JP7630863B2 - Automatic operation equipment management device and automatic operation equipment management system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an automatic operation device management device that manages multiple automatic operation devices and an automatic operation device management system that manages multiple automatic operation devices.

Automatically operated devices that provide services in response to the insertion of coins are known. For example, coin-activated laundry machines are known as automatically operated devices that accept the insertion of coins, identify the type of coin, and wash and dry clothes etc. according to the amount deposited. Coin laundries are also known, which have multiple laundry machines installed within a store. In addition to laundry machines, other automatically operated devices include automatic massage machines and electrical and electronic devices that perform specified operations.

For example, if a user leaves a coin-operated laundry machine after it has finished operating, without taking in the laundry, there is a problem where the next user attempting to do laundry cannot use the laundry machine.

The appliance operation monitoring device described in JP 2015-163182 A has a function of monitoring the operating status of appliances and notifying the user of the status of the appliances when the appliance operation has ended, in order to enable the next use promptly. This appliance operation monitoring device has a detection unit that detects the operating status of multiple appliances, and monitors the operating status of the appliances upon receiving a detection signal from the detection unit. The appliance operation monitoring device is equipped with an input terminal. The notification that the appliance operation has ended, i.e., the input of the notification destination of the end notification, is performed by an input terminal equipped in the laundry corner. The appliance operation monitoring device stores the notification destination input from the input terminal in a storage unit. Then, when the appliance operation monitoring device detects the end of the appliance operation by the detection unit, it notifies the notification destination of the end notification via a communication means. By notifying the user of the end notification, the user is prompted to take in the laundry from the laundry appliance.

In conventional equipment operation monitoring devices, a user would enter the equipment number of the equipment they wish to use on an input terminal installed in the laundry corner, and then enter and register contact information such as a telephone number. The equipment operation monitoring device would monitor the registered equipment, and when operation had finished, it would notify the notification destination of the end of operation.

The equipment operation monitoring device can also have the user access the management server from their terminal in advance and register as a member, registering a notification destination including an email address, telephone number, etc., so that the end notification will be sent to the registered notification destination. When the user inputs the device number and telephone number of the device they are using from an input terminal installed in the laundry corner, the equipment operation monitoring device searches for the notification destination corresponding to the input telephone number from the information registered in the management server, and can send the end notification to the notification destination in the search result.

JP 2015-163182 A

However, with conventional equipment operation monitoring devices, when registering notification destinations, an input terminal was required at the laundry corner. This caused the problem that if the laundry corner was busy, it was not possible to register the contact information of multiple people at once. In addition, the use of an unfamiliar input terminal caused problems of poor usability for users and input errors. If the user entered the wrong device number for the device being used, the user would receive an incorrect notification.

In addition, users who were not registered as members on the server in advance could only visually check the contact information entered on the input device, which led to problems with input errors.

The automatic operating equipment management system of the present invention includes a plurality of automatic operating equipment that are arranged in a store and operate in response to payment of a fee, a user terminal operated by a user, and an automatic operating equipment management device connected to the automatic operating equipment and the user terminal via a network, the automatic operating equipment management device acquires operation information regarding the operation of the automatic operating equipment and notifies the operation information to a notification destination specified by notification destination information previously stored in a storage means, the user terminal includes an imaging means and an extraction means for analyzing an image acquired by the imaging means and extracting access destination information that specifies a connection destination for connection via the network and store information that specifies the store in which the automatic operating equipment used by the user is arranged, the user terminal accesses the access destination specified by the access destination information extracted by the extraction means and transmits the store information to the access destination, displays a first management page that includes information regarding the automatic operating equipment arranged in the store specified by the store information and allows the selection of the automatic operating equipment, and transmits a selection result of the automatic operating equipment selected via the first management page to the automatic operating equipment management device, the automatic operating equipment management device transmits the selection result of the automatic operating equipment selected via the first management page to the automatic operating equipment management device, a second management page including a notification destination field for inputting notification destination information of the operation information in a state in which the automatic operation equipment specified by the acquired selection result is specified, and a one-time second management page is generated and transmitted to the user terminal; the user terminal accesses the automatic operation equipment management device, acquires the re-access destination information, accesses the second management page based on the acquired re-access destination information, and displays the second management page including information on the automatic operation equipment specified by the selection result and the input field; The notification destination information inputted via the input field of the second management page is transmitted to the automatic operating equipment management device, the automatic operating equipment management device receives the notification destination information from the user terminal and stores the notification destination information in a storage means in association with device information of the automatic operating equipment identified by the selection result, the automatic operating equipment management device acquires the operation information of the automatic operating equipment identified based on the device information stored in the storage means, generates notification information including the operation information, and notifies the notification information to the notification destination identified based on the notification destination information associated with the device information stored in the storage means.
In another aspect of the present invention, an automatic operating equipment management system includes an automatic operating equipment that operates in response to payment of a fee, a user terminal operated by a user, and an automatic operating equipment management device connected to the automatic operating equipment and the user terminal via a network, and the automatic operating equipment management device acquires operation information regarding the operation of the automatic operating equipment and notifies the operation information to a notification destination specified by notification destination information previously stored in a storage means. In this automatic operating equipment management system, the user terminal has an imaging means and an extraction means for analyzing an image acquired by the imaging means and extracting access destination information that specifies a connection destination for connection via the network and device information that specifies the automatic operating equipment used by the user, and the user terminal accesses the access destination specified by the access destination information extracted by the extraction means and transmits the device information to the access destination, and the automatic operating equipment management device is accessed from the user terminal based on the access destination information and acquires the device information, and transmits the device information to the automatic operating equipment specified by the acquired device information. the automatic operating equipment management device receives the notification destination information from the user terminal and stores the notification destination information in a storage means in association with the device information; the automatic operating equipment management device acquires the operation information of the automatic operating equipment identified based on the device information stored in the storage means, generates notification information including the operation information, and notifies the notification destination of the operation information to the notification destination identified based on the device information stored in the storage means.

The automatic operating equipment management device of the present invention is an automatic operating equipment management device that is arranged in a store and is connected to a user terminal operated by a user via a network along with a plurality of automatic operating equipment that operate in response to payment of a fee, and that acquires operation information from the automatic operating equipment and notifies the operation information to a notification destination specified by notification destination information previously stored in a storage means, the automatic operating equipment management device is equipped with an imaging means and an extraction means for analyzing an image acquired by the imaging means and extracting access destination information that specifies a connection destination for connection via the network and store information that specifies the store in which the automatic operating equipment used by the user is located, the user terminal is accessed based on the access destination information and acquires the store information, displays a first management page that includes information about the automatic operating equipment arranged in the store specified by the store information and allows the selection of the automatic operating equipment, and acquires a selection result of the automatic operating equipment selected via the first management page. the method further comprises: generating a one-time second management page having an input field for inputting the destination information of the operation information when the automatic operating equipment specified by the acquired selection result has been identified; generating re-access destination information to guide to the second management page and transmitting it to the user terminal; acquiring, after the user terminal has accessed based on the re-access destination information, information relating to the automatic operating equipment specified by the selection result and the destination information input via the input field of the second management page on which the input field is displayed; associating the acquired destination information with device information identifying the automatic operating equipment specified by the selection result and storing the associated information in the storage means; acquiring the operation information of the automatic operating equipment identified based on the device information stored in the storage means; generating notification information including the operation information; and notifying the notification information to the destination identified based on the destination information associated with the device information stored in the storage means.
In another aspect of the present invention, an automatic operating equipment management device is an automatic operating equipment management device in which automatic operating equipment that operates in response to payment of a fee and a user terminal operated by a user are connected via a network, the automatic operating equipment management device acquires operation information from the automatic operating equipment, and notifies the operation information to a notification destination specified by notification destination information previously stored in a storage means, the automatic operating equipment management device is provided with an imaging means, and an extraction means for analyzing an image acquired by the imaging means and extracting access destination information that specifies a connection destination for connection via the network and device information that specifies the automatic operating equipment used by the user, the automatic operating equipment management device is accessed based on the access destination information and acquires the device information, and in a state in which the automatic operating equipment specified by the acquired device information is specified, the notification destination of the operation information is notified to the user terminal. the method further comprises generating a one-time management page having an input field for inputting information, generating re-access destination information for directing the user to the management page, transmitting the generated re-access destination information to the user terminal, and after the user terminal has accessed the management page based on the re-access destination information, acquiring information relating to the automatic operation equipment identified by the device information and the notification destination information input via the input field of the management page on which the input field is displayed, associating the acquired notification destination information with the device information and storing the associated information in the storage means, acquiring operation information of the automatic operation equipment identified based on the device information stored in the storage means, generating notification information including the operation information, and notifying the notification destination of the notification information identified based on the notification destination information associated with the device information stored in the storage means.

