Coin laundry system and coin laundry control method

Abstract

To provide a coin laundry system which is beneficial for people residing in a building or a facility, or residing around the building or the facility, makes laundry shops of the same series across various parts of the country available, and can increase an operating rate of a laundry device.SOLUTION: A coin laundry system comprises: a potable terminal owned by a user; a plurality of laundry devices provided in a building or a facility; and a management device for directly or indirectly controlling the plurality of laundry devices. The portable terminal makes the laundry device available in a flat-rate course by an application. The management device stores user registration information to be registered by using the application, determines whether or not the user is a valid user from the user registration information when an access request for using the laundry device is received from the portable terminal, and transmits operation information toward the portable terminal when determining that the user is the valid user. The portable terminal designates a use course of the laundry device selected from the received operation information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to a coin laundry system and a method for controlling a coin laundry. [Background technology]

[0002] Coin laundry stores are equipped with a variety of laundry equipment, including washing machines, dryers, and other machines, and are available to customers 24 hours a day. The use of coin laundry stores tends to increase, especially during the rainy season and periods of prolonged rain, when there is little sunlight and laundry cannot be washed and dried properly. Furthermore, due to the recent impact of COVID-19, the number of people using coin laundry stores has increased due to their high sterilization ability during drying.

[0003] At coin laundry stores, customers pay a predetermined fee based on not only the washing and drying course used (including washing only or drying only), but also additional settings such as the number of rinses and drying time. Therefore, even frequent customers are not given special preferential treatment, except for limited-time service coupons. Also, since coin laundry stores are unmanned 24 hours a day, the primary goal of running a coin laundry store is to have many people use the laundry equipment, but this is not possible at all laundry stores (including affiliated stores) in the same chain nationwide. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6225290 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Therefore, in order to improve the utilization rate of laundry machines in a store, for example, in a multi-family housing complex such as an apartment building with a commercial space on the first floor, if a coin laundry store is set up in that commercial space and preferential treatment is given to the residents of the apartment building, the utilization rate of the laundry machines will naturally improve. This is not limited to apartment buildings; even in a regular coin laundry store, if preferential treatment is given to the residents living in the surrounding area, the utilization rate of the laundry machines can be similarly improved. The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a coin laundry system and a coin laundry control method that is beneficial to people living in or near a building or facility, allows people to use laundry stores of the same chain throughout the country, and increases the operating rate of laundry equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The coin laundry system of one embodiment comprises a plurality of laundry machines installed in a laundry store within a building or facility, and a management device that directly or indirectly controls the plurality of laundry machines, and allows a laundry machine selected by a user through communication between the management device and the mobile terminal of the user to be used for a fixed-price course. The management device has a table that stores user registration information including information identifying the fixed-price course and payment information for that course, and upon receiving an access request to use the laundry machine from the mobile terminal, and determining by referring to the table that the user of the mobile terminal that made the access request is a legitimate user of the fixed-price course, Identification information corresponding to the fixed-price course is displayed on a display device provided in the laundry store, the identification information displayed on the display device is read by the mobile terminal, and a service is performed according to the read identification information. The selected laundry machine can be used for the fixed-price course by operating the mobile terminal, omitting the payment procedure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a coin laundry system according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2]6 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the mobile terminal when installing the "laundry app" according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 3 shows an example of user information registered in a user information table according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram showing the hardware connection configuration of the centralized adjustment machine, the first control device, the second control device, and the smartphone in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a menu selection screen on a touch screen that allows a user to select between mobile device processing and centralized payment machine processing. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure for using the laundry machine using the "laundry app" on a smartphone. [Figure 7] 10A is a diagram showing an example of a display screen for selecting a laundry device, which is displayed on a smartphone, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing an example of a display screen for selecting a course, which is displayed on a smartphone. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a content confirmation screen displayed on a smartphone. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a coin laundry system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are a flowchart showing the operation procedure of a mobile terminal when installing a "laundry app" according to a second embodiment, and a diagram showing an example of an input screen for course information. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input screen for credit card information according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 shows an example of user information registered in a user information table according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a second management apparatus in the second embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a mobile terminal in the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing another configuration of the coin laundry system according to the first and second embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] First Embodiment Hereinafter, a coin laundry system and a coin laundry control method according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a coin laundry system 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1 shows an example of a configuration in which a coin laundry store 30 is located in a commercial space 20 installed on the first floor or the like of a multi-family dwelling 10 such as an apartment building. Another store, Store A, is also located in the commercial space. Coin laundry store 30 is equipped with a large number of washing and drying machines (hereinafter referred to as laundry machines 40) depending on the size of the store. A centralized payment machine (an example of a display device) 42 has a touch screen, cash processing machine, credit card reader, etc., and is a device that centrally manages the operation settings, operation management, and usage fee payments of the large number of laundry machines 40 installed in coin laundry store 30.

