JP6815693B2 - Centralized settlement system for coin laundry - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a centralized settlement system for coin laundry for reimbursing the usage fee of each laundry device in a coin laundry in which a plurality of laundry devices such as a washing machine and a dryer are installed.

Conventionally, a plurality of laundry machines (washing machines, dryers) installed in a coin laundry are each provided with a deposit section that can accept cash (particularly coins such as 100 yen and 500 yen) as a usage fee. .. Further, it has been proposed that each laundry device is provided with an IC card reader, an IC card in which valuable value is stored is inserted into the IC card reader, and a usage fee is paid by the IC card (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-334150

By the way, considering the convenience of the user, it is preferable to be able to pay the usage fee of the laundry equipment not only in cash but also in various other payment modes. However, if each laundry device is provided with payment receiving means corresponding to a plurality of payment modes, the structure of each laundry device becomes complicated and the introduction cost increases.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is for a coin laundry in which the usage fee of the laundry equipment can be selected and paid from a plurality of payment modes without complicating the structure of the laundry equipment. It is intended to provide a centralized settlement system.

The present invention has been proposed in order to achieve the above object, and the one according to claim 1 is capable of communicating with a plurality of laundry devices, and the usage fee of each laundry device is settled in a centralized settlement. It is a centralized settlement system for coin laundry equipped with a machine.
Each of the laundry devices includes a detection means that detects a state change of the door of the laundry device and sends a signal to the centralized settlement machine side when the user closes the door of the laundry device after loading the laundry.
The centralized settlement machine is a display means indicating the laundry device in which the customer has put laundry based on the signal from the laundry device, and a payment mode of a usage fee for the laundry device displayed on the display means. There is a launderette centralized settlement system characterized in that it comprises different and a plurality of usage fee payment acceptance means, and to each other.

According to claim 2, the laundry device includes a laundry detection sensor capable of detecting the amount of laundry put into the laundry device.
The centralized settlement system for a coin laundry according to claim 1, wherein the centralized settlement machine presents a usage fee according to the amount of laundry grasped based on a signal from the laundry detection sensor .

According to claim 3, the laundry equipment includes a motor for rotating a rotating drum and a load measuring sensor capable of measuring the load received by the motor as the laundry detection sensor, so that the customer can use the laundry. The centralized settlement system for coin laundry according to claim 2 , wherein when the door of the laundry device is closed after the laundry is put in, the motor is driven to detect the amount of laundry and send a signal to the centralized settlement machine .

The pump of Claim 4, wherein the concentration checkout machine, according to claim claim 1, characterized in that with a tie benefits output device for outputting a tie privilege information is available in the alliance shop affiliated with launderette The centralized settlement system for coin laundry according to any one of 3 .

According to the present invention, the following excellent effects are obtained.
According to the invention of claim 1, it is not necessary for each laundry device to be provided with a plurality of usage fee payment receiving means. Therefore, it is possible to realize a configuration in which the usage fee can be selected and paid from a plurality of payment modes without complicating the structure of the laundry equipment. As a result, the introduction cost of the coin laundry, which enhances the convenience of the user, can be kept low. In addition, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience of the user operating the centralized settlement machine by mistakenly mistakenly inputting the laundry into the laundry equipment and other laundry equipment.

According to the inventions of claims 2 and 3 , the usage fee is increased or decreased according to the weight of the laundry (specifically, the usage fee is increased when the weight is heavier, and the usage fee is decreased when the weight is lighter. ), Which makes it easier to use the coin laundry even for laundry with few users.

According to the invention of claim 4 , not only the effect of attracting customers to the coin laundry but also the effect of attracting customers to affiliated stores can be expected.

It is a block diagram explaining the schematic structure of a coin laundry. It is a control flow diagram in the settlement process of a coin laundry. It is a control flow diagram in the collection process of a coin laundry. It is a block diagram explaining the schematic structure of the coin laundry equipped with the bar code reader in the centralized settlement machine.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 1, the coin laundry 1 can communicate with a plurality of laundry devices (washing machine, dryer, washer / dryer, shoe washer, etc.) 2 in a store (not shown) and each laundry device 2. It is configured to include a centralized settlement system 3 for coin laundry. The centralized settlement system 3 for coin laundry includes a coin laundry management system controller 6 that comprehensively controls the operation of the centralized settlement system 3 for coin laundry, a centralized settlement machine 7 for settlement of usage charges for each laundry device 2, and a public telephone. Information that is connected to the line 8 and can transmit the status of the laundry device 2 to the outside (for example, a communication terminal owned by the owner of the coin laundry 1 or a communication terminal owned by the user of the coin laundry 1 (neither is shown)). It is equipped with a system controller 9. The coin laundry management system controller 6 can be connected to an internet line via a communication interface 6a such as a LAN port, and management information in the coin laundry management system controller 6 (for example, each laundry device) via the internet line. It is configured to transmit the operation information and sales information of 2) to the outside (for example, a communication terminal owned by the owner of the coin laundry 1) and receive a command signal from the outside.

