Laundry management system, laundry management device, laundry management method, and program

Abstract

We provide technology that improves user convenience. [Solution] The present invention provides a laundry management device 1 that includes a receiving unit (11a) that receives information about the laundry object from a user's terminal device, an object identification unit (11b) that analyzes the information about the laundry object and identifies the laundry object, and a course selection unit (11c) that selects a washing course suitable for the laundry object. This makes it possible to automatically and easily select a washing course suitable for the laundry object, improving user convenience.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a laundry management system, a laundry management device, a laundry management method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] As information and communication technology has advanced, IoT has become widespread in various fields. For example, in coin laundries, various technologies have been proposed, including various automation measures, to improve user convenience and reduce the management burden on administrators.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which, when a customer terminal reads a two-dimensional code displayed on a laundry machine, the store ID and the machine ID of the laundry machine are sent from the customer terminal to a support server, and if the machine usage fee is less than the balance in the balance information file, a usage permission signal is sent and the laundry machine begins operating. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-16646 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, there is a demand for improved convenience for users in coin laundries, such as the ability to easily set a washing course that is suitable for the laundry being washed.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that improves convenience for users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, the laundry management device according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a receiving unit that receives information about the object to be washed from a user's terminal device, an object identification unit that analyzes the information about the object to be washed and identifies the object to be washed, and a course selection unit that selects a washing course that is suitable for the object to be washed.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention is a laundry management system comprising a user's terminal device and a laundry management device, wherein the laundry management device comprises a first receiving unit that receives information about the object to be washed from the user's terminal device, an object identification unit that analyzes the information about the object to be washed and identifies the object to be washed, and a course selection unit that selects a washing course suitable for the object to be washed, and the user's terminal device comprises a second transmitting unit that transmits information about the object to be washed to the laundry management device.

[0009] A laundry management method according to a third aspect of the present invention is a laundry management method using the above-mentioned laundry management system, in which, in the laundry management device, a first receiving unit receives information regarding the object to be washed from a user's terminal device, a target identification unit analyzes the information regarding the object to be washed and identifies the object to be washed, a course selection unit selects a washing course suitable for the object to be washed, and in the user's terminal device, a second transmitting unit transmits information regarding the object to the laundry management device.

[0010] A program according to a fourth aspect of the present invention causes a computer to function as a receiving unit that receives information about the object to be washed from a user's terminal device, an object identification unit that analyzes the information about the object to be washed and identifies the object to be washed, and a course selection unit that selects a washing course suitable for the object to be washed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technology for improving user convenience in a laundry system. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of a laundry management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a laundry management device of the system. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a user terminal device of the system. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the control system for the washing machine in the same system. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing the reservation process performed by the system. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing the process of executing laundry by the system. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing the reward granting process performed by the system. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the selection of a washing course by the system. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the selection of a reservation date by the system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a laundry management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 1, the laundry management system according to the embodiment of the present invention is configured by connecting a laundry management device 1, a user's terminal device 2, a manager's terminal device 3, and a washing machine 5 in a store 4 wirelessly or with a cable via a communication network 6 such as the Internet. The laundry management device 1 is configured by a server device on a cloud. The terminal devices 2 and 3 can be various devices such as a smartphone, a tablet device, a laptop computer, or a desktop personal computer.

[0016] In this configuration, laundry management device 1 manages which washing courses each washing machine 5 installed in each store 4 can support, so when a reservation is accepted from a user's terminal device 2, it detects the availability of reservations based on the washing course support capabilities of each washing machine 5 installed in the store, and is able to present the user with the available slots along with the washing course. In addition, when presenting the washing course to the user, laundry management device 1 analyzes information about the laundry object obtained from the user's terminal device 2, detects what the user wants to wash, and is able to present an appropriate washing course that suits the object.

[0017] After completing the reservation, when the user actually visits the reserved store and performs the laundry, the user accesses the laundry management device 1 using the user's terminal device 2 in the store, specifies the washing machine 5 to be used, and then transmits a command obtained from the laundry management device 1 to the washing machine 5 via short-range wireless communication, thereby starting the laundry. It is also possible to pay for the laundry by electronically paying half the amount at the time of reservation and electronically paying the remaining half when the laundry starts.

