Laundry equipment

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of increasing a satisfaction level of users of a coin laundry.SOLUTION: A method for collecting a usage fee of a coin laundry comprises: an operation start step of starting a drying operation; an operation ending determination step of determining whether or not to end the drying operation based on dry state of an article to be dried after the drying operation starts; an operation end step of ending the drying operation when determining to end the drying operation at the operation finishing determination step; a usage fee calculation step (step S12) of calculating the usage fee based on operation time from starting to end the drying operation after the operation end step; and a settlement step (step S13) of settling the usage fee.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention provides Laundry equipment Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] As is well known, a coin laundry is a store equipped with multiple laundry machines. Customers visit a coin laundry, place their clothes in the laundry machine, and pay a fee by inserting coins into the laundry machine to have the laundry machine wash, dry, or wash and dry their clothes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3562580 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-205480 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As described above, a typical coin laundry first accepts coins inserted by the customer, and then the laundry machine begins operation. In other words, the usage fee is collected on a prepayment basis. Regarding the drying operation, the operation time is determined based on the number of coins inserted by the customer, and the drying operation is performed for that duration. Therefore, a customer who desires the drying operation must estimate the operation time required to dry their clothes and insert the appropriate number of coins. However, the required operation time varies depending on the type and amount of clothes to be dried, the temperature of the day, the specifications and condition of the laundry machine being used, and so on. Therefore, it is extremely difficult for the average customer to accurately predict the required operation time.

[0005] If the number of coins inserted corresponds to a shorter running time than the required time, the drying cycle will end before the clothes are sufficiently dry. In this case, the user will have to insert more coins to run an additional drying cycle, which is inconvenient and frustrating.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, The user can decide whether to end the drying operation. The purpose is to provide technology. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention takes the following measures.

[0008] That is, the present invention The laundry machine is a laundry machine that transmits and receives data via a user terminal device and a server device and performs a drying operation on an object to be dried, and is characterized by comprising: a drying condition determination unit that determines the drying condition of the object to be dried; a data notification unit that notifies the user terminal device of data including the dryness degree corresponding to the drying condition determined by the drying condition determination unit; and an operation termination determination unit that, when a reservation to terminate the drying operation is notified from the user terminal device during the drying operation, determines to terminate the drying operation when the waiting time notified along with the termination reservation has elapsed from the time the termination reservation instruction was notified.

[0009] The present invention Laundry equipment In a prediction data generating unit that generates prediction data indicating a prediction of a future change in the drying state of the object to be dried, and the data notifying unit notifies a user terminal device of the prediction data generated by the prediction data generating unit. It is preferable.

[0010] The present invention Laundry equipment In a transition data generating unit that generates transition data indicating a transition of the drying state of the object to be dried, and the data notifying unit notifies the user terminal device of the transition data generated by the transition data generating unit. It is preferable.

[0011] The present invention Laundry equipment In The method includes a storage unit that stores a plurality of typical patterns of transition data of dryness according to the type of the object to be dried, and the prediction data generating unit extracts a typical pattern that has a high degree of coincidence with the acquired transition data, and predicts the future transition of dryness based on the extracted typical pattern. It is preferable.

[0012] The laundry appliance of the present invention In The predicted data generating unit predicts the remaining time until the drying of the object to be dried is completed, and the data notifying unit notifies the user terminal device of the remaining time. It is preferable. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, The user can decide whether or not to end the drying operation. The user can also schedule the drying operation to end at any time. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1]1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the overall configuration of a usage fee collection system SY according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration realized in a usage fee collection system SY. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the overall flow of processing executed in the usage fee collection system SY. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the overall flow of processing executed in the usage fee collection system SY. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of processing related to setting of an operation end flag, which is executed in the usage fee collection system SY. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration realized in a usage fee collection system SYa according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a flow of processing related to setting of an operation end flag, which is executed in the usage fee collection system SYa. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration realized in a usage fee collection system SYb according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of processing related to setting of an operation end flag, which is executed in the usage fee collection system SYb. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of processing related to setting of an operation end flag, which is executed in the usage fee collection system SYb. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of processing related to setting of an operation end flag, which is executed in the usage fee collection system SYb. [Figure 12] 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a reception screen 8 displayed on a touch panel 30 of a user terminal device 3b. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration realized in a usage fee collection system SYc according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the overall flow of processing executed in the usage fee collection system SYc. [Figure 15]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a flow of processing related to setting of an operation end flag, which is executed in the usage fee collection system SYc. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a flow of processing related to setting of an operation end flag, which is executed in the usage fee collection system SYc. [Figure 17] 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a reception screen 9 displayed on a touch panel 30 of a user terminal device 3c. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0024] <<First Embodiment>> <1. Overall structure> A coin laundry usage fee collection method according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the overall configuration of a usage fee collection system SY, which is a system for realizing the coin laundry usage fee collection method according to an embodiment.

[0025] The usage fee collection system SY is a system for collecting usage fees for coin laundries 1, and is composed of multiple coin laundries 1, a server device 2, and a user terminal device 3 held by a user of the coin laundries 1.

[0026] The coin laundry 1 is a store that has multiple laundry machines 11 installed. Each laundry machine 11 dries clothes, fabric products, etc., or washes and dries them. Each laundry machine 11 is equipped with an operation panel that accepts various operations from users. Each laundry machine 11 also has a control unit that includes a microcomputer. The microcomputer includes a CPU, which is a central processing unit; a memory consisting of a volatile storage device such as RAM; a storage unit consisting of a non-volatile storage device such as ROM; a network interface for managing connections via a communication network N; and so on.

[0027] The server device 2 is configured by a general personal computer including a CPU, memory, storage unit, network interface, display unit, input unit, etc., or a workstation, which is a computer with higher performance than a general personal computer.