Next, the centralized settlement machine 7 will be described.
The centralized settlement machine 7 includes a control device 11 for controlling the centralized settlement machine 7, and the control device 11 includes a plurality of usage fee payment receiving means (four types described later in the present embodiment) and a user. A touch panel 13 for operating the centralized settlement machine 7, a change withdrawal unit 14 for paying out change to the user, a receipt issuing printer 15 for issuing a receipt to the user, and a voice and notification sound for operation guidance. It is connected to the speaker 16 that outputs such as. A controller 17 that controls the operation of the touch panel 13 is interposed between the control device 11 and the touch panel 13.

The means of accepting usage fee payment are a banknote deposit section 21 that accepts banknotes, a coin deposit section 22 that accepts coins, a prepaid card reader / writer 23 that accepts prepaid cards that can be used in coin laundry 1, and a credit that accepts credit cards that can be used in coin laundry 1. The card reader 24 is configured so that the user can pay the usage fee of the laundry device 2 by selecting a desired payment mode from banknotes, coins, prepaid cards, and credit cards. Further, a relay board 25 is provided between the credit card reader 24 and the control device 11, and the credit card information read by the credit card reader 24 is transmitted to the credit card reader CC via the relay board 25 (specifically, in the credit company CC). It is configured to send to the information management server) and collate.

Next, a process performed when the user starts using the laundry device 2, particularly a process performed in the centralized settlement system 3 for coin laundry will be described with reference to FIG. The centralized settlement machine 7 maintains a standby state until the user starts the operation, displays the home screen D1 including the "start" button on the touch panel 13, and the user touches the "start" button. After that, the operation on the centralized settlement machine 7 is set to start. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a "standby information request" signal is always transmitted to the coin laundry management system controller 6 to request confirmation that the coin laundry management system controller 6 is on standby. Further, the coin laundry management system controller 6 that has received the "standby information request" returns the information indicating that it is waiting to the centralized settlement machine 7 as a "standby information reply" signal.

First, the user who has entered the store of the coin laundry 1 visually searches for and selects the laundry device 2 in the operation standby state which is not in use by other users, and opens the unlocked door 2a of the laundry device 2. Open it, put the laundry into the laundry equipment 2, and close the door 2a (see FIG. 1). In addition, the device number (pre-assigned device number) of the laundry device 2 into which the laundry is loaded is confirmed by looking at the front surface of the laundry device 2 or the layout diagram in the store. Then, the laundry device 2 in which the door 2a is closed transmits a signal indicating that the door 2a is in the closed state to the coin laundry management system controller 6.

The user who has closed the door 2a of the laundry device 2 moves in front of the centralized settlement machine 7 and touches the "start" button displayed on the touch panel 13. Then, the centralized settlement machine 7 outputs a voice such as "Welcome" from the speaker 16, and transmits a signal of "equipment operation information request" to the coin laundry management system controller 6 as shown in FIG. Information on the state of the laundry device 2 (the driving execution state already being used by another user or the driving standby state not being used by any user) is requested. Then, the coin laundry management system controller 6 that has received the "device operation information request" acquires the status information of all the laundry devices 2 based on the signal received from each laundry device 2, and returns the acquired information to the "device operation information reply". Is returned to the centralized settlement machine 7 as a signal.

The centralized settlement machine 7 that has received the signal of "device operation information reply" shifts the display on the touch panel 13 from the home screen D1 to the device selection screen D2. On the transferred device selection screen D2, the device number buttons corresponding to each laundry device 2 are displayed, and the device number buttons are the device number of each laundry device 2 and the laundry received from the coin laundry management system controller 6. The information on the state of the device 2 is also described. Here, the device number button indicating the laundry device 2 in the operation standby state is displayed in a mode in which a touch operation is possible (active mode), and the device number button indicating the laundry device 2 in the operation execution state is touch-operated. Display in an impossible mode (inactive mode). Then, a voice such as "Please select a device containing laundry" is output from the speaker 16 to prompt the user to perform a touch operation on the device selection screen D2.

