Server, management system, and management method

Abstract

To provide a management system that enables billing for each massage course using one code.SOLUTION: A management system 100 includes: a massage device 5 given a code C including access information; and a server 1 that can be accessed based on the access information from a user terminal 7 that has read the code. The server is configured to present to the user terminal massage courses that can be performed by the massage device stored in advance by accepting access from the user terminal, accept selection of a massage course to be performed based on the presented executable massage courses from the user terminal, notify the massage device of the massage course selected by the user terminal, and request a settlement server 3 to settle a charge stored for the selected massage course.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a server, a management system, and a management method.

Background Art

[0002] As a fee-based massage device, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2021-9661 (hereinafter, Patent Document 1) discloses an operation control system for a massage chair that can perform highly convenient cashless payment using a mobile phone. In the system of Patent Document 1, the massage chair is fixed to a facility provided for unspecified persons such as a hot spring or an entertainment facility, and an identification code such as a QR code (registered trademark) is provided. When a user who specifies the service provided by the massage chair reads the QR code (registered trademark) with a mobile phone, the mobile phone accesses a cashless payment company server, and cashless payment for the service is performed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0004] In a massage device such as a massage chair, there may be a plurality of types of massage operations (massage courses) that can be executed. In this case, the service provider may want to charge different fees for each massage course. However, in the system of Patent Document 1, it is not possible to charge different fees for each massage course with one identification code. Therefore, one of the objectives of the present disclosure is to provide a server, a management system, and a management method that enable charging for each massage course using one code.

[0005] According to an embodiment, a server is a server that performs billing management of a massage device, and by receiving access from a user terminal that has read a code assigned to the massage device based on access information represented by the code, presents a massage course executable on the massage device stored in advance to the user terminal, receives a selection of a massage course to be executed from the user terminal based on the presented executable massage course, notifies the massage device of the massage course selected by the user terminal, and requests a payment server to settle the fee stored for the selected massage course, and is configured as such.

[0006] According to an embodiment, a management system includes a massage device to which a code including access information is assigned, and a server accessible based on the access information from a user terminal that has read the code. The server is configured to present a massage course executable on the massage device stored in advance to the user terminal by receiving access from the user terminal, receive a selection of a massage course to be executed from the user terminal based on the presented executable massage course, notify the massage device of the massage course selected by the user terminal, and request a payment server to settle the fee stored for the selected massage course.

[0007] According to an embodiment, the management method is a management method of a massage device provided with a code including access information to a server, wherein a user terminal reads the code, accesses the server based on the access information represented by the code, and the server presents to the user terminal a massage course executable on a pre-stored massage device by the access, the user terminal accepts a selection of a massage course to be executed based on the presented executable massage course, notifies the server from the user terminal of the selected massage course to be executed, the server notifies the massage device of the massage course selected by the user terminal, and the server requests a settlement server to settle the fee stored for the selected massage course.

[0008] Further details will be described as embodiments below.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] <1. Overview of Server, Management System, and Management Method>

[0011] (1) The server according to the embodiment is a server that performs billing management of a massage device, and by receiving access from a user terminal that has read the code assigned to the massage device based on the access information represented by the code, presents to the user terminal a massage course executable on the massage device stored in advance, receives from the user terminal a selection of a massage course to be executed based on the presented executable massage course, notifies the massage device of the massage course selected by the user terminal, and requests the settlement server to settle the fee stored for the selected massage course.

[0012] The massage device is a device that provides a massage to the user by applying a stimulus to the user's body, and for example, is a chair type used by the user while sitting, that is, a massage chair, a foot massager, a shoulder massager, or the like.

[0013] The massage course defines a combination of one or more massage operations and the timing of their execution. The massage courses executable on the massage device stored in advance are one or more massage courses.

[0014] By receiving from the user terminal that accessed using the code assigned to the massage device a selection of a massage course to be executed based on the massage courses executable on the massage device stored in advance, and requesting the settlement server to settle the fee stored for the selected massage course, it becomes possible to bill for each massage course using one code.

[0015] (2) Preferably, the server is accessible to a memory that stores executable massage courses and fees for the massage device. The memory stores a plurality of executable massage courses for the massage device. Presenting an executable massage course includes presenting a plurality of executable massage courses to the user terminal in a selectable manner. Thereby, it is possible to receive a selection of a massage course to be executed from among a plurality of executable massage courses. Since fees are stored for each of the plurality of massage courses, different charges can be applied to each of the plurality of massage courses using a single code.

