JP7561366B2 - Car wash - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a car wash machine that performs car washing operations.

Patent Document 1 discloses an automatic ticket gate that processes passenger tickets. An image of a QR code (registered trademark) is printed on the passenger ticket. Because the QR code is only optically read, information such as entry and exit records cannot be written onto the ticket. Therefore, there is a concern that used passenger tickets may be reused.

JP 2019-159793 A Re-table 2019/39561 publication

In Patent Document 1, a discolored portion is formed on a ticket that includes an image of a QR code. When passing through an automated ticket gate, the discolored portion of the ticket changes color in response to heat. To achieve the discoloration, an LC resonant circuit and a capacitor are built into the ticket. This complicates the structure of the ticket. This increases the manufacturing costs of the ticket. To achieve the discoloration, the structure of the automated ticket gate also becomes more complex.

The present invention aims to provide a car wash machine with a very simple configuration that can avoid the reuse of QR codes used in washing cars.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a car wash machine is provided which comprises a reading means for deciphering an image of a QR code which includes an identifier for identifying a single car wash and specifies the car wash operation, a storage means for storing the deciphered identifier, a comparison means for comparing the identifier obtained by deciphering with a used identifier which is stored in the storage means prior to deciphering and identifies a previous car wash, and a determination means for avoiding the car wash if the identifier matches the used identifier, wherein the identifier obtained by deciphering is confirmed to be stored in the storage means when the car wash operation is completed, and is deleted from the storage means if the car wash operation ends halfway , making it possible to use it again.

According to a second aspect, a car wash machine is provided which includes a reading means for deciphering an image of a QR code which includes an identifier for identifying one car wash and specifies the car wash operation, a storage means for storing the deciphered identifier, a comparison means for comparing the identifier obtained by deciphering with a used identifier which is stored in the storage means prior to deciphering and identifies a past car wash, and a determination means for avoiding the car wash if the identifier matches the used identifier, wherein the identifier becomes a used identifier when the car wash operation is completed and is not a used identifier if the car wash operation ends halfway .

According to a third aspect, a car wash machine is provided which includes a reading means for deciphering an image of a QR code which includes an identifier for identifying one car wash and specifies the car wash operation, a storage means for storing the deciphered identifier, a comparison means for comparing the identifier obtained by deciphering with a used identifier which is stored in the storage means prior to deciphering and identifies a past car wash, and a determination means for avoiding the car wash if the identifier matches the used identifier, and the identifier becomes the used identifier at a preset timing based on the car wash operation after the start of the car wash operation .

According to a fourth aspect, in addition to the configuration of any one of the first to third aspects, the reading means decodes a car wash machine identifier that identifies one car wash machine from the image of the QR code, and the determination means permits the car wash when the decoded car wash machine identifier matches a car wash machine identifier that identifies the car.

According to a fifth aspect, in addition to the configuration of any one of the first to fourth aspects, the car wash machine includes an erasure means for erasing the used identifier from the storage means when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the issue date of the used identifier.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a car wash machine is provided which includes a reading means for reading identifier data that specifies an identifier for one car wash and specifies the car wash operation from a physically separated medium, a storage means for storing the read identifier, a comparison means for comparing the identifier obtained by reading with a used identifier that identifies a past car wash and was stored in the storage means prior to reading, and a determination means for avoiding the car wash if the identifier matches the used identifier, and the identifier obtained by decryption is confirmed to be stored in the storage means when the car wash operation is completed, and is deleted from the storage means if the car wash operation ends halfway , making it possible to use it again.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a car wash machine is provided which includes a reading means for reading identifier data specifying an identifier that identifies a single car wash and that specifies the car wash operation from a physically separated medium, a storage means for storing the read identifier, a comparison means for comparing the identifier obtained by reading with a used identifier that identifies a past car wash and that was stored in the storage means prior to reading, and a determination means for avoiding the car wash if the identifier matches the used identifier, and the identifier becomes a used identifier when the car wash operation is completed, and is not a used identifier if the car wash operation ends halfway .

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, a car wash machine is provided which includes a reading means for reading identifier data that specifies an identifier for identifying a single car wash and specifies the car wash operation from a physically separated medium, a storage means for storing the read identifier, a comparison means for comparing the identifier obtained by reading with a used identifier that identifies a past car wash and that is stored in the storage means prior to reading, and a determination means for avoiding the car wash if the identifier matches the used identifier, and the identifier becomes the used identifier at a preset timing based on the car wash operation after the start of the car wash operation .