When the user touches the device number button (for details, the device number button on which the device number confirmed after the laundry is put in is displayed), the centralized settlement machine 7 confirms the device on the touch panel 13 from the device selection screen D2. The screen D3 is displayed, and the device number of the laundry device 2 (designated laundry device 2) that the customer plans to use is enlarged and displayed. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the signal of "designated device information request" is transmitted to the coin laundry management system controller 6 to request the information of the designated laundry device 2.

The coin laundry management system controller 6 that has received the signal of "designated equipment information request" transmits the signal of "operation information request" to the designated laundry equipment 2. Then, the designated laundry equipment 2 emits light (not shown) such as a flicker lamp provided in the designated laundry equipment 2, and locks the closed door 2a. Further, the fact that the light emitting unit emits light and the door 2a is locked is returned to the coin laundry management system controller 6 as a signal of "operation information reply". If the door 2a cannot be locked due to a half-opened state or the like, the signal indicating that the door 2a of the laundry equipment 2 cannot be locked is included in the "driving information reply" signal.

Upon receiving the "driving information reply" signal, the coin laundry management system controller 6 sends the information of the designated laundry device 2 (light emission of the light emitting unit, locking of the door 2a, etc.) to the centralized settlement machine 7 as a "designated device information reply" signal. Send back. Then, the centralized settlement machine 7 outputs a voice such as "Is it correct?", And the laundry device 2 into which the laundry is put is the designated laundry device 2 (the designated laundry device 2 whose light emitting unit emits light). The user is urged to confirm (there is), and a confirmation button with the characters "Yes" is displayed on the device confirmation screen D3. If the signal of "Return designated device information" contains information that the door 2a of the laundry device 2 cannot be locked, a voice such as "Please close the door" is output and used. The customer is urged to close the door 2a, and a button with the characters "door closed" is displayed on the device confirmation screen D3.

When the user touches the "Yes" confirmation button, the centralized settlement machine 7 shifts the display on the touch panel 13 from the device confirmation screen D3 to the course selection screen D4, and the operation mode of the laundry device 2 is displayed on the plurality of course selection buttons. (Course content) and usage fee are displayed respectively. Further, when the user touches the "closed door" button after closing the door 2a, the centralized settlement machine 7 sends a door lock request signal to the coin laundry management system controller 6, and this door lock request is made. Upon receiving the signal, the coin laundry management system controller 6 transmits a door lock execution signal to the designated laundry device 2. Then, when the designated laundry device 2 locks the door 2a based on the door lock execution signal, the door lock completion signal is returned to the coin laundry management system controller 6, and the coin laundry management system controller 6 concentrates the door lock completion signal. Reply to the checkout machine 7. Then, the centralized settlement machine 7 shifts the display on the touch panel 13 from the device confirmation screen D3 to the course selection screen D4, and displays the course content and the usage fee on the plurality of course selection buttons, respectively.

When the course selection screen D4 is displayed, the centralized settlement machine 7 outputs a voice such as "Please select a course" from the speaker 16 to prompt the user to select a course. Then, when the user selects and touches the course selection button of the desired course content, the display on the touch panel 13 shifts from the course selection screen D4 to the payment selection screen D5, and the "cash" button, "credit card" button, Display the "Prepaid Card" button. Further, the speaker 16 outputs a voice such as "Please select a payment method" to prompt the user to make a selection.

When the user touches the button of the desired payment mode (either the "cash" button, the "credit card" button, or the "prepaid card" button), the display on the touch panel 13 shifts from the payment selection screen D5 to the payment screen D6. Then, the settlement amount of the usage fee and the schematic diagram of the usage fee payment means corresponding to the selected payment mode are displayed. Specifically, when the "cash" button is touched, a schematic diagram of the bill deposit section 21 and the coin deposit section 22 is displayed, and when the "credit card" button is touched, a schematic diagram of the credit card reader 24 is displayed. Is displayed, and when the "prepaid card" button is touched, a schematic diagram of the prepaid card reader / writer 23 is displayed. Further, a voice prompting a payment operation (for example, "Please insert cash") is output from the speaker 16 according to the payment mode.

