JP7746066B2 - Vehicle Processing System - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a vehicle processing system.

Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. 5-62369 (hereinafter referred to as "Patent Document 1") describes a car wash suitable for unmanned coin-operated car washes. In the car wash described in Patent Document 1, when an abnormality occurrence routine is executed, the machine remains in a state where it is prohibited from accepting new customers until a manager is notified and resets the machine. Upon receiving the notification, the manager checks the cause of the abnormality on-site and, depending on the cause, requests repairs or refills the fluid.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-230821 (hereinafter referred to as "Patent Document 2") describes a car wash processing system equipped with a camera that captures images of the car wash's status, a communication device, and other devices, and in which an administrator guides users on how to operate the system. The system in Patent Document 2 allows users to operate the system according to instructions from the administrator, who can also operate the car wash system, such as moving the car wash system forward and backward and opening and closing the cleaning brushes, and can also reset any abnormal shutdowns, ensuring smooth car washing.

JP 10-230821 (Paragraph [0026]) JP 10-230821 (paragraphs [0008], [0009])

As with the technology of Patent Document 1, when an abnormality occurs in a car wash device, a manager (including a repairman, etc.) must go to the site (e.g., the car wash), but only after confirming the safety of the recovery procedure, a person with specialized knowledge must respond. Also, as with the technology of Patent Document 2, when an abnormality occurs in a car wash device, it is thought that it is possible to respond without going to the site, but if there are too many operation buttons, it is difficult for users to understand, and operation errors may occur. Furthermore, even when a manager instructs users, it is difficult for the manager to give instructions unless the manager is an experienced person.

One object of the present invention is to provide technology that can support instruction decisions when issuing instructions to a vehicle processing device.

A vehicle processing system according to one solution of the present invention may include a terminal device and a vehicle processing device connected to a network. The vehicle processing system may have a function of calculating support data by referencing device data of the vehicle processing device. The vehicle processing system may also have a function of causing the vehicle processing device to execute instruction data selected by the terminal device from the support data via the network.
In addition, the vehicle processing system may have a vehicle processing device other than the vehicle processing device connected to the network, and may calculate the support data by referring to the device data of the other vehicle processing device in addition to the device data of the vehicle processing device.
In addition, the vehicle processing system is a car wash device in which the vehicle processing device is equipped with a movable part, and the device data includes movable data of the movable part, and the support data for moving the movable part can be calculated by referring to the movable data.
In addition, the vehicle processing system can cause the device data to include imaging data of the vehicle processing device, and can cause the vehicle processing device to execute the instruction data selected by the terminal device by referring to the imaging data.
Furthermore, the vehicle processing system can calculate the support data for whether or not a refund is possible by referring to the amount data, where the device data includes amount data for the processing items of the vehicle processing device.
In addition, the vehicle processing system includes the vehicle number and processing items of the vehicle whose device data is pre-stored as the processing target, and can refer to the vehicle number from the image data of the vehicle received by the vehicle processing device, determine that the photographed vehicle is the processing target, and calculate the support data for the processing item.
In addition, when the vehicle processing device abnormally stops, the vehicle processing system calculates the support data for restoring the vehicle processing device, and when "restore" is selected as the instruction data, it can restore the vehicle processing device from the abnormal stop.

The vehicle processing system according to one solution of the present invention can support the decision-making process when issuing instructions to the vehicle processing device.

1 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a processing server provided in the vehicle processing system of FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a vehicle processing device provided in the vehicle processing system of FIG. 1 . FIG. 4 is a schematic front view of the vehicle processing device of FIG. 3; FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of the vehicle processing device of FIG. 3. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the terminal device of FIG. 1. 2 is an example of a processing flow of the vehicle processing system of FIG. 1 . 10 is another example of the processing flow of the vehicle processing system of FIG. 1 . 3 is an example of information stored in a storage unit of the processing server of FIG. 2. 8 is an example of a screen during the processing flow of the vehicle processing system of FIG. 8 is another example of a screen during the processing flow of the vehicle processing system of FIG. 7. 8 is another example of a screen during the processing flow of the vehicle processing system of FIG. 7. 10 is a process flow of a vehicle processing system according to another embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a process flow of a vehicle processing system according to another embodiment of the present invention. 15 is an example of a screen during the processing flow of the vehicle processing system of FIG. 14. 15 is another example of a screen during the processing flow of the vehicle processing system of FIG. 14. 10 is a process flow of a vehicle processing system according to another embodiment of the present invention. 18 is an example of a screen during the processing flow of the vehicle processing system of FIG. 17. 10 is a process flow of a vehicle processing system according to another embodiment of the present invention. 20 is an example of a screen during the processing flow of the vehicle processing system of FIG. 19. 20 is another example of a screen during the processing flow of the vehicle processing system of FIG. 19.

In the following embodiments of the present invention, the following explanations will be divided into multiple sections, etc., where necessary. However, in principle, these are not unrelated to one another, and one is a partial or complete modification, details, etc., of the other. For this reason, throughout the drawings, components having the same function are given the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, the number of components (including numbers, values, amounts, ranges, etc.) is not limited to a specific number, unless otherwise specified or clearly limited in principle to a specific number, and may be more or less than the specific number. Furthermore, when referring to the shape of a component, etc., this includes anything that is substantially approximate or similar to that shape, etc., unless otherwise specified or clearly considered not to be the case in principle.

(First embodiment)
An embodiment of a vehicle processing system (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as a "processing system") according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment of the present invention, a car wash device having a function of washing the exterior (body surface) of a vehicle will be used as the vehicle processing device connected to a vehicle processing server (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as a "processing server") via a network.

(Vehicle Processing System)
FIG. 1 shows a configuration diagram of a processing system 10. The processing system 10 includes a processing server 20 and multiple car wash devices 30. The processing server 20 and the multiple car wash devices 30 use Internet of Things (IoT) technology and are connected via a network 11 to enable communication (e.g., HTTP). The processing server 20 has the function of remotely controlling the multiple car wash devices 30 and managing the entire system. The car wash devices 30 have the function of performing processing on a user's vehicle C. The multiple car wash devices 30 are installed, for example, at different car wash sites 25 (different sites) that are separated by a distance. The network 11 can include a wired communication transmission path and a wireless communication transmission path. Examples of the network 11 include the Internet, a peer-to-peer (P2P) network, a dedicated line, a power line communication line, a virtual private network (VPN), a wireless packet communication network, a mobile phone line, a wireless local area network (LAN), near field communication (NFC), Bluetooth (registered trademark), and Wi-Fi.

The processing system 10 may also include an administrator terminal 13 (terminal device). The administrator terminal 13 has a function that allows an administrator (e.g., an operator of a car wash 25, etc.) to manage the system. The processing system 10 may also include a user terminal 12 (terminal device). The user terminal 12 has a function that allows users to use the system. The processing system 10 may also include a payment device 14. The payment device 14 has a function for users to make payments to use the car wash device 30. The processing system 10 may also include a refund device 26. The refund device 26 has a function for refunding money to users, for example, in the event of an abnormal shutdown of the car wash device 30. The processing system 10 may also include a surveillance camera 27 (photography device). The surveillance camera 27 has a function for, for example, photographing the car wash device 30 while processing is being performed. The user terminal 12, administrator terminal 13, payment device 14, refund device 26, and surveillance camera 27 each have a communication unit and are connected via network 11. For example, using the manager terminal 13, the manager can check the status of the car wash device 30 and check the state of the car wash 25 and the car wash device 30 via the surveillance camera 27.

(processing server)
FIG. 2 shows a configuration diagram of the processing server 20. The processing server 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23 (comprised of a receiving unit and a transmitting unit). The control unit 21 is configured, for example, by a central processing unit (CPU) and is connected to the storage unit 22 and other components. The control unit 21 executes programs stored in the storage unit 22 to perform assigned processes and thereby realize the functions of the processing server 20. Therefore, the processing server 20 includes various functions provided by the control unit 21. The storage unit 22 is configured, for example, by a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive (HDD), and the like, and can store programs and various data. The communication unit 23 is configured, for example, by a network interface controller (NIC), and can establish communication with each car wash device 30 and the like via the network 11. The processing server 20 is an HTTP server that is accessed by devices such as the administrator terminal 13 and the car wash device 30, and receives HTTP requests from those devices and returns HTTP responses.

