Patent Application
20240192651
The present invention relates to a self-service laundry system, more specifically, concerns technology to enhance user convenience and other benefits.
Users visiting a coin-operated self-service laundry (so-called coin-operated laundry) are required to insert coins into the money-insertion machine, operate various settings and start button on washing machines and dryers to wash and dry clothes according to the number and type of clothes (see Patent Document 1).
Users may head outside to stores and restaurants to shop and eat while waiting for the washing machine or dryer to complete its operation (see Patent Document 2).
However, the conventional coin-operated laundries described above have various problems that need to be solved, as listed below.
When a washing machine or dryer does not work due to clogging of coins in the coin-insertion slot, users call the installation company from the phone inside the facility and request a refund, and addressing such complaints requires considerable effort and time.
There is a possibility of theft, as a relatively large quantity of coins accumulates in washing machines and dryers.
Female users are concerned that undergarments and other personal items being dried may be seen through the glass window of the door or stolen, making them hesitant to step out of the laundry while the dryer is in operation.
Users who have gone outside the laundry will not know when washing or drying is complete, due to which clothes are left unattended for a longer time, leading to a reduced utilization rate of the laundry machine.
Therefore, the inventor considered addressing these problems by devising a system that allows users to operate various functions of the laundry machine using a smartphone by installing specialized application software on the smartphone and sending notifications to the smartphone when the washing or drying process is complete.
However, since large-scale coin-operated laundries have many users operating a plurality of laundry machines simultaneously, even such a system is vulnerable to the possibility of multiple users trying to operate the same laundry machine due to input mistakes, etc., on the smartphone.
To solve such a problem, cited reference 3 discloses a technology in which a linkage unit is provided on at least one surface of the laundry machine and a controller that uses the linkage unit to link the smartphone of the user to one laundry machine and then outputs an operation command to the laundry machine linked to the smartphone based on an operation request signal received from the smartphone.
[Patent Document 1] Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-129300
[Patent Document 2] Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-262942
[Patent Document 3] Republished Patent Publication No. 2019-077649
The self-service laundry system described in cited reference 3 required users to carry a smartphone, which was inconvenient for certain users, such as the elderly and foreigners.
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a self-service laundry system that can enhance user convenience and other benefits in view of the above situation.
The self-service laundry system of the invention described in claim 1 is installed in a facility, characterized by being equipped with a laundry machine having at least one of the washing and drying functions and a controller that communicates with an information terminal installed in the facility and operates and controls the laundry machine based on the communication results, wherein the laundry machine is provided with a linkage unit and the controller uses the linkage unit to link the information terminal to the laundry machine and operates and controls the laundry machine based on the operation request signal from the information terminal.
The self-service laundry system of the invention described in claim 2 is characterized by being equipped with a plurality of laundry machines installed in a facility having at least one of the washing and drying functions, a controller that communicates with an information terminal installed in the facility and operates and controls the laundry machine based on the communication results, wherein at least one of the plurality of laundry machines is provided with a linkage unit and the controller has a linkage means to link one of the information terminals to one of the laundry machines using the linkage unit and an operation command output means to subsequently output an operation command to the laundry machine linked to the information terminal based on the operation request signal from the information terminal.
The self-service laundry system of the invention described in claim 3 is the self-service laundry system described in claim 2 characterized in that the facility is an accommodation facility where users stay overnight, wherein the information terminals are installed in a plurality of guest rooms of the accommodation facility, where the plurality of lodging rooms can be locked or unlocked by individual room keys and the linkage means links one of the information terminals to one of the laundry machine by authenticating the room key with the linkage unit.
The self-service laundry system of the invention described in claim 4 is the self-service laundry system, as described in claim 2 or claim 3, characterized in that the information terminal communicates with the controller using a predetermined web page accessed through a web browser.
According to the present invention, a plurality of laundry machines installed in the facility, with at least one of the washing and drying functions, communicates with an information terminal installed in the facility and operates and controls the laundry machine based on the communication results, thereby enhancing user convenience.
The first embodiment of the present invention is explained in detail with reference to
As shown in
Each laundry machine 10 in laundry room 3 is connected to router 22 in administration office 4 via hub 17.
Router 22 in administration office 4 is connected to Internet 41 via modem 21, and Internet 41 is connected to rental server 42.