When the user pays the usage fee with cash, credit card, or prepaid card and the payment is completed, the centralized settlement machine 7 sends a "driving instruction request" signal to the coin laundry management system controller 6, and the user selects it. Require that the designated laundry equipment 2 be operated on the course. Further, the coin laundry management system controller 6 that has received the "driving instruction request" signal transmits the "driving instruction request" signal to the designated laundry device 2. Then, the designated laundry device 2 starts driving on the course selected by the user, and returns information to the effect that the driving has started to the coin laundry management system controller 6 as a signal of "replying driving instruction".

Upon receiving the "operation instruction reply" signal, the coin laundry management system controller 6 returns the operation start of the designated laundry device 2 to the centralized settlement machine 7 as a "operation instruction reply" signal. Then, the centralized settlement machine 7 outputs a voice such as "operation has started" from the speaker 16 to notify the user of the start of operation of the designated laundry device 2. Further, the display on the touch panel 13 is shifted from the payment screen D6 to the end / service screen D7, and the "end contact service / receipt issuance" button, "end" button, and "back" button are displayed on the end / service screen D7. indicate.

When the user desires at least one of the termination notification service (specifically, the service in which the information system controller 9 notifies the user in advance of the termination of the operation of the designated laundry device 2) or the issuance of a receipt for the usage fee. Touch the "Termination contact service / receipt issuance" button. Then, the centralized settlement machine 7 ends the display on the touch panel 13. ・ The service screen D7 shifts to the end service confirmation screen (not shown), and the “Yes” button and the “No” button are displayed on the end service confirmation screen. Along with displaying, the speaker 16 outputs a voice such as "Do you want to use the termination notification service?".

When the user touches the "Yes" button, the display on the touch panel 13 is terminated, the service confirmation screen is changed to the telephone number registration screen (not shown), and the telephone number registration screen is the contact telephone number. A ten-key button for entering a phone number, a "register" button for executing registration after entering a phone number, and a "finish" button for completing the registration of a phone number are displayed. Then, when the user touches the "Register" button after inputting the telephone number desired to be contacted, the centralized settlement machine 7 transmits the telephone number to be registered to the designated laundry device 2 via the coin laundry management system controller 6. The designated laundry device 2 stores the telephone number to be registered. When the contact execution time before the end of operation of the designated laundry device 2 arrives, the information system controller 9 receives the telephone number (contact telephone number) from the designated laundry device 2 via the coin laundry management system controller 6. , Call the contact telephone number to inform the user that the designated laundry equipment 2 is about to end its operation.

If the customer touches the "Register" button and then the "End" button on the phone number registration screen, or if the user touches the "No" button on the end service confirmation screen, centralized payment is made. The machine 7 shifts the display on the touch panel 13 to the receipt issuance confirmation screen (not shown), displays the "Yes" button and the "No" button on the receipt issuance confirmation screen, and displays the "receipt". Output a voice such as "Do you want to issue it?" From the speaker 16. Then, when the user touches the "Yes" button, the display on the touch panel 13 shifts from the receipt issuance confirmation screen to the receipt issuance screen (not shown), and the receipt issuance printer is displayed on the receipt issuance screen. A schematic diagram depicting how the receipt is issued from 15 and an "end" button are displayed, and the receipt is printed by the receipt issuing printer 15. Further, when the printing of the receipt is completed, a voice such as "Please take the receipt" is output from the speaker 16 to prompt the user to receive the receipt.

When the user touches the "End" button on the receipt issuance screen after receiving the receipt, or when the user touches the "No" button on the receipt issuance confirmation screen, or on the end / service screen D7. When the "End" button is touched, the centralized settlement machine 7 returns the display on the touch panel 13 to the home screen D1 and waits until the next settlement process is started. Furthermore, when a certain amount of time has passed without touching the "Exit" button on the receipt issuance screen, or when a certain amount of time has passed without touching any button on the end / service screen D7. However, the display on the touch panel 13 is returned to the home screen D1 and waits until the next settlement process is started.

It should be noted that the centralized settlement machine 7 always transmits a "standby information request" signal to the coin laundry management system controller 6 until the display on the touch panel 13 is terminated and the service screen D7 shifts to the home screen D1. , Request confirmation that the coin laundry management system controller 6 is waiting. Then, the coin laundry management system controller 6 that has received the "standby information request" returns the information indicating that it is waiting to the centralized settlement machine 7 as a "standby information reply" signal. Further, even after the transition to the home screen D1, the centralized settlement machine 7 transmits a "standby information request" signal to the coin laundry management system controller 6, and the coin laundry management system controller 6 "standby" to the centralized settlement machine 7. The reply of the "information reply" signal is repeatedly executed, and the standby state is maintained until a new user touches the "start" button.