According to the present invention, a user can easily register information that identifies the automatic operation device that he or she is using and a notification destination that will receive notifications about the status of the automatic operation device from a familiar user terminal, and can easily check the registered notification destination, thereby reducing erroneous input of registered information.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of an automatic operation device management system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the store management device. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a user terminal. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the management server. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the laundry machine. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a first example of a display of a user terminal. FIG. 7 is a first flow chart illustrating the operation of the automatic operation equipment management system. FIG. 8 is a second flowchart illustrating the operation of the automatic operation equipment management system. FIG. 9 is a third flowchart illustrating the operation of the automatic operation equipment management system. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second example of a display of the user terminal.

The following describes in detail an embodiment of the present invention with reference to Figures 1 to 10. Each figure is merely a schematic view to allow a full understanding of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples. In each figure, common or similar components are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions are omitted. Automatically operated equipment sells goods or provides services according to the amount of money deposited, and includes, for example, laundry equipment located in a coin laundry, automatic massage machines, coin-activated electrical equipment, and coin-activated electronic equipment. Below, the automatic equipment management system will be described using laundry equipment located in a coin laundry as an example of automatically operated equipment.

Figure 1 is a diagram explaining the configuration of an automatic operation equipment management system. A coin laundry store is equipped with multiple laundry machines, such as washing machines and dryers, that operate in response to coins or other deposits. The automatic operation equipment management system manages information related to the use of each laundry machine 2, 3, 4 installed in the coin laundry store, as well as information related to the users who use those machines.

The first laundry machine 2, the second laundry machine 3, and the third laundry machine 4 are machines such as a washing machine, a dryer, and a washing machine with a drying function that are installed in a coin laundry store. While FIG. 1 shows an example in which three laundry machines 2, 3, and 4 are installed, the number of laundry machines installed can be one or more, and is not limited to three.

The first laundry machine 2, the second laundry machine 3, and the third laundry machine 4 are connected to the store management device 1 via wired or wireless connections, and data is sent and received. The data is control data, commands, data indicating operating status, etc., such as data that allows the store management device 1 to individually control each of the laundry machines 2, 3, and 4. The store management device 1 can also manage each of the laundry machines 2, 3, and 4 that are connected to it.

For example, the store management device 1 can obtain information about the use of the laundry machines 2, such as the amount of the usage fee paid and information about their operation, from the laundry machines 2. The store management device 1 can also control the starting and stopping of each of the laundry machines 2, 3, and 4.

The store management device 1 acquires payment information and operating status information from each connected laundry machine 2, 3, 4, and stores the information together with the date and time. The store management device 1 is also connected to a network 5 such as the Internet, and is connected to external devices so that data communication is possible.

The management server 6 is connected to the store management device 1 via the network 5, and data communication is performed. The management server 6 is connected to the store management device 1 installed in each of multiple stores, and acquires various information acquired by the store management device 1 in each store. The management server 6 and the store management device 1 function together as an automatic operation equipment management means, and can manage and control each laundry machine 2, 3, 4 connected to the store management device 1. In addition, since the store management device 1 installed in each store is connected to the management server 6, the management server 6 can manage and control each laundry machine 2, 3, 4 installed in each store. The management server 6 functions as an automatic operation equipment management device that manages and controls the connected automatic operation equipment.

The store management device 1 may also include devices such as a currency exchange device, a printer that prints receipts and coupons on recording paper, and a card handling device that issues and charges IC cards.

Functions and devices that perform these services may be provided externally as service devices, connected to the store management device 1 so as to be capable of data communication, and the service devices may be controlled by the store management device 1. In this case, the store management device 1 can obtain various information from the service devices and use it for control. The store management device 1 can transmit data and commands for control to the service devices and control them. For example, the store management device 1 can control the printer of the service devices to print receipts, coupons, and the like on recording paper. The store management device 1 can also control the currency exchange device to dispense currency. The store management device 1 can also control the card handling device to read and write data to IC cards.

Network 5 is a network such as the Internet to which multiple devices are connected. A store management device 1, a management server 6, and a user terminal 7 are connected to network 5. Multiple user terminals 7 and store management devices 1 can be connected to network 5. User terminal 7 communicates with management server 6 via network 5, and can send and receive various data.

The first code recording medium 8, the second code recording medium 9, and the third code recording medium 10 record one-dimensional or two-dimensional codes in which data is imaged according to a predetermined rule. The user terminal 7 is provided with an imaging means and can image codes such as one-dimensional codes and two-dimensional codes recorded in each code recording medium 8, 9, and 10. The user terminal 7 is provided with an extraction means for analyzing the imaged one-dimensional code, two-dimensional code, and restoring and extracting the original data. The user terminal 7 obtains information necessary for control from the restored data and can use it for control. For example, the user terminal 7 can extract access destination information such as a URL from the restored data and control access to a web page specified by the extracted access destination information. The extracted access destination information is a connection destination connected via the network 5, is a URL corresponding to the web page accessed first, and is initial access destination information. After moving to the web page accessed first, re-access destination information specifying the web page to be re-accessed can be obtained and the user terminal 7 can move to the web page that is the re-access destination. The re-access destination is the connection destination to which the user terminal 7 connects via the network 5. The codes recorded in the code recording media 8, 9, and 10 can include information such as a store number uniquely assigned to the store and a machine number uniquely assigned to the laundry machine. For example, the URL of the access destination can include information on the store number and the machine number.

The first code recording medium 8 is arranged to correspond to laundry machine 2, the second code recording medium 9 to laundry machine 3, and the third code recording medium 10 to laundry machine 4. The first code recording medium 8 records information including an equipment number and a store number that are uniquely assigned to laundry machine 2, the second code recording medium 9 records information including an equipment number and a store number that are uniquely assigned to laundry machine 3, and the third code recording medium 10 records information including an equipment number and a store number that are uniquely assigned to laundry machine 4. By analyzing these codes, it is possible to extract the equipment number and the store number that identify the laundry machine.

Each code recording medium 8, 9, 10 can be an adhesive sheet such as a label, which can be affixed to the corresponding laundry device. Also, each code recording medium 8, 9, 10 can be configured to display the code on a display device such as an LCD.

The management server 6 is connected to the store management device 1 installed in each of the multiple stores, and can acquire various information acquired by the store management device 1, and can also send control commands and data to the store management device 1 to control it. The store management device 1 is equipped with control means that analyzes the data and commands from the management server 6 and controls the device based on the acquired data and commands.

