JP2002239300A - Laundry system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system with improved customer service in a laundry system in which a portable information terminal with such a radio communication function as a portable telephone and a PHS is utilized. SOLUTION: In a laundry instrument 102, based on finishing of washing and finishing of drying, the finishing of the treatment is transmitted to the portable telephone 100 of a customer. In addition, after the washing and the drying are finished, when e.g. 10 min has passed, a request on admission on taking out the clothing of the customer for asking whether the clothing of the customer can be taken out from the laundry instrument 102 is transmitted. To the request on admission on taking out, when prohibition for it is returned or no answer is returned, a processing for charging a payment is done.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a laundry system, and more particularly to a laundry system using a portable information terminal having a wireless communication function such as a portable telephone or a PHS.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Coin laundry is widespread, and is used by many people as a facility for easy washing.
The coin laundry is generally in the form of unmanned business, and can perform laundry by so-called self-service 24 hours a day. As is clear from the name of the coin laundry, a coin (for example, a 100-yen coin or a 500-yen coin) is inserted so that a washing machine and a dryer become operable. For this reason, a management unit for inserting coins for each washing machine and dryer is attached,
Or built in.

[0003]

The coin laundry is a
The 24-hour unattended operation has the convenience that anyone can use it without hesitation, but the damage that the coins stored in the management unit are robbed during hours when the number of users is small, such as at night or early morning. Sometimes. In such cases,
Not only the management unit is destroyed and the coins in it are robbed, but also the washing machine main body and the dryer main body are often destroyed together, and the present situation is that the equipment is greatly damaged.

By the way, the reason why coin laundry equipment is destroyed and coins are robbed is that coins are accumulated in the coin laundry equipment (management unit).
If coins and bills do not exist in the coin laundry facilities, it is considered that no coins will be robbed and the facilities will not be destroyed. In recent years, in addition to laundry equipment, some stores have vending machines and the like. Furthermore, a manned store that can function as a so-called convenience store in which daily necessities are displayed in addition to laundry equipment is also conceivable.

However, in any case, that is, even in an unmanned store provided with laundry equipment and vending machines, or a manned store having a convenience store function, a large amount of cash is stored in the store (laundry). That there is
This is not desirable in preventing theft and robbery. The present invention has been made under such a background, and a coin laundry that can be used without using coins or bills (since it does not use coins, it cannot be strictly called a “coin laundry”. (Hereinafter referred to as "laundry").

The present invention, of course, does not provide free laundry. Instead of the conventional method of using coins, a laundry system capable of so-called cashless use using a portable information terminal such as a mobile phone or a PHS is provided. The purpose is to provide. In addition, the present invention uses a portable information terminal such as a mobile phone or a PHS to purchase goods from a vending machine installed in a store in addition to laundry equipment and to purchase daily necessities displayed in the store without cash. It is an object of the present invention to provide a system capable of performing such operations.

[0007]

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention The invention according to claim 1 comprises a plurality of laundry machines for performing predetermined processing on clothes such as a washing machine for washing clothes and a dryer for drying clothes. In a laundry system including a device, the laundry system includes means for transmitting the end of the process to a portable information terminal of a customer based on completion of a predetermined process on clothes in the laundry device.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the laundry system according to the first aspect, the processing is performed on the portable information terminal of the customer in response to a lapse of a predetermined time after the predetermined processing on the clothes is completed. A take-out permission request transmitting means for asking whether the finished customer's clothes can be taken out of the laundry machine, and in response to the transmission of the take-out permission request,
And a means for performing a billing process based on whether or not a removal prohibition has been returned from the portable information terminal of the customer or no response has been received.

The invention described in claim 3 is the first or second invention.
In the laundry system described above, the transmission to the portable information terminal of the customer is performed by character information. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the laundry system according to the second aspect, the take-out permission request includes "permission" and "prohibition" as data to which the customer can reply, and The laundry system is characterized in that when any one of them is selected, the selected data is automatically returned to the laundry system.

[0010] The invention according to claim 5 includes a laundry facility in which at least a plurality of laundry machines such as a washing machine and a dryer are arranged, and a laundry management server for managing laundry facilities which can communicate with the laundry facility. A laundry system, wherein the laundry facility is capable of communicating with a customer's portable information terminal via a specific low-power wireless communication means, and the customer's portable information terminal communicates contents communicated with the laundry facility, A laundry system characterized by being able to transmit to a laundry management server by wireless communication means different from the specific low-power wireless communication means.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the laundry system according to the fifth aspect, the data transmitted from the laundry facility to the customer's portable information terminal via the specific low-power wireless communication means specifies the laundry facility. The portable information terminal of the customer transmits the specific information for identifying the laundry facility received from the laundry facility to the laundry management server by the wireless communication means. The laundry system is characterized in that the laundry equipment to be specified is specified based on the specified information sent.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for specifying a laundry facility when the laundry facility is used by using the portable information terminal, wherein the portable information terminal is provided with a GPS antenna. Can receive the signal from the GPS and specify the location information of the portable information terminal, and the customer who wants to use the laundry facility transmits the location information of his / her portable information terminal to the laundry management server, The management server is a laundry facility specifying method characterized by specifying a laundry facility to be used by a customer based on the transmitted position information of the portable information terminal.