In the centralized settlement machine 7 capable of paying the usage fee of the laundry device 2 in this way, a plurality of usage fee payment receiving means (banknote deposit section 21, coin deposit section 22, etc.) having different payment modes of the usage fee. Since the prepaid card reader / writer 23 and the credit card reader 24) are provided, it is not necessary for each laundry device 2 to be provided with a plurality of usage fee payment receiving means. Therefore, it is possible to realize a coin laundry 1 having a configuration in which the usage fee can be selected and paid from a plurality of payment modes without complicating the structure of the laundry device 2. As a result, the introduction cost of the coin laundry 1, which enhances the convenience of the user, can be suppressed to a low level.

Further, the owner or the staff of the coin laundry 1 may collect (collect) the cash (coins, banknotes) paid as the usage fee only from the centralized settlement machine 7. Therefore, even if the user is working in front of the laundry device 2 (during loading / unloading of laundry), the collection work can be performed without delay without disturbing the user. In the collection work, as shown in FIG. 3, after the door (not shown) of the centralized settlement machine 7 is opened, the centralized settlement machine 7 displays the adjusting screen D8 on the touch panel 13, and further The collection start information is transmitted to the coin laundry management system controller 6. Further, the coin laundry management system controller 6 transmits an operation information holding command or the like to the laundry device 2 based on the reception of the collection start information. Then, the laundry device 2 starts holding the operation information of the laundry device 2. Then, when the collection work is completed, the centralized settlement machine 7 transmits the collection end information to the coin laundry management system controller 6, and the coin laundry management system controller 6 operates toward the laundry device 2 based on the reception of the collection end information. Send an information retention release command, etc. Then, the laundry device 2 releases the holding of the operation information of the laundry device 2. Then, when the door (not shown) of the centralized settlement machine 7 is closed, the centralized settlement machine 7 shifts the display on the touch panel 13 from the adjusting screen D8 to the home screen D1 until the operation by the user is started. Maintain the standby state.

By the way, in the above-described embodiment, the bill deposit unit 21, the coin deposit unit 22, the prepaid card reader / writer 23, and the credit card reader 24 have been mentioned as examples of the usage fee payment receiving means, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the centralized settlement machine 7 may be provided with a usage fee payment receiving means capable of paying the usage fee by electronic money. Specifically, the centralized settlement machine 7 is provided with an IC reader / writer as a means for accepting payment of usage fees, and electronically between the IC chip provided in the electronic money medium (contactless IC card, mobile terminal, etc.) and the IC reader / writer. By communicating the money information, the usage fee of the laundry device 2 may be paid by electronic money.

Further, in the above embodiment, the centralized settlement system 3 for coin laundry includes the coin laundry management system controller 6 and the information system controller 9, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the centralized settlement system for coin laundry may be configured separately from the coin laundry management system controller and the information system controller. When the centralized settlement system for coin laundry includes a coin laundry management system controller and an information system controller, these controllers may be built in the centralized settlement machine.

Further, in the centralized settlement machine 7 in the above embodiment, the case where the voice output from the speaker 16 and the characters displayed on the touch panel 13 are in Japanese has been illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a language selection button for selecting operation guidance (voice output and character display) in a foreign language other than Japanese may be displayed on the home screen D1. Then, when the user desires operation guidance in a foreign language, he / she touches the language selection button to select a desired language, and the characters and voice output from the centralized settlement machine 7 are set to the desired language. It may be configured as follows.

Further, although the touch panel 13 is adopted as the operation unit operated by the user, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a display unit for displaying the operation guide and an operation unit operated by the user may be separately provided. However, if a touch panel is adopted, it is possible to proceed with the operation by touching the operation guide itself visually observed by the user, so that it is possible to suppress erroneous operation by the user, which is preferable.

Further, in the above embodiment, the usage fee is paid only by the centralized settlement machine 7, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when a conventional laundry device (payable laundry device) having a coin receiving section (coin deposit section) is connected to the coin laundry management system controller 6 and added to the coin laundry 1, the user can use the depositable laundry. The usage fee may be paid by either the device or the centralized settlement machine 7. Specifically, when the user puts the laundry into the depositable laundry device and then closes the door 2a, the depositable laundry device is in the "coin (coin) acceptable" state. Then, when the user wishes to pay the usage fee with the depositable laundry device, the user sets a driving course or the like on the operation panel provided in the laundry device 2, inserts coins into the coin reception section, and uses the usage fee. If the payment is made, the operation of the laundry equipment 2 can be started immediately.