For example, the user terminal 7 obtains the two-dimensional code recorded in the first code recording medium 8. The user terminal 7 then extracts the URL included in the two-dimensional code and accesses the management page indicated by the URL. The management page is a web page controlled by the management server 6. The user terminal 7 transmits the store number and device number included in the two-dimensional code simultaneously with or after access, so that the management server 6 can obtain the store number and device number. The user terminal 7 can display the management page and input characters, numbers, symbols, etc. from the management page. The management server 6 can perform predetermined control in response to the input from the user terminal 7. For example, a user or other person can display the management page on the user terminal 7 and transmit information such as a notification destination from the input field to the management server 6 and register it. At that time, the notification destination is registered in association with the store number and device number received in advance. A specific laundry device and the information on the notification destination are associated and stored in the management server 6. The management server 6 can then notify the registered notification destination of information regarding the use of the laundry device identified by the store number and device number.

Next, we will explain each device that makes up the automatic operation equipment management system. Figure 2 is a block diagram of the store management device.

The store management device 1 includes a store management device control means 20 that controls the entire device, a first communication means 21 that communicates with external devices via the network 5, a second communication means 22 that communicates with devices in the store, a store management device display means 23 that displays characters and images on an LCD or the like, a store management device input means 24 that receives input through user operations, a store management device storage means 25 that stores various data such as programs, setting values, and temporary data storage, a deposit means 26 that accepts deposits of currency, identifies the denomination, and stores it in a safe (not shown), an exchange means 27 that dispenses currency of a different denomination so that the amount of the deposit is the same, a printing means 28 that includes a printer that prints characters and images on recording paper, a card transport means 29 that transports IC cards, and a card reader/writer 30 that reads and writes data to the IC cards. The store management device 1 can also be said to be a computer equipped with communication functions and various service functions.

The store management device control means 20 controls the first communication means 21, the second communication means 22, the store management device display means 23, the store management device input means 24, the store management device storage means 25, the deposit means 26, the currency exchange means 27, the printing means 28, the card transport means 29, and the card reader/writer 30 and performs various calculations.

The store management device control means 20 is equipped with a CPU and controls the entire device and performs various calculations according to the programs stored in the store management device storage means 25.

The first communication means 21 is controlled by the store management device control means 20, and performs data communication with an external device via the network 5. By performing data communication with an external device via the first communication means 21, information stored in the store management device storage means 25 and information such as the operating status of laundry equipment can be transmitted to the external device. Conversely, various information can be input from the external device. For example, the external device is the management server 6. Communication can be performed wirelessly or via wired connection.

The second communication means 22 is controlled by the store management device control means 20 and performs data communication with devices in the store. The devices in the store are, for example, laundry machines 2, 3, and 4.

The store management device display means 23 is a display means such as an LCD that is controlled by the store management device control means 20 and displays characters and images. The store management device input means 24 is an input means such as a keyboard that is controlled by the store management device control means 20 and inputs characters, numbers, symbols, etc. For example, the store management device display means 23 and the store management device input means 24 can be integrated by using a touch panel.

The store management device storage means 25 is controlled by the store management device control means 20. The store management device storage means 25 stores programs, settings, and various information executed by the store management device control means 20. The store management device storage means 25 also includes memory used for calculations by the store management device control means 20. The store management device storage means 25 also stores information about the use of laundry devices 2, 3, 4, etc. connected to the store management device 1, such as their usage history and operating status, for each device. The store management device storage means 25 can also be considered a storage means that stores information about the use of each laundry device 2, 3, 4 connected to the store management device 1. The store management device storage means 25 can use storage means such as ROM, RAM, a hard disk, or flash memory.

The deposit means 26 is controlled by the store management device control means 20. The deposit means 26 accepts the deposit of currency, obtains the denomination and number of currency, and inputs this information to the store management device control means 20. The store management device control means 20 can calculate and obtain the deposit amount from the denomination and number of currency deposited.

The exchange means 27 is controlled by the store management device control means 20. The exchange means 27 dispenses currency of a different denomination equivalent to the amount of the deposited currency. The store management device control means 20 calculates the amount of currency of a different denomination equivalent to the amount of the deposited currency according to predetermined conditions, and controls the exchange means 27 to dispense the currency. The predetermined conditions are stored in the store management device storage means 25. For example, the predetermined conditions are exchange conditions that are predetermined regarding deposits and withdrawals, such as "five 100 yen coins and one 500 yen coin are dispensed for a deposited 1000 yen note." The store management device control means 20 can also control only the withdrawal function and control the withdrawal of currency.

The printing means 28 is controlled by the store management device control means 20. The printing means 28 includes a printer that prints characters and figures. For example, the printing means 28 prints receipts, currency exchange details, coupons, and advertisements on recording paper under the control of the store management device control means 20. The store management device control means 20 can control the printing means 28 to print the print data it has acquired or generated.

The store management device 1 can issue and charge IC cards. The card transport means 29 is controlled by the store management device control means 20. In addition, the card reader/writer 30 is controlled by the store management device control means 20.

When issuing a new IC card, first, the store management device 1 is switched to IC card issuing mode. When a predetermined amount is deposited in the deposit means 26, the card transport means 29 transports one IC card from the card storage and ejects it from the insertion/ejection port. The IC card has electronic money amount data corresponding to the deposited amount written to it by the card reader/writer 30, which is arranged along the transport path. When electronic money is charged to the IC card, in other words, when electronic money is added to the IC card, the store management device 1 is first switched to IC card charge mode. An IC card is inserted from the insertion/ejection port, and the card transport means 29 transports the IC card to the card reader/writer 30. When a predetermined amount is deposited in the deposit means 26, the card reader/writer 30 adds electronic money equivalent to the deposited amount to the electronic money originally stored. The IC card is then ejected from the insertion/ejection port. If the predetermined amount is not deposited, the IC card is ejected from the insertion/ejection port without adding any data.

Figure 3 is a block diagram of a user terminal. The user terminal 7 is a device that can be connected to the network 5, such as a mobile phone, smartphone, tablet PC, or personal computer, and is a terminal device operated by a user. The user terminal 7 is preferably a portable computer with a communication function. The user terminal 7 can connect to the management server 6 via the network 5 and perform data communication. The user terminal 7 can access the management server 6, display a management page, and make a specified input from the management page, thereby causing the management server 6 to execute a specified operation.

The user terminal 7 includes a user terminal control means 40 for controlling the entire device, a terminal communication means 41 for communicating with external devices via the network 5, a terminal display means 42 for displaying characters and images such as an LCD, a terminal input means 43 for inputting data through user operations, a terminal storage means 44 for storing various data, and a terminal imaging means 45 for capturing images. For example, the terminal imaging means 45 is an imaging means such as an electronic camera.

The user terminal control means 40 is equipped with a CPU and controls the entire device and performs various calculations according to the programs stored in the terminal storage means 44.

The terminal communication means 41 is controlled by the user terminal control means 40, and performs data communication with an external device via the network 5. The user terminal 7 can control the terminal communication means 41 to perform data communication with an external device. Information stored in the user terminal 7 and information such as the operating state can be transmitted to the external device. Conversely, various information can be input from the external device to the user terminal 7. For example, the external device is the management server 6. Communication can be performed wirelessly or via wires.

The terminal display means 42 is a display means such as an LCD that is controlled by the user terminal control means 40 and displays characters and images. The terminal input means 43 is an input means such as a keyboard that is controlled by the user terminal control means 40 and inputs characters, numbers, symbols, etc. to the user terminal control means 40. For example, a touch panel in which the terminal display means 42 and the terminal input means 43 are integrated can be used.

The terminal storage means 44 is controlled by the user terminal control means 40. The terminal storage means 44 stores programs executed by the user terminal control means 40, setting values, and various information. The terminal storage means 44 also includes memory used for the calculations of the user terminal control means 40. The terminal storage means 44 is a storage means such as a ROM, RAM, hard disk, or flash memory.