(Payment device)
The payment device 14 is, for example, configured as a server. The payment device 14 can use, for example, an existing service provider that provides an online credit card payment agency service to process payments. The service provider checks the credit limit of the credit card the user is attempting to use and checks for invalid cards before processing the payment. Payment processing is not limited to credit cards; any online payment method can be used, and can also be processed based on an account debit agreement. The processing server 20 itself may be configured to have the functionality of the payment device 14.

(Vehicle processing device)
3 and 4 are schematic side and front views, respectively, of the car wash apparatus 30. In this embodiment, the car wash apparatus 30 includes a main body apparatus 31 (car wash machine), a reception apparatus 32, and a gate apparatus 33. In the following description, the right side of FIG. 3 is the front of the main body apparatus 31, and the left side of FIG. 3 is the rear of the main body apparatus 31.

The main unit 31 has the function of performing processes such as washing on the user's vehicle C. The reception unit 32 also has the function of allowing the user to accept processing by the car wash unit 30. The gate unit 33 has the function of opening and closing the entrance to the car wash area, for example, using a barrier 33A, to prohibit/allow entry of the vehicle C.

For this reason, at car wash device 30, the customer checks in at reception device 32, and once permission to enter is granted, gate device 33 opens, allowing vehicle C to enter the car wash area and stop at a predetermined position. Then, the main unit 31 performs processes such as washing on vehicle C. At car wash device 30, vehicle C drives forward to enter and, after washing, drives forward to exit as well, allowing customers to have their car washed while remaining in vehicle C, enabling a so-called drive-through car wash.

The frame (housing) of the main device 31 is gate-shaped and straddles the vehicle C to be treated. The main device 31 can travel back and forth (move) on two rails 34 laid parallel to the installation surface G (ground) by turning the wheels 48 using a travel encoder 43 and travel motor 44. The travel encoder 43 is attached to the output shaft of the travel motor 44 and outputs a pulse signal each time the main device 31 travels a unit distance. By counting these pulse signals, the travel distance of the main device 31 can be detected. For example, when waiting, the main device 31 can stop at the rear end of the travel range defined by the rails 34 and start washing the car from this position.

The main unit 31 also includes brushes 35, 36, 36, nozzles 37, 38, 38, and sprays 40, 41, 42. As a result, the main unit 31 can spray cleaning liquids such as water, shampoo, and wax while traveling, perform cleaning tasks by brushing with the brushes, and dry by blowing air through the nozzles.

The top brush 35 is located in front of the main unit 31 and can move up and down along the top surface of the vehicle C as the main unit 31 moves, brushing the top surface. The pair of left and right side brushes 36 are located behind the top brush 35 and can move toward and away from the vehicle C (opening and closing) as the main unit 31 moves, brushing the front, rear, and side surfaces of the vehicle C.

The top nozzle 37 is located behind the side brush 36 and moves up and down along the top surface of the vehicle C as the main unit 31 moves, blowing air onto the top surface to dry it. The pair of left and right side nozzles 38 are located behind the top nozzle 37 on the main unit 31 and can blow air onto the sides of the vehicle C to dry it.

Sprayers 40, 41, and 42 are composed of pipes with multiple spray nozzles (not shown) and can spray cleaning liquid such as water toward vehicle C as main unit 31 moves. Spray 40 is located in front of top brush 35 and can selectively spray, for example, water or shampoo liquid. Spray 41 is located in front of side brush 36 and can selectively spray, for example, water, wax liquid, or coating liquid (water-repellent liquid). Spray 42 is located behind side brush 36 and can spray, for example, water.

The vehicle shape sensor 45 is provided on the front side of the main device 31 and is composed of a beam sensor in which a light-emitting unit EU with multiple light-emitting elements E arranged vertically and a light-receiving unit RU with multiple light-receiving elements R arranged vertically are opposed to each other across the width of the vehicle C. Optical signals (infrared light) are exchanged between the multiple light-emitting elements E and the multiple light-receiving elements R, and the presence or absence of the vehicle C is detected based on the light reception level of the light-receiving elements R (corresponding to the blocking/passing of light on the optical axis B), thereby detecting the position of the top surface of the vehicle C.

The vehicle entry sensor 46 is located at the lower front of the main unit 31 (near the front) and has the function of detecting the entry of vehicle C. The vehicle exit sensor 47 is attached to the lower rear of the main unit 31 and has the function of detecting the exit of vehicle C. Sensors 46 and 47 are attached at a height that allows them to detect the ends of vehicle C, and both are beam sensors with a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element facing each other in the vehicle width direction to form a single optical axis, which outputs an output indicating the presence or absence of vehicle C based on the blocking/passing of light in this optical axis. For example, when the vehicle shape sensor 45 passes light and the vehicle entry sensor 46 blocks light, it can be determined that vehicle C is in a stopping position to undergo cleaning or other processing.

The reception device 32 is equipped with a vehicle detection unit 50. The vehicle detection unit 50 is used to detect a vehicle C located at the reception location, and is composed of, for example, an infrared sensor or an ultrasonic sensor. The reception device 32 enters a state where it can accept requests when the vehicle detection unit 50 detects a vehicle C.

The reception device 32 also has a display unit 51. The display unit 51 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, and has a touch panel function such as a capacitive or resistive type. As a result, the display unit 51 can display data related to the car wash device 50 to the user and allow them to input data. At the time of reception, the display unit 51 displays, for example, two types of users: "Users who have already selected a car wash course, etc. on the user terminal" and "Users who are about to select a car wash course, etc.."

The reception device 32 also includes a data acquisition unit 52. The data acquisition unit 52 is used to acquire identification data from the user terminal 12. For example, if the identification data is a two-dimensional code, the identification data is acquired (read) by holding the two-dimensional code displayed on the user terminal 12 over a reader that serves as the data acquisition unit 52.

The reception device 32 also includes a vehicle number acquisition unit 53. The vehicle number acquisition unit 53 is used to acquire the vehicle number of vehicle C and is composed of, for example, a camera device (vehicle number acquisition device) that can capture an image of vehicle C, including its license plate. By registering the vehicle number of vehicle C in advance, the processing server 20 can instruct the reception device 32 to display a message that the vehicle number of vehicle C acquired by the vehicle number acquisition unit 53 differs from the registered number, thereby preventing fraudulent processing. The vehicle number acquisition unit 53 is fixed to the gate device 33, but may also be fixed to the reception device itself, like the data acquisition unit 52.

In this type of reception device 32, users who select "I have already selected a car wash course, etc. on my user terminal" displayed on the display unit 51 simply have the data acquisition unit 52 acquire the identification data stored in the user terminal 12, and the gate device 33 will open in response to instructions from the processing server 20, allowing them to smoothly receive their car wash or other treatment. On the other hand, users who select "I will now select a car wash course, etc." can receive their car wash or other treatment by following the instructions on the display unit 51 and selecting a car wash course and paying the car wash fee on the spot.

Here, as an example of a car wash course, we will outline a case where the main device 31 makes 2.5 round trips to wash the glass coating of vehicle C. First, when the user's car wash reception is approved by the reception device 32, the user is guided to enter the car wash area as the gate device 33 opens. Following this guidance, the user moves and stops vehicle C at a predetermined parking position that blocks the light from the entrance sensor 46 in front of the main device 31.

In the first forward stroke, as the main unit 31 moves forward, shampoo liquid is sprayed from the spray 40 and water is sprayed from the sprays 41 and 42, and the top brush 35 and side brush 36 are rotated to shampoo and wash the vehicle body surface. Next, in the first return stroke, as the main unit 31 moves backward, wax liquid is sprayed from the spray 41 and water is sprayed from the sprays 40 and 42, and the top brush 35 and side brush 36 are rotated to wax the vehicle body surface.