[0018] The term "washing machine" corresponds to laundry equipment and is a concept that includes not only washing machines with a washing function but also washer-dryers with both washing and drying functions. Furthermore, the "washing" performed by a washing machine is a concept that includes not only washing with the washing function but also drying with the drying function. Furthermore, the term "washing course" is a concept that includes not only washing course but also drying course.

[0019] FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the laundry management device and will be described.

[0020] 2, laundry management device 1 has control unit 11, communication I / F 12, and memory unit 13. Control unit 11, communication I / F 12, and memory unit 13 are connected to each other via a system bus so that they can communicate with each other. In addition to these components, laundry management device 1 may also have input units such as a keyboard and a mouse, and a display unit such as a liquid crystal display that displays various information.

[0021] The communication unit 12 is realized by, for example, an NIC or the like, and is a communication interface that is connected to a communication network 6 such as the Internet by wire or wirelessly and communicates with the terminal devices 2, 3, etc. The storage unit 13 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as RAM or flash memory, an HDD, or an optical disk device, etc., and stores in advance the programs to be executed by the control unit 11. The storage unit 13 also has a user information database (hereinafter abbreviated as DB) 14, a reservation information DB 15, a store information DB 16, and a learning DB 17.

[0022] The user information DB14 stores attribute information such as the user's name, age, sex, and email address, as well as reservation information (including reservation ID and usage history information), payment information, and the like, linked to the user ID. The reservation information DB15 stores the store where the reservation was made (store ID), reservation date and time, washing course, payment status, and the like, linked to the reservation ID. The store information DB16 stores the store's name, address, business hours, manager's email address, type of washing machine installed (including information on supported washing courses), and the like, linked to the store ID. The learning DB17 stores a mathematical model for selecting a washing course and various data.

[0023] Control unit 11 is realized by a CPU, an MPU, or the like. Control unit 11 is composed of an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. By executing programs stored in memory unit 13, control unit 11 functions as communication control unit 11a, target identification unit 11b, course selection unit 11c, usage limit identification unit 11d, management unit 11e, laundry execution control unit 11f, learning unit 11g, settlement unit 11i, and reward processing unit 11j, etc.

[0024] In this configuration, the communication control unit 11a functions as a receiving unit that receives user information and reservation requests from the user's terminal device 2, and a transmitting unit that transmits commands for operating the washing machine to the user's terminal device, etc.

[0025] The target identification unit 11b identifies the target (type of clothing) that the user wants to wash. Specifically, the target identification unit 11b analyzes information about the target to be washed sent from the user's terminal device 2, refers to the learning DB 17, and identifies the clothing using a mathematical model. For example, the clothing is identified as a cotton shirt, wool coat, jeans, silk dress, etc.

[0026] The program selection unit 11c selects a washing program suitable for the laundry object identified by the object identification unit 11b. Specifically, the program selection unit 11c refers to the learning DB 17 to select a washing program suitable for the laundry.

[0027] The usage limit specification unit 11d specifies a time period during which the washing course selected by the course selection unit 11c can be used. Specifically, the store information DB 16 manages information on the characteristics of the washing machines 5 installed in each store, specifically, the type of washing machine (size, or whether it is a special washing machine for futons, shoes, etc.), information on the washing courses that can be used, etc., so the usage limit specification unit 11d detects the characteristics of the washing machines 5 installed in the store where the user has made a reservation request, checks the washing machines 5 that can be used for the selected course, and specifies the usage limit for the store.

[0028] The management unit 11e manages user information using a user information DB 14, manages reservation information using a reservation information DB 15, and manages store information using a store information DB 16. For example, the management unit 11e updates the contents of the reservation information DB 15 every time a reservation is accepted, thereby managing each piece of information as the latest information in real time.

[0029] When a user visits the store and selects a washing machine 5 that will execute the reserved washing course, the washing execution control unit 11f controls the execution of the washing by, for example, transmitting a command to the user's terminal device 2 to execute the washing using the selected washing machine 5. The washing execution control unit 11f also manages the operating status of the washing machine 5 as appropriate.

[0030] After proposing a washing course, the learning unit 11g receives feedback such as evaluations from users who performed laundry using the washing course, and updates the mathematical model for selecting the washing course as needed through machine learning.

[0031] The settlement unit 11i executes electronic settlement. In this example, half of the laundry fee is electronically settled at the time of reservation, and the remaining half is electronically settled when the laundry is actually done, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0032] The reward processing unit 11j determines and processes incentives for users. For example, if a reserved laundry course is completed on time, the reward processing unit 11j issues a coupon or the like to the user for a discount on the next or subsequent electronic payment. The user can check the remaining coupons on their personal page or the like as needed.

