30 and the management device (server device) 50. Figure 6 shows an example of a list of user information registered in the database 50a of the management device 50. Figure 7 shows a flowchart of the management device 50's determination operation for determining the validity of identification codes used in the "period application," and an example of the identification code management table 503. Figure 8 shows an example of a user usage history table 505 registered in the database 50a of the management device 50.
[0017] In Figure 5, the centralized payment machine 30 is equipped with a camera 30a and a display touch panel 30b. The camera 30a reads the identification code 60a of the "period application" displayed on the screen of the smartphone 70 and inputs it into the centralized payment machine 30. The display touch panel 30b displays operation guidance information from the centralized payment machine 30, and user selection information is also input into the centralized payment machine 30. The centralized payment machine 30 and the management device 50 are connected via a network. Therefore, the information of the identification code 60a read by the camera 30a of the centralized payment machine 30 is transmitted to the management device 50 and recorded in the usage history table 505 in the database 50a. Note that in the centralized payment machine 30 of Figure 5, input / output units for cash / credit cards / debit cards, etc., which are not directly related to the embodiment, are omitted. Note that in coin laundry stores without a centralized payment machine 30, a reader is provided to read the identification code 60a.
[0018] The user information table 501 in the database 50a of the management device 50 contains various input information as user information, as shown in Figure 3. Figure 6 shows an example of a list of user information for each user registered in the user information table 501. User information such as "User ID," "Password," "Name," "Address," "Date of Birth," "Store Registration Date," "Card Information," and "Store Name" are registered. However, while the owner terminal 80 shown in Figure 4 shares "Customer Name," "Address," "Date of Birth," and "Store Registration Date," as indicated by the symbol 90 in Figure 6, it is configured not to share "Credit Card and other Payment Information." This prevents the leakage of important personal (user information) credit card information from the contracted store.
[0019] Figure 7(a) is a flowchart showing the determination operation of the management device 50 that determines the validity of the identification code 60 using the "period application". The management device 50 displays a request for continued use and payment instructions (or instructions for automatic payment) to the user's smartphone 70 when the end of the contract period (a predetermined period set in advance) is approaching (S60). Next, the management device 50 determines whether the renewal date, which is set according to the user's user registration date and contract period, has arrived (S62). If it determines that the renewal date has arrived (Yes in S62), the management device 50 checks whether the usage fee for the new period has been paid (S64). If the payment has been completed, it determines the identification code to be "valid" and registers it as information including the "valid" period in the identification code management table 503 provided in the database 50a, as shown in Figure 7(b) (S66).
[0020] As a result, the identification code for using the "period application" read by the camera 30a of the central payment machine 30 is identified as "valid" by the management device 50, allowing the user to use the laundry machine 20 under the set conditions during the new period. If payment for the usage fee has not been made in S64, the management device 50 determines the identification code as "invalid" and records it in the identification code management table 503 (S68). This allows even users who refrained from using the laundry machine 20 for personal reasons (determined as "invalid") to have it reactivated and reused by paying the usage fee for the "period application" for the new period. Note that the renewal date may be set as a fixed date, such as the 1st or 15th of each month, in the contract terms at the time of user registration, regardless of the user registration date.
[0021] Figure 8 shows an example of a user usage history table 505 registered in the database 50a of the management device 50. The identification code 60 read by the camera 30a and the usage date and time information are transmitted from the central payment machine 30 to the management device 50, and the management device 50 stores and records them in the usage history table 505 of the database 50a. In coin laundry stores without a central payment machine 30, it is advisable to record the usage history by combining the usage history of the laundry machine 20 and the communication history with the smartphone 70.