[0016] (3) Preferably, the plurality of executable massage courses include those with different durations of the massage operation. Thereby, the variations of the selectable massage courses increase, and the usability of the user can be improved.

[0017] (4) Preferably, the memory stores executable massage courses and fees for each of the plurality of massage devices. Receiving access from the user terminal includes receiving identification information specific to the massage device from the user terminal. Presenting an executable massage course includes reading out the executable massage course from the memory for the massage device identified by the identification information received from the user terminal and presenting it to the user terminal in a selectable manner. Thereby, for each of the plurality of massage devices, it is possible to charge for each massage course using a single code corresponding to each massage device.

[0018] (5) Preferably, the server is further configured to receive a selection of a payment method from the user terminal. Requesting payment for the fee includes requesting payment to a payment server according to the selected payment method received from the user terminal. Thereby, payment can be made using the selected payment method. Therefore, the usability of the user can be improved.

[0019] (6) Preferably, requesting payment includes requesting payment to a payment server after receiving a signal obtained by a specific operation after the start of the operation of the massage course selected from the massage device. This can avoid the situation of being charged when the operation of the massage course is not performed on the massage device, and can charge when the operation of the massage course is performed.

[0020] (7) Preferably, notifying the massage course includes passing payment information to the payment server, and after receiving a signal indicating that payment is possible from the payment server, instructing the massage device to start the operation of the massage course. This makes it easier to collect the fee. Also, based on the payment information, the massage device can be used after payment, so it can prevent being used for pranks. Also, it can prevent the massage device from being used in a free-of-charge state.

[0021] (8) The management system according to the embodiment includes a massage device to which a code including access information is assigned, and a server accessible based on the access information from a user terminal that has read the code. The server presents to the user terminal a massage course executable on the massage device stored in advance by receiving access from the user terminal, receives a selection of the massage course to be executed based on the presented executable massage course from the user terminal, notifies the massage device of the massage course selected by the user terminal, and requests payment of the fee stored for the selected massage course to the payment server.

[0022] Receiving, from a user terminal accessing using a code assigned to a massage device, a selection of a massage course to be executed based on a massage course executable on the massage device stored in advance, and requesting a payment server to settle a stored fee for the selected massage course, enables charging for each massage course using one code.

[0023] (9) The management method according to the embodiment is a management method of a massage device to which a code including access information to a server is assigned, wherein a user terminal reads the code, accesses the server based on the access information represented by the code, and the server presents to the user terminal a massage course executable on the massage device stored in advance, the user terminal receives a selection of a massage course to be executed based on the presented executable massage course, notifies the server from the user terminal of the selected massage course to be executed, the server notifies the massage device of the massage course selected by the user terminal, and the server requests a payment server to settle a stored fee for the selected massage course.

[0024] As a result, a user using the massage device can easily select a desired massage course based on a massage course executable on the massage device simply by reading with the user terminal a code assigned to the massage device. At the server that has received the selection, charging for each massage course using one code becomes possible by requesting a payment server to settle a stored fee for the selected massage course.

[0025] (10) Preferably, the massage device receives a selection operation of a massage course and starts the operation of the selected massage course according to a signal input from a remote controller that instructs the operation of the selected massage course. The management method includes that when the massage course selected by the user terminal notified from the server is selected in the remote controller, the massage device starts the operation of the selected massage course. Thereby, the massage course is selected by the operation of the user's remote control and the operation is started.

[0026] <2. Examples of Server, Management System, and Management Method>

[0027] [First Embodiment]

[0028] Referring to FIG. 1, the management system 100 according to the present embodiment includes a massage device 5 and a management server 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the management system 100 may include a plurality of massage devices 5, 5A, 5B,.... The management server 1 may be composed of one computer or may be composed of a plurality of cooperating computers.

[0029] The management server 1 can communicate with other devices via a communication network 2 such as the Internet. As an example, the management server 1 can communicate with the user terminal 7. The user terminal 7 may be a general terminal device. The user terminal 7 is a terminal device carried by a user who wishes to use the massage device 5. As an example, a smartphone or the like is assumed.