[0033] In this way, the laundry management device 1 can suggest a suitable washing course to the user, present the usage limit within which the washing course can be carried out, and accept reservations on a store-by-store basis, thereby contributing to the efficiency of store operations.

[0034] The configuration of the user's terminal device will be described below with reference to Fig. 3. Here, the configuration of the user's terminal device 2 will be described, but the administrator's terminal device 3 also has a similar configuration.

[0035] 3, the terminal device 2 (3) has a control unit 21, a communication I / F 22, an operation input unit 23, a display unit 24, an imaging unit 25, and a storage unit 26. The units 21 to 26 are connected to each other via a bus line so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0036] The communication unit 22 is realized by, for example, a NIC, and is connected to a communication network 6 such as the Internet via a wired or wireless connection, and is a communication interface for communicating with the laundry management device 1, etc. The imaging unit 25 takes images of tags or the like on the laundry objects that display information about the laundry objects. The operation input unit 23 is realized by, for example, a mouse or a keyboard, and accepts various operation inputs from the user. The display unit 24 is realized by, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various information. The operation input unit 23 and the display unit 24 may be integrated into a touch panel. The memory unit 26 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as RAM or flash memory, a HDD, or an optical disk device, and stores programs executed by the control unit 21.

[0037] Control unit 21 is realized by a CPU, an MPU, or the like, and may be configured with an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. Control unit 21 reads and executes programs stored in storage unit 26, thereby functioning as communication control unit 21a, display control unit 21b, and main control unit 21c. More specifically, communication control unit 21a functions as a receiving unit that receives commands for washing machine execution control and various display data from laundry management device 1, and a transmitting unit that transmits user information and various requests to laundry management device 1. Display control unit 21b displays various data on display unit 24 based on display data in HTML format or the like sent from laundry management device 1. Main control unit 21c controls terminal device 2, such as transmitting received commands to washing machine 5 via short-range wireless communication.

[0038] FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the control system of the washing machine and explains it.

[0039] 4, washing machine 5 has control unit 51, communication I / F 52, drive mechanism 53, and storage unit 54. Each unit 51 to 54 is connected to be able to communicate freely.

[0040] The communication I / F 52 is a communication interface for performing short-range wireless communication with the terminal device 2. The control unit 51 is realized by a CPU, an MPU, or the like, and functions as a command processing unit 51a, a drive control unit 51b, and a communication control unit 51c by reading and executing programs stored in the storage unit 54. More specifically, the communication control unit 51c functions as a receiving unit that receives commands from the terminal device 2 and a transmitting unit that transmits information related to the operating status to the laundry management device 1. The command processing unit 51a processes commands for performing laundry sent from the terminal device 2. The drive control unit 51b then controls the drive of the drive mechanism based on the commands.

[0041] The processing procedure for reservations and the like performed by the laundry management system will be described in detail below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0042] The user's terminal device 2 executes pre-installed application software to display a screen and selects the laundry shop for which the user wishes to make a reservation (S1). Next, the terminal device 2 identifies the laundry items (S2). Specifically, the terminal device 2 transmits information about the items to be washed to the laundry management device 1. In the laundry management device 1, the object identification unit 11b analyzes the received information about the items to be washed and identifies the items to be washed. The laundry management device 1 transmits information about the identified items to the terminal device 2, allowing the terminal device 2 to confirm the items that the user wishes to have washed.

[0043] The information about the object to be washed includes at least one of the type of object to be washed (for example, clothes, bedding, shoes, etc.), weight, type of fiber (material), color, whether high temperature is acceptable, and whether ironing is acceptable.

[0044] Specifically, terminal device 2 captures an image of a tag (label) of an object to be washed, which displays information about the object to be washed, using imaging unit 25, and transmits the image to laundry management device 1. In laundry management device 1, object identification unit 11b identifies the object to be washed by image analysis, as shown in Fig. 8. Laundry management device 1 transmits display data of a screen showing the identified object to be washed, as shown on the right side of Fig. 8, to terminal device 2, thereby enabling terminal device 2 to confirm the object that it wishes to wash, on the screen as shown on the right side of Fig. 8.

