Mobile-Controlled Commercial Laundry System for Coin-Free Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional commercial laundry businesses face inefficiencies due to the need for coins or value cards, which are not user-friendly and can be unsafe for customers, as they require carrying monetary value and may not ensure secure access to laundry facilities.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that allows laundry machines to be controlled remotely using mobile devices, where proximity detection via beacon signals enables operation, eliminating the need for coins or value cards and ensuring secure access through reservation and payment processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If coins or tokens are used to operate washers or dryers, then the business can generate revenue, but the user experience deteriorates due to the need to carry and manage large numbers of coins or tokens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical coin/token insertion system with an electronic payment system using mobile devices. The mobile device communicates with the laundry machine via wireless communication (e.g., NFC, Bluetooth) to authenticate payment and control machine operation, eliminating the need for physical coins or tokens and improving user convenience while maintaining revenue generation capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the user and the laundry machine. The mobile device serves as a digital wallet and control interface, mediating the payment and operation control functions, thereby improving ease of operation while preserving the business's ability to generate revenue through electronic payment processing
2Ease of operation
If value cards are provided to eliminate coins or tokens, then ease of operation improves, but users must carry monetary value on the card which reduces flexibility and creates safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the mobile device universal by utilizing an existing multi-functional device (smartphone, tablet, or wearable) that users already carry for various purposes. The mobile device serves multiple functions including payment authentication, machine control, and receipt generation, eliminating the need for dedicated value cards while maintaining ease of operation and preserving user flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the mobile device as a digital copy/alternative to physical value cards. Instead of requiring users to carry physical cards with monetary value, the system creates a digital representation of payment capability within the mobile device's existing operating system and payment applications, thereby eliminating the need to carry specialized value cards while maintaining ease of operation
3Loss of energy
If traditional laundromats are publicly accessible without staffing, then operational costs are reduced, but customer safety and security deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system monitors mobile device proximity and authentication status, then provides real-time feedback by enabling or disabling machine operation. The system continuously monitors whether an authorized user is present and actively using the machine, and can send notifications or alerts, thereby maintaining security without requiring constant human supervision while keeping operational costs low
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the laundry machines to serve themselves through automated authentication and control systems. The mobile device and laundry machine directly communicate to verify payment and control operation without human intervention. The system autonomously monitors usage, manages payment processing, and ensures security protocols are followed, eliminating the need for staffed facilities while maintaining customer safety through automated oversight
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system enhances the efficiency and security of laundry services by optimizing machine usage, reducing power consumption, and providing a more convenient and secure experience for users by allowing remote control and payment processing.
Implementation Method 1
receiving a beacon signal detected using a wireless network interface of a mobile computing device, a beacon signal emitted from a laundry machine
Data Source
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AI summary
Techniques are described controlling and managing machines to provide laundry services. A request may be received from a mobile device of a user, the request indicating that the mobile device is in proximity to a laundry machine such as a washer or dryer. In some cases, the request is sent by the mobile device based on detecting, at the mobile device, a wireless signal transmitted from the laundry machine. In some cases the request may include a code that identifies the laundry machine, the code being displayed by the machine and/or encoded in a scannable code displayed by the machine. In response to the request, a signal may be sent to activate the laundry machine and enable the user to use the laundry machine for a predetermined period of time (e.g., a cycle). In some cases, the activation signal is sent if the user's payment is successfully processed.