Next, in the second forward step, as the main body device 31 moves forward, coating liquid is sprayed from the spray 41 and the top brush 35 and side brush 36 are rotated to perform a first coating on the vehicle body surface. Then, in the second return step, as the main body device 31 moves backward, coating liquid is sprayed from the spray 41 to perform a second coating on the vehicle body surface, and water is sprayed from the spray 40 to rinse the vehicle body surface.

Next, in the third forward step, as the main body device 31 moves forward, high-pressure air is sprayed from the top nozzle 37 and side nozzle 38 onto the vehicle body surface to dry it. The coating process is completed by spraying high-pressure air from the nozzles 37 and 38 onto the vehicle body surface to scatter and remove water droplets, imparting water-slip properties, water repellency, gloss, and slipperiness to the vehicle body surface.

Figure 5 shows a block diagram of the car wash device 30, including its control system. The main unit 31 includes a main unit control unit 54, a main unit memory unit 55, and a main unit communication unit 62. The main unit control unit 54 is composed of, for example, a CPU, and is connected to each component, such as the main unit memory unit 55. The main unit memory unit 55 is composed of, for example, ROM, RAM, and external memory (such as a USB memory). The main unit communication unit 62 (including a receiving unit and a transmitting unit) is connected to the network 11, and is composed of, for example, a mobile communication circuit.

The main body control unit 54 executes the programs stored in the main body memory unit 55. Specifically, the main body control unit 54 includes various means (functional components) for performing the functions of the main body device 31 according to pre-programmed sequences based on signals and data from each component. For example, the main body control unit 54 includes a means (travel detection unit 56) for detecting the traveling position of the main body device 31 from the pulse signal of the travel encoder 43. The main body control unit 54 also includes a means (vehicle shape detection unit 57) for detecting the height position of the vehicle C by driving the vehicle shape sensor 45 using the pulse signal from the travel encoder 43 as a trigger. The main body control unit 54 also includes a means (vehicle shape data creation unit 58) for creating vehicle shape data from the detection results of the travel detection unit 56 and the vehicle shape detection unit 57. This vehicle shape data is stored in the main body memory unit 55. The main body control unit 54 then controls each processing device, such as the brushes, based on the vehicle shape data read from the main body memory unit 55.

As shown in FIG. 5, the reception device 32 includes a reception control unit 60 and a reception storage unit 61. The reception control unit 60 is composed of, for example, a CPU. The reception storage unit 61 is composed of, for example, ROM, RAM, and external memory (such as a USB memory). The reception control unit 60 is connected to each component, such as the reception storage unit 61, and executes programs stored in the reception storage unit 61. The reception control unit 60 includes various means (functional components) for performing the functions of the reception device 32 in accordance with a pre-programmed sequence based on signals and data from the vehicle detection unit 50 and the like. The reception control unit 60 and the main body control unit 54 are configured to be able to communicate with each other, for example, via a wired connection.

(User terminal, administrator terminal)
6 shows a configuration diagram of the user terminal 12. The user terminal 12 is configured, for example, by a smartphone. The user terminal 12 includes a terminal control unit 15, a display unit 16, a terminal storage unit 17, and a terminal communication unit 18. The administrator terminal 13 has the same configuration as the user terminal 12. Note that the user terminal 12 and the administrator terminal 13 are not limited to smartphones, and may also be laptops, desktop computers, or the like having similar functions, as described below.

The terminal control unit 15 is composed of, for example, a CPU. The display unit 16 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. This display unit 16 has a touch panel function such as a capacitive or resistive touch panel, and constitutes an input/output unit. The terminal storage unit 17 is composed of, for example, flash memory, RAM, etc., and is capable of storing programs and various data. The terminal communication unit 18 (including a receiving unit and a transmitting unit) is composed of, for example, a mobile communication circuit, a Wi-Fi communication circuit, a Bluetooth communication circuit, etc.

(Processing flow)
7 and 8 show the processing flow of the processing system 10. FIG. 9 shows an example of data registered (stored in the storage unit 22) in the processing server 20. Here, an administrator application (web browser) for managing the processing system 10 is installed on the administrator terminal 13. A user application for using the processing system 10 is installed on the user terminal 12. As shown in FIG. 9, the storage unit 22 (database) of the processing server 20 stores administrator data transmitted from the administrator terminal 13. The storage unit 22 of the processing server 20 also stores user data (including the vehicle number of the vehicle C to be processed) transmitted from multiple user terminals 12. The storage unit 22 of the processing server 20 also stores device data for multiple car wash devices 30. The data may be stored in the storage unit 22 in a duplicated or linked manner.

As shown in Figure 9, the device data can include data on the car wash courses (processing items) of the car wash device 30 and their prices. More specifically, Course 1: Glass coat car wash costs 1,500 yen, Course 2: Polymer coat car wash costs 1,100 yen, Course 3: Water repellent car wash costs 800 yen, Course 4: Wax car wash costs 700 yen, Course 5: Shampoo car wash costs 500 yen, and Course 6: Water wash costs 300 yen.

The device data can also include data on the various processes (brushing, spraying, drying, etc.) that make up each car wash course that can be performed by the car wash device 30. The device data can also include data on the vehicle and car wash course to be processed by the device. The device data can also include operational data on the moving parts of the car wash device 30 (design specifications, performance during execution, etc.) and imaging data. The device data can also include performance data on the operations performed by the device. The performance data can also include data on history, sales totals, and actions to be taken when an abnormality occurs.

First, the processing server 20 accepts access from the user terminal 12 via the communication unit 23 (step S10). Next, in response to operation from the user terminal 12, the control unit 21 of the processing server 20 reads device data from the storage unit 22 to create a reception list RL containing multiple car wash devices 30 and processing items, and creates the reception list RL (support data) by referencing this device data (step S11). Next, in the processing server 20, the control unit 21 processes to send the reception list RL to the user terminal 12 via the communication unit 23 (step S20). In this way, the processing system 10 includes a means (list generation unit 70) for generating a reception list RL containing multiple car wash devices 30 and processing items in response to operation from the user's user terminal 12.

Next, on the user terminal 12, the reception list RL received from the processing server 20 via the terminal communication unit 18 is displayed on the display unit 16, and the terminal control unit 15 processes the user to select the desired car wash device 30 and the processing items that can be performed there (step S21). For example, the desired "car wash device" and "glass coat car wash" as its processing item are selected. In this embodiment, the selected car wash device may be represented as La, the selected processing item (car wash course) as Lb, and the selection result (instruction data) as Lab. Note that other selected topping menus and accessory data may also be included.

Next, the selection results Lab of the reception list RL are transmitted from the terminal communication unit 18 of the user terminal 12 to the processing server 20, and the control unit 21 of the processing server 20 processes to receive the selection results Lab of the reception list RL via the communication unit 23 (step S30). Next, the control unit 21 of the processing server 20 processes to store the selection results Lab of the reception list RL received by the communication unit 23 in the memory unit 22 (step S31). When storing the selection results Lab, the user's registration data (including the vehicle number) can be linked. In this way, the processing system 10 is provided with a means for storing the selection results Lab of the reception list RL (selection results memory unit 71).

Next, in the processing server 20, the control unit 21 processes to generate identification data Da (e.g., a two-dimensional code) linked to the selection results Lab stored in the memory unit 22 (step S32). Here, the identification data Da does not include the process item "glass-coated car wash" in the selection results Lab; it is sufficient that the identification data Da and the selection results Lab are linked in the processing server 20. On the other hand, the identification data Da includes data on the car wash device 30 (La) in the selection results Lab. The control unit 21 processes to store the generated identification data Da in the memory unit 22 (step S33). In this way, the processing system 10 includes a means (identification data generation unit 72) for the processing server 20 to generate identification data Da linked to the selection results Lab in the list.

Next, in the processing server 20, the control unit 21 processes the processing so that the identification data Da is sent to the user terminal 12 via the communication unit 23 (step S40). In this way, the processing system 10 includes a means (identification data sending unit 73) by which the processing server 20 sends the identification data Da to the user terminal 12.