[0009] The centralized settlement machine 42 is connected to a first management device (server device) 50, which manages one or more stores, via a gateway 45 and a network (not shown). The first management device 50 sends various commands to the gateway 45, which then controls the centralized settlement machine 42 and each laundry machine 40. The first management device 50 is also connected to a second management device (server device) 60 via the network. The second management device 60 operates and manages a "laundry application" (hereinafter simply referred to as a "laundry app") according to the embodiment. While FIG. 1 illustrates one first management device 50, multiple first management devices 50 that manage laundry stores (including affiliated stores) of the same chain are connected to the second management device 60 via the network. The "laundry app" can be downloaded from the second management device 60 to a mobile device 70 (e.g., a smartphone or tablet) owned by a user and installed thereon.

[0010] The mobile terminal 70 can wirelessly communicate with the second control device 60. Here, the first control device 50 and the second control device 60 are configured as separate servers. However, the first control device 50 and the second control device 60 may be configured as a single server (see FIG. 15). Therefore, the second control device 60 indirectly controls the centralized payment machine 42 and multiple laundry machines 40 in the coin laundry store 30 via the first control device 50 and the gateway 45. In this manner, if a coin laundry store 30 is installed in a multi-family dwelling 10 such as an apartment building with a commercial space 20 on the first floor, providing preferential treatment (lower rates than general customers) to residents of the multi-family dwelling 10 can naturally improve the utilization rate of the laundry machines. While the multi-family dwelling 10 is used as an example here, preferential treatment may also be provided to facility users using coin laundry machines installed in other facilities (e.g., sports gyms, golf courses, etc.).

[0011] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the mobile terminal 70 when installing the "laundry app." In the system configuration shown in FIG. 1, an apartment building owner enters into a coin laundry usage contract with a laundry company that provides a coin laundry system 100. Based on this, the apartment building owner provides residents of the apartment complex 10 with access to laundry machines 40 using a "laundry app." For example, the apartment building owner explains the use of the coin laundry store 30 to residents when they move in, and then negotiates the payment amount with the desired user. By paying a total amount (a preferential amount for residents) that is the monthly rent for the apartment complex 10 plus the laundry machine usage fee, users can use the laundry machines 40 in the apartment complex 10 every day without worrying about fees. At this time, users can choose from three usage plans for the laundry machines 40, which are set by the apartment building owner: Course 1: All Free (all models can be used anytime, any number of times), Course 2: Washer / Dryer Free (all washer / dryer machines are free), and Course 3: Dryer Free (only the dryer is free). Course 2 is set at a lower price than Course 1, and Course 3 is set at an even lower price. In addition, optional features not specified in each plan may be charged an additional fee. Residents of the apartment building 10 can use the laundry machine 40 in the apartment building 10 for free for a low fee, providing a laundry environment that is also convenient for residents. Furthermore, when operating the mobile device 70 to use the laundry machine 40, a screen that omits the payment procedure is provided by the second management device 60, simplifying the operation.

[0012] In FIG. 2, an apartment building owner (or a contracted coin laundry company) provides a resident who wants to use the "laundry app" with an identification code (e.g., a QR code (registered trademark)) for downloading the software. The user reads the provided identification code using the QR code reading function of their mobile device 70 (hereinafter, a smartphone will be used as an example) (S100). The "laundry app" is then downloaded from the app store and installed on the smartphone 70 (S110). This "laundry app" may be available for use at laundry machines in the same coin laundry chain (including affiliated stores) nationwide that accepts the application, under a registered flat-rate plan. Therefore, the user can use the laundry app not only at the laundry machine 40 in their own apartment building 10, but also at coin laundry chains nationwide. This allows users to easily use the smartphone 70 and follow the same procedures at local coin laundry stores, even when traveling or on a business trip, further improving convenience.

[0013] Next, the user launches the "laundry app" installed on the smartphone 70 (S120). This displays a user registration screen on the smartphone 70 for inputting a user ID (e.g., email address), password, etc. The user then uses the input screen to input further requested information such as "zip code," "gender," and "birth month" (S130). The user also inputs laundry information (e.g., rent + laundry fee, course name, etc.). If the user information entered correctly according to the input screen (Yes in S140), the operation ends. If the user information entered incorrectly in S140 (No in S140), and if re-entry is selected in S150, the operation returns to S130 and the user information is re-entered. If re-entry is rejected in S150, the operation ends.