[0030] In addition, the management server 1 can communicate with the payment server 3. The payment server 3 is a server that executes processes for payment. In the management system 100, the usage fee of the massage device 5 can be paid by cashless payment. Cashless payment includes, for example, credit card payment, debit card payment, carrier payment provided by a communication company, electronic money payment, and the like. Also, the payment may be of a prepaid type or a postpaid type. Further, it may be of a usage-based type such as electronic money in the form of a ticket for a certain number of uses. In the management system 100, two or more of these payment methods may be possible, and the management server 1 can communicate with each of a plurality of payment servers 3 according to the payment method. The payment server 3 may be a general computer. Note that one payment server 3 may be equipped with functions enabling a plurality of payment methods.

[0031] The massage device 5 is a device that provides a massage by applying a stimulus to the user's body. As an example, it may be a chair type that the user sits on and uses, that is, a massage chair. As another example, the massage device 5 may be a foot massager, a shoulder massager, or the like. In the following examples, the massage device 5 is a massage chair.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 2, the massage device 5 includes a control device 50. The control device 50 is composed of a computer having a processor 51 and a memory 52. The massage device 5 also includes a communication device 53 for accessing the communication network 2.

[0033] The massage device 5 is equipped with a massage unit 54 that performs a massage operation. The massage unit 54 includes a treatment head (not shown), an arm that supports the treatment head, and a massage motor that moves the arm to cause the treatment head to perform rubbing and tapping operations. The massage unit 54 is connected to the processor 51 and operates according to the control of the processor 51.

[0034] The massage device 5 has an operation unit that accepts user operations. As an example, the operation unit may be a touch panel 59 that also functions as a remote controller (remote control). As another example, the operation unit may be a remote control 56. The remote control 56 has buttons 61 for selecting a massage course to be executed by the massage device 5. As another example, the operation unit may be both the touch panel 59 and the remote control 56.

[0035] The memory 52 stores a program 521. The program 521 is a program for controlling the massage operation of the massage device 5. The processor 51 executes the program 521 according to a control signal from the touch panel 59 or the remote control 56, or a control signal received by the communication device 53 from the management server 1.

[0036] By executing the program 521, the processor 51 executes a treatment control process 511. The treatment control process 511 includes outputting a control signal to the massage unit 54 so that the massage unit 54 performs a massage operation along the massage course specified by the control signal from the management server 1. Thereby, the massage operation along the massage course instructed by the management server 1 is executed at the timing instructed by the management server 1.

[0037] A massage course defines a combination of one or more massage operations and the timing of their execution. Preferably, the massage device 5 is provided with a plurality of massage courses as executable massage courses. Thereby, it is possible to accept the selection of a massage course to be executed from among the plurality of executable massage courses. That is, the number of massage courses that the user can select increases, improving the user experience.

[0038] The plurality of massage courses includes those with different durations of the massage operation. For example, even those with different durations of the same massage operation shall be treated as different massage courses respectively. This can increase the variations of selectable massage courses and improve the usability for the user.

[0039] The massage device 5 is provided with a code C. The code C includes access information to the management server 1. The access information is address information for other devices such as the user terminal 7 to transmit and receive data to and from the management server 1 via the communication network 2. As an example, the access information corresponds to a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) or the like. Thereby, other devices such as the user terminal 7 can access the management server 1 using the code C.

[0040] Preferably, the code C includes identification information unique to the massage device 5. The identification information is, for example, a device ID (identification). For example, when the URL of the management server 1 is "https: / / www.abc.com / " and the device ID is "typeA", the code C includes the combined information "https: / / www.abc.com / typeA". Thereby, the management server 1 can identify the massage device 5. Even when the management system 100 includes a plurality of massage devices 5, 5A, 5B,... as shown in FIG. 1, the management server 1 can identify which massage device the access is for.

[0041] The code C only needs to be such that other devices such as the user terminal 7 can acquire the included information. As an example, when the user terminal 7 has a camera 74, the code C is optically readable identification information. The optically readable identification information is, for example, a QR code (registered trademark). By using the code C, the user terminal 7 can easily access the management server 1 just by reading the code C.

[0042] In this case, as an example, the code C is printed on the plate 6, and the plate 6 may be attached to the massage device 5. The plate 6 may be, for example, a sticker and may be attached to the massage device 5.

[0043] As another example, the code C may be displayed on the touch panel 59. By displaying it on the touch panel 59, it is possible to prevent the reading of the code C from becoming difficult due to damage or dirt on the plate 6. Also, the display of the code C can be easily changed. Also, it becomes possible to present the code C only when the power of the massage device 5 is turned on. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of only charging when the massage device 5 is not used.