Then, the user terminal 12 receives the identification data Da via the terminal communication unit 18, and the terminal control unit 15 processes it to store it in the terminal memory unit 17 (step S41). Next, for example, the user carries the user terminal 12 from home and drives their vehicle C to the car wash 25 where the desired car wash device 30 is installed, and checks in at the reception device 32 of that car wash device 30. For example, if the identification data Da is a two-dimensional code, the display unit 16 of the user terminal 12 displays the two-dimensional code, and the reception control unit 60 of the car wash device 30 processes it to read the two-dimensional code via the data acquisition unit 52 (code reader) (step S42).

Then, the reception control unit 60 processes the car wash device 30 that acquired the identification data Da to verify that the identification data Da is intended for that device (step S43). Specifically, because each of the multiple car wash devices 30 is assigned an identification number, the reception control unit 60 analyzes the identification data Da acquired via the reader (data acquisition unit 52) and verifies whether the identification number of the desired car wash device 30 is included in the identification data Da (step S43). In this way, the processing system 10 includes a means (identification data verification unit 80) for the car wash device 30 that acquired the identification data Da to verify that the car wash device 30 itself is included in the identification data Da.

Furthermore, if the desired car wash device 30 is equipped with a camera as the vehicle number acquisition unit 53, the car wash device 30 (reception device 32) will photograph the license plate of vehicle C using the vehicle number acquisition unit 53, and the reception control unit 60 will process the photographed data to extract the vehicle number from the image data (step S44). In this way, the processing system 10 includes a means (vehicle number extraction unit 81) for the car wash device 30 (reception device 32) to extract the vehicle number from vehicle C.

Next, in the car wash apparatus 30, the reception control unit 60 and the main unit control unit 54 process the car wash apparatus 30 to transmit the identification data Da to the processing server 20 via the main unit communication unit 62 (step S50). At this time, the photographed vehicle license plate number can also be transmitted. In this way, the processing system 10 includes a means (data transmission unit 82) for the car wash apparatus 30, which has acquired the identification data Da from the user terminal 12, to transmit data including the identification data Da to the processing server 20. Note that the processing server 20 can also extract the vehicle license plate number from the image data of the vehicle C.

The processing server 20 then receives data including the identification data Da and vehicle number from the car wash device 30 via the communication unit 23, and the control unit 21 reads the selection result Lab linked to the identification data Da and data including the vehicle number from the storage unit 22 (step S51). The control unit 21 then performs device verification to confirm that the car wash device 30 that transmitted the identification data Da is the car wash device 30 of the selection result Lab linked to the identification data Da (step S52). The control unit 21 also performs device verification to confirm that the vehicle number transmitted by the car wash device 30 together with the identification data Da is the vehicle number linked to the identification data Da (step S53). If the verification results match, the control unit 21 then causes the processing server 20 to process payment for the execution of the process item Lb via the payment device 14 (step S54).

In this way, the processing system 10 includes a means (device matching unit 74) by which the processing server 20 performs device matching between the car wash device 30 that transmitted the identification data Da and the car wash device 30 in the selection result Lab. This makes it possible to determine whether a user who has previously selected (provisionally accepted) to use a desired car wash device 30, for example at home, is actually able to drive their vehicle C to the desired car wash device 30. The processing system 10 also includes a means (vehicle number matching unit 75) by which the processing server 20 performs matching between the user's vehicle number transmitted in advance from the user terminal 12 and the vehicle number acquired by the vehicle number acquisition unit 53. This makes it possible to determine whether the user has driven up to the desired car wash device 30, further improving the reliability of device matching.

Next, if the device matching is correct, the processing server 20 determines that the transmitted identification data Da is authentic, and the control unit 21 processes to transmit the selected processing item Lb ("glass coat car wash") linked to the identification data Da to the car wash device 30 (selected device La) that transmitted the identification data Da via the communication unit 23 (step S60). That is, the processing server 20 instructs the car wash device 30 to start washing the car (to proceed with the processing). On the other hand, if the device matching is not correct, the control unit 21 processes to transmit to the car wash device 30 that transmitted the identification data via the communication unit 23 that vehicle C cannot be treated. That is, the processing server 20 instructs the car wash device 30 not to start washing the car.

In this way, the processing system 10 includes a means (processing item sending unit 76) for the processing server 20 to send the selected processing item Lb "Glass Coat Car Wash" linked to the identification data Da to the car wash device 30 that sent the identification data Da. The processing system 10 is configured so that the processing item Lb is not included in the identification data Da, and the processing server 20 sends the processing item Lb linked to the identification data Da. As a result, even if a user attempts to have their car washed by tampering with the identification data Da, the processing server 20 will not issue an instruction to start the process (send the processing item Lb), and the car wash device 30 will not start washing the car. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the car wash device 30 from accepting a process using tampered identification data Da, thereby improving the reliability of the processing system 10.

Then, the car wash device 30 receives processing item Lb ("glass coat car wash") from the processing server 20 via the main body communication unit 62, and the reception control unit 60 instructs the main body control unit 54 to start the "glass coat car wash" and processes to open the gate device 33 (step S61). Next, the main body control unit 54 processes to perform, for example, the "glass coat car wash" of the car wash course described above on the vehicle C (step S62). In this way, the processing system 10 includes a means (processing start unit 83) for the car wash device 30, which has received the selected processing item Lb ("glass coat car wash"), to start processing item Lb "glass coat car wash".

With this processing system 10, the user can check the details of the desired processing item Lb and select, for example, "glass coat car wash" before pulling up to the desired car wash device 30. Then, by simply having the car wash device 30 obtain the identification data Da from the user terminal 12, the gate device 33 opens and the car wash process begins smoothly. Furthermore, payment can be processed in advance using the payment device 14, so the car wash process can begin smoothly when the user arrives.

When processing begins in the car wash device 30, the main unit control unit 54 processes the device to store operation data for each operating part (e.g., driving data for the main unit 31, operation data for each brush and nozzle, spray data from the spray, etc.) in the main unit memory unit 55 (step S70 in Figure 8). The main unit control unit 54 also processes the car wash device 30 to send device data indicating that the car wash process is in progress to the processing server 20 (step S71). At this time, the car wash device 30 is not accepting remote processing from the processing server 20. When the processing server 20 receives the information indicating that the car wash process is in progress, it determines the content of the information (step S72), and the control unit 21 processes the information to send that information to the car wash device 30 (step S73). At this time, the processing server 20 is not remotely controlling the car wash device 30.

When the car wash process for vehicle C is completed and the status changes to standby, the main body control unit 54 of the car wash device 30 processes the process to send device data indicating that the device is on standby to the processing server 20 (step S74). At this time, the car wash device 30 can accept remote control from the processing server 20. When the processing server 20 receives the standby status notification, it determines the content of the notification (step S75), and the control unit 21 processes the process to send the notification to the car wash device 30 (step S76). At this time, if the car wash process has completed, the processing server 20 can, for example, acquire (store) operational data for the car wash process from the car wash device 30. However, this is not limited to this, and the processing server 20 may also acquire operational data in real time during the car wash process.

Next, the car wash device 30 reads the movement data from the main body memory unit 55 (step S77) and processes the main body control unit 54 to transmit it to the processing server 20 (step S78). In the processing server 20, which receives this movement data, the control unit 21 processes the movement data received via the communication unit 23 to store it in the memory unit 22 as device data for the car wash device 30 (step S79). In this way, information on the car wash device 30's usage history (e.g., the details of the car wash, etc., the collected fees, the car wash results, etc.) is stored (uploaded) from the car wash device 30 to the processing server 20 as device data each time the car wash device 30 is used. The car wash device 30 is composed of various moving parts, including the main body device 31, to wash various vehicles C of different shapes and sizes. Storing this movement data in the memory unit 22 allows appropriate support data to be calculated. Furthermore, visual support data can be calculated by including image data of the car wash device 30. In this way, the processing system 10 is equipped with a means (device data storage unit 77) for the processing server 20 to receive and store device data from the car wash devices 30. When the administrator terminal 13 accesses the processing server 20, a specific web screen such as that shown in FIG. 10 is displayed, allowing the administrator to see a list of the statuses of each of the multiple car wash devices 30 within each car wash 25.