[0014] 3 shows an example of user registration information entered in step S130 of FIG. 2 and registered in user information table 601 (see FIG. 4) of database 630 of second management device 60. FIG. 3 shows user information table 601 for "Laundry123," which manages member coin laundry stores. In FIG. 3, the user registration information registered in user information table 601 for each user includes "identification number (membership number, user ID, etc.)," ​​"password," "postal code," "gender," "birth month," "start date of use," "fixed-rate plan," "payment information (not shown)," etc.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the hardware connection configuration of the centralized settlement machine 42, first control device 50, second control device 60, and smartphone 70 shown in FIG. 1. The second control device 60 can communicate data with the centralized settlement machine 42 via a communication unit 610 and the first control device 50. Note that the gateway 45 shown in FIG. 1 is omitted here. The second control device 60 can also communicate wirelessly with the smartphone 70 via a communication unit 620. The second control device 60 has a large-capacity database 630, which includes a user information table 601 that stores user registration information, a usage history table 605, and the like. The usage history table 605 records the usage history (e.g., for the past five years) of the laundry machine 40 at the store where each user has used the laundry machine 40.

[0016] The first management device 50 and the second management device 60 can be linked using an identification number (such as a membership number or user ID). As an example, the email address of the mobile device 70 can also be used. When using the service for the first time, the first management device 50 and the second management device 60 can be linked by selecting the laundry store they want to use from the laundry store information of affiliated stores provided by the "laundry app" (by selecting from a laundry map or a list, for example) and notifying the second management device 60.

[0017] The touch screen 43 of the centralized settlement machine 42 displays a selection screen for laundry machines 20 and a selection screen for the wash and dry courses of the selected laundry machine for processing using the centralized settlement machine. When the second control device 60 receives an access request for the laundry machine from the mobile device 70, it determines whether the access request is from a legitimate user based on the user registration information. If the second control device 60 determines that the user is legitimate, it transmits an identification code 80 to the coin laundry store 30 selected on the mobile device 70, which is then displayed on the centralized settlement machine 42 of that store. The smartphone 70 can read the identification code 80 displayed on the touch screen 43 using its built-in QR code reading function.

[0018] Figure 5 shows an example of a menu selection screen on the touch screen 43 of the centralized payment machine 42, which allows the user to select "Mobile device processing" or "Centralized payment machine processing." The coin laundry store 30 is configured to be able to execute existing centralized payment machine processing so that anyone can use it at any time. A user requests use of a laundry machine 40 at a coin-operated laundry store 30 from a mobile device 70 and places the laundry in the desired laundry machine 40. Afterward, the user moves to the centralized payment machine 42, where menu selection information such as that shown in FIG. 5 is displayed. Specifically, the touch screen 43 displays a selection image 43a for centralized payment machine processing and a selection image 43b for mobile device processing (hereinafter referred to as smartphone processing), which displays the identification code 80 transmitted from the second management device 60. If the user desires centralized payment machine processing, the user touches the selection image 43a. As a known procedure, the centralized payment machine 42 selects the laundry machine containing the laundry, selects a course, selects a payment method, and performs payment processing. The selected laundry machine then operates to perform the designated washing and drying course. On the other hand, if the user desires smartphone processing, the user uses the QR code reading function of the smartphone 70 to read the identification code 80 displayed on the selection image 43b. As a result, the smartphone 70 and the second control device 60 are linked on the day the laundry device 40 is used. That is, a link between the smartphone 70 and the second control device 60 is established based on information that identifies the user and is included in the communication protocol between the smartphone 70 and the second control device 60.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure for using the laundry machine 40 using the "laundry app" on the smartphone 70. When the second control device 60 transmits the identification code 80 to the centralized payment machine 42 of the coin laundry store 30 via the first control device 50 and gateway 45, the smartphone 70 activates the QR code reading function and reads the identification code 80 by touching the "Read the identification code and start" button displayed on the home screen of the smartphone 70 (S200, S205). Reading the identification code 80 initiates an operation procedure for the laundry machine 40 between the mobile device 70 and the second control device 60. The identification code 80 contains information about the coin laundry store 30, and the information is received by the second control device 60. The identification code 80 also contains information corresponding to a flat-rate plan (one of plans 1 to 3) registered in the user information table 601. If plan 1 is set in the identification code 80 read using the smartphone 70, steps S215 to S225 are executed. If plan 2 is set in the read identification code 80, steps S235 to S245 are executed. If course 3 is set in the read identification code 80, steps S250 to S260 are executed.

[0020] Since course 1 is all-free, all laundry machines 40 in the store can be used, and a laundry machine 40 containing the laundry to be washed is selected from among them (S215). FIG. 7(a) is a diagram showing an example of a display screen for selecting a laundry machine 40, which is displayed on the smartphone 70 in step S215. The screen (device selection information) 72 shown in FIG. 7(a) shows examples of laundry devices 40: "No. 01 Large Washer-Dryer," "No. 02 Large Washer-Dryer," "No. 03 Medium Washer-Dryer," and "No. 04 Small Dryer." Four laundry devices 40 are displayed here, but other laundry devices can be viewed by scrolling the screen. To learn more about each laundry device, touch the icon of the desired laundry device to display laundry information such as usage fee, usage time, and laundry capacity. This laundry information may be displayed simultaneously on the screen 72. In this case, the information about devices 01 through 04 is displayed by scrolling the screen. The user then selects the laundry device containing the laundry by touching it on the screen 72. In FIG. 7(a), the "Select" button for "No. 01 Large Washer-Dryer" is shown as being touched. The "X" mark on the "Select" button indicates that the laundry device is in use and therefore unavailable for selection. The usage status of the laundry machine 40 can be grasped by the second control device 60 communicating with the first control device 50 that manages the store.