[0022] Figure 8 shows an example of usage history for each identification code recorded in the usage history table 505. Figure 8(a) shows an example of usage history for the monthly "2000 yen course," and Figure 8(b) shows an example of usage history for the monthly "5000 yen course." In the example shown in Figure 8(a), the user ID "TO1000" and identification (QR) code number "TO20201252" correspond to the record of three uses of the dryer (date, start time, and end time). The history information records the usage period (in this case, a one-month period) "2020 / 07 / 25~2020 / 08 / 24" and the remaining number of uses of the dryer "7" (deducted according to the recorded usage). In the example in Figure 8(b), the user ID "TO3000" and identification (QR) code number "TO20201121" correspond to the record of three uses of the washer / dryer (date, start time, and end time). The history information records the usage period (in this case, a one-month period) "2020 / 08 / 02~2020 / 09 / 01" and the remaining number of uses of the washer / dryer "3" (deducted according to the recorded usage). Since the use of the dryer is unlimited, only its usage is recorded.
[0023] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the operation control by the central settlement machine 30 and the management device 50 that execute the "period application". When using the coin laundry store 20, the user displays the identification code 60a of the "period application" received as described above on the screen of their smartphone 70 (S100). Next, the user brings the smartphone 70 close to the central payment machine 30 and has the camera 30a of the central payment machine 30 read the identification code 60a (S110). In coin laundry stores without a central payment machine 30, the process is similarly carried out by a reader that reads the identification code 60a (for example, Figure 15).
[0024] The management device 50 communicates with the centralized payment machine 30, which has read the identification code 60a, and identifies from the information in the usage history table 505 that it is, for example, a "monthly course," and also identifies whether the identification code is, for example, a monthly "2,000 yen course (Course 1)" or a monthly "5,000 yen course (Course 2)" (S120). If it identifies it as a monthly "2,000 yen course," the management device 50 first determines whether the number of uses is within the monthly usage limit. For example, in the monthly "2,000 yen course," the setting conditions (contract conditions) allow for 10 uses per month for drying only, so the management device 50 refers to the history information in the usage history table 505 to determine whether the monthly usage limit (for example, 10 times) has been exceeded (S130). If it determines that the monthly usage limit of 10 times has been reached, it sets the identification code 60a to "invalid" (S140). To invalidate identification code 60a means to record "invalid" in the area corresponding to identification code 60a in the database 50a of the management device 50.
[0025] If the management device 50 determines in S130 that the number of uses is within the monthly limit, it then determines whether the number of uses per day (e.g., 2 times) has been exceeded (S150). If both of these conditions are met, the management device 50 prompts the user to select a dryer to use via the centralized payment machine 30 and activates the dryer. The management device 50 updates the usage history table 505 by subtracting 1 from the number of uses (S160). The centralized payment machine 30 temporarily stores the dryer usage history internally and notifies the management device 50 of the usage history (usage time) (S170). The notification to the management device 50 may be sent in batches covering several days. If the number of uses per day (e.g., 2 times) has been exceeded in S150, the management device 50 "holds" the reading of the identification code 60a and terminates by informing the smartphone 70 and / or the display touch panel 30b that "use is not possible today, please use it from tomorrow onwards" (S180).
[0026] In S120 of Figure 9, if it is determined that the monthly "5000 yen course" has been selected, the management device 50 communicates with the smartphone 70 (or via the central payment machine 30) to determine whether or not the dryer is being used (S200). If the dryer is not being used, the management device 50 refers to the usage history table 505 to determine whether or not the number of times the wash and dry course has been used exceeds the monthly usage limit (for example, 6 times) (S210). If the number of uses does not exceed the monthly usage limit, the management device 50 prompts the user to select the wash and dryer to use via the central payment machine 30 and starts the dryer. The management device 50 updates the usage history table 505 by subtracting 1 from the number of uses (S220). The central payment machine 30 then temporarily stores the wash and dryer usage record (usage time) internally as history and notifies the management device 50 of the usage record before terminating (S170).