[0044] The code C is read by the user terminal 7. The user terminal 7 has a processor 71. The processor 71 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). An application 72 is installed in the user terminal 7. The processor 71 executes the application 72 according to the user operation. The processor 71 causes the user terminal 7 to perform an operation for using the massage device 5 according to the application 72.

[0045] The user terminal 7 has a touch panel 73 and receives a user operation during the operation for use. The processor 71 receives an operation signal according to the user operation from the touch panel 73. The processor 71 causes the touch panel 73 to perform a screen display according to the application 72.

[0046] The user terminal 7 has a camera 74. The camera 74 performs a photographing operation according to a control signal from the processor 71 and inputs image data to the processor 71. When the image data includes an image of the code C, the processor 71 uses the information obtained from the input image of the code C for the operation for use.

[0047] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a management method for the massage device 5 according to the present embodiment. The flow indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 3 is not included in the management method according to the present embodiment, but is included in the management method for the massage device 5 according to the second embodiment described later. Further, steps S21 and S22 will be described later.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 3, a user who intends to use the massage device 5 operates the touch panel 73 of the user terminal 7 carried by the user to instruct the start of use (step S1). The instruction to start use may be an operation such as instructing the start of the installed application 72. When the processor 71 of the user terminal 7 receives the user operation in step S1 on the touch panel 73, the application 72 is started (step S2). Thereby, the use operation is performed on the user terminal 7.

[0049] The user points the camera 74 at the code C and operates the touch panel 73 to instruct shooting (step S3). When the processor 71 of the user terminal 7 receives the user operation in step S3 on the touch panel 73, the camera 74 is caused to perform a shooting operation (step S4). Thereby, the image data of the code C is obtained.

[0050] The processor 71 of the user terminal 7 reads the access information of the management server 1 from the image data of the code C according to the application 72, and accesses the management server 1 using the access information (step S5). Since the code C includes the device ID, the device ID is passed from the user terminal 7 to the management server 1 in step S5. Thereby, the management server 1 can use the device ID in the management process.

[0051] Preferably, in step S5, user information (for example, user ID) obtained from the user terminal 7 is also passed from the user terminal 7 to the management server 1. Thereby, the management server 1 can use the user ID in the management process.

[0052] Upon receiving access from the user terminal 7, the management server 1 executes display processing (step S6) and transmits display data to the user terminal 7 (step S7). The display processing is for causing the touch panel 73 of the user terminal 7 to display a selection screen for the processor 71 of the user terminal 7 to select a message course to be executed. The display data includes data indicating message courses executable in the message device 5, fees, and course times.

[0053] Upon receiving the data transmitted from the management server 1 in step S7, the processor 71 of the user terminal 7 causes the touch panel 73 to display a selection screen using the received display data according to the application 72 (step S8). As an example, the application 72 has a format for the selection screen, and in step S8, the processor 71 embeds the information obtained from the display data received in step S7 into the format.

[0054] The user performs an operation of selecting a desired message course from the executable message courses presented on the selection screen on the touch panel 73 (step S9). Preferably, the selection screen includes options for the payment method. In this case, in step S9, the user further performs an operation of selecting a payment method for the fee. When the processor 71 of the user terminal 7 receives an operation signal indicating the user operation in step S9 from the touch panel 73, it transmits information indicating the selection result to the management server 1 (step S10). Thereby, the user can use their own user terminal 7 carried with them like a remote controller of the message device 5 to select a message course to be executed.

[0055] The management server 1 that has received the information transmitted from the user terminal 7 in step S10 executes operation control processing (step S11). The management server 1 transmits the payment information obtained about the user and the fee for the selected massage course to the payment server 3 corresponding to the selected payment method, and requests payment (step S12). The payment server 3 can perform the payment. Thereby, the payment can be made by the payment method selected by the user. Therefore, the usability of the user can be improved.

[0056] When the payment is completed, the payment server 3 notifies the management server 1 to that effect (step S13-1). When receiving the notification of payment completion from the payment server 3, the management server 1 notifies the massage course to be executed to the massage device 5 (step S14). The notification in step S14 may include an instruction to start the operation for the massage course. The processor 51 of the massage device 5 executes treatment control processing 511 according to the notification from the management server 1 in step S14 (step S15). The treatment control processing 511 includes processing to start the notified massage course at the instructed timing.

[0057] Thereby, in the massage device 5, the massage operation of the massage course selected by the user using the user terminal 7 is started. Also, since the massage operation is started after the payment is completed, the service provider can surely collect the fee.