The invention according to claim 8 is for managing a laundry facility having at least a plurality of laundry machines such as a washing machine and a dryer and a vending machine, and a laundry facility which can communicate with the laundry machine. A laundry system including a laundry management server, wherein the laundry facility becomes operable by receiving an operation permission signal from the laundry management server, and responds to the operation of the laundry facility in the operable state. The laundry management server communicates the operation information to the laundry management server. When the laundry management server receives the customer identification information from the portable information terminal owned by the customer and the specific information specifying the facility to be used, the laundry management server Confirm that the identification information is correct, and permit operation to the equipment specified by the specific information Means for transmitting the item, receive the motion information from the laundry equipment, a laundry system which comprises a means for creating a billing information for the customer based on the customer identification information and operation information.

In the laundry system according to the first aspect,
When the operation of the laundry device is completed, that is, when the laundry is completed or the drying is completed, the completion of the laundry or the drying can be notified to the portable information terminal (mobile phone, PHS, or the like) of the customer. A laundry system with improved service can be provided. According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent a customer from leaving laundry, which has been washed and dried, in a laundry machine for a certain period of time or more. In particular, customer service can be improved by asking whether the customer's clothes can be taken out of the laundry equipment when a certain period of time has elapsed after the end of washing or drying. If the customer refuses the removal, the accounting process can be performed, so that the operation efficiency of the laundry equipment is improved.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the above-mentioned notification is sent to the portable information terminal of the customer using the character information, a user-friendly system can be provided. According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the customer can easily return permission or prohibition to the removal permission request, and the convenience of the system is improved. According to the invention described in claim 5, when the portable information terminal is provided with a wireless communication means for long-distance communication and a specific low-power wireless communication means, the portable information terminal is utilized to provide laundry facilities and The system can efficiently communicate with the laundry management server.

In the system according to the sixth aspect, when the customer intends to use a predetermined laundry facility provided in the laundry system, there is no need to input specific information for specifying the laundry facility, and the customer is automatically provided. Since the information for specifying the laundry facility can be obtained, the system can be made easy to use. The method according to claim 7 can also specify a laundry facility to be used by a customer by a method using a GPS system, and can realize a convenient and easy-to-operate laundry system.

According to the invention described in claim 8, a laundry system having a so-called cashless laundry machine, a vending machine and the like can be realized by using a portable information terminal instead of the conventional payment using coins. it can.

[0018]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1 and 2 are block diagrams showing the overall configuration of the laundry system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the laundry system according to this embodiment, a laundry (store) 1 operating in the city or the like is provided with a plurality of laundry devices (washers and dryers) and a DTC (store controller) to which these are connected. . The DTC is a controller for communicating with the carrier line controller 2.

The laundry system communicates with the techno center 3 using the carrier line controller 2. The techno center 3 is, for example, a sales center of a company that provides this laundry system. The techno center 3 is provided with a laundry management server, and stores a master file for each store and a master file for each customer. A user who uses the laundry 1 is a mobile phone 10 (hereinafter, referred to as a “mobile phone” as a representative example of a communication terminal including a PHS in this embodiment,
A mobile information terminal having a wireless communication function such as a mobile phone, a PHS, a pager, or the like can be used. ), A service request is issued to the techno center 3 via the communication line control device 2 to obtain service information from the techno center 3,
The desired laundry equipment provided in the laundry 1 can be used.

In the laundry system, the communication company server 4 is used, and a customer-specific bill is issued to a customer who uses the laundry system. Telecommunications carrier server 4
Stores a master file for each customer, and stores a communication fee and a device usage fee for each customer. Therefore, the bill includes the communication fee and the laundry equipment usage fee.

The bank mainframe (computer system) 5 contracting with the telecommunications carrier collects the fee described in the bill from the bank account of each customer, and pays the communication fee to the bank account contracted by the telecommunications carrier. Laundry 1
A device usage fee is paid for the owner. Specifically, the bank mainframe 5 contracted by the telecommunications company accesses the customer-specific master file stored in the telecommunications company server 4 or the bank mainframe 5 itself has the customer-specific master file and Another communication fee and equipment usage fee are detected, and the communication fee is paid to the bank account contracted by the communication company, and the device usage fee is paid to the bank account of the laundry owner.

In the laundry system of this embodiment,
The DTC, the carrier line controller 2, the techno center (server) 3, the carrier server 4, and the bank mainframe 5 are interconnected by a communication line such as the Internet. The above is the overall configuration and operation outline of the laundry system according to this embodiment. Hereinafter, each configuration and operation will be described in detail.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a portable telephone 10 which is an example of a portable information terminal. The mobile phone 10 includes a display 11, a menu key 12, an enter key 13, a cursor key 14, and a numerical key 15. When the menu key 12 is operated when the display on the display 11 is the basic screen shown in FIG.
The mobile menu screen shown in is displayed. On this screen, "5. Laundry" is selected by the cursor key 14,
When the enter key 13 is operated, the screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed. In addition,
When "7. Exit menu" is selected on the screen of FIG. 4 and the enter key 13 is pressed, the screen returns to the basic screen (FIG. 3).