On the other hand, when the user wishes to pay the usage fee on the centralized settlement machine 7 and operates the centralized settlement machine 7, the user can make a payment on the device selection screen D2 on the touch panel 13 of the centralized settlement machine 7. When the device number button corresponding to the laundry device is touched, the centralized settlement machine 7 sends a "designated device information request" signal to the coin laundry management system controller 6 to request information on the laundry device that can be paid. Then, the coin laundry management system controller 6 that has received the signal of "designated equipment information request" transmits the signal of "operation information request" to the depositable laundry equipment, and the centralized settlement machine 7 starts the settlement process ( "Terminal control available" signal) and request to invalidate the acceptance of coins at the coin reception section of the depositable laundry equipment (payment prohibited)

If the depositable laundry equipment and the centralized settlement machine 7 can be provided in the coin laundry 1 in this way, the user can freely select whether to pay the usage fee with either the depositable laundry equipment or the centralized settlement machine. be able to. Further, even if it is an existing conventional depositable laundry device, the coin laundry 1 can pay the usage fee with the centralized settlement machine 7, for example, by modifying a part of the communication part as necessary. It can be used as part of the configuration.

By the way, in the above embodiment, it is necessary for the user to remember the device number of the designated laundry device 2 and select and touch the device number button on which this device number is described from among a plurality of device number buttons. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the user closes the door 2a of the designated laundry device 2 after the laundry is put in, the designated laundry device 2 (specifically, the detection means provided in the designated laundry device 2 ) is placed on the door 2a of the designated laundry device 2. The state conversion (conversion from the open state to the closed state) is detected and a signal is sent to the centralized settlement machine 7 side (specifically, the coin laundry management system controller 6 of the centralized settlement machine 7) (see FIG. 2) , and this detection is performed. Based on the (signal) , the centralized settlement machine 7 displays only the device number button corresponding to the designated laundry device 2 on the touch panel (display means) 13, or another device number button corresponding to the designated laundry device 2 is displayed. It may be displayed in a more emphasized state (conspicuous state) than the device number button. In this way, display only device number buttons passengers should touch, patron other words inconvenience mistaking Select the device number buttons (laundry designation laundry machine 2 which supplied the other and laundry equipment 2 It is possible to avoid the inconvenience of operating the centralized settlement machine 7 by mistake .

Further, the laundry device 2 is provided with a laundry detection sensor capable of detecting the amount (weight and volume) of the laundry put into the laundry device 2, and the amount of laundry grasped by the laundry detection sensor can be adjusted. Depending on the situation, the centralized settlement machine 7 may be configured to increase or decrease the amount of the usage fee presented. For example, the motor that rotates the rotating drum in the laundry equipment 2 is provided with a load measurement sensor capable of measuring the load received by the motor as a laundry detection sensor. Then, when the user closes the door 2a of the laundry device 2 after the laundry is put in, the laundry device 2 drives the motor according to preset laundry detection conditions (a predetermined time or a predetermined number of rotation operations). Rotate the rotating drum with the laundry only a few times. The load received by the motor during this rotation is detected by a load measurement sensor (laundry detection sensor), and the weight of the laundry is calculated from the load by a predetermined weight calculation formula, and the calculated data is calculated by the coin laundry management system controller 6. Send to.

The coin laundry management system controller 6 that has received the calculated value of the weight of the laundry is a centralized settlement machine 7 that signals that the laundry has been put into the laundry device 2, the door 2a has been closed, and the weight of the laundry has been used as signals. Send to. Then, the centralized settlement machine 7 proceeds with the settlement process based on the reception of these signals. Then, when the usage fee is displayed on the touch panel 13, the usage fee is calculated and displayed from the weight of the laundry by a predetermined fee calculation formula. In this way, if the usage fee can be increased or decreased according to the weight of the laundry (specifically, if it becomes heavier, the usage fee will increase, and if it becomes lighter, the usage fee will decrease), even if the laundry has few users. The coin laundry 1 is easy to use and is suitable.