The user terminal 7 is equipped with extraction means that analyzes the image of the two-dimensional code acquired by the terminal imaging means 45, and analyzes and extracts coded information such as the URL of the management page, the store number, and the machine number. The extraction means is configured by the user terminal control means 40 operating according to a program. The user terminal control means 40 has the function of a web browser that is configured by operating according to a program. The user terminal control means 40 extracts the URL of a web page, and obtains the data of the web page specified by the URL from the management server 6 by the web browser, and displays the web page on the terminal display means 42. Furthermore, the terminal input means 43 allows the selection of items and input of characters. The user terminal control means 40 can transmit the input data to the management server 6.

The user terminal 7 also has an email function that is configured by the user terminal control means 40 operating according to a program. It is capable of sending and receiving emails and displaying emails. By registering an email address that the user terminal 7 can receive as a notification destination in the management server 6, the user terminal 7 can receive notifications from the management server 6 by email. The user can receive notifications when the laundry equipment they are using has finished by email. In addition to notifications, additional services such as electronic receipts, coupons, coupon information, and advertisements can be added to the email body or as attachments.

Next, we will explain the management server. Figure 4 is a block diagram of the management server.

The management server 6 functions as an automatic operation equipment management device that manages and controls the connected laundry equipment. It can also be realized by treating the management server 6 and the store management device 1 as a single entity and having them function as an automatic operation equipment management means that manages and controls the connected laundry equipment. Although the management server 6 and the store management device 1 have been described as separate devices connected via the network 5, the management server 6 and the store management device 1 may also be an integrated device. The management server 6 can accept commands and requests from the user terminal 7 and perform various controls.

The management server 6 can accept commands and requests from the user terminal 7 and provide information to the user terminal 7. The management server 6 can accept commands and requests from the user terminal 7, control the operation of the store management device 1, and print receipts and the like using the printing means 28. The management server 6 can obtain various data from the store management device 1 of each store, for example data related to the use of laundry equipment, and notify the user terminal 7 of the operating status of the laundry equipment.

Various operations of the management server 6 are controlled by the server control means 50. The server control means 50 is equipped with a CPU, and operations are controlled according to programs stored in the server storage means 55.

The server control means 50 includes a management page control unit 51, a DB control unit 52 that controls the database, and a one-time URL generation unit 53 that is a means for generating access destination information.

The management page control unit 51 generates web page data for the management page operated by the user to display information about the service provided and to provide the service, accepts input, and processes the input. The user terminal 7 accesses the management page, displays the management page on the user terminal 7, and inputs specified items from the management page. The management page control unit 51 obtains input information from the user terminal 7 and performs processing according to the input information.

The DB control unit 52 controls the reading, writing, searching, etc. of information in the laundry information DB 56 described below.

When the user terminal 7 is accessed by a URL obtained by reading it from any of the code recording media 8, 9, 10, the one-time URL generation unit 53 generates a one-time URL to be used only once and sends it to the user terminal that accessed it. The generated one-time URL is sent to the user terminal 7, and the user terminal 7 accesses the received one-time URL again and displays the management page. The management page control unit 51 generates management page data for a URL corresponding to the one-time URL and manages the access. Even if the one-time URL is used to access again on another occasion, the management page cannot be accessed or displayed.

The server control means 50 can also generate notification information, which is the content of an e-mail, and send it to a specified destination. The management server 6 can send e-mail to a destination stored in the management server 6. In other words, generating the content to be sent by e-mail and sending it to a specified destination can also be considered a notification means.

The server communication means 54 is connected to the server control means 50 and is controlled by the server control means 50. The server communication means 54 is connected to the network 5 and transmits and receives data to and from external devices. For example, the management server 6 transmits and receives data to and from the user terminal 7 and the store management device 1 via the server communication means 54.

The server storage means 55 is connected to the server control means 50 and is controlled by the server control means 50. The server storage means 55 stores the control program of the server control means 50, as well as various information and setting values required for control. The server storage means 55 also includes memory used for the calculations of the server control means 50. The server storage means 55 is a storage means such as ROM, RAM, a hard disk, or a flash memory.

The laundry information DB 56 is connected to the server control means 50 and is controlled by the server control means 50. The server control means 50 includes a DB control unit 52 that controls the laundry information DB 56. The laundry information DB 56 includes a member information DB 57, a device information DB 58, and a current status DB 59. The information stored in the laundry information DB 56 is searched by the server control means 50, and the information is stored, deleted, and retrieved.

The laundry information DB 56 is a database related to laundry equipment and users. The server control means 50 acquires various information from the store management device 1 and user terminal 7 connected to the network 5, and stores it in the laundry information DB 56 according to predetermined conditions. For example, the acquired various information is stored in association with an ID uniquely assigned to the user or laundry equipment. For example, the ID is a membership number or the equipment number of the laundry equipment. The server control means 50 can search for various information from the laundry information DB 56. The searched and acquired information is used for control by the server control means 50. Furthermore, the searched information is used for control and calculations of the server control means 50, and is also sent to other devices connected to the network 5.

For example, if it is desired to obtain the usage status of a certain laundry device, the server control means 50 can search and obtain the usage status of the target laundry device from the laundry information DB 56 based on the device number, which is a unique number for the laundry device, and the item to be obtained. For example, the item to be obtained may be the date and time or the period. The server control means 50 can use the obtained information for control. For example, in a store specified by a store number, information on the date and time of use, the usage time information, and the device number when the laundry device was used can be searched from the laundry information DB 56 for information on the laundry device specified by the device number that was used during that period. In other words, the server control means 50 can obtain information associated with the device number, such as whether the laundry device specified by the device number was used, the fee, and whether a receipt was issued.

The data stored in the member information DB57 includes the member number, email address, password, display name, attribute information, points, remaining balance, history information, etc.

An email address is an electronic mail address. Emails are used to contact users, such as to send notifications. In addition, an email address is also a unique character string, so it can be used in the same way as a membership number. For example, an email address can be used as a user ID instead of a membership number.

The password is the password used by the user when logging in to the user's member page. The password is kept secret by the user and is used to verify the user's identity when logging in to the member page. In place of a password, personal biometric information such as a fingerprint, vein pattern, or iris may also be used.

The membership number or email address is user-specific information that is assigned to each user to identify the user. In addition, the combination of user-specific information and password stored in member information DB57 can be considered as authentication information that is compared to log in to the member page.

The display name is the name that appears on the user's member page. On the member page, you can choose to display a nickname instead of your real name. The display name is the name that appears in email notifications, etc.

Attribute information is information about various attributes of users. For example, it is information that quantifies attributes that users possess, such as member ranking, gender, age, and frequency of use.

Points are awarded and accumulated according to the use of laundry equipment. Points are added when awarded and subtracted when used. Users can convert their accumulated points into various benefits. Each benefit has a set number of points required to be used. Users can receive a benefit by using the number of points they have accumulated according to the benefit they wish to receive. For example, benefits are services that are beneficial to users, such as a service in which 1 point is converted to 1 yen and can be used like cash, additional services such as upgrading the finishing agent, and discount services for usage fees.

The balance is the remaining amount of electronic money. By recharging the electronic money according to the amount deposited, it can be used in the same way as cash.

The data in the points and balance items is valuable data because it can be used as payment when using laundry equipment.

The history information includes information on laundry equipment used by the user and electronic money charges. The history information is associated with the date and time of use, and information on the use of laundry equipment, the use of the store management device 1, the use of the member page, etc. is accumulated. It is also possible to search for desired information from the history information.

The equipment information DB58 is a database that stores information about multiple laundry machines connected to the store management device 1. The equipment information DB58 stores information such as the type of laundry machine and its usage status. Each laundry machine is assigned a unique equipment number. The equipment information DB58 stores various information associated with the equipment number. Information stored in the equipment information DB58 includes the equipment number, store number, equipment type, fee, attribute information, history information, etc.