According to the first to third aspects, the QR code includes an identifier. The identifier identifies one car wash. One car wash can be realized with one QR code. Thus, if a user of the car wash wants a new car wash, he or she obtains a new QR code. If a QR code used in a previous car wash is read again, the car wash can be avoided. In this way, reuse of the QR code can be prevented. Car washes can be limited to one with one QR code. Reuse of the QR code for car washes can be avoided.

According to the fourth aspect, the determination means only needs to use a used QR code including the car wash machine identifier of the own machine for the determination. Therefore, the used identifiers used for matching can be narrowed down. In this way, the processing burden of the determination can be reduced. In addition, the used identifiers stored in the storage means can be narrowed down. The storage capacity of the storage means can be suppressed as much as possible. Since the number of used identifiers for matching is also reduced, the processing burden of the processor can be reduced. Speed-up of the matching can be realized.

According to the fifth aspect, in the storage means, an increase in used identifiers beyond a specific quantity can be suppressed. The number of used identifiers to be stored can be narrowed down. The storage capacity of the storage means can be suppressed as much as possible. Since the number of used identifiers to be matched is also reduced, the processing burden on the processor can be reduced. Speed-up of match-up can be realized.

According to the sixth to eighth aspects, the medium holds an identifier. The identifier identifies one car wash. One car wash can be realized with one identifier data. Thus, if a user of the car wash wants a new car wash, he obtains new identifier data. If the identifier data used in a previous car wash is read again, the car wash can be avoided. In this way, reuse of the identifier data can be prevented. One car wash can be limited to one with one identifier data. Reuse of the identifier data when washing a car can be avoided.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a car wash system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on a display panel of a smartphone device to identify options for car wash machines. 1 is a specific example of an image that is displayed on the display panel of a smartphone terminal and identifies a "warning." 11 is an image showing a specific example of a QR code displayed on a display panel of a smartphone terminal. 13 is a specific example of an image displayed on a display panel of a smartphone terminal to identify "car wash reception history." FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a car wash system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

1 shows a schematic configuration of a car wash system 11 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The car wash system 11 includes an ASP server 13 connected to the Internet 12 and operated by an ASP (Application Service Provider), an Internet terminal (user terminal) 14 connected to the Internet 12 and owned by a car wash customer, and a smartphone terminal (user terminal) 16 connected to a mobile phone communication network 15 and owned by a car wash customer. The Internet terminal 14 is connected to the ASP server 13 via the Internet 12 in response to, for example, the execution of an application program. The mobile phone communication network 15 is connected to the Internet 12 through, for example, a gateway. The smartphone terminal 16 is connected to the ASP server 13 via the mobile phone communication network 15 and the Internet 12 in response to, for example, the execution of a mobile application program. The ASP server 13 can issue a QR code that specifies the car wash operation for each of the car wash machines 17Aa, 17Ab, 17Ac, 17Ba, 17Bb, and 17Ca in response to a request provided from the Internet terminal 14 or the smartphone terminal 16. Each of the car washes 17Aa, 17Ab, 17Ac, 17Ba, 17Bb, and 17Ca performs a car wash according to the operation decoded from the QR code. The three car washes 17Aa, 17Ab, and 17Ac are installed, for example, in the AA car wash 18A. The two car washes 17Ba and 17Bb are installed, for example, in the BB car wash 18B. The one car wash 17Ca is installed, for example, in the CC car wash 18C.

The ASP server 13 includes a processor (CPU) 23 that functions as a reception means 21 and a QR code issuing means 22, and a storage means 28 that is connected to the processor 23 and stores a server application program 24, a car wash reservation database 25, a car wash machine database 26, and a member database 27. The storage means 28 can be configured as a large-capacity storage device such as a disk array device.

The car wash reservation database 25 stores event data that identifies one car wash event (one car wash) to be performed at car wash machines 17Aa, 17Ab, 17Ac, 17Ba, 17Bb, and 17Ca. As described below, one event data includes "operator ID" data, "store ID" data, "model ID" data, "car wash machine ID" data, "car wash course ID" data, "option ID" data, "equipment ID" data, "payment amount" data, "issue date and time" data, "issue serial ID" data, "member ID" data, and "member type" data.

The "operator ID" data identifies the operator (e.g., a corporation) that operates each individual car wash. The "operator ID" can be composed of alphanumeric characters, for example. The "operator ID" can be assigned to each operator by the ASP. Individual operators can be identified based on the "operator ID".

The "Store ID" data identifies an individual car wash (including a gas station). The "Store ID" can be composed of, for example, alphanumeric characters. The "Store ID" can be assigned by the ASP to each store. Individual car washes can be identified based on the "Store ID".