FIG. 5 shows a laundry mobile menu screen, on which a customer is instructed to input a password. The customer must make a contract with the techno center 3 (see FIG. 1) in advance to use this laundry system, and the customer who has made the use contract is given a password.

While the laundry mobile menu shown in FIG. 5 is displayed, if the customer's password is correctly entered and the enter key 13 is pressed, the screen proceeds to FIG. In the screen of FIG. 6, “1. Use of laundry” or “2. Other information services” can be selected. "1. Use of laundry" is selected by the cursor key 14,
When the enter key 13 is pressed, the screen proceeds to the screen shown in FIG.

"2. Other information services" on the screen of FIG. 6 include, for example, a notice of a newly opened laundry, a notice of a discount time zone for use of laundry, a notice of a type of detergent to be recommended, and a notice of washing back. For example, services such as provision of various types of information centering on information related to washing can be exemplified. In the laundry use screen of FIG. 7, an instruction to input a laundry store number is given. A store number, which is an identification number for each laundry (store), is determined in advance for each laundry belonging to this system. The customer inputs this store number with the numerical keys 15. On the screen shown in FIG. 7, for the convenience of the customer, a cautionary display such as “The store number has already been contacted, but if you do not know, see the display on the operation unit of the device” may be displayed.

When the store number is entered and the enter key 13 is depressed, the screen advances to FIG. 8, and the screen for inputting the laundry equipment number to be used is displayed. A laundry number is given to the laundry 1 and a number is individually given to each installed laundry device. Then, the customer inputs the number of the laundry machine he wants to use. For example, when a user wants to use a washing machine, the machine number "1" which is the washing machine number is used.
"0" is input using the numerical keys 15. And enter key 1
Press 3 to go to the next screen.

On the device number input screen, for example, a description such as "See the display of the operation unit of the device for the device number" may be displayed for the convenience of the customer. On the screen of FIG. 9, an explanation of the operation of the laundry device is displayed. In this embodiment, for example, a message such as "When the drivable lamp of the device operation unit starts blinking, put on clothes, then operate the device buttons to start driving. Thank you for using" is displayed. .

The operations performed by the customer using the mobile phone 10 in the laundry 1 have been described above. FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating a configuration example of the operation unit 20 of the dryer installed in the laundry 1. The operation unit 20 of the dryer is provided with an operable lamp 21. When the drier can be operated, the lamp 21 flashes. The operation unit 20 also includes a display unit 22, an operation key 23, an enter key 24,
A stop key 25 and a numerical key 26 are provided.

After the drivable lamp 21 of the operation unit 20 flashes, the display unit 22 sequentially displays "display 1" to "display 4" shown in FIG. 11, and the customer operates the keys according to the display. That is, first, a message to the effect that a password should be input is displayed (display 1). The customer inputs a password using the numerical keys 26 and presses the enter key 24. This password is determined in advance when the customer described with reference to FIG. 5 contracts with the techno center, and is the same as the password described with reference to FIG. By requesting such a password even when operating the laundry equipment, the effect of preventing unauthorized use is enhanced.

Next, input of a drying time is instructed (display 2). The customer inputs, for example, "123" minutes as the drying time with the numerical keys 26, confirms it, and then presses the operation key 23. Thus, the operation of the dryer is started. During the operation of the dryer, the remaining drying time is displayed (display 3). If the customer wants to stop the drying operation, the stop key 25 may be pressed. In this case, a message "The mobile operation of the dryer has been stopped" is displayed on the display unit 22, and the driving operation is stopped.

FIG. 12 is a front view showing an example of the operation unit 30 of the washing machine installed in the laundry. The operation unit 30 of the washing machine is provided with a drivable lamp 31.
The drivable lamp 31 flashes when the operation of the washing machine is enabled. The operation unit 30 further includes a display unit 3
2. A course type display lamp 33, a cursor key 34, an operation key 35, an enter key 36, a stop key 37, and a numerical key 38 are provided.

FIG. 13 shows a change in the display contents of the display unit 32 when the operable lamp 31 is blinking. Display 3
First, a message to the effect that a password must be entered is displayed on the display 2 (display 1). In response to this, when the customer inputs the password with the numerical keys 38 and presses the enter key 36, the display proceeds to display 2.
The display 2 indicates that the washing course should be selected with the cursor key 34. When the cursor key 34 is pressed, the display of the course type display lamp 33 sequentially moves, and a desired washing course can be selected. After selecting the washing course, pressing the operation key 35 starts the washing operation.

During the washing operation, the remaining washing time is displayed (display 3). If you want to cancel the washing, press Cancel key 3
If the user presses 7, a stop display of "The mobile operation of the washing machine has been stopped." Is displayed on the display unit 32 (Display 4). FIG.
4 is a block diagram showing a control circuit configuration of laundry equipment provided in the laundry and a block diagram showing a control circuit configuration of a DTC (store controller).

