JP7526646B2 - SERVER, INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD, AND LAUNDRY SYSTEM - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to technology for a laundry system that allows multiple users to use multiple washing machines.

Dry cleaning services have been known for some time. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-230590 (Patent Document 1) discloses that a dry cleaning company receives an order, picks up the clothes to be cleaned from the customer via a delivery company, performs the cleaning process, and delivers the washed clothes to the customer via the delivery company.

JP 2006-230590 A

The system described in Patent Document 1 does not allow a customer to select the most suitable cleaning company when the customer needs urgent cleaning. In addition, the system is insufficient for cleaning companies to operate their own washing machines efficiently.

The objective of the present invention is to provide a technology that allows multiple users to use multiple washing machines efficiently.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a server is provided that includes a communication interface for communicating with a communication terminal, a database that stores washing capacity and operation information for each washing machine, and a processor that obtains information indicating the amount of laundry from the communication terminal via the communication interface and outputs information identifying the washing machine that will wash the laundry by referring to the database.

As described above, the present invention makes it possible for multiple users to use multiple washing machines efficiently.

1 is a conceptual diagram showing an overall configuration and an operation overview of a laundry system according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is an image diagram showing a schedule of the laundry system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a first image diagram showing a screen of a customer terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a second conceptual diagram showing a screen of a customer terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a server according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing washing machine data according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing store data according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating affiliation data according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing user data according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing terminal data according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing driver data according to the first embodiment; FIG. 2 illustrates information processing by a server according to the first embodiment; 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a washing machine according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a customer terminal according to the first embodiment; FIG. 11 illustrates information processing by a server according to the second embodiment;

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.
First Embodiment
<Overall Configuration of Laundry System 1>

First, the overall configuration of the laundry system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The laundry system 1 according to the present embodiment mainly includes a plurality of washing machines 200, a first server 100A that manages the plurality of washing machines 200, a second server 100B that manages a plurality of drivers, a customer terminal 300A held by a customer, a store terminal 300B held by a laundry store, and a delivery terminal 300C held by a driver who receives and delivers laundry.

In addition, the washing machine 200 may be a washing machine dedicated to washing, a dryer dedicated to drying, or a washer-dryer capable of washing and drying. In the following, these are collectively referred to as the washing machine 200. In addition, the customer terminal 300A, the store terminal 300B, and the delivery terminal 300C may be devices that can communicate and output information, such as smartphones, tablets, notebook computers, wearable terminals, and stationary terminals. In the following, these are collectively referred to as communication terminals.
<Overview of Operation of Laundry System 1>

Next, an overview of the operation of the laundry system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2. First, the first server 100A can access a database that stores operation information such as the specifications, operation schedules, and reservation information of multiple washing machines 200. The second server 100B can access a database that stores operation schedules and reservation information of multiple delivery drivers.

The customer inputs a laundry request command into the customer terminal 300A (step S002). In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the customer terminal 300A accepts input of the requested amount of laundry, such as weight or volume, and whether or not the laundry needs to be collected. The customer may also take a photo of the laundry, and the first server 100A may determine the amount of laundry from the photo.

The laundry request information entered into the customer terminal 300A is not limited to the above, and may include, for example, the desired collection time or return time, the type of laundry, the desired laundry shop, and desired additional services (such as fabric softener). In addition, request information previously entered by the user may be entered or selectable the next time request information is entered.

The customer terminal 300A sends a laundry request command, including the amount of laundry, to the first server 100A (step S004).

The first server 100A selects a washing machine 200 suitable for the current request based on the capacity of the multiple washing machines 200 and the schedule (step S006). For example, the first server 100A selects one or more washing machines 200 located in a store within a predetermined range from the customer's house and having a capacity larger than the current laundry capacity.

The first server 100A provides the second server 100B with information about the customer's address and the store where the selected washing machine 200 is located (step S008).

The second server 100B selects a driver candidate suitable for the current request based on the operation schedules of multiple drivers, the customer's address, the address of the store where the selected washing machine 200 is located, and provides the driver candidate to the first server 100A (step S009).