[0027] In Figure 9, at S200, if the dryer is being used, and in S210 the number of times the wash / dry course has been used exceeds the monthly usage limit, the management device 50 determines whether the dryer usage exceeds the daily usage limit (e.g., once) (S230). If the daily usage limit (e.g., once) has not been exceeded, the management device 50 prompts the user to select a dryer to use via the centralized payment machine 30 and activates the dryer (S240). The centralized payment machine 30 temporarily stores the dryer usage history internally and notifies the management device 40 of the usage history (usage time) before terminating (S170). In S230, if the daily usage limit (e.g., once) has been exceeded, the management device 50 puts the reading of the identification code 60a on "hold" and informs the smartphone 70 and / or the display touch panel 30b that "use is not possible today, please use it from tomorrow onwards" before terminating (S250). Furthermore, the history notification to the management device 50 may be sent in batches covering several days. In coin laundry stores without a centralized payment machine 30, the selection and operation of washing machines, dryers, and washer-dryers may be done by the user directly operating buttons on the machines.
[0028] Figures 10 and 11 show examples of guidance (menus) transmitted from the management device 50 to the smartphone 70. When the identification code 60a displayed on the smartphone 70 is read by the camera 30a of the central payment machine 30, the central payment machine 30 provides the management device 50 with the information of the read identification code 60a. In response, the management device 50 refers to the usage history table 505 and displays operation guidance on the smartphone 70 from the usage history corresponding to the identification code 60a. Figure 10 shows an example of operation guidance for the monthly "2000 yen course," and Figure 11 shows an example of operation guidance for the monthly "5000 yen course."
[0029] Figure 10(a) shows an example of normal usage guidance for the monthly "2000 yen course" dryer, where the number of monthly and daily uses are within the set conditions. The user follows the instructions in Figure 10(a) displayed on their smartphone 70, selects one of the dryers 1-3 they wish to use, and operates the dryer. Operation control may also be performed from the central payment machine 30. Figure 10(b) shows an example where the user is notified that the identification code 60a will become "invalid" because the number of monthly uses of the dryer has reached the set condition (10th use), and is also notified to use the dryer in a new period. In Figure 10(b), since it is the 10th use of the dryer, the user follows the instructions, selects one of the dryers 1-3 they wish to use, and operates the dryer. Figure 10(c) shows an example where the user has completed the set condition (2nd use) for the day, so the reading of the identification code 60a is "held in abeyance" and the user is notified to use the dryer from tomorrow onwards.
[0030] Figure 11(a) shows an example of normal usage guidance for the monthly "5000 yen course" washing machine and dryer usage, where the number of times the washing machine and dryer are used per month and the number of times the dryer is used per day are within the set conditions. The user follows the instructions in Figure 11(a) displayed on their smartphone 70, selects one of the washing machines 1 to n that they wish to use, and operates the washing machine and dryer. Operation control may also be performed from the central payment machine 30. Figure 11(b) shows an example of guidance for unlimited use of the dryer with identification code 60a when the number of times the washing machine and dryer are used per month has already reached the set condition (6 times). The user follows the instructions in Figure 11(b) displayed on their smartphone 70, selects one of the dryers 1 to 3 that they wish to use, and operates the dryer. Figure 11(c) shows an example where, if the monthly usage of the washer / dryer has reached the set condition (6 times) and the daily usage of the dryer has reached the set condition (1 time / day), the reading of the identification code 60a is "held in abeyance" and the user is guided to use the machine from tomorrow onwards.
[0031] Next, other embodiments will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 14. Another embodiment shows an example where a coin laundry store is installed as one of the commercial facilities on the first floor of a multi-unit (shared) residential building such as an apartment building. In such a case, as a resident benefit, a contract is made available to residents of the multi-unit (shared) residential building that allows them to use the laundry equipment of the coin laundry store as much as they want during the term of their tenancy. The tenancy contract will clearly state that residents can use the laundry equipment of the coin laundry store as much as they want, and the monthly rent will include the cost of unlimited use of the laundry equipment.