Each laundry device (dryer and washing machine) provided in the laundry is provided with a control unit (microcomputer) 41 and a memory 42, respectively. The control unit 41 will be described with reference to FIGS. Operating unit 20 (or 30) is connected. As described above, the operable lamp 21 (or 3) is provided on the operation unit 20 (or 30).
1), a display section 22 (or 32 and a course type display lamp 33), and a key matrix 40 such as an operation key, an enter key, a stop key, and a cursor key are provided. Also, signals from various sensors 43 (or 44) for detecting the operation state of the laundry equipment are provided to the control unit 41.
The control unit 41 operates the load drive circuit 45 (or 46) based on signals from the operation unit 20 (or 30) and signals from various sensors 43 (or 44).

A data transmission / reception interface 47 is further connected to the control unit 41. The data transmission / reception interface 47 is connected to the control unit 41 via a communication line 48 such as a LAN.
Signals are transmitted to and received from C. The DTC includes a laundry device data transmission / reception interface 51, a DTC control unit 52 connected to the interface, a memory 53, and a line control / line data transmission / reception interface (data transmission / reception interface) for transmitting / receiving data to / from an external communication line (such as a general public line). Specifically, it is a modem or the like) 54.

The DTC communicates with the techno center 3 via the external communication line and the communication line control device 2 (see FIG. 1). Next, a control operation of each system constituting the laundry system will be described based on a flowchart. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation of the mobile phone 10. In the mobile phone 10, first,
A basic screen (the screen in FIG. 3) is displayed on the display 11 (step S1). If the menu key 12 is pressed in the basic screen display state, the process proceeds to step S4, and if a key other than the menu key 12 is input, another process (step S3) is executed. When the menu key 12 is pressed, the display 11 displays the “mobile menu” in FIG.
A screen is displayed (step S4), and it is determined whether or not the enter key 13 has been input after the input of the cursor key 14 (step S5). If the determination in step S5 is affirmative,
It is determined whether or not “5. Laundry” has been selected (step S6). If this determination is denied, the process of the menu selected from the processes shown in the mobile menu is executed (step S6). Step S7).

If the determination in step S6 is affirmative, the screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed (step S8), guidance for password entry is made, and it is determined whether a password has been entered (step S9). When the password is input, the mobile phone 10 is connected to the techno center 3 via the communication line control device 2 (step S10), and the password and the number of the mobile phone 10 (customer ID) are sent to the techno center 3 by, for example, packet communication. Send. In response, the correspondence between the password and the customer ID is confirmed based on the data registered in the customer-specific master file (step S1).
1). As a result, if the password is correct, the screen of FIG. 6 is displayed (step S13), and if the password is incorrect, the screen returns to the screen of FIG.

When the screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed, when the cursor key 14 is input and the enter key 13 is input (Yes at step S14), it is determined whether "1. Use laundry" is selected. (Step S1)
5). If "2. Other information service" is selected, other processing is performed according to the selected information service (step S1).
6).

When the use of laundry is selected,
The screen of FIG. 7 is displayed (step S17), and the process waits until a laundry store number is input (step S18), and the screen of FIG. 8 is displayed according to the input of the store number (step S1).
9). Then, it waits for the input of the device number (step S20), and advances the screen to the screen of FIG. 9 in response to the input of the device number (step S21). And Techno Center 3
Then, a password, a mobile phone number (customer ID), a store number, and a device number are transmitted, for example, by packet communication (step S22). 16 and 17 are flowcharts showing the control operation of the laundry management server of the techno center 3. The server of the techno center 3 determines whether or not the line is connected (step S3).
1) If the line is connected, it is determined whether or not the connection is from a portable information terminal (mobile phone 10 in this embodiment) (step S32).

In the case of connection from the mobile phone 10, the process waits for data to be received (step S33), and determines whether the received data is a password and a telephone number (step S34). If data other than the password and the telephone number have been received, other processing based on the received data is performed (step S35). When the password and the telephone number are received, the customer-specific master file is searched using the telephone number (customer ID) as an index, and the registered password corresponding to the customer ID is compared with the received password ( Step S
36). As a result, it is determined whether the two passwords match (step S37). If the passwords do not match, password mismatch information is transmitted (step S38), and the line is disconnected (step S39).

If the recorded registered password matches the received password, the process waits for the store number and the device number to be received (step S40). When the store number and the machine number are received, the line is temporarily cut off (step S41). Next, the laundry management server searches the store-specific master file using the store number (store ID) as an index (the store-specific master file stores the store's telephone number, e-mail address, and other communication information). Then, the telephone number of the corresponding store is read (step S42). Then, the store and the line are connected by the telephone number (step S43). It waits for the line to be connected (step S44), and when connected, transmits the machine number received in step S40 and the password confirmed in step S37 to match (step S45).

Thereafter, in the store, since the operation unit of the laundry device selected by the customer is operated, it waits for data to be sent from the store based on the operation (step S46). When the data reception from the store is determined,
It is determined whether the received data is a stop response (step S47). Cancel key is the cancel key 2
This is data generated when 5 (or 37) is pressed. If a stop response is received, the line is cut off (step S48).