[0058] The management server 1 is configured by a computer having a processor 11 and a memory 12 with reference to FIG. 4. The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU.

[0059] Further, the management server 1 further has a communication device 13 for accessing the communication network 2. Thereby, the communication device 13 is used for communication with the massage device 5, communication with the user terminal 7, and communication with the payment server 3, etc.

[0060] The memory 12 may be a primary storage device or a secondary storage device. The memory 12 stores a program 121 executed by the processor 11. The processor 11 reads and executes the program 121 from the memory 12 to execute management processing and cause the management server 1 to perform management operations. Thereby, the management method of FIG. 3 is realized.

[0061] The memory 12 stores device information 122. The device information 122 includes massage courses executable in the massage device 5 and fees. Thereby, it becomes possible to charge different fees for each of a plurality of massage courses using one code.

[0062] Preferably, the device information 122 includes executable massage courses and fees for each of a plurality of massage devices 5, 5A, 5B,.... The device information 122 in FIG. 5 includes executable massage courses and fees for each of a plurality of massage devices with device IDs "typeA", "typeB",.... Thereby, it also becomes possible to charge for each massage course using one code corresponding to each massage device for each of the plurality of massage devices.

[0063] In the example of FIG. 5, "Course A", "Course B", and "Course C" of the massage courses each refer to a combination of one or more massage operations. In the massage device with the device ID "typeA", for the massage operations of the same "Course A" and "Course C" respectively, massage courses with different durations of 10 minutes and 20 minutes are stored as executable.

[0064] When the user ID is included in the access from the user terminal 7, preferably, the memory 12 stores the user history 123. Referring to FIG. 6, the user history 123 includes the executed massage course, the execution date and time, and the ID of the used massage device 5 associated with the user ID. Thereby, data indicating the usage status of the massage device for each user is accumulated and can be used in various ways. Also, since the usage amount for each massage device can be obtained, it can be used for maintenance planning and the like.

[0065] Preferably, the memory 12 stores the user information 124. The user information 124 preferably includes information related to settlement for each user. The information related to settlement is, for example, the number of a credit card. By including the information related to settlement in the user information 124, the information related to settlement can be read out and used from the user information 124 at the time of settlement. Thereby, it is not necessary to input the information related to settlement on the user terminal 7 every time of settlement, and the usability of the user can be improved.

[0066] As another example, the information related to settlement may be the payment method for each user and the information used with that payment method. Thereby, it is not necessary to select the payment method on the user terminal 7 every time the massage device 5 is used. Therefore, the usability of a user who has fixed the payment method to a specific one method can be improved.

[0067] The management process executed by the processor 11 includes the display process 111. The display process 111 includes displaying the selection screen 30 of FIG. 7 on the touch panel 73 of the user terminal 7. The selection screen 30 is the screen displayed on the touch panel 73 in step S8 of FIG. 3, and is a screen for the user of the massage device 5 to select the massage course to be used. Preferably, the selection screen 30 is a screen on which the user of the massage device 5 can further select the payment method.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 7, the selection screen 30 includes selectable options 31A for a plurality of massage courses executable by the massage device 5, an option 32 for a payment method, and a button 33 for instructing the determination of the selection. The options 31A represent selectable massage courses and their respective fees. On the selection screen 30, the user selects a massage course to use from the options 31A, selects a desired payment method from the option 32, and touches the button 33.

[0069] The selection of the massage course may be made according to the fee of the massage course. As an example, the selection screen 30 may include options 31B instead of the options 31A. The options 31B represent the fees of selectable massage courses and the massage courses provided at each fee. Selecting a fee from the options 31B is the same as selecting the massage course corresponding to that fee. Note that, as another example, it may be assumed that a massage course with a fee equal to or less than that amount has been selected.

[0070] The display process 111 for displaying the selection screen 30 includes reading out the executable massage courses stored in association with the device ID received from the user terminal 7 from the device information 122 and causing the user terminal 7 to transmit information representing the read massage courses. As a result, the options 31 are presented on the selection screen 30 so as to be selectable.

[0071] The management process executed by the processor 11 includes a billing management process 112. The billing management process 112 includes a process for requesting a settlement to the settlement server 3 corresponding to the selected payment method. The process for requesting a settlement includes reading out the fee of the selected massage course from the device information 122 and passing it to the settlement server 3 corresponding to the selected payment method. As a result, the settlement amount can be determined in the settlement server 3.