Server 23, information terminal 24, operated by the administrator of this system, and hub 25 are connected to router 22 in administration office 4. Hub 25 is connected to information terminal 31, installed in a plurality of guest rooms 5 (5a, 5b, 5c . . . ) and to IC tag reader 34, which serves as a key authentication system installed near the lock of the door of the plurality of guest rooms 5 (5a, 5b, 5c . . . ).
Each laundry machine 10 is equipped with display 14 that shows one-time password 14a as a unique identifier for each equipment, and IC tag reader 15 (linkage unit). One-time password 14a is a randomly generated 4-digit number, which changes at predetermined time intervals (for example, 30-second intervals). On the front face of laundry machine 10, label 16 that says “Hold your room key over here” is affixed at a location corresponding to IC tag reader 15.
Room key 52 consists of key body 53 and rod-shaped tag 54. IC tag is embedded in key body 53 or rod-shaped tag 54. Room key ID based on the IC tag in room key 52 is read by IC tag reader 15 when room key 52 is held over IC tag reader 15.
In the case of a receiver for short-range wireless communication with high security, a one-time password is not necessarily required.
Each laundry machine 10 is equipped with manually opening and closing door 13 with transparent glass window 12. Each laundry machine 10 is equipped with an electrically operated locking mechanism (not shown in the figure) to lock door 13, which locks door 13 in the closed state based on a command from server 23 installed in administration office 4. Glass window 12 is of instant dimming type using liquid crystals and can be instantly switched between transparent and opaque states based on commands from server 23.
Guest rooms 5 (5a, 5b, 5c . . . ) of accommodation facility 2 are installed with information terminal 31, which consists of a desktop computer, mouse 32, keyboard 33, IC tag reader 34, and display device 51.
Information terminal 31 is connected to mouse 32, keyboard 33, and display device 51.
IC tag reader 34 is installed near the door locks of the plurality of guest rooms 5 (5a, 5b, 5c . . . ).
Information terminal 31 and IC tag reader 34 are connected to server 23 via hub 25 and router 22 installed in administration office 4.
Server 23 in administration office 4 is connected to Internet 41 via router 22 and modem 21, to rental server 42 via Internet 41, and to various predetermined web pages built on rental server 42.
Information terminal 31 installed in guest room 5 of accommodation facility 2 is connected to router 22 via hub 25 in administration office 4, and from router 22 to Internet 41 via modem 21, and further to rental server 42 via Internet 41, and to various predetermined web pages built on rental server 42.
Each laundry machine 10 is connected to router 22 in administration office 4 via hub 17 and communicates from router 22 with server 23 and administrator information terminal 24 for the administrator of laundry room 3 of the accommodation facility 2.
As shown in
In
When laundry machine 10 in laundry room 3 of accommodation facility 2 becomes available, as shown in step S1 of
With this, server 23, as shown in step S2 in
When a user enters guest room 5 after checking into accommodation facility 2, the user will use room key 52 to unlock the door. With this, room key 52 is held over IC tag reader 34 of guest room 5, and as shown in step S3 of
When identification signal Si1 is input to server 23, server 23 links room key 52 to information terminal 31 based on identification signal Si1. Meanwhile, as shown in step S4 in
Next, users perform user registration using the 4th predetermined web page (built on rental server 42) accessed through a web browser on information terminal 31. User registration involves registering name, address, smartphone number, and payment information (credit card information) on server 23. User registration can be performed manually, or the registration information, etc., when checking into the accommodation facility 2 can be automatically linked to the information terminal 31. Thus, user registration enables issuing instructions given in the past and operations of laundry machine 10 without having to enter IDs, etc.