If the data received from the store is not a stop response but a drying time, the drying time is converted to a dryer operating fee (step S50). If the received data is the washing time, the washing time is converted into a washing machine operating fee (step S51). Then, the line is cut off (step S52). Thereafter, the customer master file is accessed using the mobile phone number (customer ID) as an index, and the current operation fee is added, thereby updating the device usage fee column of the customer master file (step S53).

In step S32, if the connection is not from the mobile phone, it is determined whether or not the connection is from the carrier server 4 (step S54). (Step S55). In the case of connection from the telecommunications carrier server, it is further determined whether or not there is a request for a customer-specific device usage fee (step S56). Is transmitted to the communication company server 4 (step S57).
Then, the line is cut off (step S58).

15 to 17, the store number is input by the mobile phone 10, and the techno center 3 searches the store-specific master file based on the store number given from the mobile phone. GPS (Global
By incorporating a GPS antenna for receiving a signal from the Positioning System, input of a store number can be omitted. Then, instead of the store number to be input, G
The position information of the mobile phone 10 based on the signal obtained by the PS antenna is regarded as the position information of the store, so that the store-specific master file can be searched. Hereinafter, such a configuration will be described.

FIGS. 18 to 20 are flowcharts shown in comparison with FIGS. 15 to 17, and show control processes in the mobile phone 10 and the techno center 3 when the mobile phone 10 has a built-in GPS antenna. . FIG.
5 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation of the mobile phone 10,
The main control operation is the same as that of FIG. 15, and the same or corresponding processing is denoted by the same step number and description thereof is omitted.

In the control operation of FIG.
S18, that is, there is no process of displaying the store number input screen (the screen of FIG. 7) and waiting for the store number to be input. Step S1
When it is determined in step 5 that "1. Use of laundry" is selected, the device number input screen (the screen in FIG. 8) is immediately displayed (step S19). On the other hand, after displaying the screen of FIG. 9 in step S21, G
Based on the signal from GPS received by the PS antenna,
A process of acquiring the position information of the mobile phone 10 is performed.

In step S22 ', the password and the mobile phone number (customer I
D), the device number and the position information acquired in step S21-2 are transmitted. Upon receiving this transmission, the laundry management server of the techno center 3 performs the control operation shown in FIGS. Since this control operation is basically the same as the control operation shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the same processes are denoted by the same step numbers and description thereof is omitted.

When the location information is sent from the mobile phone 10, the laundry management server of the techno center 3 waits at step S40 'to receive the device number and the location information. Then, the laundry management server receives the received location information (the location information of the mobile phone 10).
, A store-specific master file is searched, and the store closest to the location information is determined as the corresponding store (step S4).
2 '). Then, the telephone number of the store is read from the store-specific master file, and a line is connected to the store (step S43 ').

The laundry management server performs step S4
As shown in FIG. 21, the store-specific master file of the techno center 3 stores telephone numbers and location information (latitude (East longitude) and longitude) for each store so that the control of 2 'and S43' can be performed. (North latitude)) is stored in advance. With the above configuration, a system in which the customer does not need to input the store number from the mobile number 10 can be realized.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the DTC (store controller). The DTC determines whether or not a line connection has been made (step S61). If the line has been connected, it determines whether or not data has been received (step S62). Then, when the data is received, it is determined whether or not the data is the device number and the password (step S63). If the received data is not the device number and the password, another process corresponding to the received data is executed (Step S).
64).

If the received data is a device number and a password, the device number (machine ID) is used as an index to connect to the corresponding device in the store via the device data transmission / reception interface 51 (step S6).
5). Then, the received password is transmitted to the device (step S66). In the device, it is determined whether or not the operation unit 20 (or 30) is operated by the customer, and whether the operation data is received from the data transmission / reception interface 47 via the communication line 48 and the device data transmission / reception interface 51 ( Step S67).

If the data is received, it is determined whether or not the data is a stop response (step S68).
If the response is not the stop response, the received data is transmitted to the techno center 3 as the operation time (step S6).
9). On the other hand, if the data is a stop response, the stop response is transmitted to the techno center (step S7).
0). Then, the connection with the device is released as it is (step S71).

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the control operation of laundry equipment provided in the store, for example, a dryer. The dryer determines whether there is a connection from the DTC (step S81), and if there is a connection, waits for reception of a password (step S82). When the password is received, the drivable lamp 21 is turned on and off (step S83). At the same time, a password input screen (display 1 in FIG. 11) is displayed on the display unit 22 (step S8).
4). In response to this display, since the customer inputs the password, the controller 41 of the dryer determines whether the password has been input (step S85). When the password is entered, the entered password is
It is determined whether or not the password matches the password received at 82 (step S86). If the passwords match, the operation time input screen (display 2 in FIG. 11) is displayed on the display unit 22.
Is displayed (step S87), and it is determined whether or not an operation time is input (step S88).