[0072] The process for causing a settlement to be made includes receiving settlement information that is input by a user operation on the user terminal 7 and transmitted from the user terminal 7, and passing it to the settlement server 3. Or, it includes reading out settlement information stored in association with the user ID received from the user terminal 7 from the user information 124 and passing it to the settlement server 3. Thereby, preparations for settlement can be made in the settlement server 3.

[0073] The management process executed by the processor 11 includes the device management process 113. The device management process 113 includes causing the massage device 5 to perform massage operations necessary for the selected massage course. When the massage device 5 stores massage operations for each massage course, causing the massage device 5 to perform the massage operations includes transmitting a signal indicating the selected massage course to the massage device 5. Preferably, causing the massage device 5 to perform the massage operations further includes instructing the start of the operations. When the massage device 5 does not store massage operations for each massage course, causing the massage device 5 to perform the massage operations includes transmitting a signal indicating the massage operation to the massage device 5 for each massage operation. Thereby, in the massage device 5, the massage operations necessary for the selected massage course are executed.

[0074] As an example, the massage operation may be started by receiving a settlement completion notification from the settlement server 3 transmitted in step S13-1. In this case, the device management process 113 is started by the input of a settlement completion notification from the settlement server 3. Thereby, the service provider can surely collect the fees.

[0075] Preferably, the massage operation may be started according to a user operation using the user terminal 7 after the notification of the completion of the settlement from the settlement server 3. In this case, as an example, the device management process 113 is started by the input of a signal indicating a user operation for instructing the start of the massage operation from the user terminal 7. As an example, when the processor 11 of the management server 1 receives the notification of the completion of the settlement from the settlement server 3, it instructs the user terminal 7 to display an operation screen. The processor 71 of the user terminal 7 that has received this instruction displays an operation screen (not shown) on the touch panel 73 according to the application 72 and accepts a user operation for instructing the start of the massage operation. Thereby, a massage can be provided at a desired timing of the user.

[0076] As another example, as shown in FIG. 3, the massage operation accepts the selection of a massage course executed by the user with the remote controller 56 (step S21). For example, at this time, among the buttons 61 of the remote controller 56, by lighting the button indicating the executable massage course, the selectable massage course can be notified to the user. It may be started after a signal indicating a user operation is input from the remote controller 56 to the massage device 5 (step S22).

[0077] The treatment control in step S15 at this time includes starting the massage operation when the massage course selected by the remote controller 56 matches the massage course notified from the management server 1 by the device management process 113. Thereby, a massage can be provided at a desired timing of the user.

[0078] In addition, when the selection screen 30 includes the option 31B, multiple massage courses may be associated with the same fee (400 yen) as in the example of FIG. 7. In this case, selecting the fee can be said to be equivalent to selecting multiple massage courses. Furthermore, when all the massage courses have the same fee, instead of selecting the fee, the selection screen 30 may accept a selection of whether to perform a massage or not. In this case, the selection of whether to perform a massage can be said to be equivalent to selecting multiple massage courses.

[0079] In this case, the management server 1 requests the settlement server 3 to settle the selected fee. In the device management process 113 executed according to the notification of the completion of the settlement, the massage course corresponding to the selected fee is notified to the massage device 5. When the fees of all the massage courses are single, the permission of the massage operation is notified to the massage device 5. The massage device 5 starts the operation of the massage course selected by the remote control 56 among the massage courses corresponding to the settled fee.

[0080] The treatment control in step S15 at this time sets the plurality of massage courses corresponding to the settled fee as executable massage courses, and includes starting the massage operation when the massage course selected by the remote control 56 is an executable massage course. Specifically, the processor 51 may invalidate signals other than the signal indicating the executable massage course among the signals from the remote control 56, or may make the remote control 56 selectable, for example, by lighting a button indicating the executable massage course.

[0081] Preferably, the device management process 113 includes recording the user history 123 in the memory 12 after instructing the start of the massage operation. As a result, the user history 123 about this user is stored in the memory 12.

[0082] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of management processing executed by the processor 11 of the management server 1. The management processing is started when information due to access from the user terminal 7 is input to the processor 11 of the management server 1.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 8, the processor 11 reads the device ID and the user ID from the information from the user terminal 7 (step S101). For the message device 5 specified by the device ID among the plurality of message devices stored in the device information 122, the processor 11 reads an executable message course from the device information 122 (step S103).