If the car wash device 30 detects an abnormality and stops while washing vehicle C, the main unit control unit 54 of the car wash device 30 processes the device to send device data informing the processing server 20 of the abnormal stop (step S80). The processing server 20, upon receiving this data, determines the content of the data (step S81), and, for example, sends a notification of reception to the car wash device 30 (step S82). The control unit 21 then processes the device to notify (transmit) the content to the administrator terminal 13 via email or the like (step S83). An example of an abnormal stop is when the vehicle entrance sensor 46 goes from blocking light to transmitting light, and no longer detects vehicle C, even though the car wash process has started. One possible cause of this is when a user, still inside the vehicle, backs up vehicle C as the main unit 31 approaches due to the start of the car wash process.

Upon receiving the alert, the administrator accesses the processing server 20 on the administrator terminal 13 (display unit 16) (step S84) and can confirm on the web screen shown in FIG. 10 that the car wash apparatus 30 (model yyy) at store B is in "abnormally stopped" status. For example, by selecting "abnormally stopped," the processing server 20 calculates a support data list SL1 by referring to data including apparatus data read from the storage unit 22 so that the administrator can issue instructions (response) to the abnormally stopped car wash apparatus 30 (model yyy at store B) (step S85). The control unit 21 of the processing server 20 updates the web screen (see FIG. 11) accessible by the administrator from the administrator terminal 13 (display unit 16) and lists (transmits) the support data ("automatic recovery , ""remoterecovery," and "local recovery") that can be operated regarding the car wash apparatus 30 (step S86). The device data (performance data) includes, for example, travel data of the main device 31 (travel detection means 56), operation data of the brush and nozzle, and image data of the main device 31 transmitted from the monitoring camera 27. Other data includes user data.

In this way, the control unit 21 can refer to data including device data, understand the current situation, and calculate support data (step S85). As in the example of the abnormal stop described above, if the main body device 31 is only moving forward, the control unit 21 can determine that automatic recovery by the car wash device 30 is possible by simply moving the main body device 31 backward, and include this as support data in the support list SL1. In addition, by presenting the results of analysis of the imaging data (for example, a comparison of the distance from the imaging data with the distance from the movement data) to the administrator, it can be determined that "remote manual operation by the administrator" is also possible, and include this as support data in the support list SL1.

In this way, the processing system 10 is equipped with a means (support unit 78) to support the administrator in making instruction decisions. Furthermore, the control unit 21 of the processing server 20 can calculate support data by referencing not only the device data of the car wash device 30 for which instructions are to be determined, but also the device data of other car wash devices 30 that are not the subject of instructions. This makes it possible to calculate, for example, whether an abnormal stop is specific to that car wash device 30 or whether it is also occurring in other car wash devices 30, thereby calculating more useful support data.

Next, on the administrator terminal 13, support data (such as "automatic recovery," "remote recovery," and "local recovery") is displayed on the display unit 16, and the terminal control unit 15 processes the support list SL1 so that the administrator can select from it (for example, by pressing a button on the screen) when instructing the car wash device 30 to perform a process (step S87). The support list SL1 on the web screen shown in Figure 11 includes support data such as "automatic recovery" by the car wash device, "remote recovery" and "local recovery" by the administrator, calculated by reference to device data including the operation data of the main device 31.

This allows the administrator to select from the support list SL1 based on their level of familiarity with the car wash apparatus 30 and determine the instruction data Dd1 (step S87). If the administrator's "remote recovery" is instruction data Dd1, the administrator can also recover the apparatus while viewing the image data from the surveillance camera 27 uploaded to the web screen. Note that the "car wash machine position" (numerical value) shown in Figure 11 is updated in real time as the main body apparatus 31 moves, for example, by remote control, making remote operation easy. Next, the content of the instruction data Dd1 is transmitted from the terminal communication unit 18 of the administrator terminal 13 to the processing server 20 (step S88), and the control unit 21 of the processing server 20 processes it to store it in the memory unit 22 (step S89).

However, in the car wash device 30, the main body control unit 54 processes the device to send device data to the processing server 20 informing the user that the device has still stopped abnormally (step S90). The processing server 20 receives this data, determines that instruction data Dd1 has been generated (step S91), and sends the contents of the instruction data Dd1 to the car wash device 30 (step S92). In the car wash device 30, if the instruction data Dd1 is, for example, "automatic return," the main body control unit 54 processes the device to return the main body 31 to the start position (standby position) (step S93).

In the processing system 10, the processing server 20 lists support data that assists in determining instructions to the car wash apparatus 30, so the administrator can select from that list. This makes management easier, even for those without specialized knowledge of the car wash apparatus 30. Even if an abnormality occurs in a car wash apparatus 30 located in a remote location, remote operation can be easily performed. Furthermore, by restoring the car wash apparatus 30, other customers waiting for their car to be washed can use it more easily. If the apparatus cannot be restored (e.g., due to poor brush rotation or insufficient cleaning fluid), the administrator can visit the car wash site 25 where the abnormally stopped car wash apparatus 30 is located and restore the apparatus (e.g., by replacing the brushes or refilling the cleaning fluid), or request repairs or maintenance. Furthermore, if a local worker forgets to return the car wash apparatus 30 to standby mode despite refilling the cleaning fluid (e.g., by not returning the brushes that were moved to make it easier to refill), the apparatus can be restored remotely.

Regarding brush replacement and cleaning fluid replenishment, the usage status (number of rotations, remaining amount of fluid) and the date and time of the car wash process are included in the device data (performance data), and replacement and replenishment times, as well as "pause" can be calculated as support data. For example, if the administrator selects "pause" as the instruction data, the car wash device 30 will not wash the car, preventing an abnormal shutdown due to a lack of cleaning fluid during the car wash. In this way, the administrator can also pause the car wash device 30 remotely.

In addition, the control unit 21 of the processing server 20, taking into account that the car wash device 30 has abnormally stopped (step S80), can also refer to the amount data (device data) to calculate support data for whether or not a refund is possible. For example, if the user backs up the vehicle C due to the approach of the main device 31 caused by the start of the car wash process, "No refund applicable" will be listed as the support data. However, if the user is not at fault, such as due to a lack of cleaning fluid in the car wash device 30, "Free car wash" or "Refund (glass coat car wash 1,500 yen)" will be listed as the support data.

As shown in FIG. 9, the cost data for each car wash course (processing item) of each car wash device 30 is stored in the memory unit 22 as device data. The processing server 20 can then read the cost data, etc., from the memory unit 22 as the amount to be refunded and calculate the support data (step S150). The control unit 21 of the processing server 20 updates the web screen (see FIG. 12) that the administrator can access from the administrator terminal 13 (display unit 16) and lists the support data ("Free Car Wash," "Refund: 1,500 yen") that can be operated on the car wash device 30 (step S151). In FIG. 12, "Free Car Wash" and "Refund" are listed as support data, assuming that the user is not at fault. The administrator terminal 13 displays the support data ("Free Car Wash," "Refund," etc.) on its display unit 16, and the terminal control unit 15 processes the support data so that the administrator can select from the support list SL2 when instructing the refund device 26 to perform a process (step S152). The support list SL2 on the web screen shown in FIG. 12 includes support data such as "free car wash" by the car wash device 30 and "refund" by the refund device 26, calculated with reference to device data including price data.

This allows the administrator to select from the support list SL2 and determine the instruction data Dd2 (step S152). Next, the contents of the instruction data Dd2 are sent from the terminal communication unit 18 of the administrator terminal 13 to the processing server 20 (step S153), and the control unit 21 of the processing server 20 processes the data to store it in the memory unit 22 (step S154).

In the refund device 26, the main control unit 54 processes the device data to send to the processing server 20 device data indicating that processing control is possible (step S99). The processing server 20, upon receiving this, determines that instruction data Dd2 has been generated (step S156) and transmits the contents of the instruction data Dd2 to the refund device 26 (step S157). If the instruction data Dd2 is "refund," the refund device 26 performs the refund process (step S158).