[0021] 7B is a diagram showing an example of a course selection screen displayed on the smartphone 70. The course selection screen is displayed in step S220 of the course 1. In step S220 of the course 1, the course selection screen is displayed in step S220. In the screen (course selection information) 74 shown in FIG. 7(b), in response to the selection of "Machine No. 01 Large Washer-Dryer" in FIG. 7(a), four courses are available: "Standard Course 60 minutes 1200 yen," "Light Course 45 minutes 1000 yen," "Wash only 20 minutes 700 yen," and "Dry only 30 minutes 300 yen." If the "Standard Course" is selected, it may be possible to further specify the detergent, fabric softener, or whether to use hot water. FIG. 7(b) shows that the "Standard Course 60 minutes 1200 yen" has been selected. Normally, a payment procedure must be carried out to pay for the selected course, but in this embodiment, the operation is performed on a screen that omits the payment procedure, so the process moves on to confirming the details.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a content confirmation screen 76 displayed on the smartphone 70. Once the user has finished selecting the course, a content confirmation screen 76 is displayed on the smartphone 70. The user checks the content of the content confirmation screen 76 and, if the user's selection is correct, touches the "Accept" button 76a. In response to the touch operation, a request to start the selected laundry machine 40 is transmitted to the second control apparatus 60 (S225). In response to this, the second control apparatus 60 starts the laundry machine 40 selected in step S215 via the first control apparatus 50 and the gateway 45.

[0023] Returning to FIG. 6, if Course 2 is set for the read identification code 80 (No in S210, Yes in S230), the same operations S235 to S245 as steps S215 to S225 described above are executed. This Course 2 is washer-dryer free, so the washer-dryer in the store can be used freely, but the dryer in the store cannot be used. Therefore, the dryer is excluded from the screen 72 in FIG. 7(a). Or, it is displayed as if the dryer is not available. Other than that, it is the same as Course 1, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0024] If the read identification code 80 is set to course 3 (dryer free) (No in S230), the operations S250 to S260 for the dryer are executed. Since course 3 is limited to the dryers in the store, FIG. 7(a) displays that only the dryer operation can be selected. Alternatively, the washer-dryer is displayed as unavailable. Other than that, it is the same as course 1, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0025] Second Embodiment FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of a coin laundry system 110 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 shows an example of a configuration in which people living near coin laundry store 30 can receive preferential treatment. Also, in FIG. 9, people living in areas 32a, 34a, and 36a surrounding coin laundry stores 32, 34, and 36 can use the "laundry app" freely anywhere. Note that areas 32a, 34a, and 36a are shown for convenience and represent areas throughout the country. In this way, people living near coin laundry stores 32, 34, and 36 can receive preferential treatment through the "laundry app," and a system can be established in which they can freely use any coin laundry store within the same chain using the "laundry app." This improves the utilization rate of coin laundry machines 40 within the same chain.

[0026] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the mobile terminal 70 when installing the "laundry app" to people in the surrounding areas 32a, 34a, 36a of the coin laundry stores 32, 34, 36. In the configuration example shown in Figure 9, a laundry owner (or laundry company) that provides a coin laundry system 110 manages the use of the "laundry app" between users who wish to use laundry equipment using the "laundry app."

[0027] 10, a laundry owner (or laundry company) provides an identification code (e.g., a QR code (registered trademark)) for downloading the software to a person who wants to use the "laundry app." The identification code may be posted (attached) to the centralized payment machine 42 of the coin laundry store 30. The user reads the provided identification code using the QR code reading function of their own mobile terminal 70 (hereinafter, a smartphone will be used as an example) (S300). Then, the "laundry app" is downloaded from the second management device 60, and the "laundry app" is installed on the smartphone 70 (S310).

[0028] Next, the user launches the "laundry app" installed on the smartphone 70 (S320). This displays a user registration screen on the smartphone 70 for inputting a user ID, password, etc. The user then uses this input screen to input further requested information such as "zip code," "gender," and "month of birth." The user also inputs the course information along with the coin laundry store information (S330). If the user information entered correctly according to the input screen (Yes in S340), the operation ends. If the user information entered incorrectly in S340 (No in S340), and if re-entry is selected in S350, the process returns to S330 and the user information is re-entered. If re-entry is rejected in S350, the operation ends.