[0084] The processor 11 causes the user terminal 7 to transmit display data in order to display a selection screen 30 that presents the message course read in step S103 in a selectable manner on the touch panel 73 of the user terminal 7 (step S105). Thereby, the selection screen 30 is displayed on the touch panel 73 of the user terminal 7.

[0085] When information indicating the message course and the payment method selected by the user operation on the selection screen 30 is received from the user terminal 7 (YES in step S107), the processor 11 reads the message course selected from the received information and determines the message course to be executed by the message device 5 (step S109). When the message course is selected by the fee, in step S109, the processor 11 determines the message course corresponding to the selected fee as the selected message course. Also, the processor 11 reads the payment method selected from the received information and determines the corresponding settlement server 3.

[0086] Note that when information indicating the selection result is not received from the user terminal 7 within a predetermined time (NO in step S107), the processor 11 may end the series of processes. Thereby, when the user accidentally operates the user terminal 7 and reads the code C, or when there is no desired message course, the user can end the operation.

[0087] As information necessary for settlement, the processor 11 reads out the fee of the selected massage course from the device information 122. Also, as information necessary for settlement, the processor 11 reads out information for the user's settlement, such as the credit card number, from the user information 124 (step S111). The processor 11 transmits the information necessary for settlement read out in step S111 to the settlement server 3 and requests settlement (step S113). Thereby, the settlement server 3 performs the settlement.

[0088] In addition, when there is no notification of settlement completion from the settlement server 3 for a predetermined time, such as when the settlement fails at the settlement server 3 (NO in step S115), the processor 11 may end the series of processes. In this case, by reading the code C at the user terminal 7 and accessing the management server 1, the massage course is provided to the user. As another example, the processor 11 may retransmit the settlement information to the settlement server 3.

[0089] When the processor 11 receives a notification of settlement completion from the settlement server 3 (YES in step S115), it instructs the massage device 5 to start the massage operation necessary for the selected massage course (step S121). In step S121, the processor 11 may receive a signal indicating a user operation instructing the start of the massage from the user terminal 7 and then instruct the massage device 5 to start the massage operation. Thereby, in the massage device 5, the massage operation necessary for the selected massage course is started. Or, after the processor 11 instructs the start of the massage operation in step S121, the massage course may be selected by the remote control 56 and then the massage operation necessary for the selected massage course may be started in the massage device 5. Thereby, the massage is provided to the user instructed using the user terminal 7.

[0090] The processor 11 stores information such as the selected massage course and the executed date and time in the memory 12 as user history 123 (step 127). As a result, useful user history 123 is stored in the memory 12.

[0091] [Second Embodiment]

[0092] As a second embodiment, settlement may be performed after the massage device 5 starts the massage operation. This can prevent the user from being charged even though no massage is actually provided.

[0093] Regarding the management method of the massage device 5 in this case, referring to the dotted line in FIG. 3, the settlement server 3 that is requested for settlement from the management server 1 in step S12 determines whether settlement is possible using the settlement information and notifies the management server 1 of the result. The determination of whether settlement is possible is, for example, the determination of the existence of a credit limit for the user, and the settlement server 3 notifies the existence of the credit limit (step S13-2).

[0094] In the second embodiment, the management server 1 gives the instruction of step S14 when it receives a notification from the settlement server 3 that settlement is possible in step S13-2. As a result, in a state where settlement is possible, the massage operation in the massage device 5 is started.

[0095] After the massage operation starts, the management server 1 receives a signal indicating the massage operation from the massage device 5 at a predetermined timing (step S16). The signal indicating the massage operation may be, for example, a detection result of the user's body, such as a sensor signal indicating that a specific part such as the shoulder has been detected, or that the operation amount of the treatment element has changed due to a massage on the shoulder or the like. Then, when the management server 1 receives the signal from the massage device 5 in step S16, it requests settlement from the settlement server 3 (step S17). As a result, settlement is performed when the massage device 5 provides a massage to the user, and the completion of the settlement is notified to the management server 1 (step S18). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from being charged when no massage is provided.

[0096] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the management process executed by the processor 11 of the management server 1 according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 9, the processes with the same process numbers as those in FIG. 8 are the same as the management processes in FIG. 8.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 9, in the second embodiment, after the processor 11 of the management server 1 transmits information necessary for settlement to the settlement server 3 in step S113 and receives a notification of settlement availability from the settlement server 3 (YES in step S116), it notifies the user terminal 7 that it is possible to execute a massage with the massage device 5 (step S117).