[0045] In the example of display data on the right side of Figure 8, multiple items of clothing included in the information about items to be washed are classified and identified as items to be washed: "cotton shirt," "wool coat," "jeans," and "silk dress." Note that candidate washing programs are not yet included in the display data.

[0046] Alternatively, the terminal device 2 may transmit information regarding the object to be washed input by the user to the laundry management device 1. For example, the terminal device 2 may display candidate information regarding the object to be washed, and allow the user to select and input. In the laundry management device 1, the object identification unit 11b analyzes the received information regarding the object to be washed and identifies the object to be washed. The laundry management device 1 transmits display data of a screen showing the identified object to be washed, as shown on the right side of FIG. 8, to the terminal device 2, thereby enabling the terminal device 2 to confirm the object that it wishes to wash, on the screen, as shown on the right side of FIG. 8.

[0047] When a reservation request is sent from the user's terminal device 2 to the laundry management apparatus 1 under the control of the communication control unit 21a (S3), the communication control unit 11a in the laundry management apparatus 1 accepts the reservation request (S4), and the course selection unit 11c selects a washing course suitable for the previously identified laundry items (S5). Specifically, the course selection unit 11c refers to the learning database 17 to select a washing course suitable for the laundry items. For example, the course selection unit 11c inputs information about the laundry items, i.e., the type of laundry item (e.g., clothing, futon, shoes, etc.), weight, type of fiber (material), color, whether high temperature is acceptable, and whether ironing is acceptable, and selects a washing course using a mathematical model. Then, display data and the like presenting the selected course are sent to the user's terminal device 2 via the communication control unit 11a (S6).

[0048] In the user's terminal device 2, the communication control unit 21a receives the display data and displays it on the display unit 24 under the control of the display control unit 21b (S7). Then, when the course is determined on the user's terminal device 2, information about the course is transmitted to the laundry management device 1 (S8).

[0049] In the example of display data on the right side of FIG. 8 , two washing courses are selected for the classified and identified "cotton shirt" laundry object, for example, a washing course suitable for feature 1 (T-shirt) and a washing course suitable for feature 2 (dress shirt). Furthermore, two washing courses are selected for the classified and identified "wool coat" laundry object, for example, a washing course suitable for feature 3 (coat) and a washing course suitable for feature 4 (low-temperature ironing). Furthermore, two washing courses are selected for the classified and identified "jeans" laundry object, for example, a washing course suitable for feature 5 (slim fit) and a washing course suitable for feature 6 (wide fit). Furthermore, two washing courses are selected for the classified and identified "silk dress" laundry object, for example, a washing course suitable for feature 7 (rubbing wash recommended) and a washing course suitable for feature 8 (sleeveless). By displaying these washing courses on the terminal device 2, the user may select a desired washing course from features 1 to 8.

[0050] Alternatively, the laundry management device 1 may select a suitable washing course from among Features 1 to 8 by learning based on past selection data by the user.

[0051] In laundry management device 1, communication control unit 11a receives information about the washing course (S9), and usage limit determination unit 11d determines the usage limit (time period) available for that course (S10). Specifically, store information DB 16 manages information about the characteristics of washing machines 5 installed in each store, specifically, information about the type of washing machine (size, or whether it is a specialized washing machine for futons, shoes, etc.) and the washing courses that can be used. Therefore, usage limit determination unit 11d detects the characteristics of washing machines 5 installed in the store where the user has made a reservation request, confirms that washing machines 5 are compatible with the selected course, and determines the usage limit for that store. After determining the usage limit in this way, display data including information about the usage limit is sent to terminal device 2 via communication control unit 11a (S11).

[0052] In the user's terminal device 2, the communication control unit 21a receives the display data, and under the control of the display control unit 21b, displays the display data including information related to the usage limit on the display unit 24 (S12).

[0053] 9 includes the reservation status and available usage slots (reservable slots) of each of the multiple washing machines 5 in the desired store for reservation. For example, the display data for information on usage slots includes, on a time axis, information on available time slots T1 for each of the multiple washing machines 5-1 to 5-3 in the desired store as information on available usage slots. The display data for information on usage slots also includes, on the time axis, information on reserved time slots T2 for each of the multiple washing machines 5-1 to 5-3 in the desired store. The display data for information on usage slots may also include a reservation-allocated mark A2 near the reserved time slots T2.