[0029] The left side of FIG. 10 shows an example of a course information input screen displayed on the smartphone 70 in step S330. The user can select one of the "flat-rate courses" displayed on the smartphone 70. In the example of Figure 10, there are three courses available: an unlimited flat-rate course (15,000 yen / month), a flat-rate limited course 1 (3 washes / week, 3 dry cycles / week, 8,000 yen), a flat-rate limited course 2 (9 washes / month, 9 dry cycles / month, 5,000 yen), and a flat-rate limited course 3 (5 washes / month, 5 dry cycles / week, 2,500 yen). The prices for all courses are significantly cheaper than the total price if each course were used individually, making this a great service for the user's household budget.

[0030] Those who use the laundry every day can use the flat-rate unlimited course, but many single people cannot afford to do laundry every day. Therefore, taking into consideration single users, flat-rate limited course 2 is available for those who wish to do laundry about twice a week. Flat-rate limited course 3 is also available for those who wish to do laundry about once a week. In this way, the system is configured to allow users to select their desired course from multiple flat-rate courses provided, thereby improving user convenience. The multiple flat-rate courses shown in Figure 10 are just examples, and it is possible to provide courses that suit the region by observing usage patterns in each area. Furthermore, users can change the content (number of times) of the flat-rate course they have set depending on their situation (or preferences). The courses may also be those shown as examples in Figure 6.

[0031] Figure 11 shows an example of a screen for a user (local resident) who has selected one of the flat-rate plans mentioned above to enter credit card payment. The process is completed by entering credit card information such as the card number, card company, cardholder name, and security code and pressing the "Confirm" button. The operation is carried out with the understanding (a memorandum of understanding can be concluded if necessary) that the fee for the "Flat-rate Plan" set up in Figure 10 will be automatically deducted every month. Automatic deduction eliminates the need for operational procedures related to usage fees, so the "Laundry App" can be used to easily operate the system on a screen that does not require payment procedures.

[0032] Fig. 12 shows an example of user registration information in which the member information entered in step S330 of Fig. 10 is registered in a user information table 601 (see Fig. 4) in the database 630 of the second management device 60. Fig. 12 also shows the user information table 601 of "Laundry123," which manages coin laundry stores in the same chain. In Fig. 12, the user registration information registered in the user information table 601 for each user includes an "identification number (membership number or user ID), etc.", "password," "postal code," "gender," "birth month," "start date of use," "fixed-rate plan," "payment information (not shown)," etc.

[0033] The hardware configuration for executing the coin laundry system 110 of the second embodiment is the same as that shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, so a duplicated description will be omitted. 13 is a flowchart showing the processing steps of the second control device 60 in the second embodiment. When the second control device 60 receives a request to use the laundry machine 40 at the current location from the smartphone 70 using the "laundry app" (S400), it determines whether the access request is from a legitimate user based on the user registration information. If it determines that the user is legitimate, it references the user information table 601 to determine the user's flat-rate plan (S410). If it determines that the flat-rate plan is the "flat-rate unlimited plan" (Yes in S420), it creates an identification code that guides the user to enter the unlimited plan and outputs it to the first control device 50 and gateway 45 so that it is displayed on the screen of the centralized adjustment machine 42 (S430).

[0034] If the second management device 60 determines that the flat-rate plan is one of "Flat-rate Limited Plan 1" to "Flat-rate Limited Plan 3" (No in S420), it compares the limited conditions with the usage record for the current month or week (S440). The user's usage record for the laundry store is recorded in a usage history table 605. If the comparison results in a determination that the limited conditions are met (Yes in S450), it creates an identification code that guides the user to enter a flat-rate limited plan (any of Plans 1 to 3) and outputs it to be displayed on the screen of the centralized settlement device 42 (S460). If the comparison results in a determination that the limited conditions are not met (No in S450), it notifies the user's smartphone 70 that the laundry machine cannot be used (S470).

[0035] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the procedure for using the laundry machine 40 using the "laundry app" on the smartphone 70 in the second embodiment. The user makes a request to use the laundry machine 40 at their current location via the "laundry app" on the smartphone 70 (S500). The request from the smartphone 70 is received by the second control device 60. The second control device 60 then transmits the identification code 80 created in step S430 or S460 of FIG. 13 to the centralized payment machine 42 of the coin laundry store 30 registered in the user information table 601 via the first control device 50 and gateway 45. As described above, the identification code 80 contains information corresponding to the flat-rate plan (unlimited plan, limited plan 1, or limited plan 3) registered in the user information table 601. The user reads the identification code 80 using the QR code reading function of the smartphone 70 (S505). If the flat-rate unlimited plan is set in the read identification code 80, steps S515 to S525 are executed. If the read identification code 80 is set to limited plan 1, 2, or 3, the user enters the usage information for the laundry machine for that day. If the washer / dryer is to be used, steps S535 to S545 are executed, and if only the dryer is to be used, steps S550 to S560 are executed.