[0098] The processor 71 of the user terminal 7 that has received the notification in step S117 executes a process for starting the massage operation of the massage device 5 according to the application 72. As an example, the processor 71 causes an operation screen (not shown) to be displayed on the touch panel 73 and accepts a user operation for instructing the start of the massage operation. When the processor 71 accepts a user operation for instructing the start of the massage operation, it transmits a signal for instructing the start to the management server 1.

[0099] When the processor 11 of the management server 1 receives a signal indicating the start of operation from the user terminal 7 (YES in step S119), it instructs the massage device 5 to start the massage operation required for the selected massage course (step S121). As a result, in the massage device 5, the massage operation required for the selected massage course is started. Therefore, a massage can be provided at the timing desired by the user.

[0100] If a signal indicating the start of operation is not received from the user terminal 7 within a predetermined time (NO in step S119), the processor 11 may end the series of processes. As a result, when the user accidentally operates the user terminal 7 and reads the code C, or when the start of the massage is aborted, etc., the user can end the operation.

[0101] When starting the massage operation according to the signal from the management server 1, the processor 51 of the massage device 5 outputs a sensor signal indicating that a specific part such as the shoulder has been detected to the management server 1 at a predetermined timing as an example of a signal indicating the massage operation.

[0102] When the processor 11 of the management server 1 receives a sensor signal from the massage device 5 (YES in step S123), it requests settlement from the settlement server 3 (step S125). As a result, settlement is performed in the settlement server 3.

[0103] If a sensor signal is not received from the massage device 5 within a predetermined time (NO in step S123), the processor 11 may end the series of processes. Further, the processor 11 may instruct the massage device 5 to stop the operation.

[0104] In the second embodiment, since the massage operation can be started on the massage device 5 after becoming payable by the payment server 3, it becomes easier for the service provider to collect the fee. Also, since the payment is executed after the start of the massage operation on the massage device 5, it is possible to prevent the user from being charged when the massage is not provided to the user.

[0105] Note that the relationship between the timing of payment and the timing of starting the massage operation shown in the second embodiment is not limited to this management method, and it can also be applied when the massage device 5 is managed by other methods. The management of the massage device 5 by other methods may be, for example, a management method in which one massage course is associated with one code C, and by reading the code C on the user terminal 7, the specified massage course is executed on the massage device 5.

[0106] The management of the massage device 5 by other methods may also be a management method in which, after the massage course is selected on the user terminal 7, the massage is provided by selecting the massage course with the remote controller 56 of the massage device 5. Even with such a management method, similarly, by enabling the start of the massage operation on the massage device 5 after becoming payable by the payment server 3, it becomes easier for the service provider to collect the fee. Also, by executing the payment after the start of the massage operation on the massage device 5, it is possible to prevent the user from being charged even though the massage is not provided to the user.

[0107] <3. Supplementary Note> The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0108] 1: Management Server 2: Communication Network 3: Payment Server 5: Massage Device 5A: Massage Device 5B: Massage device 6: Plate 7: User terminal 11: Processor 12: Memory 13: Communication device 30: Selection screen 31: Option 32: Option 33: Button 50: Control device 51: Processor 52: Memory 53: Communication device 54: Massage unit 56: Remote control 59: Touch panel 61: Button 71: Processor 72: Application 73: Touch panel 74: Camera 100: Management system 111: Display processing 112: Billing management processing 113: Device management processing 121: Program 122: Device information 123: User history 124: User information 511: Treatment control processing 521: Program C: Code

Claims

1. A server for performing charge management of a massage device, comprising: Receiving access from a user terminal that has read the code assigned to the massage device, based on the access information represented by the code, and presenting to the user terminal the massage courses executable on the massage device that are stored in advance; Receiving, from the user terminal, a selection of a massage course to be executed based on the presented executable massage courses; Notifying the massage device of the massage course selected by the user terminal; Configured to request a payment server to settle the fee stored for the selected massage course; The server according to claim 1, wherein the request for settlement of the fee includes requesting the payment server to perform the settlement after receiving a signal obtained by a specific operation after the start of the operation of the selected massage course from the massage device.

2. The server according to claim 1, wherein notifying the massage course includes passing settlement information to the payment server, and after a signal indicating that the settlement of the fee is possible is input from the payment server, instructing the massage device to start the operation of the massage course.

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