When the operation time is input, the operation of the device is started (step S89), and the operation time is transmitted to the DTC (step S90). In addition, the remaining operation time (display 3 in FIG. 11) is displayed on the display unit 22, and the drivable lamp 21 is turned off (step S91). In step S85, when the password is not input by the numerical keys 26, and the stop key 25 is pressed instead and the stop key is input (step S92), or in step S88, the operation time is not input and the stop time is not input. If there is an input from the stop key 25 (step S93), the operation stop (display 4 in FIG. 11) is displayed on the display unit 32, and the drivable lamp 21 is turned off (step S95). Then, a stop response is transmitted to the DTC (step S95).

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the communication company server 4. In the communication company server 4, for example, a program for performing monthly processing on the 20th of every month is set, and it is determined whether or not to perform monthly processing (step S101). If the monthly processing is not performed, another processing is performed (step S102). On the 20th of every month,
If it is determined that monthly processing is to be performed,
(Step S103). And mobile phone 1
Request a device usage fee for each customer, limited to the customer who has generated a communication fee of 0 (portable information terminal) (step S10).
4). Since the techno center 3 transmits data in response to this request, it waits for reception of the data (step S105). When the data is received, the line is disconnected, and the device usage fee area of the customer-specific master file is updated with the data (step S106). Then, a bill is issued for each customer (step S107). This bill is, for example, "usage status from January 11 to February 10, 2000, communication fee: 2500 yen, laundry equipment usage fee: 5000 yen".

Next, the carrier contracted bank mainframe 5
Is connected (step S108), and the usage fee and device usage fee of the customer-specific master file are transmitted to the mainframe 5 (step S109). FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the carrier-contracted bank mainframe 5. The bank mainframe 5 stores a program for performing monthly processing, for example, on the 28th of each month, and determines whether to perform monthly processing based on this program (step S111). When performing monthly processing, collection is performed (step S112). In collecting money,
With reference to the customer-specific master file, the communication fee and the device usage fee are deducted from the customer-specific bank account.

Further, payment is made (step S113). In the payment, the communication fee among the collections from the customer-specific bank account is collectively paid to the communication company bank account. Further, payment is made (step S114). In this deposit, the device usage fee of the collection from the customer-specific bank account is collectively deposited into the owner-specific bank account. Further, the collection status for each customer is transmitted to the communication company server 4 (step S115).

If the monthly processing is not performed in step S111, it is determined whether or not there is a connection from the communication company server 4 (step S116). If there is no connection from the carrier server 4, another process is performed (step S11).
7). If there is a connection from the carrier server 4,
The communication fee and the device usage fee for each customer are acquired (step S118), and the data acquisition is completed (step S1).
19). Then, the communication fee and the device usage fee of the customer-specific master file are updated with the acquired data (step S12).
0).

FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing a partial configuration of a laundry system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The laundry system according to this embodiment differs from the laundry system described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 in the following configuration. First, the laundry (store) 101 is provided with a plurality of laundry equipments (washing machines and dryers).
(Store controller) is not provided.

Next, the mobile phone (portable information terminal) 100
Uses a device having a predetermined low-power short-range wireless communication unit 100a in addition to the functions of a normal mobile phone.
As the predetermined low-power short-range wireless communication unit 100a, for example, “Bluetooth (trademark)” or the like can be used. Other configurations of the laundry system, that is, the use of the carrier line controller 2, the presence of the techno center 3, the use of the carrier server 4, the carrier contract bank mainframe 5, etc. are shown in FIGS. This is the same as the laundry system described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a portable telephone 100 which is an example of a portable information terminal used in the laundry system according to this embodiment. The mobile phone 100 includes a control unit (microcomputer) 61, a memory 62 connected to the control unit 61, and an operation unit 63 connected to the control unit 61. The operation unit 63 is provided with the display 11 and a key matrix 65 constituted by an LCD or the like. Further, the control unit 61 has a
The wireless data transmission / reception interface 66 is connected, and the wireless data transmission / reception interface 100a for Bluetooth is connected.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of each laundry device (dryer and washing machine) provided in the laundry. The basic circuit configuration of the dryer and the washing machine is the same as the configuration described with reference to FIG. That is, the dryer and the washing machine are provided with a control unit (microcomputer) 41 and a memory 42 connected to the control unit 41, respectively. Further, various sensors 43 (or 44) for detecting the operation state of the laundry equipment are provided, and these are connected to the control unit 41.
Further, the control unit 41 includes a load driving circuit 45 (or 46).
Is connected, and the control unit 41
(Or 46) is controlled.

The characteristic of the circuit configuration of this laundry machine is that an interface 70 for transmitting and receiving wireless data for Bluetooth is connected to the control unit 41. Further, a display unit 80 is connected to the control unit 41. The display unit 80 includes a device selection lamp 81 and a display 82 composed of 7 segments or LEDs. However, the laundry equipment is not provided with operation switches for operating the laundry equipment.

FIG. 29 shows the display section 8 of the laundry machine.
0 shows an example of an appearance front view. As shown in FIG. 25, a display 80 is provided with a device selection lamp 81 and a display 82 so that necessary display can be performed. Next, an operation procedure of a customer in the laundry system according to this embodiment will be described.