The first server 100A determines the combination of the washing machine 200 and the driver that can deliver the washed laundry to the customer the earliest from the schedules of the selected washing machine 200 and the candidate driver. In addition, the first server 100A calculates the deadline time for the driver to collect the laundry from the customer for the selected combination (step S010).

The first server 100A presents the customer with the washing machine 200, the laundry store, the driver's pick-up time (the time when the driver can arrive at the customer's premises or the deadline for collecting the laundry from the customer's premises), the scheduled delivery time after washing, etc., as shown in FIG. 4 via the customer's terminal 300A (step S012).

Once the customer's consent is obtained, the first server 100A registers a reservation for the washing machine 200 (step S014), and the second server 100B registers a reservation for the driver (step S016).

The driver goes to the customer's house to pick up the laundry (step S018).

The driver delivers the laundry to the store where the washing machine 200 is located (step S020).

In the store, the washing machine 200 performs the washing, and the store staff dries and irons the laundry (step S022). In particular, in this embodiment, only one customer's laundry is loaded into one washing machine 200 for one wash. In other words, laundry for multiple customers is not washed in one washing machine 200. Note that, when one customer has a large amount of laundry, the laundry of that one customer may be shared and washed by multiple washing machines 200.

The driver delivers the laundry to the customer's home (step S024).

In this manner, in the present embodiment, first server 100A selects an appropriate washing machine 200 based on the laundry volume, so that multiple users can efficiently use each of the multiple washing machines. In addition, since the customer can know the earliest time when the washed laundry can be received, the customer can know in advance whether the washed laundry will arrive in time for the customer's convenience, and can decide whether to request washing or wear different clothes. The specific configuration of laundry system 1 for realizing such functions will be described in detail below.
<Configuration of First Server 100A>

First, one aspect of the configuration of the first server 100A constituting the laundry system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. Referring to FIG. 5, the first server 100A includes, as main components, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 110, a memory 120, an operation unit 140, and a communication interface 160.

The CPU 110 controls each part of the first server 100A for interactive services by executing a program stored in the memory 120. For example, the CPU 110 executes a program stored in the memory 120 and performs various processes described below by referring to various data.

The memory 120 is realized by various types of RAM (Random Access Memory), various types of ROM (Read-Only Memory), etc. The memory 120 stores programs executed by the CPU 110, data generated by the execution of the programs by the CPU 110, data input from the operation unit 140, etc. The memory 120 stores, for example, washing machine data 121, store data 122, affiliation data 123, user data 124, terminal data 125, etc. Of course, these data do not have to be stored internally in the first server 100A itself, but may be stored in another device accessible to the first server 100A.

Now, referring to FIG. 6, the washing machine data 121 stores, for each of the multiple washing machines 200, the correspondence between the washing machine name, maximum capacity, washing time, various additional time information, finishing information, futon information, and the like.

Referring to FIG. 7, store data 122 stores the correspondence between the store ID, store name, address, etc. for each store.

Referring to FIG. 8, the affiliation data 123 stores the correspondence between multiple washing machines 200 and multiple stores. The affiliation data also stores the reservation date and time for each washing machine 200.

Referring to FIG. 9, user data 124 stores the correspondence between user ID, user name, address, etc. for each user who is a customer requesting laundry.

Referring to FIG. 10, the terminal data 125 stores the correspondence between the terminal ID, user ID, current location, etc. for each customer terminal 300A.

Returning to FIG. 5, the operation unit 140 receives commands from a service administrator or the like and inputs the commands to the CPU 110. Information may also be input automatically without going through the operation unit 140.

The communication interface 160 transmits data from the CPU 110 to other devices such as the first server 100A via the Internet, a carrier network, a router, etc. Conversely, the communication interface 160 receives data from other devices via the Internet, a carrier network, a router, etc., and passes the data to the CPU 110.
<Configuration of second server 100B>

The main configuration of the second server 100B is the same as that of the first server 100A, so the description will not be repeated here. The memory 120 of the second server 100B stores data related to the drivers who collect and deliver the laundry. Of course, this data does not have to be stored internally in the second server 100B itself, but may be stored in another device accessible to the second server 100B.