[0028] The user terminal device 3 is a communication terminal device held by a user of the coin laundry 1, and is configured to include a CPU, memory, storage unit, network interface, display unit, input unit, etc., and is capable of implementing general information processing functions. Specific examples of the user terminal device 3 include smartphones, tablet-type communication terminals, mobile phones, and laptop computers. In the following explanation, the display unit and input unit of the user terminal device 3 are assumed to be configured as a touch panel 30.

[0029] Each laundry machine 11, server device 2, and each user terminal device 3 installed in each coin laundry 1 are capable of sending and receiving data to and from each other via a communication network N such as the Internet.

[0030] <2. Functional Blocks> Next, the functional configuration of the usage fee collection system SY will be described with reference to Fig. 2 in addition to Fig. 1. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration realized in the usage fee collection system SY.

[0031] Each laundry machine 11 installed in each coin laundry 1 comprises a start processing unit 101 that performs processing related to the start of operation, a maximum operation time setting unit 102 that sets the maximum drying operation time (hereinafter referred to as the "maximum operation time") T, a flag management unit 103 that manages the settings of an operation start flag and an operation end flag, an operation control unit 104 that controls the drying operation, and an operation end determination unit 105 that determines whether to end the drying operation. Each functional unit of the laundry machine 11 is realized by a microcomputer that constitutes the control unit of the laundry machine 11 executing a program stored in memory.

[0032] The server device 2 includes a usage fee calculation unit 201 that calculates the usage fee from the operation time notified by the laundry machine 11, and a payment processing unit 202 that processes the payment of the usage fee. Each functional unit of the server device 2 is realized by installing predetermined application software on the personal computer that constitutes the server device 2.

[0033] The user terminal device 3 includes a payment information notification unit 301 that notifies the user of payment details, etc. Each functional unit of the user terminal device 3 is realized by installing predetermined application software in the communication terminal device that constitutes the user terminal device 3.

[0034] <3. Processing flow> <3-1. Overall flow> Next, the overall flow of the processing executed in the usage fee collection system SY will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figures 3 and 4 are diagrams showing the flow of the processing.

[0035] Step S1: After the power of the laundry equipment 11 is turned on, the user inputs predetermined user information (e.g., identification information and password) from the operation panel provided on the laundry equipment 11 and operates the operation start button, and the start processing unit 101 accepts the input operation.

[0036] Step S2: Next, the start processing unit 101 notifies the server device 2 of the input user information together with its own machine's identification information. The server device 2 compares the notified user information with the customer database stored in the storage unit, and if it matches registered user information, notifies the laundry device 11 of permission to start operation. On the other hand, if the notified user information does not match any of the registered user information, the server device 2 notifies the laundry device 11 that permission to start operation is not permitted. When the start processing unit 101 receives a notification of permission to start operation from the server device 2, it proceeds to processing of step S3. On the other hand, when a notification of denial of permission to start operation is received from the server device 2, the start processing unit 101 displays an error message or the like on the operation panel and returns to processing of step S1 again.

[0037] Step S3: When receiving a notification of permission to start operation from the server device 2, the start processing unit 101 causes the flag management unit 103 to set the operation start flag to ON.

[0038] Step S4: Furthermore, the start processing unit 101 causes the maximum operation time setting unit 102 to set the maximum operation time T. The maximum operation time setting unit 102 adds a predetermined margin time to the standard operation time defined according to the weight of the material to be dried placed in the drum, and sets the obtained time as the maximum operation time T.

[0039] Step S5: On the other hand, after the power of the laundry machine 11 is turned on, the operation control unit 104 determines whether or not the operation start flag is set to ON.

[0040] Step S6: If it is determined that the operation start flag is set to ON, the operation control unit 104 starts controlling the drive mechanisms of the drum motor, the fan motor, and the gas burner, thereby causing these components to start operating in order and starting the drying operation. The operation control unit 104 also starts counting up the operation time.

[0041] Step S7: When the drying operation is started, the operation control unit 104 determines whether or not the operation end flag is set to ON. The process related to setting the operation end flag will be described later.

[0042] Step S8: If it is determined that the operation end flag is set to ON, the operation control unit 104 controls the drive mechanisms of the drum motor, fan motor, and gas burner to stop the operation of each of these parts in turn, thereby ending the drying operation.

[0043] Step S9: Thereafter, the operation control unit 104 stops counting up the operation time, and notifies the server device 2 of the counted operation time, i.e., the operation time from the start to the end of the drying operation. Furthermore, the operation control unit 104 clears the count of the operation time.

[0044] Step S10: Subsequently, the operation control unit 104 causes the flag management unit 103 to set both the operation start flag and the operation end flag to OFF.

[0045] Step S11: Meanwhile, the server device 2 determines whether or not the laundry machine 11 that has notified the operation start permission has notified it of the operation time.

[0046] Step S12: When the laundry machine 11 notifies the operation time, the usage fee calculation unit 201 calculates the usage fee based on the notified operation time. Specifically, the usage fee is calculated by multiplying the notified operation time by a predetermined fee per unit time.

[0047] Step S13: Next, the payment processing unit 202 pays the calculated usage fee by cashless payment. Specifically, the payment processing unit 202 refers to the customer database stored in the storage unit, reads the account information registered in association with the user information acquired in step S1, and debits the calculated usage fee from the account.

[0048] Step S14: When the payment is completed, the payment processing unit 202 notifies the user terminal device 3 of the payment details (specifically, the paid usage fee). When the user terminal device 3 acquires the notification of the payment details, the payment information notifying unit 301 generates a notification screen that displays the fact that the drying operation has ended and the notified payment details, and displays this on the touch panel 30. By looking at the notification screen displayed on the touch panel 30, the user can know that the drying operation has ended and can also confirm the payment details.