After this, when a user comes out of guest room 5 to use laundry machine 10 in laundry room 3 of the accommodation facility 2, the user selects laundry machine 10 according to the type and quantity of clothes to be washed or dried. Next, when the user holds room key 52 over IC tag reader 15 of laundry machine 10, as shown in step S5 in
The user then returns to guest room 5 and uses information terminal 31 to display the 6th predetermined web page built on rental server 42 on the display device 51 through a web browser. The 6th predetermined web page can also be displayed automatically from the user registration. Then, as shown in
On the other hand, when identification signal Si2 is input to server 23, as shown in step S21 of
When the output control of operation command is initiated, as shown in step S6 of
Here, the operation status includes the status before the start of operation in
Please press YES to confirm” and “YES” button 83 are displayed on screen 51a of the 11th predetermined web page 81 built on rental server 42. On the upper side of display 51a, there is display section 84, which shows the address of the 11th predetermined web page 81, etc. Server 23 judges whether the user pressed on the “YES” button 83 using mouse 32 in step S23 of
Server 23 judges whether the user pressed on the “ENTER” button 93 in step S25 of
When the user finishes confirming the usage fee and selecting the “Door Lock” button 103 and the “Window Transparency” button 104, an operation request signal Sd is transmitted by information terminal 31, and the operation request signal Sd is input to server 23 via the 15th predetermined web page built on rental server 42.
Server 23 judges whether the user has input the operation request signal Sd in step S27 of
Once the billing in step S28 of
Next, server 23 judges whether the user pressed the “Window Transparency” button 104 in step S31 of
After this, server 23, in step S33 of
Server 23 sequentially sends each command of the output control of operation command and results of the billing process to administrator information terminal 24. As a result, the administrator can recognize the operating status and sales of laundry machine 10 in laundry room 3 of the accommodation facility in real-time.
When laundry machine 10 starts operation, server 23 executes the completion warning process, and the flowchart in
Next, server 23 repeatedly judges at predetermined time intervals whether the time reached is 5 minutes before the operation end time in step S43 of
When the operation completion time of laundry machine 10 is reached, server 23 outputs the operation completion command to laundry machine 10 via the 23rd predetermined web page built on rental server 42. Laundry machine 10, when the operation completion command is received, as shown in step S10 of
Laundry machine 10, as shown in step S11 of
Making glass window 12 transparent and unlocking the door lock in step S10 of
Server 23 continuously performs error handling procedures, as indicated in the flowchart of
When error handling is started, server 23, in step S51 of
For example, inputting an error signal to server 23 may lead to suspending the selected drying process of laundry machine 10.
If some error occurs in laundry machine 10 and the judgment of step S51 is Yes, server 23 and information terminal 31 send and receive signals via the 29th predetermined web page built on rental server 42, and server 23 sends the error information (what error occurred in which laundry machine 10) to administrator information terminal 24 and terminal (not shown in the figure) of the maintenance company in step S52 and an error signal to the 29th predetermined web page corresponding to information terminal 31 in step S53. If an error signal is received by the 29th predetermined web page, as shown in
The administrator or maintenance company personnel goes to laundry room 3 of the accommodation facility in response to the error information to implement measures, such as suspending the usage of or repairing laundry machine 10. The user follows the screen display on the display device 51 and presses the “Cancel” button 92.
In addition, for example, the error information can be displayed on the user's smartphone, a phone call can be initiated (such as an automated voice message), and displayed on the display of the guest room or sent by email.
Users can take measures promptly based on the information.
In particular, users can download a dedicated application on their smartphones, and by utilizing this dedicated application, such as a display (and possibly audio in some instances), users can reliably detect issues occurring more reliably compared to methods like emails.
As a result, users can promptly take various measures (such as removing the clothes and putting them in other equipment), preventing, for example, the likelihood of discovering that the selected drying process has stopped when the users are about to leave the facility.
This is one of the advantages of a dedicated application since the probability of confirmation through methods such as notifications by email, without using dedicated applications, is lower.
Next, server 23 judges whether the “Cancel” button 102 is pressed in step S54 and repeats the judgment process of step S54 while this judgment is No. Server 23, when the user presses the “Cancel” button 102, and the judgment of step S54 is Yes, sends an operation stop signal in step S55 to laundry machine 10 via the 31st predetermined web page built on rental server 42.
The rotation of the washing and drying drums in laundry machine 10, which received the operation stop signal, stops, and if washing or rinsing is in progress, door 13 is unlocked after draining the water. The user can remove clothes from laundry machine 10 and wash or dry them in other laundry machines 10.
Next, server 23 cancels (refunds) the charges incurred through the billing process described in step S56 and terminates error handling.