[0054] The available time slots T1 and the reserved time slots T2 are represented by lines extending on the time axis and dots indicating the start and end times. The available time slots T1 and the reserved time slots T2 are represented by different attributes (line type, line width, color, etc.) so that they can be distinguished.

[0055] This allows the user to understand the available time slot T1 and the reserved time slot T2 of each of the multiple washing machines 5-1 to 5-3 in the desired store from the display data of terminal device 2, and to make a reservation for the desired time slot.

[0056] Furthermore, the display data regarding the usage slots may include information about unavailable time slots T3 of the desired store on time slots T2 for which all of the washing machines 5-1 to 5-3 are reserved. The unavailable time slots T3 are represented by a frame that surrounds the reserved time slots T2 of all of the washing machines 5-1 to 5-3 and the reserved mark A2. This allows the user to understand the unavailable time slots T3 of the store from the display data of terminal device 2.

[0057] Display data of the information on the usage slots may be displayed on a general information display unit or the like in a desired store. In this way, even a user who comes to the store without a reservation can understand the available time slot T1 and the reserved time slot T2 of each of the plurality of washing machines 5-1 to 5-3, as well as the unavailable time slot T3 of the store. In particular, in the unavailable time slot T3, the doors of all washing machines 5-1 to 5-3 may be locked to prevent anyone other than the person who made the reservation from using the washing machines. In this case, a user who comes to the store without making a reservation can understand that all washing machines 5-1 to 5-3 are unavailable due to the reservation.

[0058] The laundry management device 1 may transmit information to the user's terminal device 2 to adjust the amount of water and the water temperature of the washing machine based on the color in the information about the laundry objects. For example, if there is a mixture of laundry objects with dark colors and laundry objects with light colors, the amount of water may be adjusted (increased) or the water temperature may be adjusted (not increased).

[0059] When the reservation date and time is determined on this screen, reservation date and time information is sent to the laundry management device 1 via the communication control unit 21a (S13). In the laundry management device 1, the communication control unit 11a receives the reservation date and time information, and the management unit 11e registers and manages it as reservation information in the reservation information DB 15 (S15). Then, a payment notification is sent to the user's terminal device 2 (S16).

[0060] In the user's terminal device 2, the communication control unit 21a receives the display data and displays it on the display unit 24 under the control of the display control unit 21b (S17). Then, when a payment request is sent to the laundry management apparatus 1 (S18), the communication control unit 11a in the laundry management apparatus 1 accepts it, the payment unit 11i executes electronic payment (S20), and the management unit 11e updates the registration information in the reservation information DB 15, regarding the reservation as completed (S21). This completes the series of processes related to the reservation.

[0061] Next, the processing procedure for executing laundry by the laundry management system will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0062] When the process starts, the user's terminal device 2 starts the application software when the user arrives at the store and checks the reservation details on My Page or the like (S31). Then, the user selects a washing machine (S32), and transmits the course information (command) acquired from the laundry management device 1 to the washing machine 5 via short-range wireless communication via the communication control unit 21a (S33). At this time, information regarding adjustments such as the amount of water in the washing machine may be transmitted to the washing machine 5 as described above. In this way, transmitting a command to the washing machine 5 via short-range wireless communication makes it possible to easily instruct the washing machine to operate.

[0063] In washing machine 5, communication control unit 51c receives the course information (S34), and command processing unit 51a processes the command and sets the washing course (S35). At this time, the amount of water in the washing machine may be adjusted. Then, under the control of drive control unit 51b, drive mechanism 53 is controlled to perform washing (S36).

[0064] When the washing is completed in this way, a completion notification is sent to the user's terminal device 2 via the communication control unit 51c (S37). In the user's terminal device 2, the communication control unit 21a receives the completion notification and displays it on the display unit 24 under the control of the display control unit 21b (S38).

[0065] When the evaluation is input, the evaluation data is transmitted to the laundry management device 1 under the control of the communication control unit 21a (S39). In the laundry management device 1, the communication control unit 11a receives the evaluation data (S40), and the management unit 11e registers the evaluation data in the learning DB 17 (S41), performs machine learning based on the data, and updates the mathematical model for the washing course (S42). This completes the series of processes related to the washing execution.