[0049] <3-2. Setting the operation end flag> Next, the flow of processing related to setting of the driving end flag will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the flow of the processing.

[0050] Step S101: When the drying operation is started, the operation end determination unit 105 determines whether or not the maximum operation time T has elapsed, that is, whether or not the elapsed time since the start of operation (elapsed operation time) has exceeded the maximum operation time T. If it is determined that the maximum operation time T has elapsed, the operation end determination unit 105 determines that the drying operation should be terminated, and proceeds to the processing of step S107. On the other hand, if it is determined that the maximum operation time T has not elapsed, it proceeds to the processing of step S102.

[0051] Step S102: The user visits the coin laundry 1 at any time after the drying operation has started and checks the drying status of the items to be dried. Specifically, the user first operates the operation button to instruct the user to unlock the door of the laundry machine 11 that the user is using. If operation of the operation button to instruct the user to unlock the door is detected, the process proceeds to step S103. On the other hand, if such operation is not detected, the process returns to step S101.

[0052] Step S103: If an operation of the operation button instructing to unlock the door is detected, the operation control unit 104 accepts the operation and temporarily stops the drying operation. That is, the operation control unit 104 controls the drive mechanisms of the drum motor, fan motor, and gas burner to temporarily stop the operation of each of these units. Thereafter, the operation control unit 104 unlocks the door.

[0053] When the door is unlocked, the user opens the door and touches the items to be dried inside to check their drying status. If the user determines that the items are sufficiently dry, the user presses the operation button to instruct the drying operation to end. On the other hand, if the user determines that the items are not sufficiently dry, the user closes the door again and presses the operation button to instruct the drying operation to resume.

[0054] Step S104: If the operation button for instructing the end of the drying operation is operated, the operation end determination unit 105 determines that the drying operation should be ended, and proceeds to the processing of step S107.

[0055] Step S105: On the other hand, if the operation button for instructing the restart of the drying operation is operated, the operation end determination unit 105 determines that the drying operation should not be ended, and proceeds to the processing of step S106.

[0056] Step S106: If it is determined that the drying operation should not be terminated, the operation termination determination unit 105 instructs the operation control unit 104 to resume the drying operation. In response to the instruction, the operation control unit 104 locks the door again and controls the drive mechanisms of the drum motor, fan motor, and gas burner to resume the drying operation.

[0057] Step S107: If it is determined that the drying operation should be terminated (i.e., if it is determined that the maximum operation time T has elapsed (YES in step S101), or if an operation button is operated to instruct the end of the drying operation (YES in step S104)), the operation termination determination unit 105 causes the flag management unit 103 to set the operation termination flag to ON. As described above, when the operation termination flag is set to ON, the drying operation is terminated.

[0058] <4. Effects> According to this embodiment, the system includes an operation start process (step S6) for starting the drying operation, an operation termination determination process (steps S101 to S107) for determining whether to terminate the drying operation after the drying operation has started based on the drying state of the object to be dried, an operation termination process (step S8) for terminating the drying operation if it is determined in the operation termination determination process that the drying operation should be terminated, a usage fee calculation process (step S12) for calculating a usage fee based on the operating time from the start to the end of the drying operation after the operation termination process, and a payment process (step S13) for settling the usage fee.

[0059] With this configuration, the drying operation is not performed for the time period corresponding to the prepaid usage fee, but the usage fee is calculated and settled based on the actual operation time, eliminating the need for users to estimate the required operation time before the drying operation begins. Furthermore, since the end timing of the drying operation is determined based on the actual drying state, situations such as the operation time being longer than necessary or being insufficient are less likely to occur, and users are charged an appropriate usage fee. This provides a high level of satisfaction to users of the coin laundry 1.

[0060] This embodiment also includes a setting step (step S4) for setting a maximum operation time. Then, in the operation end determination step, it is determined that the drying operation should be ended when the maximum operation time has elapsed, regardless of the dryness state of the object to be dried (step S101).

[0061] With this configuration, the drying operation ends when the maximum operation time T has elapsed, regardless of the drying condition of the items to be dried, so the operation time will not exceed the maximum operation time T. Therefore, even if a user forgets to come back to check the drying condition, the drying operation will not be performed excessively, and the user will not be charged an excessive usage fee. Therefore, users can use the coin laundry 1 with peace of mind.

[0062] In addition, in this embodiment, payment of the usage fee is made by cashless payment, which improves convenience for users. Furthermore, when paying by cash by inserting coins, the operating time corresponds to one coin as a unit time, making it difficult to adjust the operating time in small increments. However, with cashless payment, there are no such restrictions, so the operating time can be adjusted freely. As a result, the usage fee can be made particularly appropriate.

[0063] In this embodiment, in the operation end determination step, the door of laundry machine 11 is unlocked to allow the user to check the drying state of the items to be dried (step S103), and then, if an instruction to end the drying operation is received from the user, it is determined that the drying operation is to be ended (step S104). With this configuration, the user can open the door of laundry machine 11, actually touch the items to be dried inside, check their drying state, and end the drying operation at the desired drying state.

[0064] In this embodiment, after the drying operation is completed, a notification step is performed to notify the user that the drying operation has been completed and to confirm the payment details (step S13). Therefore, the user can know that the drying operation has been completed and can confirm the payment details without having to wait at the coin laundry 1.

[0065] <<Second embodiment>> A usage fee collection system SYa according to the second embodiment will now be described. Similar to the usage fee collection system SY according to the first embodiment, the usage fee collection system SYa includes multiple coin laundry machines 11a, a server device 2, and a user terminal device 3. The following explanation focuses on differences from the first embodiment. Elements that are the same as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their explanation will be omitted.

[0066] <1. Functional Block> The functional configuration of the usage fee collection system SYa will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration realized in the usage fee collection system SYa.