The "Model ID" data identifies the model of the car wash machine. The "Model ID" can be composed of, for example, half-width alphanumeric characters. The "Model ID" can be assigned by the ASP to each model of car wash machine. Individual models can be identified based on the "Model ID".

The "Car Wash Machine ID" data identifies the machine number for each individual car wash machine. The "Car Wash Machine ID" can be composed of half-width alphanumeric characters, for example. The "Car Wash Machine ID" can be assigned by the manufacturer of the car wash machine. A consecutive number may be assigned to each model identified by the "Model ID". In this case, the car wash identifier is formed by combining the "Model ID" and the "Car Wash Machine ID". Individual car wash machines can be identified based on the "Car Wash Machine ID".

The "Car Wash Course ID" data identifies the car wash courses that can be performed for each individual car wash machine. The "Car Wash Course ID" can be configured, for example, as a hexadecimal number. Car wash courses are set uniquely for each individual car wash machine (or for each model). Car wash operations are specified for each car wash course. Individual car wash courses can be identified based on the "Car Wash Course ID".

"Option ID" data is added to a car wash program for each individual car wash machine to identify options that can be implemented. The "Option ID" can be configured, for example, as a hexadecimal number. Options are set, for example, uniquely for each individual car wash machine (or for each model). Additional actions are specified for each option. Individual options can be identified based on the "Option ID".

The "Equipment ID" data specifies whether or not each specified piece of equipment is equipped. The "Equipment ID" can be composed of a hexadecimal number, for example. Based on the "Equipment ID", it is possible to specify whether or not there are "non-retractable door mirrors", "fender poles", "roof protrusions" such as carriers, "front protrusions" such as large fog lights, "rear protrusions" such as rear mirrors, and "license plates offset to the left or right".

The "payment amount" data specifies the amount charged to the customer for providing the car wash. The "payment amount" can be composed of half-width numbers, for example.

The "issue date and time" data specifies the issue date and time of the QR code. The "issue date and time" can be composed of half-width numbers, for example, to represent the four-digit year "YYYY", the four-digit month and day "MMDD", and the six-digit time "hhmmss".

The "Issued Serial ID" data identifies one car wash. The "Issued Serial ID" can consist of a sequential number of a set number of digits. Individual car washes (car wash events) can be identified based on the "Issued Serial ID".

The "member ID" data identifies a user registered with the car wash system. The "member ID" can be composed of, for example, half-width alphanumeric characters. The "member ID" can be assigned to each user by the ASP. Individual users can be identified based on the "member ID".

The "membership type" data specifies the type of user. The type of user can be classified, for example, into "spot member," "prepaid member," and "monthly member." Spot members pay for each car wash. Prepaid members deposit a specific amount of monetary value with the operator in advance. The cost of the car wash is deducted from the deposited monetary value each time the car is washed. Here, a prepaid member can purchase points worth 1,000 yen with a payment of 950 yen, points worth 2,000 yen with a payment of 1,800 yen, and points worth 5,000 yen with a payment of 4,250 yen. Monthly members can wash their cars an unlimited number of times by paying a set amount each month.

In the car wash database 26, "store ID" data, "model ID" data, "car wash ID" data, "car wash course ID" data, "option ID" data, and "equipment ID" data are registered for each individual car wash. In the member database 27, "member ID" data and "member type" data are registered for each individual user. To manage the car wash database 26 and the member database 27, the ASP administrator can access the storage means 28 of the ASP server 13 from an Internet terminal (not shown) connected to the Internet 12.

When the server application program 24 is executed on the ASP server 13, a car wash management application runs on the ASP server 13. The car wash management application causes the reception means 21 and QR code issuing means 22 to be established in the processor 23. The reception means 21 is connected to the Internet terminal 14 and the smartphone terminal 16 via the Internet 12, and transmits and receives text data and image data between the Internet terminal 14 and the smartphone terminal 16. The QR code issuing means 22 generates event data based on the text data received by the reception means 21 and the car wash machine database 26 and member database 27 stored in the storage means 28.

The QR code issuing means 22 issues one QR code for one piece of event data. Here, the following strings are encrypted into the QR code in the order specified for each string: "operator ID", "store ID", "model ID", "car wash machine ID", "car wash course ID", "option ID", "equipment ID", "payment amount", "issue date and time", "issue serial ID", "member ID" and "member type". Thus, the QR code includes an identifier that identifies one car wash and specifies the car wash operation.