[0032] For example, if a resident's rent is 80,000 yen / month, the monthly unlimited use of laundry equipment 20 (Course 3) would be priced at 88,000 yen, including the cost of laundry equipment 20, under a resident benefit contract. Similarly, the monthly unlimited use of laundry equipment 20 (Course 4) would be priced at 95,000 yen, including the cost of laundry equipment 20, under a resident benefit contract. By entering into such resident benefit contracts, users can enjoy unlimited use of the laundry equipment according to the contract terms, thus obtaining a cost-effective system. On the other hand, a laundry owner in an apartment building, for example, with around 10 rooms, can earn a fixed income of approximately 100,000 yen per month. To achieve this, a "resident benefit application" is provided. It should be noted that the apartment building owner and the laundry shop owner will operate the system after concluding a transaction contract regarding the "resident benefit application" between them in advance.
[0033] Figure 12(a) is a flowchart showing the procedure for setting an identification code to use the "Resident Benefits Application" on a smartphone 70 from the management device 50. If a resident of an apartment building enters into an unlimited use contract (at the resident's request) for the laundry equipment at a coin laundry store within the apartment building (Yes in S200), the resident obtains a "resident benefits application" provided by the apartment building owner or the laundry store owner using their smartphone 70. User information entered when the "resident benefits application" installed on the smartphone 70 is launched is registered in the management device 50 (S210). Since the user information is that of a resident (personal information is obtained at the time of the tenancy agreement), only the minimum necessary information is required. However, to prevent misuse of the "resident benefits application," user input is required to include unique information of the smartphone 70 (e.g., LINE-ID number or mobile phone number). The management device 50 registers the acquired unique information in the identification code management table 504 shown in Figure 13. This allows the unique information of the smartphone 70 to be linked and stored with the issued identification code (S220). Then, the management device 50 sends an identification code (for example, a QR code) to the smartphone 70 to use the "resident benefits application" and terminates (S230).
[0034] Figure 12(b) shows the procedure for automatically updating the identification code 60b used for the "Resident Benefits Application" to "Active" in the management device 50. The management device 50 checks whether it is the renewal date, for example, based on the renewal date set in the tenancy agreement at the time of residence. If it is the renewal date (Yes in S250), it checks whether the monthly rent (including the fee for the laundry machine 20) has been successfully transferred (S260). Then, when the transfer is made, the management device 50 sets the identification code (for example, a QR code) assigned to the user as "valid" and automatically updates the identification code management table 504 shown in Figure 13, for example, on a monthly basis. As a result, users of the "Resident Benefits Application" can use the laundry machine 20 as much as they want during their tenancy period, according to the contracted conditions, without having to do anything else, as long as they have transferred their monthly rent. If the monthly rent has not been successfully transferred in S250, the identification code assigned to the user is set as "invalid" and recorded in the identification code management table 504 (S280). If the management device 50 receives information from the owner terminal 80 or the like indicating that the overdue rent has been paid at a later date, it records the identification code 60b as "valid" in the identification code management table 504 and sets it to be reusable.
[0035] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the operation control by the central payment machine 30 and management device 50 that run the "resident benefits application". When using the coin laundry store 20, the identification code 60b of the resident benefit received as described above is displayed on the screen of the smartphone 70 (for example, the LINE screen) (S290). Next, the smartphone 70 is brought close to the central payment machine 30 and the identification code 60b is read by the camera 30a of the central payment machine 30 (S300). At the same time as reading the identification code 60b, the central payment machine 30 acquires the unique information of the smartphone 70 (LINE-ID or mobile phone number, etc.). In coin laundry stores without a central payment machine 30, the process is similarly carried out by a reader that reads the identification code 60b (for example, Figure 15).