[0067] Each laundry machine 11a is provided with a temperature sensor 111 in its exhaust pipe. In addition to the above-described functional units 101 to 105, each laundry machine 11a also includes a temperature information acquisition unit 106 that acquires the value detected by the temperature sensor 111, and a dryness state determination unit 107 that determines the dryness state of the object to be dried.

[0068] <2. Processing flow> The overall flow of processing executed in the usage fee collection system SYA according to this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment (FIGS. 3 and 4). However, in the usage fee collection system SYA, the processing flow related to setting the operation end flag differs from that of the first embodiment. The processing related to setting the operation end flag executed in the usage fee collection system SYA will be described below with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the processing flow.

[0069] Step S201: When the drying operation is started, the operation end determination unit 105 determines whether or not the maximum operation time T has elapsed. If it is determined that the maximum operation time T has elapsed, the operation end determination unit 105 determines that the drying operation should be terminated, and proceeds to the processing of step S205. On the other hand, if it is determined that the maximum operation time T has not elapsed, it proceeds to the processing of step S202.

[0070] Step S202: Next, the temperature information acquisition unit 106 determines whether or not it has acquired temperature information from the temperature sensor 111 provided in the exhaust pipe. That is, when the drying operation is started, the temperature sensor 111 provided in the exhaust pipe acquires temperature information inside the exhaust pipe at predetermined regular intervals (for example, every minute) and notifies the temperature information acquisition unit 106. If the temperature information acquisition unit 106 has acquired temperature information, the process proceeds to step S203. On the other hand, if no temperature information has been acquired, the process returns to step S201.

[0071] Step S203: The temperature inside the exhaust pipe correlates with the dryness of the items to be dried, and the storage unit of the laundry machine 11a stores correlation data that indicates the correlation between the dryness level of the items to be dried and the temperature inside the exhaust pipe. Here, "dryness level" is a parameter that quantifies the dryness level (degree of dryness) of the items to be dried, for example, on a scale of 0 to 100. When the temperature information is acquired, the dryness level determination unit 107 refers to the correlation data stored in the storage unit and obtains the dryness level corresponding to the temperature information. This allows the dryness level of the items to be dried to be determined.

[0072] Step S204: Subsequently, the operation termination determination unit 105 determines whether the dryness level determined in step S203 is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold value. The "first threshold value" is a dryness level value (e.g., 95) corresponding to a dryness state that can generally be considered as when the object to be dried is sufficiently dried, and is pre-registered in the storage unit. That is, here, it is determined whether the object to be dried is sufficiently dried. If it is determined that the dryness level is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, the operation termination determination unit 105 determines that the drying operation should be terminated, and proceeds to the processing of step S205. On the other hand, if it is determined that the dryness level is less than the first threshold value, the operation termination determination unit 105 determines that the drying operation should not be terminated, and returns to the processing of step S201.

[0073] Step S205: If it is determined that the drying operation should be terminated (i.e., if it is determined that the maximum operation time T has elapsed (YES in step S201), or if it is determined that the dryness is equal to or greater than the first threshold value (YES in step S204)), the operation termination determination unit 105 causes the flag management unit 103 to set the operation termination flag to ON. As described above, when the operation termination flag is set to ON, the drying operation is terminated.

[0074] <3. Effects> In this embodiment, in the operation termination determination process (steps S201 to S205), the dryness state of the object to be dried is determined using the detection value of the temperature sensor 111 provided in the exhaust pipe of the laundry appliance 11a (steps S202 to S203), and it is determined whether or not to terminate the drying operation based on the determined dryness state (step S204).

[0075] With this configuration, the decision to end the drying operation is made based on the drying state determined using the detection value of the temperature sensor 111 installed in the exhaust pipe of the laundry machine 11a, eliminating the need for the user to actually touch the items to be dried to check their drying state. This eliminates the need for the user to visit the coin laundry 1 to check the drying state, improving user convenience. Furthermore, since the drying operation is not temporarily stopped to allow the user to check the drying state, the operation time can be shortened accordingly.

[0076] <<Third Embodiment>> A usage fee collection system SYb according to the third embodiment will now be described. Similar to the usage fee collection systems SY and SYA according to the first and second embodiments, the usage fee collection system SYb includes multiple coin laundromats 1 each equipped with multiple laundry machines 11b, a server device 2, and a user terminal device 3b. The following explanation focuses on differences from the first and second embodiments. Elements that are the same as those in the first and second embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their explanation will be omitted.

[0077] <1. Functional Block> The functional configuration of the usage fee collection system SYb will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration realized in the usage fee collection system SYb.

[0078] Each laundry machine 11b is provided with a temperature sensor 111 in its exhaust pipe. In addition to the above-mentioned functional units 101 to 107, each laundry machine 11b also includes a transition data generator 108 that generates data (transition data) D1 indicating the transition of the drying state, a predicted data generator 109 that generates data (prediction data) D2 indicating a prediction of the future transition of the drying state, and a data notification unit 110 that notifies the user terminal device 3b of these pieces of data D1 and D2.

[0079] The user terminal device 3b includes, in addition to the above-described functional unit 301, an end instruction receiving unit 302 that receives an instruction to end the drying operation from the user.

[0080] <2. Processing flow> The overall flow of processing executed in the usage fee collection system SYb according to this embodiment is the same as that of the first and second embodiments (FIGS. 3 and 4). However, in the usage fee collection system SYb, the flow of processing related to setting the operation end flag differs from that of the first and second embodiments. The processing related to setting the operation end flag executed in the usage fee collection system SYb will be described below with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11. FIGS. 9 to 11 are diagrams showing the flow of the processing.