The customer can use the laundry equipment by using the portable telephone 100 as shown in FIG. 30 owned by the customer. The mobile phone 100 has a display 1
1, menu key 12, enter key 13, cursor key 1
4. Numeric keys 15 are provided. More Bluetooth
(Low-power short-range wireless communication unit) 100a is connected by a connector such as RS232C. Of course, the configuration may be such that the low-power short-range wireless communication unit 100a is built in the mobile phone main body.

When the display on the display 11 of the mobile phone 100 is the basic screen shown in FIG. 30, by operating the menu key 12, the display on the display 11 becomes the mobile menu screen. The mobile menu screen is shown in Fig. 4.
This is the screen described in FIG. Select Laundry from the mobile menu screen, display the laundry mobile menu screen, enter the customer's password, select the use of laundry, and enter the laundry shop number, but these operations are, Since the operation is exactly the same as the operation described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7, the description here is omitted.

When the store number is input and the enter key 13 is pressed, the display screen changes to the input screen of the laundry equipment number to be used as shown in FIG. Each laundry equipment installed in the laundry is individually numbered.
Then, the customer inputs the number of the laundry machine he wants to use. For example, when the user wants to use the dryer, he inputs the equipment number “10”, which is the dryer number, by using the numerical keys 15. Then, when the enter key 13 is pressed, the process proceeds to the next screen.

When the above-mentioned laundry equipment number is inputted by the portable telephone 100, if the laundry equipment of that number is operable, the equipment selection lamp 81 of the display section 80 of the laundry equipment blinks. The blinking of the lamp 81 allows the customer to recognize that the selected laundry equipment is ready for use. Next, the customer inputs the driving time with the numerical keys 15 since the screen of FIG. 32 is displayed on the display 11 of the mobile phone 100. For example, "12
3) Enter the minutes. Then, by pressing the enter key 13, the operation of the selected laundry equipment is started.

On the other hand, in the display section 80 of the selected laundry equipment, the display 82 displays "drying time: 123 minutes" and the operating time inputted by the mobile phone 100.
When the operation starts, the device selection lamp 81 turns off, and the drying time of the display 82 decreases as the drying operation progresses, and the remaining time is displayed. 33 and 34 are flowcharts showing a control operation of the mobile phone (portable information terminal) 100. First, the basic screen shown in FIG. 30 is displayed on the display 11 (step P1), and it is determined whether or not the menu key 12 has been input (step P2). When there is a key input other than the menu key 12, processing corresponding to the key input is performed (step P3).

When the menu key 12 is input, the display on the display 11 is changed to the "mobile menu" screen of FIG. 4 (step P4). Then, the menu is selected with the cursor key 14, and the control waits for the input of the enter key 13 (step P5). After the enter key 13 is entered, it is determined whether or not "5. Laundry" in the menu is selected (step P6). If another menu is selected, a process corresponding to the selected menu is performed. (Step P7).

When "5. Laundry" is selected, the display on the display 11 is changed to "Laundry Mobile Menu" (step P8), and the system waits for the input of a password (step P9). When the password is inputted, the techno center 3 is connected to the techno center 3 via the communication line control device 2 by the wireless telephone interface 66 (step P10).
A telephone number of 0 (customer ID) is transmitted. The techno center 3 determines the validity of the password based on the password and the mobile phone number (customer ID) and replies to the mobile phone 100 as described above.

In the cellular phone 100, if the data received from the techno center 3 is data indicating that the password is incorrect, the display on the display 11 is changed to the display of FIG. That is, the process returns to Step P4. Step P12
Then, if it is determined that the password is correct, the display 1
The display of No. 1 is changed to the screen of FIG. 6 (step P3). Then, the menu is selected by the cursor key 14, and the control waits for the input of the enter key 13 (step P14).

When the enter key 13 is pressed, it is determined whether or not "1. Use of laundry" is selected (step P15). If another menu is selected, the selected menu is selected. (Step P16). When "1. Use of laundry" is selected, the display on the display 11 is changed to the "Use of laundry" screen shown in FIG. 7 (step P17), and the process waits until a laundry store number is input (step P18).

When the store number is input, the display 11
Is changed to the screen shown in FIG. 31 (step P19), and the process waits for the input of the device number (step P20). When the device number is input, the control unit 61 makes a wireless connection with the device corresponding to the input device number through the wireless data transmission / reception interface 100a for Bluetooth, and determines whether or not the device can be operated. Inquire (Step P
21). Based on the response from the device corresponding to the device number, it is determined whether or not the device is operable (step P).
22) If it is not operable, connect to the techno center 3 via the wireless telephone interface 66 and transmit a suspension response (step P23). Thereby, the process returns to Step P4.

If the device can be operated, the screen of FIG. 32 is displayed on the display 11 (step P2).
4). Then, the operation time is inputted by the numerical keys 15,
Wait for the input of the enter key 13 (step P2
5). Next, the wireless communication interface 100a for Bluetooth wirelessly connects to the device corresponding to the input device number and transmits the input operation time (step P26).