The smartphone terminal 16 includes a processor (arithmetic processing device) 31 connected to the processor 23 of the ASP server 13 and transmitting and receiving data to and from the processor 23, a memory 34 connected to the processor 31 and storing a car wash reservation application program (mobile app program) 32, QR code image data 33, and other programs and data, a display panel 35 connected to the processor 31 and displaying images on a screen, and a user interface 36 connected to the processor 31 and inputting user instructions and data to the processor 31. Here, the user interface 36 has a touch screen panel that specifies the coordinate values of contacts detected on the screen for each image. The touch screen panel inputs user instructions and data to the processor 31 based on the image displayed on the screen and the coordinate values of contacts detected on the screen. The processor 31 can be wirelessly connected to the mobile phone communication network 15 via a communication circuit 37. In addition, the processor 31 can be wirelessly connected to a WiFi router via a WiFi (registered trademark) circuit (not shown). The WiFi router connects the WiFi circuit to the Internet 12.

Similarly, the Internet terminal 14 may include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) connected to the processor 23 of the ASP server 13 for sending and receiving data to and from the processor 23, a storage means connected to the CPU for storing the car wash reservation application program, image data of the QR code, and other programs and data, a display panel connected to the CPU for displaying images on the screen, and a user interface connected to the CPU for inputting user instructions and data to the CPU. Here, the user interface includes a keyboard and mouse. The CPU can be connected to the Internet 12 via a LAN board.

A printer 38 can be connected to the Internet terminal 14. The printer 38 can print character strings and images on the surface of printing paper based on text data and image data. The text data and image data can be supplied to the printer 38 from the CPU, for example.

Each of the car washes 17Aa, 17Ab, 17Ac, 17Ba, 17Bb, and 17Ca includes a washing device 41 that washes the vehicle with water, and a reception device 42 that is connected to the washing device 41 and specifies the operation of the washing device 41 according to input instructions. In the washing device 41, for example, a top brush that washes the front and top of the vehicle, left and right side brushes that wash the left and right sides of the vehicle, a top nozzle that blows air onto the front and top of the vehicle, and a side nozzle that blows air onto the left and right sides of the vehicle are supported on a gate-shaped frame that straddles the vehicle and moves in the front-to-back direction relative to the vehicle. Here, the structure of the washing device 41 is the same as that of a general car wash, and a detailed description will be omitted.

The reception device 42 includes a processor (MPU) 46 that functions as a reading means 43, a matching means 44, and a determination means 45, an imaging device (camera) 47 that is connected to the processor 46 and outputs an imaging signal based on an image formed on an imaging element, a storage means 52 that is connected to the processor 46 and stores a car wash reception program 48, a car wash reception database 49, and a car wash history database 51, a display panel 53 that is connected to the processor 46 and displays an image on a screen, and a user interface 54 that is connected to the processor 46 and inputs a user's instructions to the processor 46. An identifier that identifies one car wash is registered in the car wash reception database 49. Here, the "issued serial ID" data is used as the identifier. The "issued serial ID" data is extracted from event data accepted for past car washes. The car wash history database 51 is registered with car wash history data that specifies the operation of the car wash machine for each car wash. The car wash history data can be created based on control signals for the top brush, side brush, top nozzle, and side nozzle, for example. The car wash history data is linked to a corresponding identifier in the car wash reception database 49.

When the car wash reception program 48 is executed in the reception device 42, a car wash reception application runs in the reception device 42. The car wash reception application operates to establish the reading means 43, the matching means 44, and the determination means 45 in the processor 46. The reading means 43 decodes the QR code based on the image signal output from the imaging device 47. The event data acquired by the decoding is temporarily stored, for example, in a memory (not shown).

The matching means 44 compares the "model ID" and "car wash machine ID" acquired by decrypting the QR code with the "model ID" and "car wash machine ID" stored in the machine. If the decrypted "model ID" and "car wash machine ID" match the "model ID" and "car wash machine ID" that identify the machine, the determination means 45 allows the car to be washed. If they do not match, the determination means 45 avoids the car wash. The determination means 45 displays a string of characters such as "This car wash machine cannot be used" on the screen of the display panel 53.

In addition, the collation means 44 compares the identifier obtained by decoding the QR code with the identifier (hereinafter referred to as the "used identifier") registered in the car wash reception database 49. If the identifier stored in the memory matches any of the used identifiers registered in the car wash reception database 49, the determination means 45 avoids the car wash. The determination means 45 displays a character string such as "This car wash machine cannot handle this product. Please call an attendant" on the screen of the display panel 53. If there is no match, the determination means 45 allows the car wash.