[0036] The centralized payment machine 30 transmits the identification code 60b and unique information obtained via the network to the management device 50. The management device 50 refers to the identification code management table 504 in the database 50a to check whether the owner of the smartphone 70 is a subscriber to the resident benefits and whether the identification code is "valid" (S310). If, by comparing both unique pieces of information, it is determined that the smartphone 70 does not belong to a resident benefit holder, or if the identification code is not "valid", it notifies the user to contact the call center and processes whether the laundry machine 20 can be used by making inquiries such as confirming that the user is a resident (S315). In this way, even if someone tries to provide the identification code 60b to a third party to gain illegal profits, fraudulent use can be suppressed by comparing the unique information of the smartphone 70 registered in the identification code management table 504 with the acquired unique information.
[0037] In S310 of Figure 14, if the management device 50 determines that the owner of smartphone 70 is a subscriber to the resident benefits, it refers to the usage history table 505 to determine whether the identification code is for the unlimited dryer usage course (Course 3) or the all-unlimited usage course (Course 4) (S320). If it determines that it is for the unlimited dryer usage course, the management device 50 determines whether the number of uses per day (e.g., 3 times or less) has been exceeded (S330). If the number of uses per day has not been exceeded (Yes in S330), the management device 50 notifies the central payment machine 30 to allow the user to select a dryer to use and activates that dryer. The central payment machine 30 then temporarily stores the dryer usage history internally and notifies the management device 50 of the usage history before terminating (S380). Note that the notification to the management device 50 may be sent in batches covering several days. In S330, if the number of uses per day (for example, 3 times or less) has been exceeded, the management device 50 puts the reading of the identification code 60b on "hold" and informs the user via the smartphone 70 and / or the centralized payment machine 30 that "use is not possible on the day, so please use it on a later date" and then terminates the process (S350).
[0038] In S320 of Figure 14, if the all-you-can-use course is selected, the management device 50 determines whether the number of times the laundry machine 20 can be used in a day (e.g., 2 times or less) has been exceeded (S360). If the number of times In coin laundry stores that do not have a centralized payment machine (30), the selection and operation of washing machines, dryers, and washer-dryers may be done by the user directly operating the buttons on the machine.
[0039] Figure 15 shows an example of reading the identification code 60a of a smartphone 70 using a dedicated device 200 (which has the function of a reader) that has a built-in identification code reader, instead of the centralized payment machine 30. When the dedicated device 200 is used, the centralized payment machine 30 is not required. In other words, in coin laundry stores that do not have a centralized payment machine 30, the dedicated device 200 can be used as a substitute. When the smartphone 70 is brought close to the dedicated device 200, the identification code 60a (60b) of the "period application" or "resident benefits application" is read by the built-in reader and transmitted to the management device 50 via the wireless network, thereby performing the same processing.
[0040] Furthermore, among the laundry equipment 20 shown in Figure 15, laundry equipment 20a is available to users of the "Period Application" or "Resident Benefits Application" all day long. Laundry equipment 20b is available to users of the "Period Application" or "Resident Benefits Application" at specific times (morning or from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM) on specific days of the week (for example, Saturdays and Sundays). By setting up laundry equipment 20a and 20b in this way, it is possible to provide laundry equipment preferentially to users who use the "Period Application" or "Resident Benefits Application" service, rather than to general customers. This will allow for an expansion of the use of this service. In laundry stores where priority use is set up, the central payment machine 30 is programmed so that the corresponding laundry equipment 20a or 20b cannot be selected for operations that do not use the identification codes 60a or 60b of the central payment machine 30, according to the priority use setting. In laundry stores without a central payment machine 30, it is desirable to install the priority use laundry equipment 20a and 20b separately, or to clearly indicate that they are priority use laundry equipment 20a or 20b.
[0041] Figure 16 shows a system in which a cloud server 300 manages multiple centralized payment machines 30. The management device 50, the cloud server 300, and the multiple centralized payment machines 30 are connected via a network (not shown) that enables data communication. The management device 50 stores the configuration information for the "period application" or "resident benefit application" in the cloud server 300. Therefore, the multiple centralized payment machines 30 store the execution programs for the "period application" or "resident benefit application" supplied from the cloud server 300, not from the management device 50. Sharing of user information and recording of usage history information are also achieved through data communication between the cloud server 300 and the multiple centralized payment machines 30.