[0081] Step S301: When the drying operation is started, the operation end determination unit 105 determines whether or not the maximum operation time T has elapsed. If it is determined that the maximum operation time T has elapsed, the operation end determination unit 105 determines that the drying operation should be terminated, and proceeds to the processing of step S311. On the other hand, if it is determined that the maximum operation time T has not elapsed, it proceeds to the processing of step S302.

[0082] Step S302: Next, the temperature information acquisition unit 106 determines whether or not it has acquired temperature information from the temperature sensor 111 provided in the exhaust pipe. If the temperature information acquisition unit 106 has acquired temperature information, the process proceeds to step S303. On the other hand, if the temperature information has not been acquired, the process returns to step S301.

[0083] Step S303: When the temperature information is acquired, the dryness determining unit 107 refers to the correlation data stored in the storage unit and acquires the dryness level corresponding to the temperature information, thereby determining the dryness level of the object to be dried.

[0084] Step S304: Subsequently, the transition data generating unit 108 determines whether the dryness level identified in step S303 is equal to or greater than a predetermined second threshold value. The "second threshold value" is a dryness level value (e.g., 70) corresponding to a state in which the drying of the object to be dried has progressed to a certain extent, and is pre-registered in the storage unit. That is, here, it is determined whether the drying of the object to be dried has progressed to a certain extent. If it is determined that the dryness level is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, the transition data generating unit 108 determines that transition data D1 should be generated, and proceeds to the processing of step S305. On the other hand, if it is determined that the dryness level is less than the second threshold value, the processing returns to the processing of step S301.

[0085] Step S305: If it is determined that the trend data D1 should be generated, the trend data generation unit 108 generates data that chronologically organizes a group of dryness degrees acquired from the start of the drying operation to the present time based on the time at which the temperature information corresponding to the dryness degrees was acquired, and acquires this as the trend data D1.

[0086] Step S306: The transition of dryness is categorized into several patterns depending on the type of object to be dried, etc., and a plurality of pattern patterns of transition data D1 are stored in advance in the memory unit. When the transition data D1 is acquired in step S305, the prediction data generation unit 109 extracts the pattern that has the highest degree of match with the acquired transition data D1 from the plurality of pattern patterns stored in the memory unit, predicts the future transition of dryness based on the extracted pattern, and generates prediction data D2.

[0087] Step S307: When the transition data D1 and the prediction data D2 are acquired, the data notification unit 110 notifies the user terminal device 3 of the data D1 and D2 via the server device 2.

[0088] Step S401: In the user terminal device 3b, the end instruction receiving unit 302 determines whether the transition data D1 and the prediction data D2 have been acquired. When both the data D1 and D2 have been acquired, the process proceeds to step S402.

[0089] Step S402: When the transition data D1 and the prediction data D2 are acquired, the end instruction receiving unit 302 generates the reception screen 8 for receiving the end instruction, and displays it on the touch panel 30.

[0090] 12 shows an example of the configuration of the reception screen 8. As shown here, the reception screen 8 displays the transition data D1 and the prediction data D2 in a graph format. By looking at these data D1 and D2 on the reception screen 8, the user can understand how much drying has progressed at the present time and how the dryness level will change in the future.

[0091] The reception screen 8 includes an end icon 81 that displays "End drying" and an end reservation icon 82 that displays "Reserve end of drying." When reserving the end of drying, an input box 83 is also displayed in which the user can input a specification for how many minutes after which the drying should end. If the user wants to end the drying immediately, the user operates the end icon 81. If the user wants to reserve the end of drying, the user operates the end reservation icon 82 after specifying a desired time in the input box 83.

[0092] Steps S403 and S404: When the operation of the end icon 81 is accepted, the end instruction accepting unit 302 notifies the laundry machine 11b via the server device 2 of the acceptance.

[0093] Steps S405 and S406: On the other hand, if the operation of the end reservation icon 82 is accepted, the end instruction accepting unit 302 notifies the laundry device 11b of this fact via the server device 2 together with the time (standby time) entered in the input box 83.

[0094] Step S308: If a notification is acquired that the end icon 81 has been operated, the operation end determination unit 105 determines that the drying operation should be ended, and proceeds to the processing of step S311.

[0095] Step S309: On the other hand, if a notification that the end reservation icon 82 has been operated is acquired, the driving end determination unit 105 proceeds to the processing of step S310.

[0096] Step S310: When a notification is received that the completion reservation icon 82 has been operated, the operation completion determination unit 105 starts counting the timer and determines whether the standby time acquired together with the notification has elapsed. If it is determined that the standby time has elapsed, the operation completion determination unit 105 determines that the drying operation should be terminated, and proceeds to the processing of step S311.

[0097] Step S311: When it is determined that the drying operation should be terminated (i.e., when it is determined that the maximum operation time T has elapsed (YES in step S301), when it has received a notification that the termination icon 81 has been operated (YES in step S308), or when it has received a notification that the termination reservation icon 82 has been operated and the specified waiting time has elapsed (YES in step S310)), the operation termination determination unit 105 causes the flag management unit 103 to set the operation termination flag to ON. As described above, when the operation termination flag is set to ON, the drying operation is terminated.

[0098] <3. Effects> In this embodiment, the operation termination determination process (steps S301 to S311, steps S401 to S406) includes a transition data generation process (steps S302 to S305) for generating transition data D1 indicating the transition of the drying state of the items to be dried based on the detection value of temperature sensor 111 provided in the exhaust pipe of laundry appliance 11b, and a display process (step S402) for displaying transition data D1 on touch panel 30, which is the display screen of user terminal device 3 of the user. When an instruction to terminate the drying operation is received from user terminal device 3, it is determined that the drying operation should be terminated (steps S308, S311).