11, driver data 126 stores, for each driver registered with the present service, the correspondence between the driver's ID, current location, reservation information such as collection schedule and delivery schedule, and the like.
<Information Processing in First Server 100A>

Next, information processing in the first server 100A according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 12. In this embodiment, the CPU 110 executes the following processing according to the program in the memory 120.

When the CPU 110 receives data from the customer terminal 300A via the communication interface 160, it obtains the user ID from the received data (step S102).

The CPU 110 obtains the amount of laundry from the received data (step S104). For example, the weight of the laundry may be obtained from the received data, the volume of the laundry may be obtained from the received data, or image data of the laundry may be obtained from the received data and analyzed to calculate the weight and volume of the laundry. The amount of laundry may be obtained by packing the laundry in a special bag of a certain size that has been distributed to the user in advance and inputting the size of the bag. A unique ID may be attached to the special bag, and the user may read the ID with the customer terminal 300A. In this case, it is possible to match the user information of the customer terminal 300A with the user information linked to the ID, so that erroneous orders can be prevented. The special bag may be provided with a sensor that can measure the weight of the laundry. This allows the user to obtain the amount of laundry simply by packing the laundry in the special bag, making it even easier to request laundry. Instead of a special bag, a weighing scale with a unique ID attached may be distributed or lent to the user.

The CPU 110 refers to the user data 124 and reads the user's address (step S106). If the customer terminal 300A is capable of acquiring current location information, the location acquired from the customer terminal 300A may be used instead of the user's address.

The CPU 110 refers to the store data 122 to identify stores within a specified range from the user's address (step S108).

The CPU 110 refers to the affiliation data 123 and the washing machine data 121 to extract washing machines 200 that belong to the specified store and that can process the current laundry (step S110). If even the largest washing machine 200 cannot process the current laundry, the CPU 110 extracts multiple washing machines 200 that are located in the same store and that can process the current laundry.

The CPU 110 obtains information about the driver for collection by transmitting the user's address and the store's address to the second server 100B via the communication interface 160 (step S114).

As a result, CPU 110 of second server 100B reads the driver's current location from driver data 126, identifies a driver within a predetermined range from both the user's address and the store's address, identifies a time when the driver is not scheduled to use the machine, and transmits to first server 100A the laundry collection time and the time when the collected laundry will be delivered to the store. First server 100A calculates the washing time of extracted washing machine 200 from the washing machine data in FIG. 6 and the amount of laundry obtained in step S104, and confirms that washing machine 200 is not scheduled to use the machine during this washing time from the time when the laundry will be delivered to the store. If a reservation is made, that washing machine 200 is excluded from the candidates.

If multiple washing machines 200 are extracted in step S110, the above process is performed for each washing machine 200. Then, the washing machine 200 that will finish washing the earliest is determined (step S1151).

Based on the washing completion time, the CPU 110 of the first server 100A inquires of the CPU 110 of the second server 100B about a driver to deliver the washed laundry to the customer's house, and based on the information obtained from the CPU 110 of the second server 100B, determines the time to deliver the washed laundry to the customer's house (step S1152).

With reference to Figure 2, an example of scheduling of the washing machine 200 and the driver in this embodiment will be described.

When the first server 100A receives an order from a customer at 8:30, it extracts washing machines that belong to a store within a specified range of the user's address and that can process the amount of laundry included in the order information. In the example of Figure 2, washing machine (1) in store A and washing machine (2) in store B are listed.

Next, the first server 100A transmits the user's address and information on candidate stores to the second server 100B, and inquires about drivers who can collect the laundry from the user's home and deliver it to the store. In the example of FIG. 2, drivers (A), (B), and (C) are available. In FIG. 2, the required time for each driver is listed, but it is preferable to calculate the required time for each combination of driver and store from the current location of each driver, the user's address, and the location of the store, and compare this with the driver reservation information to extract a driver who can handle each store.