If the manager is not present at the time of the refund, it is conceivable that the refund will be made at a later date. However, if the processing server 20 can calculate support data related to the refund, the refund process can be carried out remotely when the refund becomes eligible, and the refund process can be simplified. Furthermore, the processing system 10, which uses IoT technology, can automatically reflect the refund amount in the car wash history and sales summary.

Second Embodiment
In the first embodiment, the processing system 10 was described, which starts processing execution of the car wash apparatus 30 using an application installed on the user terminal 12. In this embodiment, a processing system 10A that starts processing execution of the car wash apparatus 30 without the user using an application will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Figure 13 shows the processing flow of the processing system 10A.

In this embodiment, an administrator application (program) for managing the processing system 10A is installed on the administrator terminal 13. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9, administrator data, user data, and device data are stored in the memory unit 22 of the processing server 20. The user data can include the vehicle number of the vehicle C to be processed and the car wash course data for which the fixed fee has been paid. This user data is stored in the memory unit 22 in advance by the administrator at a reception desk or the like. Furthermore, the device data can include data on the vehicle to be processed at the car wash device 30 and the car wash course (processing items).

A user drives vehicle C to a car wash 25 where a desired car wash device 30 is installed and attempts to check in at the reception device 32 (see Figure 3). The vehicle detection unit 50 of the car wash device 30 then detects vehicle C (step S100). At the same time, the vehicle number acquisition unit 53 (camera device) of the reception device 32 captures an image of vehicle C, including its license plate. The reception control unit 60 extracts the vehicle number from the captured image data and stores the data, including the vehicle number, in the reception memory unit 61. Next, the main control unit 54 of the car wash device 30 processes the device data to send to the processing server 20 an indication that vehicle C has been detected (step S101). The processing server 20, upon receiving this data, interprets the content (step S102) and, for example, transmits a notification of reception to the car wash device 30 (step S103). The control unit 21 then processes the data to notify (transmit) the content to the administrator terminal 13 via email or the like (step S104).

Upon receiving the alert, the administrator accesses the processing server 20 on the administrator terminal 13 (display unit 16) (step S105) and can confirm on the web screen that vehicle C is currently being accepted at the car wash 30 (reception device 32). The processing server 20 then calculates a support data list SL3 by referencing the device data read from the memory unit 22 so that the administrator can issue instructions (response) to the currently accepting car wash 30 (step S106). Specifically, the control unit 21 performs processing to verify that the vehicle number transmitted by the car wash 30 is the vehicle number stored in the user data (see Figure 9). If the comparison results in a match, the processing server 20 calculates, as support data, for example, the "vehicle number" and "vehicle model," as well as the applicable course for which the fixed fee has been paid (e.g., "glass coat car wash") and "rejection of acceptance."

The control unit 21 of the processing server 20 updates the web screen accessible by the administrator from the administrator terminal 13 (display unit 16) and lists (transmits) the support data that can be operated on the car wash apparatus 30 (step S107). Next, the list SL3 received from the processing server 20 via the terminal communication unit 18 is displayed on the display unit 16 (web screen) of the administrator terminal 13. The terminal control unit 15 processes the list SL3 so that the administrator can select from it when instructing or deciding on a process for the car wash apparatus 30 (step S108). The support list SL3 includes support data such as "glass coat car wash" and "reject acceptance" calculated based on the apparatus data, etc. When selecting support data, the administrator can check the image data and refer to the vehicle number of vehicle C. In addition to the support list SL3, the administrator can check the vehicle model using the image data of the car wash apparatus 30 and, if it differs from the vehicle model stored in the processing server 20, can select "reject acceptance."

This allows the administrator to select from the list SL3 and determine the instruction data Dd3. Next, the instruction data Dd3 is transmitted from the terminal communication unit 18 of the administrator terminal 13 to the processing server 20 (step S109). The processing server 20 receives the instruction data Dd3 via the communication unit 23, and the control unit 21 processes the data to store it in the memory unit 22 (step S110). Meanwhile, the main body control unit 54 of the car wash device 30 processes the data to transmit device data to the processing server 20 indicating that the device is still on standby (step S111). Upon receiving this data, the processing server 20 determines that the instruction data Dd3 has been generated (step S112) and transmits the contents of the instruction data Dd3 to the car wash device 30 (step S113). If the received instruction data Dd3 is "glass coat car wash," the main body control unit 54 of the car wash device 30 processes the data to start the process on the vehicle C (step S114).

In this embodiment, the processing server 20 lists support data (list SL3) on the screen of the administrator terminal 13 to support the administrator in determining instructions to the car wash apparatus 30, so the administrator can simply select from this list. This makes operation easy even for inexperienced personnel. Furthermore, even if a car wash apparatus 30 in a remote location requests confirmation of the acceptance of vehicle C, remote operation can be easily performed.

(Third embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the processing system 10 was described, which causes the car wash device 30 to execute a car wash course that combines various processes (brushing, spraying, drying). In this embodiment, the processing system 10B, which allows a user to select and combine various processes to execute a free and flexible original car wash course in the car wash device 30, will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Figure 14 shows the processing flow of the processing system 10B. Figures 15 and 16 show examples of web screens during the processing flow of the processing system 10B.

In this embodiment, an administrator application for managing the processing system 10B is installed on the administrator terminal 13. Furthermore, a user application for using the processing system 10B is installed on the user terminal 12. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9, the memory unit 22 of the processing server 20 stores administrator data, user data, and device data. The device data can include data on various processes (brushing, spraying, drying) that can be performed by the car wash device 30.

When a user wants to have the desired car wash device 30 perform a custom car wash course based on the degree of dirt on the vehicle C, weather conditions, and other factors, or the user's preferences, the user creates the course on the screen of the display unit 16 of the user terminal 12 as shown in FIG. 15 (step S200). The icon column 16A at the top of the screen displays process item icons, such as "top brush" and "side brush" for brushing, "top nozzle" and "side nozzle" for drying, and "shampoo," "water repellent," "wax," and "jet water" for spraying. The custom car wash course will be displayed in the course column 16B at the bottom of the screen.

First, slide your finger across the screen in the course field 16B to draw a line trajectory. This drawn line will be the travel route of the main device 31. Here, the line drawn from the left side of the screen to the right side of the screen corresponds to the forward journey, and the line drawn from the right side of the screen to the left side of the screen corresponds to the return journey. In the example of Figure 15, it has been selected that the main device 31 will travel two round trips. In this way, the processing system 10B is equipped with a means (a number-of-travel designation unit) that allows you to freely select the number of car wash travels.

Next, as shown in Figure 16, a process icon is dragged and dropped from the icon column 16A onto the line drawn in the course column 16B. This specifies the process to be performed in accordance with the driving route. Processes with overlapping process icons placed in the course column 16B are performed simultaneously. In this way, the processing system 10B is equipped with a means (process content designation unit) for specifying what process to perform in each process (which moving part to use in the car wash).

When the course creation is complete and the "Decide" button is pressed, the created course data Dc is sent from the terminal communication unit 18 of the user terminal 12 to the processing server 20 (step S201). It is also possible to send information (device data) indicating that the car wash device 30 has been selected as the desired device for the course data Dc. In the processing server 20, the course data Dc received by the communication unit 23 is stored in the memory unit 22 (step S202), and the control unit 21 processes the information to notify (transmit) the details to the administrator terminal 13 via email or the like (step S203).

Upon receiving the alert, the administrator accesses the processing server 20 via the administrator terminal 13 (display unit 16) (step S205) and can confirm on the web screen that vehicle C is currently being accepted at the car wash device 30 (reception device 32). The processing server 20 then calculates a support data list SL4 by referencing the device data retrieved from the memory unit 22 so that the administrator can decide whether to accept the course data Dc (step S204). Specifically, the processing server 20 calculates the support data by referencing results from the device data (performance data), such as whether the course data Dc is a course that has been used in the past, whether a process (e.g., brushing) can be performed on the travel route, and whether an abnormality has occurred on a similar course (what is the probability of occurrence). Furthermore, for example, if the course has not been used at the desired car wash device 30, the processing server 20 also checks whether the course has been used at another car wash device 30.