The store number is a unique number assigned to the store management device 1 installed in each coin laundry store. The store in which the laundry equipment is installed can be identified by the store number. Two or more store management devices 1 may be installed in one store. Since different laundry equipment is connected to each store management device 1, a store number is assigned to each store management device 1. By searching by store number, the management server 6 can obtain information such as the store management device 1 identified by the store number and the equipment numbers of all connected laundry equipment.

The equipment type is information about the type of laundry equipment. The equipment type information is assigned a value corresponding to the type, such as a clothes washer, dryer, or washer with drying function, and identifies the type of laundry equipment. Since it is possible to know the model used for each store, it is possible to identify consumables required for each store.

The fee is the fee information when using laundry equipment. The fee information also includes the operating time of the equipment that corresponds to the fee. Usage fees can be set for each laundry equipment. In addition, if the laundry equipment has modes for whether or not finishing agent is used, extended drying times, different types of detergent, etc., the fee for each mode is stored.

Attribute information is information about various attributes of laundry equipment. For example, it is information that quantifies the attributes of laundry equipment, such as the manufacturer, model, serial number, installation date, installation cost, consumables, whether or not it has modes, the name of the store where it is installed, the type of mode, and the equipment name.

The history information is the usage history of the laundry equipment, and is stored in association with the equipment number of the laundry equipment, the date and time of use when the laundry equipment was used, the start time of use, the duration of use, the user's unique number, the mode of use, the fee, the payment method, whether or not a receipt was issued, the store number, etc., and is information stored regarding the use of the laundry equipment.

Current status DB59 is a database that stores information about the current state of the laundry equipment. The data stored in current status DB59 stores various information associated with the equipment number. The information stored in current status DB59 includes the equipment number, store number, operating status, user information such as the user's unique number, etc. For example, each time a change occurs in the information stored in current status DB59, the changed information can be added to the history information in equipment information DB58.

The machine number is a unique number assigned to each laundry machine. Various information is stored in association with the machine number.

The store number is a unique number assigned to each store management device 1 installed in each coin laundry store.

The operating status is a quantified value of information about the operation of the laundry equipment. It indicates the current status of the laundry equipment. For example, it indicates whether the laundry equipment is operating, stopped, has a shortage of consumables, or is unavailable due to a malfunction.

The operating status can be collected and recorded by the server control means 50 periodically collecting the operating status of the laundry equipment collected by the store management device 1 from the store management device 1. In addition, the store management device 1 can collect and record information by sending it to the management server 6 periodically or when the operating status of the connected laundry equipment changes. In addition, information on whether the laundry equipment is operating or not can be recorded by the management server 6, which determines from the start time of the laundry equipment's operation and a preset operating time that the laundry equipment is operating for a specified period of time after operation has started and is not operating for other periods.

User information is information that identifies the user using the laundry equipment. For example, user information is the membership number of the user currently using the laundry equipment. If the membership number is unknown when using cash or other means, it is a predetermined specific number. If an IC card is used to pay with electronic money, information about the user associated with the unique number of the IC card can be obtained, and this information can be used for control.

The server control means 50 can search the current status DB 59, generate data so that the usage status of the laundry equipment for each store can be displayed in list form, and send it to the user terminal 7. Alternatively, a web page can be generated in list form and displayed by the user terminal 7. The access destination of the web page can be sent to a specified notification destination by e-mail, etc.

Next, we will explain the laundry equipment. Figure 5 is a block diagram of the laundry equipment.

Automatically operated equipment is equipped with a deposit means, operates automatically according to the amount of deposit, and is equipped with a communication means for communicating with external devices and a control means for controlling these. An example of an automatically operated equipment will be described using laundry equipment 2. Laundry equipment 2 is laundry equipment such as a washing machine, a dryer, or a washing machine with a dryer, and is equipped with a deposit means 62. When a predetermined amount of money is deposited, laundry equipment control means 60 controls laundry equipment 61 to start operation. Laundry equipment control means 60 causes laundry equipment 61 to perform a predetermined operation and then stops. For example, the predetermined operation is an operation for a predetermined time for a dryer, or washing, rinsing, and spin-drying operations for a washing machine. Furthermore, laundry equipment 2 is equipped with laundry equipment communication means 63 and is connected to the store management device 1.

Various operations of the laundry machine 2 are controlled by the laundry machine control means 60. The laundry machine control means 60 is equipped with a CPU and memory, and operations are controlled according to programs and settings stored in the memory.

The laundry means 61 is connected to the laundry machine control means 60 and controlled by the laundry machine control means 60. For example, the laundry means 61 is a device such as a washing machine that washes clothes, a dryer that dries clothes, or a washing machine with a drying function that dries clothes after washing. The laundry machine control means 60 can control the start of the operation of the laundry means 61 or stop it after a predetermined operation. The laundry machine control means 60 can also control a change in the usage mode of the laundry means 61. The usage mode is a mode of the laundry machine 2 that operates at different fees depending on differences in the washing operation time, drying operation time, type of detergent, etc. The laundry machine control means 60 can also obtain the status of the laundry means 61. For example, the laundry machine control means 60 can detect or calculate a status such as an abnormality, operating, or stopped from a sensor provided in the laundry means 61. For example, the laundry machine control means 60 can count the time from the start and determine that the laundry means 61 is operating until a predetermined time has elapsed and that the laundry means 61 is stopped after the predetermined time has elapsed.

The deposit means 62 identifies the denomination of the deposited coins and counts the number of coins. When the amount of the deposit reaches a predetermined amount, the deposit means 62 outputs a signal to the laundry machine control means 60 to notify the laundry machine control means 60 that the deposit has been completed. After the predetermined amount has been deposited, the laundry machine control means 60 controls the laundry means 61 to start operating.

The laundry machine communication means 63 is connected to the laundry machine control means 60 and is controlled by the laundry machine control means 60. The laundry machine 2 is connected to the store management device 1 via the laundry machine communication means 63, and is capable of sending and receiving data. For example, the store management device 1 can control the start and stop of the connected laundry machine 2 and can obtain information regarding the operating status of the laundry machine 2.

Information regarding the deposited amount is output from the deposit means 62 to the laundry machine communication means 63. The laundry machine communication means 63 obtains the deposited amount and sends it to the store management device 1 together with time information. The laundry machine communication means 63 also obtains status information such as start, stop, and abnormality of the operation of the laundry means 61, and sends it to the store management device 1 together with the time information. The information sent from the laundry machine communication means 63 to the store management device 1 is associated with the machine number and time information of the laundry machine 2. The time information also includes the date. The store management device 1 can obtain various information such as the machine number, time information, the status of the laundry machine 2, and the deposited amount. In other words, the laundry machine communication means 63 can be said to be a transmission means that transmits various information to the store management device 1.

The deposit means 62 may also be connected to the laundry machine control means 60 via the laundry machine communication means 63. The deposit means 62 may also include an IC card reader/writer, and by controlling this, it may be possible to accept deposits using electronic money or credit card payments. The deposit means 62 may also include a display device and an image capture device, allowing it to accept payments using two-dimensional codes. To allow payments using such deposit methods in addition to cash, the deposit means 62 must communicate with an external payment server or other device that performs payments. For this reason, the deposit means 62 is connected to the laundry machine communication means 63, which can communicate with external devices. By making the deposit means 62 and the laundry machine communication means 63 function as a single unit, various types of payments can be made.

After the deposit means 62 completes payment by cash, IC card, credit card, two-dimensional code, etc., it transmits information to the laundry machine control means 60 directly or via the laundry machine communication means 63 that a specified amount has been deposited. At the destination, the information is used for control processing. For example, a signal equivalent to the signal output when cash is deposited is generated by the laundry machine communication means 63 and output to the laundry machine control means 60.

Next, the operation of the automatic operation equipment management system will be described. First, the process in which the management server 6 collects information regarding the operation of each laundry equipment will be described. Figure 7 is a first flowchart that explains the operation of the automatic operation equipment management system.