[0042] As described above, the coin laundry system of this embodiment comprises a management device 50, a reader 30 or 200 installed in the coin laundry store 20 for reading identification codes, and a user-owned mobile terminal 70 capable of being loaded with a period application that permits the use of the laundry equipment 20 according to set usage conditions. The management device 50 transmits an identification code 60a to the mobile terminal 70 for using the period application, and when the reader 30 or 200 reads the identification code 60a from the mobile terminal 70, it receives the identification code 60a and determines its validity. If it is valid, it permits the use of the laundry equipment 20 according to the usage conditions. As a result, users who frequently use the coin laundry store 10 can use the laundry equipment 20 at a more advantageous rate than the regular rate. Furthermore, since users of the "period application" become regular customers, the efficiency of using the laundry equipment 20 in the store can be improved.
[0043] According to the coin laundry system of this embodiment, the management device 50 has an identification code management table 503 that manages the validity of the identification code 60a, and the management device 50 is configured to set the corresponding identification code recorded in the identification code management table 503 as "valid" in response to payment of the usage fee for the period application. As a result, users can use the laundry equipment 20 at a discount using their mobile terminal (smartphone) 70 simply by paying the usage fee for the period application.
[0044] According to the coin laundry system of this embodiment, the identification code management table 503 is configured to record the validity period of the identification code, so that users can use the laundry machine 20 at a discount using their mobile terminal (smartphone) 70 during the validity period. In addition, payment instructions for the usage fee are provided from the management device 50 before the expiration date, so users can use the service with peace of mind.
[0045] According to the coin laundry system of this embodiment, the management device 50 further has a usage history table 505, which records usage of the laundry machine 20 based on the usage conditions, and when an identification code is read, it refers to the usage history table 505 to check whether it is within the range of the usage conditions, and if it is determined to be within the range, it permits use of the laundry machine 20 based on the usage conditions. Therefore, even if the user forgets the usage conditions (number of times) of the laundry machine 20, the system will check and guide them, so the user can use the service with peace of mind.
[0046] According to the coin laundry system of this embodiment, the period course using the period application includes at least two courses from a first course that is a wash course only, a second course that is a dry-only course, and a third course that is a wash and dry course. Therefore, users can choose their preferred course according to how they use the laundry device 20.
[0047] According to the coin laundry system of this embodiment, the management device 50 is configured to allow the use of a washing machine or dryer in the first or second course when the number of uses per month and the number of uses per day are within the set range. Therefore, there is no need to worry about hindering other users' use of the coin laundry store by limiting the number of uses per day.
[0048] According to the coin laundry system of this embodiment, the management device 50 is configured to provide a drying-only option in the third course if the number of wash and dry courses used per month exceeds the limit, so that users can use the laundry equipment 20 at a discount.
[0049] According to the coin laundry system of this embodiment, the system comprises a management device 50, readers 30 and 200 installed in the coin laundry store located in the apartment complex where the residents live, which read identification codes, and a user-owned mobile terminal 70 that can be loaded with a resident benefits application that allows the use of laundry equipment according to set usage conditions. The management device 50 transmits an identification code 60b to the mobile terminal 70 to use the resident benefits application, and when the readers 30 and 200 read the identification code 60b from the mobile terminal 70, they receive the identification code 60b and determine its validity. If it is valid, they permit the use of the laundry equipment 20 according to the usage conditions. As a result, residents who use the coin laundry store located in the apartment complex can use the laundry equipment 20 at a discount simply by paying their rent. Furthermore, since users of the resident benefits application become regular customers, the system increases the utilization rate of the coin laundry store located in the apartment complex and enables stable management through fixed income.