Next, the first server 100A calculates the combination that will result in the earliest completion time of the washing machine from the driver information acquired from the second server 100B and the previously extracted washing machine information. In FIG. 2, as an example, a combination of washing machine (1) and driver (A) (case 1) and a combination of washing machine (2) and driver (C) (case 2) are shown. At the time when the order is received from the customer (8:30), the washing machine that is available is washing machine (2). However, for the driver who is available at the time when the order is received, the shortest delivery time to the store is 40 minutes, and including the time required for collection from the customer's home, the washing machine cannot be completed before the next reservation time for washing machine (2) (10:00 to 11:30). Therefore, washing machine (2) will be available from 12:00 onwards (case 2). On the other hand, washing machine (1) is in operation when the customer's order is received, but the scheduled end time is 9:50. Considering the collection and delivery time by the driver, it is possible to deliver the laundry to the store around the end time, and washing machine (1) can wash the laundry from 10:20 onwards (Case 1). In other words, by selecting the washing machine that will finish washing the soonest, taking into consideration not only the operation and reservation status of the washing machine at the time the customer's order is received, but also the laundry collection and delivery time, it is possible to reduce unnecessary waiting time and to present the user with a way to deliver washed laundry sooner. In addition, the laundry store does not need to keep the washing machine waiting during the laundry collection and delivery time, improving operating efficiency. Furthermore, the second server 100B can optimize the drivers who collect or deliver the laundry, improving the operating efficiency of the drivers.

Figure 2 shows a case where the customer's order includes a "desired return time." In this case, the system calculates the earliest possible time that is earlier than the customer's desired return time and presents this to the customer. If all combinations result in a return time that is later than the customer's desired time, the system notifies the customer that this cannot be accommodated.

The CPU 110 of the first server 100A inquires of the user whether to reserve the washing machine 200 at the store by transmitting information about the washing machine 200, information indicating the store where the washing machine 200 is located, the collection time, the delivery time, etc., to the customer terminal 300A via the communication interface 160 (step S116).

When the CPU 110 receives a reservation command from the customer terminal 300A via the communication interface 160 (YES in step S118), it registers the reservation for use of the washing machine 200 in the affiliation data (step S120).

Note that if the customer's order includes a "desired return time" and there is a case where the return time desired by the customer is met, or if the "desired return time" is not specified, the reception of the reservation command from the customer terminal 300A in step S118 may be skipped and the reservation may be registered in step S120. In this case, the transmission of the confirmation screen in step S116 may be omitted. However, if no case is found that meets the return time desired by the customer, the user is notified in step S116.

The CPU 110 requests the second server 100B to reserve a driver via the communication interface 160 (step S122).

Collection of laundry from the customer and delivery of washed laundry to the customer are not required, and at least one of them can be "not required." In this case, when a customer places an order, an option can be provided for them to inform them of whether collection or delivery is required. If collection is not required, the washing machine that will finish washing the soonest can be selected based on the customer's address and store information, the operation of the washing machine after a reasonable amount of time has passed (for example, the time required when using public transportation), and reservation information. If delivery is not required, the time the washing will finish can be displayed to the user.

In addition, if a customer's order includes a "desired return time" and no option was found that would allow the laundry to be returned in time if collection or delivery was used, but there is an option that would allow the laundry to be returned in time if collection or delivery or both are not required, that information may be presented to the customer via customer terminal 300A.
<Configuration of washing machine 200>

Next, referring to FIG. 13, one embodiment of the configuration of the washing machine 200 constituting the laundry system 1 will be described. The washing machine 200 according to this embodiment includes, as main components, a CPU 210, a memory 220, a display 230, an operation unit 240, a communication interface 260, a speaker 270, a sensor 280, and an appliance driving unit 290.

The CPU 210 controls each part of the washing machine 200 by executing a program stored in the memory 220 or an external storage medium.