[0036] The laundry device selection operations in steps S515, S535, and S550 are performed by operating the input screen of FIG. 7(a) described above. However, in step S550, only the dryer is selected. The course selection operations in steps S520, S540, and S555 are performed by operating the input screen of FIG. 7(b) described above. However, in step S555, only the drying time is set. The start of the laundry device in steps S525, S545, and S560 is processed by operating the "Accept" button to approve on the confirmation screen of FIG. 8 described above.

[0037] FIG. 15 illustrates another exemplary configuration of a coin laundry system. In this coin laundry system 120, the first management device 50 and the second management device 60 shown in FIGS. 1 and 9 are implemented as a single management device 65. Therefore, the management device 65 is configured as a server device that manages each laundry machine 40 in the same coin laundry store 30 and manages the "laundry app" of the embodiment. Also, in FIG. 15, the centralized settlement device 42 shown in FIG. 1 is replaced with a display monitor 300 configured with a touch screen. For example, the display monitor 300 may be configured using a personal computer or tablet. The display monitor 300 is designed to have the same functions as the centralized settlement device 42 described above. However, the display monitor 300 does not have a cash handling device like the centralized settlement device 42. The management device 65 controls and manages each laundry machine 40 according to settings entered via a smartphone 70.

[0038] As described above, the first and second embodiments are beneficial for facility users, people living in the building or facility, or people living near the building or facility, and also enable the use of laundry stores of the same chain throughout the country, thereby increasing the utilization rate of laundry machines. For example, even when away on a trip or business trip, the user can easily use a local coin laundry store using the smartphone 70 in the same procedure, improving convenience.

[0039] As described above, the coin laundry system of the embodiment includes a mobile device 70 owned by a user, multiple laundry machines 40 installed in a building or facility 30, and a management device 60 (or 65) that directly or indirectly controls the multiple laundry machines 40. The mobile device 70 allows users to use the laundry machines 40 at a fixed rate using an application. The management device 60 (or 65) stores user registration information registered using the application. When a request to use the laundry machine 40 is received from the mobile device 70, the management device 60 (or 65) determines whether the user is a legitimate user based on the user registration information. If the user is determined to be a legitimate user, the management device 60 transmits operation information to the mobile device 70, and the mobile device 70 selects a laundry machine usage plan based on the received operation information. This configuration allows people living in or near the building or facility 30 to conveniently use the laundry machines 40 at low cost. As a result, the utilization rate of the laundry machines 40 in the building or facility 30 can be improved.

[0040] As described above, the coin laundry system of the embodiment includes a user-owned mobile device 70, multiple laundry machines 40 installed in buildings or facilities 30 throughout the country, and a management device 60 (or 65) that directly or indirectly controls the multiple laundry machines 40 throughout the country. The mobile device 70 uses an application to allow use of laundry machines 40 throughout the country at a fixed price. The management device 60 (or 65) stores user registration information registered using the application. When an access request to use the laundry machine 40 at the user's current location is received from the mobile device 70, the management device 60 (or 65) determines whether the user is a legitimate user based on the user registration information. If the user is determined to be a legitimate user, the management device 60 transmits operation information to the mobile device 70, and the mobile device 70 selects a usage plan for the laundry machine 40 based on the received operation information. This configuration allows convenient use of laundry machines 40 at low cost in buildings or facilities throughout the country, thereby improving the utilization rate of laundry machines 40 throughout the country.

[0041] Furthermore, according to the coin laundry system of the embodiment, the management device 60 (or 65) displays an identification code 80 on a display device 42 (or 300) installed in the building or facility 30 in response to an access request, and the mobile terminal 70 receives operation information from the management device 60 (or 65) by reading the identification code 80. Therefore, the mobile terminal 70 and the management device 60 (or 65) can be easily connected, and operation information for the laundry device 40 to be used can be received and operation settings can be made.

[0042] Furthermore, according to the coin laundry system of the embodiment, the flat-rate course usage fee is paid through a contract procedure related to the building or facility 30, so the payment procedure can be omitted when operating the laundry machine 40, and the operation settings of the laundry machine 40 can be easily performed.

[0043] Furthermore, according to the coin laundry system of the embodiment, laundry machine 40 is installed within apartment complex 10, and the flat-rate plan usage fee is included in the rent for apartment complex 10, allowing residents of apartment complex 10 to use laundry machine 40 conveniently and at low cost. As a result, the operation of laundry machine 40 can be improved. Furthermore, because the payment procedure is omitted when using laundry machine 40, the operation settings for laundry machine 40 can be easily performed.