[0050] According to the coin laundry system of this embodiment, the management device 50 has an identification code management table 504 that manages the validity of the identification code 60b, and the management device 50 is configured to set the corresponding identification code recorded in the identification code management table 504 as "valid" in accordance with the regular payment of rent for the apartment building, which includes the usage fee for the laundry equipment. As a result, users can use the laundry equipment 20 at a discount using their mobile terminal (smartphone) 70 simply by paying their rent.
[0051] In the coin laundry system of this embodiment, the identification code management table 504 is configured to record the validity period of the identification code 60b and the unique information of the mobile terminal 70. Since the unique information of the mobile terminal 70 and the identification code 60b are linked and managed, it is possible to prevent the unauthorized use of the identification code 60b.
[0052] According to the coin laundry system of this embodiment, the management device 50 is configured to use the unique information of the mobile terminal 70 recorded in the identification code management table 504 to determine whether the mobile terminal 70 is legitimate or not when it reads the identification code 60b, thereby preventing the unauthorized use of the identification code 60b.
[0053] According to the coin laundry system of this embodiment, the management device 50 further has a usage history table 505, which records usage of the laundry machine 20 based on the usage conditions. When the identification code 60b is read, the management device 50 refers to the usage history table 505 to check whether it is within the range of the usage conditions, and if it is determined to be within the range, it permits the use of the laundry machine 20 based on the usage conditions. Therefore, even if the user forgets the usage conditions (number of times) for the laundry machine 20, the system will check and guide them, so the user can use the service with peace of mind.
[0054] According to the coin laundry system of this embodiment, the resident benefit courses that utilize the resident benefit application include at least two courses from among the unlimited washing machine course, the unlimited dryer course, and the unlimited washing and drying course, so that users can choose their preferred course according to how they use the laundry equipment 20.
[0055] According to the coin laundry system of this embodiment, the management device 50 is configured to allow the use of a washing machine, dryer, or washer / dryer when the number of uses per day falls within the set range in the unlimited washing machine course, unlimited dryer course, or unlimited washer / dryer course. Therefore, there is no need to worry about hindering other users' use of the coin laundry store by limiting the number of uses per day.
[0056] According to the coin laundry system of this embodiment, at least some of the laundry machines (20a, 20b) are configured to be reserved for priority use by users of the subscription application or resident benefits application. Therefore, even when a coin laundry store is crowded, there are laundry machines 20 available for priority use by users of this service, thus promoting the use of this system.
[0057] According to the coin laundry system of this embodiment, when the management device 50 authorizes the use of the laundry machine 20 based on the usage conditions, it displays a guidance menu on the mobile terminal 70 that corresponds to the usage conditions and usage history of the period application or resident benefits application. As a result, users can use the system with peace of mind and select the laundry machine 20 and perform the work according to the guidance menu displayed on the mobile terminal 70.
[0058] According to the coin laundry system of this embodiment, the coin laundry store 10 further has an owner terminal 80, and when a user is registered with the management device 70 by a mobile terminal 70, the user registration information shared at the owner terminal 80 of the coin laundry store 10 does not include payment information. Therefore, since the shared user registration information does not include payment information such as credit card information, it is possible to prevent the leakage of credit card information, which is one of the most important pieces of personal information, from the contracted store.