Multiple laundry machines are connected to the store management device 1, but we will use the case where the first laundry machine 2 is connected as an example.

In step S11, the user deposits coins into the deposit means 62 of the first laundry machine 2, the denomination of the deposited coins is identified, the number of coins deposited is obtained, and the process moves to the next step. If the coins are deposited by other means than coins, such as an IC card, credit card, or two-dimensional code, the process moves to step S12.

In step S12, a process is performed to receive the specified amount of money required to use the first laundry machine 2. That is, a payment process is performed corresponding to various payment methods, such as cash payment, which confirms that the amount of money deposited in the first laundry machine 2 has reached the specified amount, electronic money payment, which confirms that the specified amount has been deducted from the electronic money stored in the IC card, credit card payment, two-dimensional code payment, etc. After the payment is completed, the process proceeds to step S13.

In step S13, the payment data is temporarily stored in the first laundry machine 2, and the process proceeds to the next step. For example, the laundry machine communication means 63 is provided with a storage means, and the payment data is stored in the storage means. The first laundry machine 2 acquires the payment data including the payment method, payment amount, information identifying the laundry machine, information identifying the user using the machine, information regarding the laundry machine function selected by the user, and information regarding usage such as the start time of usage and duration of usage, and stores the acquired payment data. Also, when cash is used, it may not be possible to identify the user using the machine, in which case the information indicates that the user is a cash user.

In step S14, after the payment is completed, the first laundry machine 2 starts operation according to the amount of the deposit. The laundry machine control means 60 starts operation of the laundry means 61. The first laundry machine 2 goes into a state of waiting for the next interrupt or other processing.

The store management device 1 periodically checks the status of the connected laundry machines, for example every 10 seconds or every minute. The store management device 1 receives payment data from the first laundry machine 2 and transmits the payment data to the management server 6.

In step S15, the store management device 1 periodically checks whether any connected laundry machines are being used. That is, at a specified time interval, such as every 10 seconds or every minute, it requests all connected laundry machines, in this case the first laundry machine 2, to send new payment data. The store management device 1 waits to receive payment data from the first laundry machine 2 that requested the sending of payment data. If there is new payment data in the first laundry machine 2, the store management device 1 acquires that payment data. The store management device 1 periodically checks whether there is new payment data for all connected laundry machines, and performs processing to acquire the new payment data if there is any.

In step S16, when new payment data is requested by the store management device 1, the first laundry machine 2 transmits the stored payment data to the store management device 1.

In step S17, the store management device 1 waits to receive payment data from the laundry machine that requested the transmission of payment data. When the store management device 1 receives payment data from the first laundry machine 2, it stores the received payment data in the store management device storage means 25. The store management device 1 checks for new payment data at predetermined time intervals for all connected laundry machines and collects new payment data. When the collection of payment data for that round is finished, it moves to the next step.

Next, in step S18, the store management device 1 sends the collected payment data to the management server 6. It then goes into a standby state.

The process has been described in which the store management device 1 periodically collects new payment data and transmits the new payment data to the management server 6. However, the process may also be such that the management server 6 periodically, for example every minute, checks whether there is new payment data in the store management device 1, and if there is new payment data, transmits the new payment data from the store management device 1 to the management server 6.

In step S19, the management server 6 stores the received payment data in the laundry information DB 56. The payment data is stored for each laundry device. For example, it is stored in the device information DB 58.

An example has been described in which the store management device 1 periodically collects payment data, but by including data on the operating status of the first laundry device 2 in the payment data, the store management device 1 can periodically collect the operating status of the first laundry device 2. Furthermore, the management server 6 can periodically collect data on the operating status of the first laundry device 2.

In this way, the automatic operation equipment management system periodically checks the operation of each laundry equipment, collects payment data, and stores the collected information in the database of the management server 6.

Next, a description will be given of the process of a request made by a user to the management server 6 to notify the user terminal 7 of information regarding the status of the laundry machine being used. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a first example of the display on the user terminal. FIG. 8 is a second flowchart explaining the operation of the automatic operation machine management system. An example will be described in which a user uses a first laundry machine 2 and receives a notification that the operation of this machine has ended.

The user reads the two-dimensional code from the first code recording medium 8 arranged in correspondence with the first laundry machine 2 using the user terminal 7, and makes a specific request to the management server 6. The user can receive notification of information relating to the operation of the first laundry machine 2 from the management server 6.

In step S20, the two-dimensional code recorded on the first code recording medium 8 is read and analyzed by the user terminal 7. The code includes information on the URL of the management page. The URL of the management page may include the store number of the store and the device number of the first laundry machine 2. The code also includes a store number unique to the store and a device number unique to the first laundry machine 2. This URL of the management page is the initial access destination information of the management page that the user terminal 7 accesses first.

Next, in step S21, the user terminal 7 makes a request to the management server 6 to access the management page based on the URL of the acquired management page. At this time, by including the acquired store number and equipment number in the request, the management server 6 can obtain the store number and equipment number. The management server 6 can obtain which laundry equipment at which store a service is being requested, and manage and control it.

Next, in step S22, the management server 6 performs processing to respond to a request for access to the management page from the user terminal 7. The management server 6 transmits data for the management page to the user terminal 7.

At this time, it is preferable that the management server 6 generates a one-time URL in the one-time URL generation unit 53, transmits it to the user terminal 7, and then re-accesses the management page specified by the one-time URL on the user terminal 7. This one-time URL is re-access destination information. By using the one-time URL, it is not possible to re-access the management page specified by the one-time URL later, so that the problem of the management server 6 being repeatedly accessed by the stored one-time URL can be avoided.

Next, in step S23, the user terminal 7 waits to receive the management page data from the management server 6, and after receiving the management page data, displays the management page using the functions of the web browser. The management page is displayed on the terminal display means 42, for example, as shown in FIG. 6. In this example, the store name, the machine number, and the model name are displayed in the target machine display area 70. If a receipt is also desired to be issued, the receipt required button 75 is touched. The color changes when touched, indicating that issuance of a receipt has been selected. The notification destination is entered in the notification input area 71 using the keyboard displayed in the keyboard area 74. The execute button 73 is a button for confirming the input, and sends the input information to the management server 6. The cancel button 72 is a button for stopping the process and returning to the "Yes" state.

Although an example of issuing a receipt has been given as a service, other services such as issuing a service voucher may be displayed so that the desired service can be selected. For example, a service can be provided that prints a service voucher in addition to a receipt.

Next, in step S24, a specific request for notifying the destination of the end notification is input from the management page displayed on the terminal display means 42. The user inputs an email address as the destination in the notification input area 71. For example, the user is prompted to visually confirm the number of the target device and input an email address as the destination. A telephone number may be used if notification is to be made by short message or voice. When the execute button 73 is touched, the user terminal control means 40 recognizes that the button has been pressed, and transitions to processing for having the management server 6 notify the destination of the end notification. When the execute button 73 is touched, the request time, which is the time when the request was made, is obtained, and transitions to the next process. The request time can be treated as transmission date and time information when the request for notification of the end notification was sent from the user terminal 7.

Next, in step S25, the user terminal control means 40 transmits notification destination information to the management server 6 as a request for notification of an end notification. The request for notification of an end notification includes, as request data, a device number for identifying the device, a store number, notification destination information, and a request time. The request for notification of an end notification also includes service specific information for identifying the service. The service specific information is notification of the end notification and issuance of a receipt. If any other services have been selected, requests for those services are also included.

Next, in step S26, the management server 6 waits to receive a request for notification of an end notification, and when a request for notification of an end notification is received, it analyzes the received request for notification of an end notification and extracts the request data and service specific information. The device number, store number, request time, and notification destination information contained in the request data are extracted. Also, since this is a series of processes, the store number and device number are known in advance by the management server 6, so the device number and store number are not necessarily required in the request data. Furthermore, the type of service requested is extracted as service specific information. The type of service requested, such as notification of an end notification or issuance of a receipt, is extracted. It is possible to distinguish between services by assigning a predetermined number for each service.