[0044] Furthermore, according to the coin laundry system of the embodiment, when the management device 60 (or 65) approves the usage conditions of the flat-rate course, it is configured to display on the display device 42 (or 300) an identification code 80 indicating the approved course from among all-free, washer-dryer-free, and dryer-free, so that the identification code 80 indicating the set usage course can be easily obtained from the user's mobile device 70.

[0045] Furthermore, according to the coin laundry system of the embodiment, when the management device 60 (or 65) approves the usage conditions of a flat-rate course, it outputs to the display device 42 (or 300) an identification code 80 indicating the approved course from among an unlimited course and a course with a limit on the number of times washing and / or drying can be used, so that the identification code 80 indicating the set usage course can be easily obtained from the user's mobile device 70.

[0046] As described above, the control method for a coin laundry system according to the embodiment includes multiple laundry machines 40 installed in a building or facility 30, mobile devices 70 owned by users that have installed an application that enables flat-rate use of the laundry machines 40, and a management device 60 (or 65) that stores user registration information registered using the application and directly or indirectly controls the multiple laundry machines 40. The mobile device 70 launches the application to send an access request to the management device 60 (or 65) to use the laundry machines 40. Upon receiving the access request, the management device 60 (or 65) determines whether the user is a legitimate user based on the user registration information. If the user is determined to be a legitimate user, it transmits operation information to the mobile device 70, and the mobile device 70 selects a usage plan for the laundry machine 40 based on the received operation information. This allows residents of or near the building or facility 30 to conveniently use the laundry machines 40 at low cost, thereby improving the utilization rate of the laundry machines 40.

[0047] As described above, the control method for a coin laundry system according to the embodiment includes multiple laundry machines 40 installed in buildings or facilities 30 throughout Japan, mobile devices 70 owned by users that have installed an application that enables flat-rate use of the laundry machines 40, and a management device 60 (or 65) that stores user registration information registered using the application and directly or indirectly controls the multiple laundry machines 40 throughout Japan. The application is launched from the mobile device 70, and a request to access the laundry machine 40 at the user's current location is sent to the management device 60 (or 65). Upon receiving the access request, the management device 60 (or 65) determines whether the user is a valid user based on the user registration information. If the user is determined to be a valid user, it transmits operation information to the mobile device 70, and the mobile device 70 selects a usage plan for the laundry machine 40 based on the received operation information. This allows convenient, low-cost use of laundry machines 40 in buildings or facilities 30 throughout Japan. As a result, the utilization rate of the laundry machines 40 is improved.

[0048] The embodiments of the present invention are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments may be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 100... Coin laundry system, 10... Apartment complex (e.g., condominium) 20...Commercial space, 30...Coin laundry store, 40...Laundry equipment 42...Centralized payment machine (one of the display devices), 43...Touch screen 45...Gateway, 50...First management device (server device) 60... second management device (server device), 65... management device 610...Communication unit 1, 620...Communication unit 2, 630...Database 601...User information table, 605...Usage history table 70...Mobile device (smartphone or tablet) 80...Identification code (e.g., QR code), 300...Display monitor

Claims

1. A coin laundry system comprising a plurality of laundry machines installed in a laundry store within a building or facility, and a management device that directly or indirectly controls the plurality of laundry machines, and allows a user to select a laundry machine through communication between a mobile terminal owned by the user and the management device and use the selected laundry machine for a fixed price plan, The management device a table for storing user registration information including information specifying the fixed-price course and payment information for the course; receiving an access request to use the laundry machine from the mobile terminal, and when it is determined by referring to the table that the user of the mobile terminal that made the access request is a legitimate user of the fixed-price course, displaying identification information corresponding to the fixed-price course on a display device provided in the laundry store; A coin laundry system characterized in that the identification information displayed on the display device is read by the mobile terminal, and the selected laundry machine can be used for the flat-rate course without the payment procedure by operating the mobile terminal in accordance with the read identification information.

2. A coin laundry system comprising a plurality of laundry machines installed in a plurality of laundry stores and a management device that directly or indirectly controls the plurality of laundry machines, and allows a user to use a selected laundry machine at a selected laundry store through communication between a mobile terminal owned by the user and the management device, for a fixed price course; The management device a table for storing user registration information including information specifying the fixed-price course and payment information for the course; a user selects a desired laundry store from the mobile terminal, receives an access request to use a laundry machine in the store, and when it is determined by referring to the table that the user of the mobile terminal that made the access request is a legitimate user of the fixed-price course, displays identification information corresponding to the fixed-price course on a display device provided in the laundry store; A coin laundry system characterized in that the identification information displayed on the display device is read by the mobile terminal, and the selected laundry machine can be used for the flat-rate course without the payment procedure by operating the mobile terminal in accordance with the read identification information.

3. The laundry store is located in a sports gym, 2. The coin laundry system according to claim 1, wherein the usage content of the fixed-price course is determined by a contract with the sports gym.

