Distributed networked laundry machine control and operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In commercial laundry facilities, patrons' laundry is often at risk of theft due to the lack of secure locking mechanisms, forcing users to wait around for extended periods, and there is a need for efficient management and operation of laundry machines.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows users to select and pay for laundry machine operations, lock the machines, receive notifications, and manage additional time or services through a user interface, utilizing machine learning for predictive operations and facility management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual lock or timed lock is used, then device complexity is reduced, but security and reliability of laundry protection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote server as an intermediary that manages locking mechanisms through mobile applications. The server acts as a mediator between users and laundry machines, handling authentication, lock control, and monitoring functions remotely. This allows sophisticated security features without requiring complex local hardware or user intervention at the machine level.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables users to independently manage their laundry through mobile applications with features like remote locking, extended time purchases, and automated notifications. Users can perform all security and operation management tasks themselves without staff intervention, achieving high reliability through user-controlled automated systems rather than simple mechanical locks.
2Reliability
If user must remain in facility for duration of washing and drying, then laundry security is improved, but loss of time and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically locking the machine door before the washing cycle begins and maintaining the lock throughout the operation. The remote server pre-configures security parameters and monitors the cycle progress, allowing users to leave the facility immediately after initiating the cycle without needing to wait for completion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback through mobile application notifications that inform users of cycle progress, remaining time, and completion status. This automated feedback mechanism replaces the need for users to physically monitor their laundry, allowing them to leave the facility while staying informed of the operation status through push notifications or SMS alerts.
3Ease of operation
If remote locking and payment system is implemented, then ease of operation and security are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions (payment processing, authentication, lock control, time management, and notification systems) into a single integrated mobile application and remote server platform. This consolidation allows users to access all features through one interface while the backend server handles the complexity of coordinating these functions, simplifying the user experience without reducing system capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical coin-operated mechanisms and physical key-based locking systems with electronic and software-based solutions. Payment is handled through digital transactions in the mobile application, and locking is controlled through wireless communication between the server and machine, eliminating the need for complex mechanical components while enhancing operational convenience and security.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, system and apparatus for the controlling laundry machines in a laundry facility. A user device receives a list of machines for a laundry facility and displays them on a machine control user interface. The user may then make a selection of a machine, a selection of an operation type and a selection of one or more operational parameters associated with the selected operation type. The selection of the operation type and the one or more operational parameters may be made on the user device or on the selected machine. The machine control user interface may then display the user selections, an estimated duration and a cost. The estimated duration and cost may be based on the selected machine, selected operation type and the one or more selected operational parameters.