[0066] Next, the processing procedure for providing rewards by the laundry management system will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0067] When the washing machine 5 completes the wash (S51), it transmits the door open / close status to the laundry management device 1 (S52). In the laundry management device 1, the communication control unit 11a receives the information regarding the door open / close status (S53), and if it determines that the door has been opened or closed within a predetermined time (branching S54 to Yes), it transmits a reward notification to the user's terminal device 2 (S55). The user's terminal device 2 receives the reward notification via the communication control unit 21a and displays it on the display unit 24, allowing the user to confirm that the reward has been granted.

[0068] The reward may be, for example, points or a coupon that can be used next time. In this way, by providing a reward to a user who removes laundry from a washing machine within the reserved time, the user can be encouraged to complete the laundry task within the reserved time from the next time onwards, thereby improving the operating efficiency of washing machines in the store.

[0069] During the above series of processes, the manager can use the terminal device 3 to check the operation status and reservation status of each washing machine 5 in his / her store as needed.

[0070] As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a laundry management device including a receiving unit (11a) that receives information about the laundry object from the user's terminal device 2, an object specifying unit (11b) that analyzes the information about the laundry object and specifies the laundry object, and a course selecting unit (11c) that selects a washing course suitable for the laundry object. This makes it possible to automatically and easily select a washing course suitable for the laundry object, thereby improving user convenience.

[0071] Furthermore, the laundry management device may include a usage quota specifying unit (11d) that specifies an available usage quota for a washing course, and a transmission unit (11a) that transmits information about the washing course and the usage quota to a user's terminal device and prompts the user to confirm the reservation. This makes it possible to present the available usage quota for each washing course on a store-by-store basis and accept reservations, thereby improving the operational efficiency of the store.

[0072] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these and that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0073] In the above-described embodiment, in the laundry management device 1, the usage limit specification unit 11d may allocate a washing machine of an appropriate size as a washing machine for the available usage limit, depending on the weight of the laundry object.

[0074] Furthermore, if a washing machine of an appropriate size corresponding to the weight of the laundry object is not available (if it is in use or broken), the usage limit specification unit 11d may assign a washing machine of a size different from the appropriate size as a washing machine for the available usage limit. In this case, the laundry management device 1 may transmit information for changing the operation settings of the assigned washing machine of a different size to the user's terminal device 2. Furthermore, the laundry management device 1 may transmit information for changing the usage fee of the assigned washing machine of a different size or information on a discount for the next time to the user's terminal device 2. Furthermore, the user's terminal device 2 may display the assigned washing machine of a different size, information for changing its operation settings, and information for changing the usage fee or information on a discount for the next time in the display data of the available usage limit (FIG. 9).

[0075] In this way, when a washing machine of an appropriate size corresponding to the weight of the items to be washed is not available, the laundry management device 1 and the user's terminal device 2 may suggest to the user whether to change the operation settings of an available washing machine of a different size and use it, or to change the usage fee or to use it with the benefit of a discount for the next time. This allows the user to choose whether to change the operation settings of an available washing machine of a different size and use it, or to change the usage fee or to use it with the benefit of a discount for the next time, when a washing machine of an appropriate size corresponding to the weight of the items to be washed is not available.

[0076] For example, if the weight of the laundry item is small but an appropriate medium-sized washing machine is not available at the desired store, the laundry management device 1 and the user's terminal device 2 suggest to the user whether to use an available large-sized washing machine by reducing the amount of water used in the wash and rinse cycles to an appropriate amount or by reducing the drying cycle time to an appropriate time. In this case, the laundry management device 1 and the user's terminal device 2 may suggest a discount on the usage fee. Alternatively, instead of a discount on the usage fee, they may suggest discount information for the next use, such as issuing a coupon or awarding points.

[0077] Alternatively, for example, if the weight of the laundry item is heavy but an appropriate large-size washing machine is not available at the desired store, the laundry management device 1 and the user's terminal device 2 may suggest to the user whether to use an available medium-size washing machine by increasing the amount of water used in the wash and rinse strokes to an appropriate amount or by increasing the drying stroke time to an appropriate time in the operation settings. In this case, the laundry management device 1 and the user's terminal device 2 may suggest increasing the usage fee.

[0078] Depending on the area where the store is located, the operating efficiency of medium-sized washing machines, which correspond to the average amount of laundry done by ordinary household users, may be high, while the operating efficiency of large large-sized washing machines may be low. Alternatively, depending on the season, the operating efficiency of large-sized washing machines may be high, while the operating efficiency of medium-sized washing machines may be low. In this regard, according to this embodiment, the operating rate of unused washing machines can be improved. Furthermore, if medium-sized washing machines can be operated as large-sized washing machines, the number of large-sized washing machines installed can be reduced, and the number of medium-sized washing machines installed, which correspond to the average amount of laundry done by ordinary household users and have a high operating rate, can be increased.