Next, the operation of the car wash system 11 will be described. When a user launches a car wash reservation application (hereinafter referred to as the "mobile app") by executing the car wash reservation application program 32 on the smartphone terminal 16, the user is prompted to enter a login ID and password. The mobile app is installed on the smartphone terminal 16 in advance. When the login ID and password are approved, the mobile app on the smartphone terminal 16 is connected to the car wash management application on the ASP server 13. In this way, encrypted communication is realized between the processor 31 of the smartphone terminal 16 and the processor 23 of the ASP server 13.

Depending on the member authentication, the QR code issuing means 22 of the ASP server 13 can recognize the "member ID" and "member type" based on the member database 27. Here, a mobile app is provided for each car wash 18A, 18B, 18C. The mobile app displays an image unique to each car wash 18A, 18B, 18C on the screen of the display panel 35. The mobile app transmits "store ID" data from the smartphone terminal 16 to the ASP server 13. Therefore, the QR code issuing means 22 of the ASP server 13 can identify the "operator ID" and "store ID" based on the car wash database 26. The target car washes can be narrowed down based on the "store ID".

As shown in FIG. 2, the user is prompted to select a car wash machine. The reception means 21 transmits image data (and text data) identifying the selected car wash machine to the processor 31. Images 55a, 55b, and 55c of the options are displayed on the screen of the display panel 35.

Based on the image 55a, the user selects one car wash machine 17Aa. The selection is input based on the operation of the user interface 36. The selection of the car wash machine 17Aa is sent to the reception means 21 of the ASP server 13. Based on the selection, the QR code issuing means 22 of the ASP server 13 can identify the "model ID" and the "car wash machine ID."

When the car wash machine 17Aa is selected, the reception means 21 transmits image data (and text data) identifying the "warning" to the processor 31. As shown in FIG. 3, an image 56 of the "warning" is displayed on the screen of the display panel 35. In this way, the "warning" is always seen by the user when washing the car. The user can be alerted to the precautions to take when using the car wash machine 17Aa.

Once the car wash machine 17Aa has been selected, the reception means 21 identifies the "car wash course ID" and "option ID" assigned to the car wash machine 17Aa based on the car wash machine database 26. The reception means 21 transmits image data (and text data) identifying the selected car wash course and image data (and text data) identifying the selected option to the processor 31. "Car wash course" options and "option" options are displayed on the screen of the display panel 35. The user selects one "car wash course" and "option" based on the image. The selection is input based on the operation of the user interface 36. In this way, the QR code issuing means 22 of the ASP server 13 can identify the "car wash course ID" and "option ID".

The reception means 21 identifies the "equipment ID" associated with the car wash machine 17Aa based on the car wash machine database 26. The reception means 21 transmits image data (and text data) identifying the equipment to the processor 31. Equipment options are displayed on the screen of the display panel 35. The user selects the appropriate equipment based on the image. The selection is input based on the operation of the user interface 36. In this way, the QR code issuing means 22 of the ASP server 13 can identify the "equipment ID".

The reception means 21 transmits image data specifying a confirmation screen for the car wash event to the processor 31. An image of "Content confirmation" is displayed on the screen of the display panel 35. When the car wash event is approved based on the operation of the user interface 36, the reception means 21 executes the payment procedure. When the payment is completed, the QR code issuing means 22 registers the event data in the car wash reservation database 25. In response to the establishment of the event data, the QR code issuing means 22 issues a QR code. The image data of the issued QR code is transmitted to the processor 31. The image data 33 of the QR code is stored in the memory 34 of the smartphone terminal 16. Here, the image data 33 of the QR code is overwritten. When a new QR code is issued on one smartphone terminal 16, the old QR code is erased. As shown in FIG. 4, the QR code 57 can be displayed on the screen of the display panel 35.

When the user wants to have their car washed, they drive up to the car wash 18A. At this time, the user brings their smartphone terminal 16 with them. If a reservation for a car wash has been made using the internet terminal 14, the user only needs to bring a QR code printed out by the printer 38. The QR code 57 displayed on the screen is held up to the imaging device 47 of the reception device 42. The reading means 43 decodes the QR code 57 from the imaging signal of the imaging device 47. The event data is restored. The event data is temporarily stored in memory.

The matching means 44 compares the "model ID" and "car wash ID" (car wash identifier) acquired by decryption with the machine's own "model ID" and "car wash ID" (car wash identifier that identifies the machine). If the car wash identifier acquired by decryption matches the car wash identifier that identifies the machine, the determination means 45 allows the car to be washed. If they do not match, the reception device 42 notifies the user that the car cannot be washed. The display panel 53 of the reception device 42 displays the text "This car wash cannot be used" on the screen.