Further, in the above embodiment, when the user desires the termination contact service, the user is configured to input the contact information (telephone number), but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the contact phone number of the contact can be stored in advance in the contact storage medium (for example, the prepaid card or membership card of coin laundry 1 or the communication terminal (mobile phone, etc.)) possessed by the user, or can be automatically obtained. However, the centralized settlement machine 7 is provided with a contact communication interface (card reader, infrared communication device, etc.) capable of contacting or non-contacting the contact storage medium. Then, when setting the use of the termination contact service, the customer sends the contact telephone number from the contact storage medium to the centralized settlement machine 7 via the contact communication interface, and the centralized settlement machine 7 further sends the contact telephone number. The number is transmitted to the designated laundry device 2 via the coin laundry management system controller 6, and the designated laundry device 2 stores the contact telephone number. If the contact storage medium is configured to be used for registering the contact telephone number in this way, it is not necessary to enter the telephone number every time the user desires the termination contact service.

If the customer already knows the user's telephone number due to reasons such as the user registering as a member of the coin laundry 1, this telephone number can be stored in the coin laundry management system controller 6 or information in advance. It may be stored in the system controller 9. Then, on condition that the user inputs a membership number or a password on the touch panel 13, the telephone number stored in the coin laundry management system controller 6 or the information system controller 9 is notified of the end of this time. It may be set as a contact in the service.

Further, when the user executes the settlement process in the centralized settlement machine 7 using the prepaid card or the membership card of the coin laundry, the user may be given a privilege based on the use of these cards. .. For example, the storage medium provided in the prepaid card or membership card can store the number of times the centralized settlement machine 7 is operated using the card (the number of times the card has been used), and the number of times the card has been used is preset. When the number of times is reached, the service privilege may be given to the user or the usage fee of the laundry equipment may be discounted.

In addition, the centralized settlement machine 7 may read the privilege information acquired in advance by the user, and the user may be given a privilege (reduction of usage fee, etc.) based on the read privilege information. .. For example, in the centralized settlement machine 7 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a barcode reader 30 (corresponding to the privilege information reading device in the present invention) is connected to the control device 11. As a flow of giving benefits to users by the action of this centralized settlement machine 7, first, the user uses a partner store affiliated with the coin laundry 1 (for example, a cleaning shop or a convenience store that has a coin laundry 1). Obtain a paper coupon by cutting it from a booklet such as a free paper. In this coupon, privilege information is coded and displayed in the form of a barcode. Next, using the coin laundry 1, the centralized settlement machine 7 causes the user to read the barcode printed on the coupon by the barcode reader 30 before the start of the settlement process. Then, the control device 11 determines the use privilege of the laundry device 2 as privilege information from the barcode, and proceeds with the settlement process by reflecting this privilege information. Examples of privilege information include reduction of usage charges (discounts, discounts) and additional services received by users at coin laundry 1 (services that extend the washing time free of charge, services that increase the weight of laundry, etc.). Grants can be mentioned, but it may be privilege information with other contents. For example, it may be a privilege content that enables the user to use a separate course different from the course scheduled to be used in the coin laundry 1. Specifically, when the customer intends to use only the washing course, the use of the drying course may be granted as an additional service.

In this way, if the user can receive the privilege related to the use of the coin laundry 1 by using the privilege information acquired in advance, the user can more easily use the coin laundry 1, and the effect of attracting customers of the coin laundry 1 becomes easier. Can be improved. Further, if the privilege information applicable to the coin laundry 1 is set to be passed from the affiliated store of the coin laundry 1 to the user, the effect of attracting customers can be expected not only in the coin laundry 1 but also in the affiliated store of the coin laundry 1. Is suitable. Furthermore, if the privilege of using the laundry device 2 based on the privilege information is set to a reduction in the usage fee of the laundry device 2, the user can use the laundry device 2 at a lower rate than usual, and the coin laundry 1 can be used. It will be easier to use. Then, by adopting a combination of a barcode and a barcode reader 30 as a combination of the privilege information display mode and the privilege information reading device, a mechanism for reading the privilege information in the centralized settlement machine 7 is realized with a simple configuration. can do.

In the present invention, the combination of the privilege information display mode and the privilege information reading device is not limited to the bar code and the bar code reader 30 described above. In short, any combination may be used as long as the centralized settlement machine 7 can read the privilege information. For example, the privilege information is coded and displayed on a coded image (two-dimensional code, etc.) different from the barcode, and a code reader (scanner) capable of reading this coded image is adopted as the privilege information reading device to concentrate. It may be connected to the checkout machine 7. In addition, the privilege information is not limited to being acquired by the user in a state of being printed on a paper medium. For example, the privilege information acquired from the e-mail newsletter or the like may be displayed on the user's mobile terminal (mobile phone, etc.), the display screen may be read by the privilege information reader, and the privilege information may be input to the centralized settlement machine 7. ..