The memory 220 is realized by various RAMs, various ROMs, etc., and stores information necessary to use various services, such as programs executed by the CPU 210, data generated by execution of the programs by the CPU 210, data input via the operation unit 240, and data received from the first server 100A via a router or the Internet.

The display 230 outputs characters, images, etc. based on signals from the CPU 210. Note that the display 230 may simply be an LED light, etc.

The operation unit 240 is realized by a button, a touch panel, etc., and receives commands from a user and inputs the commands to the CPU 210. The display 230 and the operation unit 240 may form a touch panel 250.

The communication interface 260 is realized by an antenna for wireless communication, a connector for wired communication, and the like. By using the communication interface 260, the CPU 210 exchanges various types of data with other devices, such as the first server 100A, via a router, the Internet, and the like.

The speaker 270 outputs voice messages and the like based on the voice data from the CPU 210.

The various sensors 280 may be weight sensors, temperature sensors, door opening/closing sensors, etc. The sensors 280 measure various parameters and input the measurement results to the CPU 210.

The device driving unit 290 controls each part of the washing machine 200 based on a signal from the CPU 210. The device driving unit 290 may be, for example, a motor for the washing tub, a heater for the dryer, a water supply damper, a drain damper, etc.

For example, the CPU 210 causes the device driving unit 290 to perform washing and drying based on commands from the operation unit 340, transmits operating status and environmental information to the first server 100A via the communication interface 260, and receives remote control commands from the first server 100A.

Washing machine 200 does not need to have communication interface 260. In this case, operation and reservation information of washing machine 200 may be input and managed at laundry shop's terminal 300B.
<Hardware configuration of customer terminal 300A>

Next, we will explain one aspect of the configuration of the customer terminal 300A held by the laundry customer. With reference to FIG. 14, the main components of the customer terminal 300A include a CPU 310, memory 320, display 330, operation unit 340, camera 350, GPS 355, communication interface 360, speaker 370, and microphone 380.

The CPU 310 controls each part of the customer terminal 300A by executing the programs stored in the memory 320.

Memory 320 is realized by various RAMs, various ROMs, etc. Memory 320 stores programs executed by CPU 310, data generated by execution of programs by CPU 310, input data, data acquired from first server 100A, etc. Of course, this data does not have to be stored in customer terminal 300A itself, but may be stored in another device accessible to customer terminal 300A.

The display 330 displays images and text based on signals from the CPU 310. The operation unit 340 is composed of a keyboard, switches, etc., and receives commands from an operator and inputs the commands to the CPU 310. The display 330 and the operation unit 340 may be composed of a touch panel.

The camera 350 captures still and moving images and stores them in the memory 320.

GPS355 measures the current location of customer terminal 300A based on signals from multiple satellites and inputs this to CPU310.

The communication interface 360 is realized by a communication module such as a wireless LAN communication or a wired LAN. The communication interface 360 exchanges data with other devices such as the first server 100A by wired communication or wireless communication.

The speaker 370 outputs sound based on a signal from the CPU 310.

The microphone 380 converts audio into a signal and inputs it to the CPU 310.

Because of this configuration, for example, CPU 310 accepts input of the weight and volume of the laundry via operation unit 340, and transmits a laundry request command including the amount of laundry to first server 100A via communication interface 360. CPU 310 acquires information about washing machine 200, store information, and laundry return date and time from first server 100A via communication interface 360 and displays them on display 330, and accepts a command to officially register a laundry reservation via operation unit 340.

In addition, since the store terminal 300B and the delivery terminal 300C have the same configuration as the customer terminal 300A, the description will not be repeated here.
Second Embodiment

In the first embodiment, when the amount of laundry is specified, the user also specifies whether or not the laundry should be collected, but this is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the CPU 110 of the first server 100A may inquire of the customer terminal 300A via the communication interface 160 whether or not the laundry should be collected after the store has been decided. In this embodiment, for example, when the user has decided on the store to use, it is possible to prevent options other than that store from being presented.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 15, the CPU 110 of the first server 100A transmits information about the washing machine 200 and information indicating the store where the washing machine 200 is located to the customer terminal 300A via the communication interface 160 (step S212).