Similarly, the matching means 44 compares the "issued serial ID" obtained by the decryption with used "issued serial IDs" that are stored in the storage means 52 prior to the decryption and identify past car washes. If the decrypted "issued serial ID" does not match any of the used "issued serial IDs", the determination means 45 allows the car to be washed. If they match, the determination means 45 avoids the car wash. The reception device 42 notifies the user that the car cannot be washed. The display panel 53 of the reception device 42 displays the text "This car wash machine cannot handle this. Please call an attendant" on the screen.

When the car wash is permitted, the reception device 42 displays an image of "content confirmation" on the screen of the display panel 53. When the contents of the car wash event are approved according to the operation of the user interface 54, the car wash is started. The reception device 42 extracts the "issued serial ID" from the event data. The "issued serial ID" is registered in the car wash reception database 49. The operation of the car wash machine 17Aa is registered in the car wash history database 51 as car wash history data. Here, the car wash history data is linked to the registered "issued serial ID". In this way, the event data can be verified based on the actual car wash history. If the car wash operation is stopped halfway , the corresponding "issued serial ID" is deleted from the car wash reception database 49. The "issued serial ID" can be erased from the storage means 52. In this way, if the car wash is not completed, the same QR code 57 can be used again. At this time, the completion of the car wash can be recognized when the operation of the drying device that is incorporated in the washing device 41 and blows air onto the vehicle is completed. The completion of the car wash may be determined when the gate opens to allow a new vehicle to enter after a vehicle has exited the washing device 41. The timing of the completion of the car wash may be set arbitrarily based on the operation of the car wash machine. The timing of the completion of the car wash may be changed according to the operation of the user interface 54.

The QR code 57 according to this embodiment includes an identifier "issued serial ID." The "issued serial ID" identifies one car wash. One car wash can be realized with one QR code 57. Therefore, if a user of the car wash machine 17Aa wants to have a new car wash, he or she obtains a new QR code 57. If the QR code 57 used in a previous car wash is read again, the car wash is avoided. In this way, the reuse of the QR code 57 can be prevented. Car washes can be limited to one with one QR code 57. The reuse of the QR code 57 when washing a car can be avoided.

In this embodiment, the determination means 45 of the reception device 42 allows the car to be washed if the decoded car wash machine identifier ("model ID" and "car wash machine ID") matches the car wash machine identifier that identifies the machine itself. To prevent reuse, the determination means 45 only needs to use a used QR code that contains the car wash machine identifier of the machine itself for determination. Therefore, the used identifiers used for matching can be narrowed down. The number of used identifiers is reduced. In this way, the processing burden of the determination can be reduced. In addition, the used identifiers stored in the storage means 52 can be narrowed down. The storage capacity of the storage means 52 can be suppressed as much as possible. Since the number of used identifiers for matching is also reduced, the processing burden of the processor 46 can be reduced. Speed-up of the matching can be achieved.

The car wash reception device 42 may be equipped with an erasure means for erasing a used identifier from the storage means 52 when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the issue date of the used identifier. The erasure means may be established by the processor 46 in response to execution of the car wash reception program 48. In this case, "issue date and time" data is registered in the car wash reception database 49, linked to each used identifier. The erasure means manages the expiration date of the used identifier based on the "issue date and time" data.

In the storage means 52, an increase in used identifiers beyond a certain quantity can be suppressed. The number of used identifiers to be stored can be narrowed down. The storage capacity of the storage means 52 can be suppressed as much as possible. Since the number of used identifiers for matching also decreases, the processing burden on the processor 46 can be reduced. Speed-up of matching can be realized.

The car wash reception device 42 may be equipped with an erasure means for erasing the corresponding used identifier from the storage means 52 when the user decoded by the reading means 43 matches the user associated with the used identifier. The erasure means may be established by the processor 46 in response to execution of the car wash reception program 48. In this case, "member ID" data is registered in the car wash reception database 49, linked to each used identifier. The erasure means determines the identity of the user based on the "member ID" data.

In this way, in the storage means 52, an increase in used identifiers beyond a certain quantity can be suppressed. The number of used identifiers stored can be narrowed down. The storage capacity of the storage means 52 can be suppressed as much as possible. Since the number of used identifiers for matching also decreases, the processing burden on the processor 46 can be reduced. Speedup of matching can be achieved.

In this embodiment, "expiration date" data may be further set (added) to the event data. The "expiration date" data specifies the expiration date of the QR code. The "expiration date" may be composed of half-width numbers expressing, for example, the four-digit year "YYYY", the four-digit month and day "MMDD", and the six-digit time "hhmmss". The "expiration date" may be set arbitrarily, for example, between 1 and 30 days from the "issue date and time". Additionally, if the "expiration date" is set to inactive, the "expiration date" data may be set to a value of "0 (zero)".