When the privilege information is recorded on a recording medium such as a piece of paper or a plastic sheet, the privilege information is accepted in the privilege information reading device so that the privilege information can be read, and the recording medium is sent to the user after the reading is completed. You may collect it in the privilege information reader without returning it. That is, the privilege information reading device may be provided with a collecting means (collecting box, collecting and transporting device, etc.) for collecting the storage medium. Alternatively, the privilege information reading device is provided with a read mark adding means (hole punching mechanism, printing mechanism, etc.), and after the privilege information has been read, the read mark (punch hole or punch hole) indicating that the privilege information has been read has been read. (Printing, etc.) may be attached to the recording medium by the read mark adding means and returned to the user. By collecting the recording medium or putting a read mark on the recording medium, it becomes easier for the user to know that the granting of the laundry equipment usage privilege based on the privilege information has been completed, and the user can obtain the privilege information. It is preferable because it can prevent the action of trying to reload.

In addition, when the coupon for the affiliated store displaying the affiliated privilege information is printed from the receipt issuing printer 15 of the centralized settlement machine 7 and the coupon for the affiliated store is presented to the affiliated store affiliated with the coin laundry 1, the affiliated store will send the coupon. It may be set so that the privilege is given to the user. In other words, the centralized settlement machine 7 may include a printer 15 that functions as the affiliated privilege output device in the present invention, and may be set so that the user acquires the affiliated privilege information from the affiliated privilege output device (printer 15). If the coupons for affiliated stores can be issued from the centralized settlement machine 7 in this way, the effect of attracting customers to affiliated stores can be further expected. The affiliated privilege output device in the present invention is not limited to a printer that prints coupons for affiliated stores. In short, any configuration of the affiliated privilege output device may be adopted as long as the user can acquire the affiliated privilege information. For example, the affiliated privilege output device is configured by a display device such as a liquid crystal display so that the affiliated privilege information can be displayed on the display screen, and the user can display the affiliated privilege information on the display screen using the shooting function of the mobile terminal. It may be configured to be taken in.

Furthermore, it should be considered that the embodiments described above are exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The present invention is not limited to the above description, but is shown by the scope of claims, and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

1 ... coin laundry, 2 ... laundry equipment, 2a ... door, 3 ... centralized settlement system for coin laundry, 6 ... coin laundry management system controller, 6a ... communication interface, 7 ... Centralized checkout machine, 8 ... public telephone line, 9 ... information system controller, 11 ... control device, 13 ... touch panel, 14 ... change withdrawal department, 15 ... for receipt issuance Printer, 16 ... Speaker, 17 ... Controller, 21 ... Bill deposit section, 22 ... Coin deposit section, 23 ... Prepaid card reader / writer, 24 ... Credit card reader, 25 .. .Relay board, 30 ... Bar code reader

Claims (4)

It is a centralized settlement system for coin laundry equipped with a centralized settlement machine that can communicate with multiple laundry devices and settle the usage fee of each laundry device.
Each of the laundry devices includes a detection means that detects a state change of the door of the laundry device and sends a signal to the centralized settlement machine side when the user closes the door of the laundry device after loading the laundry.
The centralized settlement machine is a display means indicating the laundry device in which the customer has put laundry based on the signal from the laundry device, and a payment mode of a usage fee for the laundry device displayed on the display means. A centralized settlement system for coin laundry, which is characterized by having multiple means of accepting payment of usage fees, which are different from each other. The laundry device includes a laundry detection sensor capable of detecting the amount of laundry put into the laundry device.
The centralized settlement system for a coin laundry according to claim 1, wherein the centralized settlement machine presents a usage fee according to the amount of laundry grasped based on a signal from the laundry detection sensor . The laundry equipment includes a motor for rotating a rotating drum and a load measurement sensor capable of measuring the load received by the motor as the laundry detection sensor, and the user closes the door of the laundry equipment after loading the laundry. The centralized settlement system for coin laundry according to claim 2 , wherein the motor is driven to detect the amount of laundry and send a signal to the centralized settlement machine . The coin laundry for coin laundry according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the centralized settlement machine is provided with an affiliated privilege output device that outputs affiliated privilege information that can be used at affiliated stores affiliated with the coin laundry. Centralized settlement system.

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