When approval for the store and the washing machine 200 is obtained from the customer terminal 300A (if YES in step S214), the CPU 110 inquires of the customer terminal 300A via the communication interface 160 as to whether the customer will bring the laundry to the store themselves or have a driver collect it (step S216).

In response, the CPU 310 of the customer terminal 300A accepts instructions as to whether the customer will bring the laundry to the store themselves or have a driver collect it.

Then, when the CPU 110 of the first server 100A receives a laundry collection request from the customer terminal 300A via the communication interface 160 (if the answer is YES in step S218), it requests the second server 100B to arrange for a vehicle to be dispatched by transmitting the user's address and the store's address via the communication interface 160 (step S220).

The CPU 110 of the second server 100B reads the driver's current location from the driver data 126, identifies a driver within a predetermined range based on both the user's address and the store's address, identifies a time when the driver is not scheduled, and transmits the laundry collection date and time to the first server 100A.

It is preferable that the CPU 110 of the first server 100A determines the end date and time of the washing based on the laundry collection date and time or the delivery date and time to the store, reservation information for the washing machine 200, etc., and that the CPU 110 of the second server 100B determines the date and time of delivery of the washed laundry to the customer's house based on the end date and time.

The CPU 110 of the first server 100A inquires the user as to whether or not to make a final reservation for laundry by transmitting the collection date and time, delivery date and time, etc. to the customer terminal 300A via the communication interface 160 (step S222).

When the CPU 110 receives a reservation command from the customer terminal 300A via the communication interface 160 (YES in step S224), it registers the reservation for use of the washing machine 200 in the affiliation data (step S226).

The CPU 110 requests the second server 100B to make a reservation for a driver via the communication interface 160 (step S228).
Third embodiment

In the above embodiment, the washing machine 200 that finishes washing the earliest among the washing machines 200 that belong to a store within a predetermined range from the customer's address and that can process the current laundry is selected, but this is not limited to the embodiment. For example, the CPU 110 of the first server 100A may select a washing machine in a store that is closest to the customer's address among the washing machines 200 that can process the current laundry. Also, among the washing machines 200 that can process the current laundry, the washing machine 200 with the smallest capacity may be selected with priority. This can improve the operating efficiency of the driver and the operating efficiency of the washing machines.

Alternatively, CPU 110 of first server 100A may create a list of washing machines 200 that belong to a store within a predetermined range from the customer's address and that can process the current laundry, and transmit the list to customer terminal 300A. In this case, customer terminal 300A accepts washing instructions for washing machines 200, stores, and washing machines 200 from the user, and transmits the list to first server 100A.
Fourth embodiment

Some or all of the roles of each device in the laundry system 1 of the above embodiment may be performed by other devices. For example, some or all of the roles of the first server 100A, the second server 100B, the customer terminal 300A, the store terminal 300B, and the delivery terminal 300C may be performed by other devices, or some or all of the roles of each of these devices may be shared among multiple devices.

For example, the functions of the first server 100A and the second server 100B may be realized by one device, or conversely, the roles of the first server 100A and the second server 100B may be realized by multiple devices on the cloud. Even in such a configuration, the first server 100A and the second server 100B are defined not for each device but for each role.
<Summary>

In the above embodiment, a server is provided that includes a communication interface for communicating with a communication terminal, a database that stores the washing capacity and operation information for each washing machine, and a processor that obtains information indicating the amount of laundry from the communication terminal via the communication interface and outputs information identifying the washing machine that will wash the laundry by referring to the database.

Preferably, the database further stores a location for each washing machine. The processor identifies the washing machine that should receive the laundry based also on the location of the user of the communication terminal.

Preferably, the database further stores a store for each washing machine. If the laundry cannot be washed in one washing machine, the processor identifies multiple washing machines in the same store that are capable of washing the laundry.