The event data may further include "unsettled flag" data. The "unsettled flag" data specifies whether the payment is complete or not. For example, if the payment is complete, a "0 (zero)" value is written to the "unsettled flag" data. If the payment is not complete, a "1" value is written to the "unsettled flag" data. When issuing the QR code, the QR code issuing means 22 of the ASP server 13 determines whether the payment procedure is complete or not. When the "unsettled flag" is established, an image for selecting "paid" or "unsettled" may be displayed on the screen of the display panel 35 of the smartphone terminal 16 of the spot member in response to the operation of the mobile app. Payment or unsettled can be selected according to the operation of the user interface 36. When "paid" is confirmed in the event data in response to the decoding of the QR code 57 by the reception device 42 of the car wash machine, the car wash starts as is. When "unsettled" is confirmed in the event data, the reception device 42 displays an image on the screen of the display panel 53 prompting cash payment. The user can complete the payment by inserting cash into the reception device 42. Once the cash payment is confirmed by the reception device 42, the car wash begins.

As shown in FIG. 5, the user can check the reception history of the car wash on the smartphone terminal 16. The mobile application of the smartphone terminal 16 displays an image 59 of the "reception history" on the screen of the display panel 35. The image 59 can include, according to a predetermined composition, a character string 61 specifying the date of the "reception date of the reservation", a character string 62 specifying the date of the "expiration date" of the QR code, a character string 63 specifying the "car wash course", a character string 64 specifying the "option" and a character string 65 specifying the "store" and a character string 66 specifying the "payment amount", a button 68 specifying "reservation using history" and a check box 69 specifying "used". The "reception date of the reservation", "expiration date", "car wash course", "option", "store", "membership type", and "payment amount" can be obtained from, for example, the "issue date and time" data, "expiration date" data, "car wash course ID" data, "option ID" data, "store ID" data, "membership type" data, and "payment amount" data of the event data.

The "Booking using history" button 68 is provided with a character string such as "Accept again with this content." When the "Booking using history" button 68 is tapped based on the user interface 36, the mobile app on the smartphone terminal 16 requests the QR code issuing means 22 to issue a QR code based on the event data linked to the "Booking using history" button 68. The QR code issuing means 22 generates a QR code 57 based on the event data related to the history. In this way, when reserving a car wash, the user can book a car wash following a previous car wash without having to repeat the procedure from step 1. This saves the user time and effort. The event data related to the history may be stored in the memory 34 of the smartphone terminal 16. Each event data may be registered in the memory 34 together with the QR code.

The check box 69 specifying "used" can be switched between "used" and "unused" in response to the operation of the user interface 36. At this time, for example, "used flag" data specifying "used" or "unused" can be added to the event data relating to the history in the memory 34 of the smartphone terminal 16. The user can distinguish between "used" and "unused" of the QR code depending on the display of the check box 69.

Only one reception device 42 may be installed at each car wash 18A, 18B. Multiple washes 41 may be connected to one reception device 42. In this case, the "car wash ID" data in the event data may be omitted when issuing the QR code. When reserving a car wash, the mobile app can omit the selection of car washes 17Aa, 17Ab, 17Ac, 17Ba, 17Bb. The matching means 44 of the reception device 42 compares the "store ID" data (or "operator ID" data) that identifies its own store with the "store ID" data (or "operator ID" data) obtained by decryption. If the "store ID" obtained by decryption matches the "store ID" that identifies its own store, the determination means 45 allows the car wash.

Figure 6 shows a schematic configuration of a car wash system 11a according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Components that realize the same functions as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations are omitted. Here, each reception device 42 is connected to the ASP server 13 via the Internet 12. The reception device 42 is supplied with event data registered in the car wash reservation database 25 from the ASP server 13. At least the "issued serial ID" data is stored in the storage means 52 in response to the supply of the event data. The reception device 42 only needs to be supplied with event data corresponding to the "model ID" and "car wash machine ID". The reception device 42 compares the "issued serial ID" data supplied from the ASP server 13 with the "issued serial ID" data obtained by decoding the QR code. If any one of the "issued serial ID" data supplied from the ASP server 13 matches the "issued serial ID" data obtained by decoding the QR code, the determination means 45 permits the car wash. At this time, the reception device 42 only needs to erase the "issued serial ID" data supplied from the ASP server 13. Once the car wash is complete, the reception device 42 can notify the ASP server 13 that the car wash is complete. In this way, the ASP server 13 can carry out the payment process after the car wash is complete.