[0079] Furthermore, if a washing machine of an appropriate size corresponding to the weight of the laundry object is not available (if it is in use or broken), the laundry management device 1 may transmit information not to change the operation settings of the allocated washing machine of a different size as described above, in addition to information to change the operation settings. Furthermore, the laundry management device 1 may transmit information not to change the operation settings of the allocated washing machine of a different size, in addition to information to change the usage fee or information on a discount for the next load, to the user's terminal device 2. Furthermore, the user's terminal device 2 may display, in the display data of the available usage limit (FIG. 9), the allocated washing machine of a different size, information to change its operation settings, information to change the usage fee or information on a discount for the next load, and information not to change its operation settings and usage fee.

[0080] In this way, when a washing machine of an appropriate size corresponding to the weight of the items to be washed is not available, the laundry management device 1 and the user's terminal device 2 may suggest to the user whether to use an available washing machine of a different size by changing the operation settings, and to use it by changing the usage fee or to receive a discount benefit for the next time, or to use it without changing the operation settings or the usage fee.This allows the user to select whether to use an available washing machine of a different size by changing the operation settings, and to use it by changing the usage fee or to receive a discount benefit for the next time, or to use it without changing the operation settings or the usage fee, when a washing machine of an appropriate size corresponding to the weight of the items to be washed is not available.

[0081] For example, if the weight of the laundry item is small but an appropriate medium-sized washing machine is not available at the desired store, the laundry management device 1 and the user's terminal device 2 suggest to the user whether to use an available large-sized washing machine by reducing the amount of water used in the wash and rinse strokes in the operation settings to an appropriate amount and / or reducing the drying stroke time to an appropriate time, or to use the machine with the large-sized operation settings as is. The laundry management device 1 and the user's terminal device 2 may suggest a discount on the usage fee if the operation settings are changed, or may suggest that the usage fee not be changed if the operation settings are not changed. Instead of a discount on the usage fee, the laundry management device 1 and the user's terminal device 2 may suggest discount information for the next purchase, such as the issuance of a coupon or the awarding of points.

[0082] Alternatively, for example, if the weight of the laundry item is heavy but an appropriate L-size washing machine is not available at the desired store, the laundry management device 1 and the user's terminal device 2 suggest to the user whether to use an available M-size washing machine by increasing the amount of water in the wash and rinse strokes in the operation settings to an appropriate amount, or by increasing the drying stroke time to an appropriate time, or to use the washing machine with the M-size operation settings as is. Note that the laundry management device 1 and the user's terminal device 2 may suggest increasing the usage fee if the operation settings are changed, or keeping the usage fee unchanged if the operation settings are not changed.

[0083] As mentioned above, if a medium-sized washing machine is not available, by comparing and suggesting a version of an large-sized washing machine in which the operating settings have been reduced in terms of the amount of water used for washing and rinsing and the drying time, thereby reducing the usage fee, with a version in which the operating settings and usage fee remain the same, the user can be guided to the version of the large-sized washing machine in which the operating settings have been reduced in terms of the amount of water used for washing and rinsing and the drying time, thereby achieving water conservation from the perspective of the SDGs and reducing water bills from the perspective of the administrator.

[0084] In the above-described embodiment and modified examples, the types of washing machines (laundry equipment) include, for example, washer-dryers capable of both washing and drying, washing machines capable of only washing, and dryers capable of only drying, and the sizes (dimensions) of washing machines include, for example, S size, M size, L size, and XL size. The washing courses include, for example, a wash-dry course, a washing course, and a drying course, and for each washing course, operation settings related to the operation of the washing machine are set. The operation settings are, for example, - Water volume, water temperature, presence and amount of detergent, presence and amount of auxiliary agent, time, number of rotations and number of repetitions in the washing process, - Water volume, water temperature, presence and amount of fabric softener, presence and amount of auxiliary agent, time, rotation speed and number of repetitions in the rinsing process, The time and rotation speed of the dehydration process, and - Temperature and time of the drying process; and the like.