4. The laundry store is located within an apartment building, 2. The coin laundry system according to claim 1, wherein the usage details of the flat-rate plan are determined by a contract for the apartment complex.

5. 3. The coin laundry system according to claim 1, wherein the flat-rate plan is selected from among all-free plans, washer-dryer-free plans, and dryer-free plans.

6. 3. The coin laundry system according to claim 1, wherein the flat-rate plan is selected from an unlimited plan and a plan with a limit on the number of times washing and / or drying can be used.

7. A coin laundry control method is provided for a coin laundry that includes multiple laundry machines installed in a building or facility and a management device that directly or indirectly controls the multiple laundry machines, and allows a user to select a laundry machine through communication between a mobile device owned by the user and the management device and use the selected laundry machine for a fixed-price plan, registering user registration information including information specifying the flat-rate plan and payment information for the plan in a table of the management device; the management device receives an access request to use the laundry machine from the mobile terminal, and when the management device determines by referring to the table that the user of the mobile terminal that made the access request is a legitimate user of the fixed-price course, displays identification information corresponding to the fixed-price course on a display device provided in the laundry store; A coin laundry control method characterized by reading the identification information displayed on the display device by the mobile terminal, and operating the mobile terminal in accordance with the read identification information to enable the selected laundry machine to be used for the flat-rate course without having to go through the payment procedure.

8. A coin laundry control method is provided for a coin laundry that includes multiple laundry machines installed in multiple laundry stores and a management device that directly or indirectly controls the multiple laundry machines, and allows a user to use selected laundry machines at selected laundry stores through communication between a mobile device owned by the user and the management device under a fixed-price plan, registering user registration information including information specifying the flat-rate plan and payment information for the plan in a table of the management device; The user selects a desired laundry store from the mobile terminal, and the management device receives an access request to use a laundry machine in the store. When the management device determines that the user of the mobile terminal that made the access request is a legitimate user of the fixed-price course by referring to the table, the management device displays identification information corresponding to the fixed-price course on a display device installed in the laundry store. A coin laundry control method characterized by reading the identification information displayed on the display device by the mobile terminal, and operating the mobile terminal in accordance with the read identification information to enable the selected laundry machine to be used for the flat-rate course without having to go through the payment procedure.

9. A coin laundry control method is provided for a coin laundry that includes multiple laundry machines installed in a building or facility and a management device that directly or indirectly controls the multiple laundry machines, and allows a user to select a laundry machine through communication between a mobile device owned by the user and the management device and use the selected laundry machine for a fixed-price plan, registering user registration information including information specifying the flat-rate plan and payment information for the plan in a table of the management device; a step of the management device receiving an access request to use the laundry machine from the mobile terminal, and when the management device determines by referring to the table that the user of the mobile terminal that made the access request is a legitimate user of the fixed-price course, displaying identification information corresponding to the fixed-price course on a display device provided in the laundry store; reading the identification information displayed on the display device by the mobile terminal, and operating the mobile terminal in accordance with the read identification information to enable the selected laundry machine to be used under the flat-rate plan without a payment procedure; A coin laundry control method comprising:

10. A coin laundry control method is provided for a coin laundry that includes multiple laundry machines installed in multiple laundry stores and a management device that directly or indirectly controls the multiple laundry machines, and allows a user to use selected laundry machines at selected laundry stores through communication between a mobile device owned by the user and the management device under a fixed-price plan, registering user registration information including information specifying the flat-rate plan and payment information for the plan in a table of the management device; a step of selecting a desired laundry store from the mobile terminal, and receiving an access request to use a laundry machine in the store by the management device, and when the management device determines by referring to the table that the user of the mobile terminal that made the access request is a legitimate user of the fixed-price course, displaying identification information corresponding to the fixed-price course on a display device provided in the laundry store; reading the identification information displayed on the display device by the mobile terminal, and operating the mobile terminal in accordance with the read identification information to enable the selected laundry machine to be used under the flat-rate plan without a payment procedure; A coin laundry control method comprising:

11. A laundry control method for operating a plurality of laundry machines installed in a laundry store in a building or facility using a mobile terminal owned by a user, comprising: A course selection step for selecting a flat-rate course; a registration step of registering information specifying the fixed-price course and payment information for the fixed-price course selected in the course selection step; a request step of requesting use of the laundry machine from the mobile terminal; a determination step of, when a request is made in the request step, referring to the information registered in the registration step, determining whether or not the user of the mobile terminal is a legitimate user of the flat-rate plan; If the user is determined to be a legitimate user in the determination step, A laundry control method characterized by displaying identification information corresponding to the flat-rate course on a display device installed in the laundry store, reading the identification information displayed on the display device using the mobile terminal, and making the flat-rate course available to the laundry machine requested by operating the mobile terminal in accordance with the read identification information, without going through the payment procedure.

Images