[0059] The embodiments of the present invention are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]
[0060] 100... Coin laundry system 10... Laundromat store, 20... Laundry equipment 30...Centralized payment machine (reader), 30a...Camera, 30b...Display touch panel 40... Laundry manufacturer, 50... Management device (server device) 50a...Database, 501...User information table, 503, 504…Identification code management table, 505…Usage history table 60, 60a, 60b... Identification codes (e.g., QR codes) 70…Mobile devices (smartphones or tablets) 80... Owner's device, 200... Dedicated machine (reader), 300... Cloud server
Claims
1. A service processing method for a coin laundry system having multiple laundry machines and a management device for managing the multiple laundry machines, and operated using a mobile terminal, Using the application installed on the aforementioned mobile terminal, a fixed-rate course is defined for a predetermined fee, allowing the use of one or more wash-and-dry, wash-and-dry, or drying courses a predetermined number of times during a predetermined period, and this is registered with the aforementioned management device. When the management device receives a request to use the flat-rate course directly or indirectly from the mobile terminal, and determines that the request is within the predetermined number of uses, it sends instructions to the mobile terminal on how to use the laundry machine in accordance with the contents of the registered flat-rate course. The aforementioned mobile terminal is a service processing method for a coin laundry system that operates the laundry machine according to the instructions displayed on the screen. The instructions displayed on the screen of the aforementioned mobile device show, in which laundry machines are available for selection for the wash and dry, wash and dry courses. The service processing method for a coin laundry system is characterized in that the mobile terminal operates the laundry machine selected by the user in accordance with the instructions.
2. The service processing method for a coin laundry system according to claim 1, characterized in that the mobile terminal is installed in a store where the laundry equipment to be used is installed, and operates the laundry equipment selected by the user via a centralized payment machine that centrally manages the operation settings and usage fees of the laundry equipment to be used.
3. The management device is equipped with a table for each user's mobile device that manages the usage history of the aforementioned washing and drying courses. The aforementioned control device is Each time the laundry machine is used from the mobile terminal, the number of times the user who owns the mobile terminal has used the wash and dry, wash and dry course, recorded in the table, is updated. When a request to use the aforementioned flat-rate plan is received, the number of uses in the aforementioned table is referenced to determine whether or not it is within the predetermined number of uses. A service processing method for a coin laundry system according to feature 1 or 2.
4. The table records the number of uses of the fixed-rate plan, which is updated on a monthly basis. The management device will guide the user to use the laundry machine if the updated number of uses is within the predetermined number of uses. The service processing method for a coin laundry system according to feature 3.
5. The service processing method for a coin laundry system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the information displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal includes the details of the fixed-rate course and the current number of uses or remaining number of uses for the wash and dry course, and wash and dry.
6. A service processing method for a laundry system in which a user operates multiple laundry machines installed within a laundry store using a mobile terminal owned by the user, Using an application installed on the aforementioned mobile device, a registration step is taken to define a flat-rate plan that allows the use of one or more wash-and-dry, wash-and-dry, or drying courses a predetermined number of times for a predetermined period at a predetermined fee, and to register it in the database. When a request to use the flat-rate plan is received directly or indirectly from the mobile terminal, a determination step is made to determine whether the request is within the specified number of times, If the determination step determines that the request is within the specified number of times, the transmission step involves sending instructions to the mobile terminal regarding guidance on using the laundry machine in accordance with the contents of the registered flat-rate course. Based on the instructions transmitted in the transmission step, the mobile terminal has a display step that displays information related to the guidance, A service processing method for a coin laundry system, characterized by operating the laundry device based on the selection result for the guidance displayed in the aforementioned display step.
7. A recording step for each user's mobile device, which records the usage history of the aforementioned courses for washing and drying in the database, Each time the laundry device is used from the mobile terminal, an update step is performed to update the usage history of the washing and drying courses for the user who owns the mobile terminal, which is recorded in the database. A service processing method for a coin laundry system according to claim 6, characterized by having the following features.
8. A monthly usage count recording step that records the number of times the aforementioned fixed-rate course was used on a monthly basis, If, as determined in the judgment step, the number of monthly uses falls within the predetermined number, the transmission step is executed. A service processing method for a coin laundry system according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by the features described above.
9. The service processing method for a coin laundry system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the information displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal includes the contents of the fixed-rate course and the current number of uses or remaining number of uses for the wash and dry course.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Laundry system
JP2001276500A
Integrated reset total system for coin laundry
JP2017205480A
Laundry system
JP3733002B2