[0099] This configuration allows the user to decide whether to end the drying operation based on the transition data D1 that indicates the transition of the dryness state. Therefore, the user can end the drying operation at the desired dryness level. Also, since the user does not need to visit the coin laundry 1 to check the drying state, convenience for the user is improved. Furthermore, since the drying operation is not temporarily stopped to allow the user to check the drying state, the operation time can be shortened accordingly.

[0100] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the operation termination determination step (steps S301 to S311, steps S401 to S406) includes a prediction data generation step (step S306) for generating prediction data D2 that predicts a future transition in the drying state of the object to be dried based on the transition data D1, and the prediction data D2 is displayed together with the transition data D1 on the touch panel 30, which is the display screen of the user terminal device 3 of the user (step S402). Furthermore, when a reservation instruction to terminate the drying operation is acquired from the user terminal device 3, it is determined that the drying operation will be terminated after a specified waiting time has elapsed (steps S309 to S311).

[0101] With this configuration, the user can decide whether to end the drying operation based on the transition data D1 and the prediction data D2. The user can also schedule the drying operation to end at a desired time. By looking at the prediction data D2, the user can easily predict the time when the items to be dried will reach the desired dryness, so the user can easily specify an appropriate waiting time for stopping the drying operation when the desired dryness is reached.

[0102] <<Fourth Embodiment>> A usage fee collection system SYc according to the fourth embodiment will now be described. Similar to the usage fee collection systems SY, SYa, and SYb according to the first to third embodiments, the usage fee collection system SYc includes a plurality of coin laundromats 1 each having a plurality of laundry machines 11c installed therein, a server device 2, and a user terminal device 3c. The following explanation focuses on differences from the first to third embodiments. Furthermore, elements that are the same as those in the first to third embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their explanation will be omitted.

[0103] <1. Functional Block> The functional configuration of the usage fee collection system SYc will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration realized in the usage fee collection system SYc.

[0104] Each laundry machine 11c is provided with a temperature sensor 111 in its exhaust pipe. In addition to the above-mentioned functional units 101 to 107, each laundry machine 11c also has a dryness notification unit 112 that notifies the user terminal device 3c of the dryness of the items to be dried. In this embodiment, each laundry machine 11c also has a usage fee calculation unit 113 that calculates the usage fee from the operating time, and a payment processing unit 114 that processes the payment of the usage fee.

[0105] The user terminal device 3c includes an end instruction receiving unit 302.

[0106] <2. Processing flow> <2-1. Overall flow> Next, the overall flow of the processing executed in the usage fee collection system SYc will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing the flow of the processing.

[0107] Step S51: After the power of the laundry machine 11 is turned on, the start processing unit 101 accepts a prepayment from the user. The prepayment is made, for example, by the user inserting cash (e.g., coins) into an adjustment machine installed in the laundry machine 11 or an adjustment machine installed in the coin laundry 1.

[0108] Step S52: When the advance payment is received and an instruction to start the drying operation is received from the user, the start processing unit 101 causes the flag management unit 103 to set the operation start flag to ON.

[0109] Step S53: The start processing unit 101 also causes the maximum driving time setting unit 102 to set a maximum driving time T, a minimum driving time S, and a notification waiting time M. The maximum driving time setting unit 102 sets the driving time equivalent to the prepaid fee paid in step S51 as the minimum driving time S. The maximum driving time setting unit 102 also sets the time obtained by subtracting a predetermined time (for example, several minutes) from the minimum driving time S as the notification waiting time M.

[0110] Step S54: On the other hand, after the power of the laundry machine 11 is turned on, the operation control unit 104 determines whether or not the operation start flag is set to ON.

[0111] Step S55: If it is determined that the operation start flag is set to ON, the operation control section 104 starts the drying operation. Also, the operation control section 104 starts counting up the operation time.

[0112] Step S56: When the drying operation is started, the operation control unit 104 determines whether or not the operation end flag is set to ON. The process related to setting the operation end flag will be described later.

[0113] Step S57: If it is determined that the operation end flag is set to ON, the operation control unit 104 ends the drying operation.

[0114] Step S58: Thereafter, the operation control unit 104 stops counting up the operation time, calculates the counted operation time, i.e., the operation time from the start to the end of the drying operation, and notifies the usage fee calculation unit 113. Furthermore, the operation control unit 104 clears the count of the operation time.

[0115] Step S59: Subsequently, the operation control unit 104 causes the flag management unit 103 to set both the operation start flag and the operation end flag to OFF.

[0116] Step S60: Meanwhile, the usage fee calculation unit 113 calculates the usage fee based on the notified operating time. Specifically, the usage fee is obtained by subtracting the prepaid fee accepted in step S51 from the amount obtained by multiplying the notified operating time by a predetermined fee per unit time. This usage fee corresponds to the usage fee for the additional drying operation described below, and is the amount obtained by multiplying the additional operating time by the fee per unit time.

[0117] Step S61: Next, the payment processing unit 114 pays the calculated usage fee (i.e., the usage fee for the additional drying operation) by cashless payment. Specifically, when the user causes a card reader to read an IC card or the like that stores valuable information, the payment processing unit 114 obtains the usage fee for the additional drying operation from the IC card.

[0118] <2-2. Setting the operation end flag> Next, the flow of processing related to setting of the driving end flag will be described with reference to Figures 15 and 16. Figures 15 and 16 are diagrams showing the flow of this processing.

[0119] Step S601: When the drying operation is started, the operation end determination unit 105 determines whether or not the maximum operation time T has elapsed. If it is determined that the maximum operation time T has elapsed, the operation end determination unit 105 determines that the drying operation should be terminated, and proceeds to the processing of step S611. On the other hand, if it is determined that the maximum operation time T has not elapsed, it proceeds to the processing of step S602.

[0120] Step S602: Subsequently, the driving end determination unit 105 determines whether or not the notification waiting time M has elapsed. If it is determined that the notification waiting time M has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S603.