The following is a summary of the configuration and operations of the first embodiment of the present invention, which is characterized by a self-service laundry system 1 consisting of a plurality of laundry machines 10 (10a, 10b, 10c . . . ) installed in a facility and having at least one of the washing and drying functions, the self-service laundry system is equipped with a controller (server 23) that communicates with information terminal 31 installed in the facility and controls the operation of the laundry machine according to the communication results, at least one of the plurality of laundry machines is equipped with a linkage unit (IC tag reader 15), the controller (server 23) has a linkage means (server 23 and a program executing step S21 in
The facility is an accommodation facility 2 where users stay, wherein the information terminal 31 is installed in a plurality of lodging rooms (guest rooms 5) in accommodation facility 2, the plurality of lodging rooms (guest rooms 5) can be locked and unlocked by individually corresponding room keys 52, and the linkage means is characterized by a linkage unit (IC tag reader 15) that authenticates room key 52, thereby linking one information terminal 31 to one of the laundry machines.
Information terminal 31 communicates with the controller (server 23) using a predetermined web page accessed through a web browser.
According to self-service laundry system 1 with this configuration, communication is performed between a plurality of laundry machines 10 installed in a facility (accommodation facility 2), each equipped with at least one washing or drying function, and information terminal 31 installed in the facility, laundry machine 10 is operated and controlled based on the communication results. Therefore, users need not carry a smartphone when using the system, which enhances user convenience.
A more detailed explanation of the convenience is that users of the facility (accommodation facility 2) can be notified of the completion time and the current usage status of laundry machine 10 by a TV (display device 51) or other systems inside the facility.
Users of the facility (accommodation facility 2) can use smart laundry functions such as locking the door and changing the window's transparency.
Furthermore, facility (accommodation facility 2) users can check the availability of laundry machine 10 before use.
Users can freely choose the form of use and respond without using smartphones or other special devices.
Since the fee is charged to the room, users need not carry many coins.
As a first modification of the first embodiment, the self-service laundry system is configured to allow reservations. User convenience is further enhanced with this.
As a second modification of the first embodiment, the self-service laundry system is configured to perform drying additionally. User convenience is further enhanced with this.
As a third modification of the first embodiment, the self-service laundry system is configured so that instructions can be given to fold and transport the clothes to the guest room using the system of accommodation facility 2. This modification allows personnel of accommodation facility 2 to make effective use of laundry machine 10 by removing the clothes even if the user does not come to pick up the laundry.
As a fourth modification of the first embodiment, the self-service laundry system is configured to retrieve clothes previously removed and stored in a locker, etc., with a room key. In addition, the system can be configured so that removal and delivery of the clothes can be requested. If laundry machine 10 is unavailable or fully occupied, the clothes can be stored in the locker. User convenience is further enhanced with this.
The second embodiment of the present invention is explained below in detail, referring to
As shown in
Smart TV 211 is an information terminal, allowing the same communication as the information terminal 31 in
The above concludes the description of specific embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these modes. For example, while the first and second embodiments implement billing through credit cards, prepaid cards, debit cards, and usage fees of smartphones can also be used. For example, while the second embodiment implements billing by prepaid card, implementation using credit cards, debit cards, and usage fees of smartphones is also possible. In addition, points may be awarded for each use of the laundry machine, which can be used to offset a portion of the usage fees. Although the predetermined web page accessed by the web browser was built on rental server 42, the predetermined web page may be built on server 23, installed in administration office 4, or an application may be built instead of the predetermined web page.
The third embodiment of the present invention is explained below in detail, referring to
As shown in
According to this configuration, the same effect as in the first embodiment shown in
The application of the present invention is not limited to accommodation facilities and fitness gyms but also can be applied to various community centers, playground facilities (such as amusement parks), public baths, large public bathhouses, weekly apartments, rental homes with coin-operated laundries, hospitals, etc.
The self-service laundry system of the present invention can be effectively used by businesses and corporations that operate accommodation facilities, fitness gyms, various community centers, playground facilities, public baths, large public bathhouses, weekly apartments, rental homes with coin-operated laundries, hospitals, etc.
Furthermore, locker keys (shoe boxes, clothes lockers) can be used in addition to room keys.
In the case of locker keys, operations can be performed using various operation terminals within the facility.
In addition, users can perform operations with their smartphones. In this case, for example, an identification code (QR code (trademark), bar code) is assigned to the locker key, and the locker key is linked to the smartphone by recognizing the identification code with the smartphone camera, etc.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/JP2021/018764 | 5/18/2021 | WO |