If the "issued serial ID" data obtained by decoding the QR code does not match any one of the "issued serial ID" data supplied from the ASP server 13, the determination means 45 avoids the car wash. The determination means 45 displays a character string such as "This car wash machine cannot handle this product" on the screen of the display panel 53.

In this embodiment, valid event data is supplied from the ASP server 13 to the reception device 42 of the car wash machine, and the event data obtained by decoding the QR code is compared to prevent reuse of the QR code. Storage of used identifiers can be omitted in the storage means 52. The storage capacity of the storage means 52 can be reduced. Moreover, payment for the car wash can be made after the car wash is completed.

In this embodiment, the car wash reception database 49 may be stored in the storage means 52 of the reception device 42, as described above. For example, when the reception device 42 is disconnected from the Internet 12, the comparison means 44 compares the "issued serial ID" obtained by decoding the QR code 57 with a used "issued serial ID" that identifies a past car wash. Therefore, the reception device 42 can prevent the reuse of the QR code based on the "issued serial ID" data in the car wash reception database 49, even if it is not supplied with the "issued serial ID" data from the ASP server 13.

16...medium (smartphone terminal), 17Aa...car wash machine, 17Ab...car wash machine, 17Ac...car wash machine, 17Ba...car wash machine, 17Bb...car wash machine, 17Ca...car wash machine, 43...reading means, 44...matching means, 45...determination means, 52...storage means, 57...QR code.

Claims (8)

A reading means for reading an image of a QR code that includes an identifier for identifying a single car wash and identifies a car wash operation;
a storage means for storing the decrypted identifier;
a verification means for comparing the identifier obtained by the decryption with a used identifier for identifying a past car wash that is stored in the storage means prior to the decryption;
a determining means for avoiding a car wash when the identifier matches the used identifier;
The identifier obtained by decryption is stored in the storage means when the car wash operation is completed, and is deleted from the storage means if the car wash operation ends halfway , making it possible to use the identifier again. A reading means for reading an image of a QR code that includes an identifier for identifying a single car wash and identifies a car wash operation;
a storage means for storing the decrypted identifier;
a verification means for comparing the identifier obtained by the decryption with a used identifier for identifying a past car wash that is stored in the storage means prior to the decryption;
a determining means for avoiding a car wash when the identifier matches the used identifier;
The car wash machine is characterized in that the identifier is set as a used identifier when the car wash operation is completed, and is not set as a used identifier when the car wash operation is ended halfway . A reading means for reading an image of a QR code that includes an identifier for identifying a single car wash and identifies a car wash operation;
a storage means for storing the decrypted identifier;
a verification means for comparing the identifier obtained by the decryption with a used identifier for identifying a past car wash that is stored in the storage means prior to the decryption;
a determining means for avoiding a car wash when the identifier matches the used identifier;
A car wash machine characterized in that the identifier becomes the used identifier at a preset timing based on the car wash operation after the start of the car wash operation . A car wash machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the reading means decodes a car wash machine identifier that identifies one car wash machine from the image of the QR code, and the determination means permits the car wash when the decoded car wash machine identifier matches a car wash machine identifier that identifies the car wash machine itself. The car wash machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an erasure means for erasing the used identifier from the storage means when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the date of issue of the used identifier. A reading means for reading identifier data that identifies an identifier for identifying one car wash and identifies a car wash operation from the physically separated medium;
A storage means for storing the read identifier;
a verification means for verifying the identifier obtained by reading against a used identifier that is stored in the storage means prior to reading and identifies a previous car wash;
a determining means for avoiding a car wash when the identifier matches the used identifier;
The identifier obtained by decryption is stored in the storage means when the car wash operation is completed, and is deleted from the storage means if the car wash operation ends halfway , making it possible to use the identifier again. A reading means for reading identifier data that identifies an identifier for identifying one car wash and identifies a car wash operation from the physically separated medium;
A storage means for storing the read identifier;
a verification means for verifying the identifier obtained by reading against a used identifier that is stored in the storage means prior to reading and identifies a previous car wash;
a determining means for avoiding a car wash when the identifier matches the used identifier;
The car wash machine is characterized in that the identifier is set as a used identifier when the car wash operation is completed, and is not set as a used identifier when the car wash operation is ended halfway . A reading means for reading identifier data that identifies an identifier for identifying one car wash and identifies a car wash operation from the physically separated medium;
A storage means for storing the read identifier;
a verification means for verifying the identifier obtained by reading against a used identifier that is stored in the storage means prior to reading and identifies a previous car wash;
a determining means for avoiding a car wash when the identifier matches the used identifier;
A car wash machine characterized in that the identifier becomes the used identifier at a preset timing based on the car wash operation after the start of the car wash operation .