[0121] Step S603: Here, the temperature information acquisition unit 106 acquires temperature information from the temperature sensor 111 provided in the exhaust pipe.

[0122] Step S604: When the temperature information is acquired, the dryness determining unit 107 refers to the correlation data stored in the storage unit and acquires the dryness level corresponding to the temperature information, thereby determining the dryness level of the object to be dried.

[0123] Step S605: When the dryness level is acquired, the dryness level notifying unit 112 notifies the user terminal device 3c of the identified dryness level via the server device 2.

[0124] Step S701: In the user terminal device 3c, the end instruction receiving unit 302 determines whether or not the dryness level has been acquired. If the dryness level has been acquired, the process proceeds to step S702.

[0125] Step S702: When the dryness level is acquired, the end instruction receiving unit 302 generates the reception screen 9 for receiving the end instruction, and displays it on the touch panel 30.

[0126] FIG. 17 shows an example of the configuration of the reception screen 9. As shown here, the reception screen 9 displays the dryness level, which indicates the current dryness state of the object to be dried. The reception screen 9 also includes an end icon 91 displaying "Do not perform additional drying" and an additional instruction icon 92 displaying "Perform additional drying." If an additional drying operation is to be performed, an input box 93 is displayed for receiving the specification of the operation time (additional operation time). If the user wants to end the drying operation without performing an additional drying operation, the user operates the end icon 91. If the user wants to perform an additional drying operation, the user inputs a desired time in the input box 93 and then operates the additional instruction icon 92.

[0127] Steps S703 and S704: When the operation of the end icon 91 is accepted, the end instruction accepting unit 302 notifies the laundry machine 11c via the server device 2 of the acceptance.

[0128] Steps S705 and S706: On the other hand, if an operation of the additional instruction icon 92 is accepted, the end instruction accepting unit 302 notifies the laundry device 11c of this via the server device 2, together with the time (additional operation time) entered in the input box 93.

[0129] Steps S606 and S607: When the laundry device 11c receives a notification that the end icon 91 has been operated, the operation end determination unit 105 determines that the operation should be ended without performing an additional drying operation. In this case, the operation end determination unit 105 waits for the minimum operation time S to elapse, and then proceeds to the processing of step S611.

[0130] Steps S608 and S609: On the other hand, if a notification that the additional instruction icon 92 has been operated is received in the laundry device 11c along with the specification of additional operation time, the operation termination judgment unit 105 waits for the minimum operation time S to elapse and then proceeds to processing in step S610.

[0131] Step S610: When the minimum operation time S has elapsed, the operation end determination unit 105 starts counting the timer and determines whether the specified additional operation time has elapsed. If it determines that the additional operation time has elapsed, the operation end determination unit 105 determines that the drying operation should be terminated, and proceeds to the processing of step S611.

[0132] Step S611: If it is determined that the drying operation should be terminated (i.e., if it is determined that the maximum operation time T has elapsed (YES in step S601), if a notification is received that the termination icon 91 has been operated and the minimum operation time S has elapsed (YES in step S607), or if a notification is received that the additional instruction icon 92 has been operated and the specified additional operation time has elapsed (YES in step S610)), the operation termination determination unit 105 causes the flag management unit 103 to set the operation termination flag to ON. As described above, when the operation termination flag is set to ON, the drying operation is terminated.

[0133] <3. Effects> In this embodiment, before the operation start step (step S55), a prepayment fee acceptance step for accepting payment of a prepayment fee is performed (step S51). Then, in a usage fee calculation step (step S60), a deficiency fee is calculated by subtracting the prepayment fee from the fee corresponding to the operation time from the start to the end of the drying operation.

[0134] With this configuration, although a prepayment fee is accepted prior to the start of the drying operation, the actual operation time is determined not from the prepayment fee but from the drying state of the objects to be dried. Then, a usage fee equivalent to the shortfall from the prepayment fee (i.e., the usage fee for the additional drying operation) is calculated and paid based on the actual operation time. Therefore, even if the prepayment fee corresponds to a shorter operation time than the required operation time, the drying operation will not be terminated uniformly before the objects to be dried are sufficiently dried, thereby increasing user satisfaction.

[0135] <<Modifications>> In the first embodiment, after checking the drying state of the items to be dried, the user inputs an instruction to end operation by operating a predetermined operation button provided on the operation panel of the laundry equipment 11, but instead of this (or in addition to this), the configuration may be such that the user can input the instruction via the user terminal device 3.

[0136] In the second embodiment, the value of the first threshold value used to determine whether the object to be dried has been sufficiently dried is registered in advance in the memory unit, but this value may also be set arbitrarily by the user when the drying operation is started.

[0137] In the second embodiment, the dryness degree acquired in step S203 is transmitted to the user terminal device 3, and the notified dryness degree is displayed on the touch panel 30 of the user terminal device 3. Upon seeing this, the user may receive an instruction to end the drying via the user terminal device 3. In this case, when the user inputs an instruction to acquire the dryness degree via the user terminal device 3, temperature information is acquired (step S202) and the dryness degree is determined (step S203), and the determined dryness degree may be transmitted to the user terminal device 3.

[0138] In the third embodiment, the creation and notification of the prediction data D2 may be omitted. That is, only the transition data D1 may be generated, notified to the user terminal device 3b, and only the transition data D1 may be displayed on the user terminal device 3b.

[0139] In the third embodiment, the timing at which the transition data D1 and the prediction data D2 are generated is determined based on the drying state of the object to be dried, but both data D1 and D2 may be generated in response to an instruction from a user. Specifically, for example, when a user inputs an instruction to generate data via the user terminal device 3, the transition data D1 is generated (step S305) and the prediction data D2 is generated (step S306), and the generated data D1 and D2 may be displayed on the touch panel 30 of the user terminal device 3.