The control unit 21 of the processing server 20 updates the web screen that the administrator can access from the administrator terminal 13 (display unit 16) and lists (sends) the support data (list SL4) that can be operated on the car wash apparatus 30 (step S206). Next, on the administrator terminal 13, the list SL4 received from the processing server 20 via the terminal communication unit 18 is displayed on the display unit 16 (web screen), and the terminal control unit 15 processes it so that the administrator can select from the list SL4 when instructing and deciding to allow the car wash apparatus 30 to perform processing (step S207). The support list SL4 includes "Custom car wash course executable (no past abnormalities)," "Custom car wash course executable (past abnormalities)," and "Cannot be performed," which are calculated by referring to the apparatus data, etc.

This allows the administrator to select from the support list SL4 and determine the instruction data Dd4. Here, it is assumed that the instruction data Dd4 is determined to be "Custom car wash course executable (no past abnormalities)." Next, the instruction data Dd4 is transmitted from the terminal communication unit 18 of the administrator terminal 13 to the processing server 20 (step S208). In the processing server 20, the control unit 21 receives the instruction data Dd4 via the communication unit 23 and stores it in the memory unit 22 (step S209). In the processing server 20, which has received the instruction determined by the administrator that the instruction is executable, the control unit 21 processes to generate identification data Da (e.g., a two-dimensional code) linked to the instruction data Dd4 stored in the memory unit 22 (step S210).

Then, by executing the steps from step S40 onwards described in the first embodiment, the instruction data Dd4 selected by the administrator terminal 13 from the support data (list SL4) is executed by the car wash device 30 via the network 11. If the received instruction data Dd4 is "execute original car wash course," the car wash device 30 can execute that process on the vehicle C (step S62). In this way, the processing system 10B is equipped with a means (car wash execution designation unit) for executing an original car wash course having steps specified by a means for designating the number of steps and a means for designating the step content.

In this embodiment, the processing server 20 lists support data (list SL4) on the screen of the administrator terminal 13 to support the administrator in determining instructions to the car wash apparatus 30, so the administrator can simply select from this list. This makes operation easy even for inexperienced personnel. Furthermore, even if a car wash apparatus 30 in a remote location requests confirmation of the acceptance of vehicle C, remote operation can be easily performed.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the treatment system 10 was described, which causes the car wash apparatus 30 to execute a car wash course that is a combination of various treatments (brushing, spraying, drying). In this embodiment, a treatment system 10C that allows a user to operate movable parts while the car wash apparatus 30 executes a predetermined car wash course will be described, focusing mainly on the differences from the first embodiment. Figure 17 shows the process flow of the treatment system 10C. Figure 18 shows an example of a web screen during the process flow of the treatment system 10C.

In this embodiment, a user application for using the processing system 10C is installed on the user terminal 12. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9, the memory unit 22 of the processing server 20 stores administrator data, user data, and device data. The device data can include operational data related to the moving parts (brushes, sprays, nozzles, etc.) of the car wash device 30. In this way, the processing system 10C is equipped with a means (device status acquisition unit) for acquiring information indicating the operational status of the car wash device 30 via the network 11.

If a user wishes to adjust a moving part while the car wash apparatus 30 is processing a vehicle C, the user accesses the processing server 20 via the user terminal 12 (step S300). The processing server 20 references the apparatus data retrieved from the memory unit 22 and calculates a support data list SL5 so that the user can issue instructions (responses) to the car wash apparatus 30 (step S301). Specifically, a safe adjustment range is calculated from the movement data (apparatus data) of the main unit 31, top brush 35, side brush 36, and top nozzle 37, and this is used as support data (list SL5). That is, the support data limits the driving speed and brush approach distance to ensure safety. For example, the vehicle shape sensor 45 detects the height of the top surface of the vehicle C, and the top brush 35 and top nozzle 37 follow the top surface of the vehicle C, but this is given priority as the adjustment range, and the driving speed and approach distance limits of the main unit 31 are calculated.

Next, the control unit 21 of the processing server 20 transmits support data (list SL5) to the user terminal 12 to support the user's decision (step S302). Next, on the administrator terminal 13, the support data received from the processing server 20 via the terminal communication unit 18 is displayed on the display unit 16 (web screen), and the terminal control unit 15 performs processing so that the user can select instruction data Dd5 from the support data (list SL5) when instructing the car wash apparatus 30 to perform a process (step S303).

Specifically, the movable parts are operated on the screen of the display unit 16 of the user terminal 12 shown in Figure 18. The upper left, upper right, and lower columns of the screen display the main unit 31, top brush 35, side brush 36, and top nozzle 37 as movable parts of the car wash apparatus 30 in front, top, and side views, respectively. The screen of the display unit 16 of the user terminal 12 can visually display the position and status (operating/stopped, etc.) of the movable parts, for example, by color coding. While Figure 18 shows a two-dimensional display with three columns, the main unit 31 may also be displayed in three dimensions, allowing the viewpoint to be moved. In this way, the processing system 10C is equipped with a means (apparatus status display unit) for visually displaying the operating status of the car wash apparatus 30 on the display unit 16 (screen) of the user terminal 12.

The movable parts shown in Figure 18 are displayed in real time in conjunction with the movement of the movable parts of the car wash apparatus 30 that are actually performing the process on the vehicle C. When each movable part is dragged on the screen shown in Figure 18, for example, instruction data Dd5, such as an operation to move the brushes 35, 36 away from the vehicle C or a change in the travel direction or speed of the main body apparatus 31, is transmitted from the terminal communication unit 18 of the user terminal 12 to the processing server 20 (step S304). In this way, the processing system 10C is provided with a means (operation input unit) for inputting user operation instructions for each movable part displayed on the display unit 16 (screen).

As for on-screen operations, in the side view shown in Figure 18, dragging the top brush 35 upward increases the inflation distance over which it follows the top surface of the vehicle C, and rotates the top brush 35 slightly away from the top surface of the vehicle C (reducing the brushing impact). Additionally, dragging the top brush 35 downward reduces the inflation distance over which it follows the top surface of the vehicle C (increasing the brushing impact). In other words, it is possible to input operations to adjust the brush impact strength. Additionally, flicking (swiping) the top brush 35 upward will temporarily move it to a standby position, and then flicking it downward will return it to its original position.

Flicking the main unit 31 in the direction of travel will accelerate the vehicle. Flicking the main unit 31 in the opposite direction will decelerate the vehicle. Dragging and dropping the main unit 31 in the opposite direction will cause the vehicle to move backward to the dropped position. This allows you to repeatedly wash areas that you want to wash thoroughly. Tap and hold the main unit 31 to pause the vehicle's movement.

In this way, the movable part can be moved by dragging or the like on the screen of the display unit 16 of the user terminal 12 (thereby determining it as instruction data Dd5), but this is only possible if it can be done within a safe adjustment range (i.e., it is presented as support data in list SL5). In other words, the user can determine the instruction data Dd5 by selecting it from the support data (list SL5). Next, the instruction data Dd5 is transmitted from the terminal communication unit 18 of the user terminal 12 to the processing server 20 (step S304), and the processing server 20 receives the instruction data Dd3 via the communication unit 23, and the control unit 21 processes it to store it in the memory unit 22 (step S305).

Next, in the processing server 20, the control unit 21 processes the communication unit 23 to transmit the instruction data Dd5 selected by the user to the car wash 30 (step S306). Next, the instruction data Dd5 selected by the user terminal 12 from the support data (list SL5) is executed by the car wash 30 via the network 11 (step S307). The car wash 30 can execute processing on the vehicle C in real time in accordance with the received instruction data Dd5. In this way, the processing system 10C includes a means (operation information transmission unit) for transmitting input operation information for each moving part to the car wash 30 via the network 11.