[0085] The washing courses may include a small amount course in which the operation settings are adjusted to accommodate small amounts of laundry, a heavy-duty washing course in which the operation settings are adjusted to accommodate highly soiled laundry, a delicates course in which the operation settings are adjusted to accommodate laundry items that require delicate handling, a sterilization and deodorization course in which the operation settings of the drying function are adjusted to sterilize and deodorize laundry items while they are dry, and so on.

[0086] In this embodiment and the modified example, selecting a washing course means selecting a washing course that includes differences in these parameters, and changing the operation settings means changing these parameters. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1...laundry management device, 2...user's terminal device, 3...administrator's terminal device, 4...store, 5...washing machine (laundry equipment), 11...control unit, 11a...communication control unit, 11b...target identification unit, 11c...course selection unit, 11d...usage limit identification unit, 11e...management unit, 11f...washing execution control unit, 11g...learning unit, 11i...payment unit, 11j...reward processing unit, 12...communication I / F, 13...storage unit, 14... User information DB, 15...reservation information DB, 16...store information DB, 17...learning DB, 21...control unit, 21a...communication control unit, 21b...display control unit, 21c...main control unit, 22...communication I / F, 23...operation input unit, 24...display unit, 25...imaging unit, 26...memory unit, 51...control unit, 51a...command processing unit, 51b...drive control unit, 51c...communication control unit, 52...communication I / F, 53...drive mechanism.

Claims

1. a receiving unit that receives information about an object to be washed from a user's terminal device; an object identification unit that analyzes information about the object to be washed and identifies the object to be washed; a course selection unit that selects a washing course that is suitable for the object to be washed; a usage limit specifying unit that specifies an available usage limit for the washing course; a transmission unit that transmits information about the washing course and the usage limit to a user's terminal device and prompts the user to confirm the reservation; Equipped with the usage limit specifying unit assigns laundry machines of appropriate sizes as laundry machines for the available usage limit according to the weight of the laundry items; If a laundry machine of the appropriate size corresponding to the weight of the laundry object is not available, the usage limit specifying unit assigns a laundry machine of a size different from the appropriate size as a laundry machine for the available usage limit, transmitting information to a user's terminal device to change the operating settings of the assigned laundry machines of different sizes; Laundry management equipment.

2. The laundry management device according to claim 1 , wherein the information about the laundry object includes at least one of the type, weight, type of fiber, color, whether high temperature is acceptable, and whether ironing is acceptable.

3. The laundry management device according to claim 1 , wherein the information about the laundry object is image data of a tag on the laundry object that displays information about the laundry object.

4. The laundry management device according to claim 1 , wherein the information regarding the usage limit includes, on a time axis, information regarding the available time slots of each of a plurality of laundry machines in the user's desired store.

5. The information regarding the usage quota is: On a time axis, information on reserved time slots for each of a plurality of laundry machines in the user's desired store is included; The laundry management apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein all of the plurality of laundry machines include information on unavailable time slots of the desired store in the reserved time slots assigned to them.

6. The laundry management device according to claim 1 , further comprising: transmitting information for changing the usage fee for the allocated laundry equipment of a different size or information for a discount for the next use to the user's terminal device.

7. The laundry management device of claim 1 transmits to the user's terminal device information for changing the operating settings of the assigned laundry equipment of a different size, information for changing the usage fee or information for a discount on the next use, as well as information for not changing the operating settings and usage fee.

8. The laundry management device according to claim 1 , wherein if the door of the laundry machine is opened and closed within a predetermined time after the completion of washing, a reward notification is sent to the user's terminal device.

9. In a laundry management system including a user terminal device and a laundry management device, The laundry management device includes: a first receiving unit that receives information about an object to be washed from a user's terminal device; an object identification unit that analyzes information about the object to be washed and identifies the object to be washed; a course selection unit that selects a washing course that is suitable for the object to be washed; a usage limit specifying unit that specifies an available usage limit for the washing course; a first transmission unit that transmits information about the washing course and the usage limit to a user terminal; Equipped with The user's terminal device a second transmission unit that transmits information about the laundry object to the laundry management device; a second receiving unit that receives information regarding the washing course and the usage limit; a display unit that displays information based on the information; Equipped with the first transmission unit of the laundry management device transmits program information for operating the laundry device to the user's terminal device based on the selection of the laundry device; The second transmission unit of the user's terminal device transmits the course information to the laundry machine and commands the laundry machine to operate. Laundry management system.

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