[0140] In the third embodiment, the user inputs an instruction to terminate operation via the user terminal device 3b, but instead (or in addition), the user may input the instruction by operating a predetermined operation button provided on the operation panel of the laundry equipment 11b.

[0141] In the third embodiment, the value of the second threshold value used to determine whether the drying of the object to be dried has progressed to a certain extent may be set arbitrarily by the user at the stage when the drying operation is started.

[0142] In the fourth embodiment, the prepayment fee may be a predetermined amount or may be an amount arbitrarily selected by the user. The prepayment fee may also be paid by reading an IC card or the like that stores a value with a card reader.

[0143] In each of the above embodiments, payment of the usage fee is made by cashless payment, but it may also be made by cash payment.

[0144] In the above embodiments, the usage fee is paid each time a drying operation is performed, but it may also be paid in a lump sum on a monthly basis, for example. In other words, the total amount of the usage fee for one month may be paid in one lump sum.

[0145] In each of the above embodiments, after the drying operation is completed, a determination is made as to whether the drying operation was performed normally. If it is determined that the drying operation was not performed normally, payment may not be processed. This avoids a situation in which the user is charged a usage fee even if the drying operation was not performed normally due to a malfunction of the laundry machines 11, 11a, 11b, and 11c. Furthermore, in the conventional prepayment system, if the drying operation was not performed normally due to a malfunction of the laundry machines 11, 11a, 11b, and 11c, the manager of the coin laundry 1 had to refund the usage fee to the user. However, this modification eliminates this hassle.

[0146] In the above modification, if there is a time period during which the drying operation is performed normally, the usage fee for only the time during which the drying operation is performed normally may be charged. In this case, even if a malfunction occurs in laundry device 11, 11a, or 11b during the drying operation, the usage fee for the time during which the drying operation is performed normally can be collected from the user.

[0147] In each of the above embodiments, when using laundry equipment 11, the user inputs user information from an operation panel provided on the laundry equipment 11. However, this input may also be performed by displaying a screen showing an identification code (e.g., a QR code (registered trademark), an OCR code, a barcode, etc.) on the touch panel 30 of the user terminal device 3 and having the laundry equipment 11 read the screen.

[0148] In each of the above embodiments, the maximum driving time T may be set by accepting a user's specification of the maximum driving time T. Specifically, for example, the maximum driving time setting unit 102 may accept a specification of a usage fee limit from the user, and set the driving time corresponding to the limit as the maximum driving time T.

[0149] In each of the above embodiments, the maximum operation time T does not have to be set.

[0150] In each of the above-described embodiments, at least one of the functional units 101 to 114 included in the laundry machines 11, 11a, 11b, and 11c may be implemented in the server device 2 or the user terminal devices 3, 3b, and 3c.

[0151] In each of the above embodiments, the user terminal devices 3, 3b, and 3c are communication terminal devices held by users of the coin laundry 1, but the user terminal devices 3, 3b, and 3c may also be communication terminal devices installed in the coin laundry 1, etc.

[0152] In each of the above embodiments, it goes without saying that the coin laundry 1 may be equipped with a laundry machine that only washes clothes and fabric products (that is, a laundry machine that does not have a drying function).

[0153] The processes exemplified in the above embodiments may be combined with each other. For example, in the overall process flow according to the fourth embodiment, the setting of the operation end flag may be performed by the processes described in the first to third embodiments.

[0154] Other configurations may also be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Needless to say, the configurations exemplified in the respective embodiments may also be partially combined with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0155] 1. Coin laundry 11,11a,11b,11c Laundry equipment 111 Temperature Sensor 101 Start processing unit 102 Flag Management Unit 103 Maximum operation time setting section 104 Operation control unit 105 Operation end decision unit 106 Temperature information acquisition section 107 Dryness identification section 108 Transition data generation unit 109 Prediction Data Generation Unit 110 Data notification section 112 Dryness notification section 113 Usage Fee Calculation Department 115 Payment processing unit 2. Server device 201 Usage Fee Calculation Department 202 Payment processing section 3,3b Terminal device 30 Touch Panel 301 Payment Information Notification Department 302 Termination Instruction Reception Department SY,SYa,SYb,SYc Usage fee collection system

Claims

1. A laundry machine that transmits and receives data via a user terminal device and a server device and performs a drying operation on an object to be dried, a dryness state specifying unit that specifies the dryness state of the object to be dried; a data notification unit that notifies the user terminal device of data including a dryness level corresponding to the dryness state identified by the dryness state identification unit; The laundry machine is characterized by comprising an operation end determination unit that, when a reservation to end the drying operation is notified from the user terminal device during the drying operation, determines that the drying operation should be ended when the waiting time notified together with the reservation to end has elapsed since the instruction to end the drying operation was notified.

2. A prediction data generation unit that generates prediction data indicating a prediction of future changes in the drying state of the object to be dried, The laundry machine according to claim 1 , wherein the data notification unit notifies a user terminal device of the prediction data generated by the prediction data generation unit.

3. A transition data generating unit that generates transition data indicating a transition of the drying state of the object to be dried, 3. The laundry machine according to claim 1, wherein the data notification unit notifies the user terminal device of the trend data generated by the trend data generation unit.

4. A storage unit is provided in which a plurality of typical patterns of transition data of dryness degree are stored according to the type of the object to be dried, 3. The laundry machine according to claim 2, wherein the prediction data generation unit extracts a typical pattern that has a high degree of coincidence with the acquired transition data, and predicts a future transition in dryness level based on the extracted typical pattern.

5. The prediction data generation unit predicts the remaining time until the drying of the object to be dried is completed, The laundry machine according to claim 2 , wherein the data notification unit notifies the user terminal device of the remaining time.

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