Next, in step S27, the management server 6 checks whether the request for notification of end notification meets the conditions. If the requirements are met, the process proceeds to step S28; if not, the process proceeds to step S29. The conditions for the request are predetermined and stored in the management server 6. For example, if a request for notification of end notification is made within a specified period after the operation of the target device has started, the request for notification of end notification is accepted, but if it is outside the period, the request is not accepted. In this case, the operation start time of the target device is searched from the laundry information DB 56 and compared with the requested time. If the requested time is within the specified period from the start time, the request is accepted, but if not, the request is not accepted.

For example, 10 minutes from the start time is set as the specified period for accepting a request for an end notification. If end notifications are accepted unconditionally, there is a risk of them being registered after the operation has ended, leading to mischief. If payment has been made to the laundry equipment and it has been a short time since the operation started, it is likely that the user is present. It is at such times that an end notification can be requested. In addition, during this specified period, it is possible to re-register the notification destination, and if re-registered, the notification destination is overwritten.

The number of times a service is requested can also be a condition. When a request for receipt is made, the laundry information DB 56 is searched for whether a receipt has been issued for the target machine, and if a receipt has not been issued, the request is accepted, but if a receipt has already been issued, the request is rejected. Similarly, for other requested services, the laundry information DB 56 is searched for whether the service has been issued for the target machine, a comparison is made, and if it is determined that the service can be provided, the service is accepted, but if it is determined that it cannot, the request is rejected. This can also be thought of as a notification determination means that determines whether or not a notification should be issued.

Next, in step S28, the request data and service specific information are stored in the management server 6. For example, the request data and service specific information are stored in the device information of the laundry information DB 56 as a history of service requests such as a request for notification of completion notification and a request for issuing a receipt. Furthermore, when a completion notification is requested, the management server 6 periodically checks whether there is an object that satisfies the notification conditions, and if there is an object that satisfies the notification conditions, it notifies the notification destination of the completion notification.

By checking the history of requested services such as receipt issuance, you can determine whether or not a requested service such as receipt issuance has been issued, and prevent duplicate issuances and other such processing.

Next, in step S29, the management server 6 sends a confirmation notification to the notification destination entered by the user, indicating that the request data and service specific information have been received. If the notification destination is an email address, a confirmation email containing the request data and the contents of the service specific information is sent to the notification destination. Furthermore, by adding to the message in the confirmation email the URL of a web page that can display the operating status of the laundry machine, the operating status and remaining time can also be checked using a web browser. The confirmation notification can be considered an additional service, but specific additional services are processed without selection or specification.

The user can confirm that the notification destination was correct, the contents of the request, the target device, etc. by receiving the confirmation email sent to the notification destination. If the request was not accepted, the user is notified of this fact. The user then waits until the next process begins.

When the user makes a new request for notification of the completion notification, the management server 6 overwrites the request data and service-specific information and continues processing the request. In this case, the previously registered destination may be notified that the destination for the completion notification has been registered again. If the destination is email, an email is sent to inform the previous destination that it has been changed. This can prevent someone else from erroneously changing the destination again.

In the above example, the code recorded on the first code recording medium 8 includes the URL of the management page, the store number, and the machine number. Here, we will explain the process of identifying and extracting the laundry equipment used by the user when the code recorded on the first code recording medium 8 does not include the machine number. When the user terminal 7 accesses the management server 6, the management server obtains the store number and searches the laundry information DB 56 for the machine number associated with the store number. A management page reflecting the search results is created, and the user terminal 7 is allowed to select on the management page. The management server 6 generates management page data that displays a selectable list of laundry equipment from the list of machine numbers associated with the store number, and sends it to the user terminal 7. The user selects the machine number in use from the list of machine numbers displayed on the user terminal 7. The machine number selected by the user terminal 7 is sent to the management server 6, and the management server 6 obtains the machine number of the laundry equipment used by the user. In this way, even if the code recorded on the recording medium does not include a machine number, if the user terminal 7 can extract the store number, it can identify and extract laundry machines in use from a list of laundry machines located in the store on the displayed management page. This type of processing by the user terminal 7 can be said to be a means for extracting the store number and machine number of the user terminal 7.

For example, by providing this type of processing between steps S20 and S21, even if the machine number is not included in the code, if the machine number is not sent to the management server 6, a selectable management page can be generated on the user terminal, thereby identifying and extracting the laundry machine used by the user. It is also possible to simultaneously search for information such as the model corresponding to the machine number along with the machine number, and add and display it. It is also possible to record a URL that links to a management page for selecting the store number and machine number as a code on a recording medium, and access that management page from the user terminal 7, allowing the user to display and select from the stores in the same chain.

Next, the process of notifying the user's notification destination of the end notification will be described. FIG. 9 is a third flowchart that explains the operation of the automatic operation device management system. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second example of the display on the user terminal.

The management server 6 periodically checks the operating status of the laundry equipment, for example every 30 seconds or every minute. The management server 6 checks whether there is any laundry equipment for which a completion notification has been requested and which has finished operating. If there is a laundry equipment for which a completion notification has finished operating, the management server 6 acquires the notification destination and sends the completion notification. If there is no target laundry equipment, no completion notification is sent. At that time, if there is a request to add another service, such as issuing a receipt, the management server 6 adds the requested service and sends the notification.

First, in step S30, the server control means 50 of the management server 6 searches and obtains information about the operation of the laundry machines it manages from the laundry information DB 56. The current status DB 59 stores the current status of each laundry machine. Information about requests from the user terminal 7 is also stored here as the current status.

Next, in step S31, the server control means 50 determines whether or not there is a laundry device that has completed its operation and is requesting a completion notification. If there is, it moves to the next step. If not, it moves to step S40. This can also be considered a notification determination means that determines whether or not a notification should be sent.

Next, in step S32, the server control means 50 searches the laundry information DB 56 to obtain the destination of the completion notification for the laundry device that has completed operation.

Next, in step S33, the server control means 50 checks whether any additional services have been requested by the user. It checks whether a receipt has been requested, and if so, proceeds to step S34, otherwise proceeds to step S36. Here, an example is given regarding a receipt, but the server control means 50 checks whether there has been a request for each service, such as issuing a coupon or providing advertising information, and accordingly obtains information corresponding to each service as in steps S34 and S35, and generates service data. This can also be thought of as a notification determination means that determines whether or not a notification should be issued.

Next, in step S34, the server control means 50 searches the laundry information DB 56 for and obtains the payment data corresponding to the laundry machine for which a receipt is requested.

Next, in step S35, receipt data is generated based on the payment data. Based on the payment data, receipt data is generated from data such as date and time, laundry equipment used, fee, and payment method.

Next, in step S36, the server control means 50 generates email data. The email data is notification information including information about the operation of the laundry machine to be sent to the notification destination. For example, it includes a message that the operation of the laundry machine has ended. The message includes the store name and machine number so that the user can identify the laundry machine used. If there is an additional service, information about the additional service is attached to the email or included in the message. If a receipt is requested for the additional service, a receipt is attached to the email. If the additional service is a coupon or advertisement, it is added to the email, or the coupon or advertisement is attached to the email in a specific format such as a PDF file. If it is the URL of a specific web page, it may be included in the email message.

Next, in step S37, the server control means 50 sends the generated email data to the specified notification destination. The user terminal 7 notifies the notification destination specified by the user terminal 7 of the operating status of the laundry device specified by the user terminal 7.

Next, in step S38, the server control means 50 records the processing history in the laundry information DB 56. Information such as whether a notification was sent and whether a receipt was provided is stored together with date and time information.

Next, in step S39, the server control means 50 deletes the information regarding the notification destination.