In this embodiment, the processing server 20 lists support data (list SL5) on the screen of the user terminal 12 to support the user in deciding on instructions to the car wash apparatus 30 (separating into executable and inoperable operations), and the user can select from this list. Specifically, only operations that the car wash apparatus 30 can perform can be manually operated on the screen, making even a wide variety of operations intuitive. This makes operation easier even for inexperienced users. Furthermore, like the user terminal 12, the administrator terminal 13 can also be operated by the processing system 10C. For example, support data can be calculated to limit the operations that are permitted for users and administrators with different levels of operational proficiency.

Fifth Embodiment
In the first embodiment, the identification data (two-dimensional code) is displayed on the user terminal 12, and after the identification data is read by the reception device 32, the processing server 20 instructs the car wash device 30 to start the car wash process. However, when the vehicle C is driven to the car wash facility 25 and received by the reception device 32, it is necessary to open the window from inside the vehicle and have the reader (data acquisition unit 52) read the identification data (two-dimensional code) displayed on the user terminal 12.

In this embodiment, the processing system 10D, which allows the car wash device 30 to start the car wash process without opening the windows from inside the vehicle, will be described, focusing mainly on the differences from the first embodiment. Figure 19 shows the processing flow of the processing system 10D. Figures 20 and 21 show examples of screens during the processing flow of the processing system 10D. Note that in this embodiment, the description will begin with step S31 shown in Figure 7, in which the control unit 21 processes the processing server 20 to store the selection results Lab (desired device La and processing item Lb) of the reception list RL received by the communication unit 23 in the memory unit 22.

Next, in the processing server 20, the control unit 21 processes to generate identification data Db (e.g., a matrix of characters) linked to the selection results Lab stored in the memory unit 22 (step S400). Furthermore, based on the identification data Db, the control unit 21 processes to generate data Db1 to be sent to the user terminal 12 and data Db2 to be sent to the car wash device 30 (step S401).

After the user selects the desired car wash device 30 (desired device La) and processing item Lb in advance and completes the provisional reception, the user carries the user terminal 12 from home and drives vehicle C to the car wash facility 25 where the desired car wash device 30 is installed to receive the car wash treatment. At this time, the user terminal 12 transmitting the selection result Lab can request, via user operation, whether or not the car wash device 30 will accept vehicle C (step S402). Note that the car wash device 30 has been detected by the reception device 32, and can transmit this information to the processing server 20 (step S403).

The control unit 21 of the processing server 20 then transmits data Db1 to the user terminal 12 requesting the car wash process (selection result Lab), and also transmits data Db2 to the desired car wash device 30 (step S404). As a result, as shown in FIG. 20, data Db1 is displayed on the screen of the display unit 16 of the user terminal 12, and data Db2 is displayed on the screen of the display unit 51 of the reception device 32. On the user terminal 12 (display unit 16), a matrix of characters is displayed as data Db1. On the reception device 32 (display unit 51), data Db2 is displayed as a matrix of "*" characters with designated positions in each column marked (yen symbols in FIG. 20).

The user then touches the characters in data Db1 displayed on the user terminal 12 (display unit 16) that correspond to the marking position in data Db2 displayed on the reception device 32 (display unit 51), and presses the "OK" button. Since the user can see the reception device 32 (display unit 51) from inside the vehicle, the user can complete the reception process without opening the windows inside vehicle C.

In Figure 20, "5", "6", and "." are selected from the left column on the user terminal 12. The terminal control unit 15 processes this selection result (shown as data Db' in Figure 19) to be sent from the user terminal 12 to the processing server 20 (step S404). As another example, as shown in Figure 21, "3", "5", and "0" may be selected from the left column on the user terminal 12. Note that data Db' is sent from the user terminal 12 that sent the selection result Lab, and is linked to the selection result Lab.

Then, in the processing server 20, the control unit 21 receives the data Db' from the user terminal 12 via the communication unit 23, and processes the data Db linked to it to read the identification data Db (step S405). Next, the control unit 21 processes the data Db' sent from the user terminal 12 to match the identification data Db stored in the processing server 20 (step S406). Next, if the data matches, the control unit 21 in the processing server 20 processes the payment device 14 to process the payment for the implementation of the contents of the processing item Lb (step S407).

Next, in the processing server 20, if the identification data Db and data Db' match, the control unit 21 processes to send the processing item Lb (e.g., "glass coat car wash") to the car wash device 30 (desired device La) (step S408). The car wash device 30 receives the processing item Lb from the processing server 20 via the main body communication unit 62, and the reception control unit 60 instructs the main body control unit 54 to start the "glass coat car wash" and opens the gate device 33 (step S409). Next, the main body control unit 54 processes to perform the "glass coat car wash" on the vehicle C (step S410).

With this type of processing system 10D, before pulling up to the desired car wash device 30 (desired device La), a user can confirm the details of the desired processing item Lb, select "glass coat car wash," for example, and make a provisional acceptance. The acceptance can then be made without opening the windows of the vehicle C, allowing the car wash process to begin smoothly. Furthermore, since it is possible to connect users who have already requested treatment at the car wash device 30 without providing the car wash device 30 with a data acquisition unit 52 (two-dimensional code reader) or a vehicle number acquisition unit 53 (camera device), the processing system 10D can also be configured inexpensively.

The present invention has been specifically described above based on an embodiment, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention.

In the above embodiment, a car wash device in which a gate-shaped main unit moves toward a vehicle parked on a paving surface was described as being used as the vehicle treatment device. However, the vehicle treatment device can also be applied to, for example, a continuous car wash device that washes vehicles while transporting them on a conveyor, a spray device that sprays vehicles by operating a spray gun, a cleaner device for cleaning and purifying the interior of a vehicle, a camera device that monitors the vehicle treatment device, and a refund device that provides a refund if the vehicle cannot be treated.

In the above embodiment, the device data for multiple car wash devices is stored in the memory unit of the processing server. However, this is not limited to this; the device data for the car wash device itself can also be stored in its own main memory unit. In this case, the processing server can simply read the device data for each car wash device via the network as needed. Alternatively, each car wash device can calculate support data, and an administrator can use this data to determine instructions via the processing server.

10: Vehicle processing system 11: Network 12, 13: Terminal device 30: Car wash device 78: Support department

Claims (7)

A vehicle processing system including a terminal device and a vehicle processing device connected to a network,
a function of calculating a plurality of support data for supporting an instruction given by an operator in response to a predetermined state of the vehicle processing device by referring to the device data of the vehicle processing device;
and a function of causing the vehicle processing device to execute instruction data selected by the terminal device from the plurality of support data via the network.
A vehicle processing system comprising: a vehicle processing device other than the vehicle processing device is connected to the network;
a function of storing device data of the vehicle processing device and the other vehicle processing device;
calculating the support data by referring to the device data of the vehicle processing device as well as the device data of the other vehicle processing device;
The vehicle processing system of claim 1 . The vehicle treatment device is a car wash device having a movable part,
the device data includes movement data of the movable unit that moves the main body device of the car wash device ,
calculating the support data for moving the movable part with reference to the movement data, and displaying the support data as the position of the main device on the terminal device in real time;
3. The vehicle processing system according to claim 1 or 2. the device data includes imaging data of the vehicle processing device,
causing the vehicle processing device to execute the instruction data selected by the terminal device with reference to the imaging data ;
having the operator operate the vehicle processing device while showing the screen of the image data on the terminal device to the operator ;
The vehicle processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Equipped with a refund device,
the device data includes amount data of processing items of the vehicle processing device,
Calculating the support data for whether or not a refund is possible by referring to the amount data ;
causing the refund device to perform a refund process according to instruction data selected by the terminal device from the support data;
The vehicle processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The device data includes a vehicle number and a processing item of a vehicle that is pre-stored as a processing target,
referencing the vehicle number from the image data of the vehicle received by the vehicle processing device, determining that the photographed vehicle is a processing target, calculating the support data for the processing item , and displaying the support data including the vehicle number on the terminal device;
The vehicle processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. When the vehicle processing device has abnormally stopped, the support data for restoring the vehicle processing device is calculated by referring to the device data, including the circumstances of the abnormal stop;
When "recovery" is selected as the instruction data, the vehicle processing device is recovered from an abnormal stop.
The vehicle processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.