The processor transmits information about the washing machine and the store that will wash the laundry to the communication terminal via the communication interface, and accepts a reservation for washing using the washing machine.

The processor receives a laundry collection request from the communication terminal via the communication interface.

The server further includes a second database that stores location information and reservation information of multiple drivers. The processor identifies a driver who will collect the laundry and deliver it to the washing machine based on the second database, and transmits the laundry collection date and time to the communication terminal.

In the above embodiment, an information processing method is provided in a server, which includes the steps of acquiring information indicating the amount of laundry from a communication terminal via a communication interface, identifying a washing machine that will wash the laundry by referring to a database that stores the washing capacity of each washing machine, and outputting information about the identified washing machine.

In the above embodiment, a laundry system is provided that includes a communication terminal that receives input of information indicating the amount of laundry and transmits the information, and a server that outputs information to identify a washing machine that will wash laundry based on the amount of laundry by referring to a database that stores the washing capacity of each washing machine.

The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

1: Laundry system 100A: First server 100B: Second server 110: CPU
120: Memory 140: Operation unit 160: Communication interface 200: Washing machine 210: CPU
220: Memory 230: Display 240: Operation unit 250: Touch panel 260: Communication interface 270: Speaker 280: Sensor 290: Device driving unit 300A: Customer terminal 300B: Store terminal 300C: Delivery terminal 310: CPU
320: Memory 330: Display 340: Operation unit 350: Camera 360: Communication interface 370: Speaker 380: Microphone 400: Router

Claims (8)

A communication interface for communicating with a communication terminal;
A database that stores washing capacity and operation information for each washing machine;
A server comprising a processor for acquiring information indicating the amount of laundry from the communication terminal via the communication interface, and by referring to the database, identifying the washing machine that will finish washing the laundry at the earliest time , and outputting information regarding the time when washing of the laundry will be completed. The database further stores a location for each of the washing machines;
The server of claim 1 , wherein the processor identifies a washing machine that should receive the laundry based also on a location of a user of the communication terminal. The database further stores a store for each of the washing machines,
The server according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the processor, if the laundry cannot be washed in one washing machine, identifies multiple washing machines in the same store that are capable of washing the laundry. The server according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the processor transmits information about the washing machine that will wash the laundry and the time when the washing of the laundry will finish to the communication terminal via the communication interface, and accepts a reservation for washing by the washing machine. the processor is capable of receiving, via the communication interface, from the communication terminal, information regarding whether or not a request for collection of the laundry is required;
the server further comprises a second database storing location information and reservation information for a plurality of drivers;
A server as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the processor accepts a request to collect the laundry, it identifies a driver who will collect the laundry based on the second database, and it identifies, based on the database, a washing machine that will finish washing the laundry at the earliest time if washing of the laundry starts after the time the collected laundry arrives at the washing machine, and it transmits information regarding the collection time of the laundry and the time when washing of the laundry will be completed to the communication terminal . The processor,
A desired return time can be received from the communication terminal via the communication interface,
The server of claim 5, wherein when a request is made for collection of the laundry and no option is found that will allow the laundry to be completed in time for the desired return time, and when there is an option that will allow the laundry to be returned in time if the requested collection request is not required, information about that option is sent to the communication terminal. An information processing method in a server, comprising:
obtaining information indicative of an amount of laundry from a communication terminal via a communication interface;
Identifying a washing machine that will complete washing the laundry at the earliest time by referring to a database that stores washing capacity and operation information for each washing machine;
Calculating a time when washing of the laundry will be completed by the specified washing machine;
and outputting information regarding the identified washing machine and a time when washing of the laundry will be completed. a communication terminal that receives input of information indicating an amount of laundry and transmits the information;
A washing system comprising: a server for outputting information for identifying a washing machine that will complete washing of the laundry at the earliest time based on the amount of laundry and information regarding the time when washing of the laundry will be completed by referring to a database that stores washing capacity and operation information for each washing machine.

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