Next, in step S40, the web page data of the laundry device operation information managed by the management server 6 is updated. It updates periodically and waits until the next process.

The user can also check the operating status of the laundry machine from a web page that displays this operating status. The URL of this web page can be included, along with the message, in the confirmation email received when the notification destination is entered on the user terminal 7.

The contents of the completion notification sent to the notification destination include at least a completion notification 80, as shown in FIG. 10, for example. If a receipt is requested, a receipt 81 is displayed. The receipt file is a file in a specified format such as PDF. This receipt file can be displayed on the terminal display means 42 for confirmation.

The completion notification is sent by email, so the display format will vary depending on the program used to display the email. If you do not want to change the display format, you can generate an image data file in a format such as GIF or JPEG, or a PDF file, and attach it to the email to notify the completion.

The completion notification may be sent as a text email. It will include the completion date and time, store name, device number, model name, and a message indicating that the device operation has ended. When the email is displayed, the device and completion time will be identified.

In addition, in step S30, periodic operation checks are performed, but when payment data is sent in step S18 and received by the management server 6, the payment data may be included and information on laundry devices that have completed operation may also be obtained, thereby checking the operation of the connected laundry devices.

Although the notification of the end of operation has been described as an example, when a notice of the end is notified, it can be an additional service. The time information of how many minutes before the end, that is, the notice time, is set in advance as the timing of the notification, and when the notice of the end is selected as an additional service, the server control means 50 of the management server 6 periodically checks the operation and acquires the time until the end in step S30. It is preferable that the notice time can be set by the user when inputting the notification destination. This can be realized by providing a frame for inputting a setting value on the management page and allowing the desired time to be input there. Then, in step S31, the notice time of the notice notification is compared with the time when the operation of the device ends, and it is determined whether or not it is the timing to issue a notice. If it is determined that a notice is to be issued, in step S32, the notification destination is acquired. Then, since it is not the timing to issue a receipt in step S33, the process proceeds to step S36 and email data is generated. The email data is a message indicating how many minutes are left until the end. Then, in step S37, an email of the notice of the end is sent to the specified notification destination. In step S38, the history is recorded, and in step S39, the process is skipped because the termination notification has not yet been sent. Then, the process moves to step S40. By processing in this manner, the management server 6 can send a termination advance notification to the notification destination.

Reference Signs List 1 Store management device 2 First laundry machine 3 Second laundry machine 4 Third laundry machine 5 Network 6 Management server 7 User terminal 8 First code recording medium 9 Second code recording medium 10 Third code recording medium

Claims (10)

A plurality of automatic operation devices are arranged in the store and operate in response to payment of a fee;
A user terminal operated by a user;
an automatic operation device management device connected to the automatic operation device and the user terminal via a network,
The automatic operation equipment management device acquires operation information related to an operation of the automatic operation equipment, and notifies a notification destination specified by notification destination information stored in advance in a storage means of the automatic operation equipment management system,
the user terminal has an imaging means and an extraction means for analyzing an image acquired by the imaging means and extracting access destination information for identifying a connection destination for connection via the network and store information for identifying the store in which the automatic operation device used by the user is installed;
the user terminal accesses the access destination specified by the access destination information extracted by the extraction means and transmits the store information to the access destination, displays a first management page including information about the automatic operating equipment located in the store specified by the store information and enabling selection of the automatic operating equipment, and transmits a selection result of the automatic operating equipment selected via the first management page to the automatic operating equipment management device;
the automatic operation equipment management device receives access from the user terminal based on the access destination information and acquires the selection result, generates a one-time second management page having an input field for inputting the notification destination information of the operation information in a state in which the automatic operation equipment specified by the acquired selection result is specified, generates re-access destination information for guiding the user to the second management page, and transmits the re-access destination information to the user terminal;
the user terminal, after accessing the automatic operation equipment management device, acquires the re-access destination information, accesses the second management page based on the acquired re-access destination information, displays the second management page including information on the automatic operation equipment specified by the selection result and the input field, and transmits the notification destination information input via the input field of the second management page to the automatic operation equipment management device;
the automatic operation equipment management device receives the notification destination information from the user terminal, and stores the notification destination information in a storage means in association with equipment information of the automatic operation equipment identified by the selection result;
The automatic operating equipment management device acquires operation information of the automatic operating equipment identified based on the equipment information stored in the storage means, generates notification information including the operation information, and notifies the notification information to the notification destination identified based on the notification destination information associated with the equipment information stored in the storage means. The automatic operation equipment management system according to claim 1, characterized in that a two-dimensional code corresponding to the store in which the automatic operation equipment is located is placed on a plurality of the automatic operation equipment, and the user terminal reads the two-dimensional code placed on the automatic operation equipment with the imaging means, analyzes the acquired two-dimensional code, and extracts the access destination information and the store information specifying the store in which the automatic operation equipment with the two-dimensional code placed is located with the extraction means. The automatic operation equipment management system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the automatic operation equipment management device sends a confirmation notification indicating that the automatic operation equipment management device has received the notification destination information from the user terminal at least once before notifying the notification destination of the operation information. The automatic operation equipment management system according to claim 3, characterized in that the confirmation notification includes a URL of a web page that displays the operating status of the automatic operation equipment. The automatic operation equipment management system according to claim 2, characterized in that the two-dimensional code is displayed on an adhesive sheet or a display device. The automatic operation equipment management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that if the automatic operation equipment located in the store identified by the store information extracted by the extraction means has not started operating for a predetermined time, the notification destination is stored in the automatic operation equipment management device, and if the predetermined time has passed, the notification destination is not stored. The user terminal transmits a request for a predetermined additional service together with the notification destination information to the automatic operation device management device;
When the automatic operation device management device receives a request for the additional service from the user terminal,
7. The automatic operating equipment management system according to claim 1, wherein the automatic operating equipment management device notifies the notification destination of the additional service together with the operation information as the notification information. The automated operation equipment management system according to claim 7, characterized in that the additional service is an electronic receipt. The automatic operation equipment management system according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the additional service sets a notice time, and notifies the notification destination of the operation information, prior to the notice time when the operation of the automatic operation equipment located in the store identified by the store information extracted by the extraction means ends, of a notice that the operation of the automatic operation equipment will end after the notice time has elapsed. An automatic operation equipment management device is provided in a store, and is connected to a user terminal operated by a user via a network together with a plurality of automatic operation equipment that are operated in response to payment of fees, and the automatic operation equipment management device acquires operation information from the automatic operation equipment and notifies a notification destination specified by notification destination information previously stored in a storage means of the operation information,
a user terminal including an imaging means, which analyzes an image acquired by the imaging means, and which is accessed based on the access destination information and acquires the store information from a user terminal including an extraction means for extracting access destination information for identifying a connection destination for connecting via the network and store information for identifying the store in which the automatic operation device used by the user is installed;
displaying a first management page including information about the automatic operating devices arranged in the store identified by the store information and allowing the automatic operating devices to be selected, and acquiring a selection result of the automatic operating devices selected via the first management page;
generating a one-time second management page having an input field for inputting the notification destination information of the operation information in a state in which the automatic operation device specified by the acquired selection result is specified, generating re-access destination information for guiding the user to the second management page, and transmitting the re-access destination information to the user terminal;
After the user terminal accesses the device based on the re-access destination information, the device acquires information about the automatic operation device specified by the selection result and the notification destination information input via the input field of the second management page on which the input field is displayed;
storing the acquired notification destination information and device information for identifying the automatic operation device identified by the selection result in the storage means in association with each other;
An automatic operation equipment management device characterized by acquiring operation information of the automatic operation equipment identified based on the equipment information stored in the storage means, generating notification information including the operation information, and notifying the notification information to the notification destination identified based on the notification destination information associated with the equipment information stored in the storage means.

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