Then, it is determined whether or not an operation time notifying the start of operation is received from the wirelessly connected device (step P27), and the operation time is not received from the device, and a signal indicating that operation is not possible is received. When the reception is received, the connection is made to the techno center 3 via the communication line control device 2 by the wireless data transmission / reception interface 66 for the radio telephone, and a stop response is transmitted to the techno center 3 (step P28).

Then, the process returns to Step P4. on the other hand,
When the driving time is received, it is connected to the techno center 3 (step P29), and the password, the mobile phone number (customer ID), the store number, the device number, and the received driving time which have been input this time to the techno center 3 Is transmitted (step P30).

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the control operation of a laundry machine, for example, a dryer. In the dryer, it is determined whether or not there is a connection by the wireless data transmission / reception interface 70 for Bluetooth (step P41). If there is a connection, it is determined whether or not the device can be operated (step P42). ). For example, if the device is already driving or if the device cannot be driven for some reason, a non-operation response is transmitted to the mobile phone 100 (step P43).

On the other hand, when the device can be operated, the device selection lamp 81 provided on the display unit 80 of the device flashes (step P44), and a operable response is transmitted to the mobile phone 100 (step P44). Step P45). Next, it waits for reception of the driving time from the mobile phone 100 (step P46), and determines whether or not the driving time is a time during which the device can be driven (step P47). For example, when the driving time is abnormally long, such as "900 minutes", it is determined that driving is not possible, and a non-driving response is transmitted to the mobile phone 100 (step P41).

If the operation is possible, the operation of the device is started (step P49), the device selection lamp 81 is turned off (step P51), and the operation time is displayed on the display 82 (step P51). Then, a driving time for notifying the start of driving is transmitted to the mobile phone 100 (step P52). Note that the display time of the display 82 is subtracted with the elapse of the operation time so that the remaining time is displayed.

As described above, in the laundry system according to this embodiment, the operation of each device of the laundry 101 is performed using the predetermined low-power short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth provided in the mobile phone 100. The operation information is transmitted from the mobile phone 100 to the techno center 3 via the communication line control device 2. In addition,
The transmission and reception of data between the techno center 3 and the carrier server 4 and the transmission and reception of data between the carrier server 4 and the carrier contract bank mainframe 5 are the same as those of the laundry system according to the above-described embodiment. is there.

In the laundry system according to the second embodiment, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the input of the store number is omitted. Such a configuration can be performed in a manner similar to the laundry system according to the first embodiment, in which a GPS antenna is built in the mobile phone 100.
In the system according to the second embodiment, since the mobile phone 100 is provided with the low-power short-range wireless communication unit 100a, the communication is performed between the communication unit 100a and each device in the store. The configuration can be such that numbers can be obtained automatically.

More specifically, the laundry 10
In each of the devices 1, a store number is registered in advance. The mobile phone 100 automatically obtains a store number by inquiring the store number registered in the relevant device immediately before obtaining the operation enable / disable information of the relevant device by the low-power short-range wireless communication unit 100a. A configuration is possible. In this case, the low-power short-range wireless communication unit 100a has a restriction that the reach of radio waves is several meters to several tens of meters.
Under the condition of being separated by more than 00 m, the mobile phone 100 can automatically acquire the store number as described above. That is, since the store information itself is not transmitted to a long distance, the store information can be received only in the store.

The above configuration will be described in more detail with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. The flowchart of FIG. 36 shows a part of the control operation of the mobile phone 100, and the basic operation is the same as that of the flowchart of FIG. 34. Therefore, the same processes are denoted by the same step numbers. Before Step P13 in FIG. 36, the processing of Steps P1 to P12 shown in FIG. 33 is performed.

The feature of the control operation shown in FIG. 36 is that when “1. Use of laundry” is selected in step P15, the processes in steps P17 and P18 are not performed.
The process immediately shifts to Step P19, and the screen in FIG. 31 is displayed. That is, the input of the store number is omitted. On the other hand, after Step P20, Step P21
-1, P21-2 and P21-3 are executed. In these steps, the mobile phone 100 makes a wireless connection with the device corresponding to the input device number via the wireless data transmission / reception interface 100a for Bluetooth (step P21-1). Then, a store number is obtained from the device (step P21-2). Further, the device inquires of the device whether the device can be operated (step P21-).
3).

In this way, the store number is obtained from the connected device. The flowchart of FIG. 37 differs from the flowchart of FIG. 35 in that the control operation of the laundry device shown in correspondence with the flowchart of FIG. 35 includes a process of transmitting a store number to the mobile phone 100. . The same processes as those in FIG. 35 are denoted by the same step numbers.

In FIG. 37, for example, the dryer is a Bluetoot
It is determined by the wireless data transmission / reception interface 70 for h whether or not there is a connection (step P41). If there is a connection, it is determined whether or not a request for a store number is made (step P41-2). . When there is a request for a store number, the wireless data transmission / reception interface 70
Transmits the store number registered in advance to the mobile phone 100 (step P41-3).

The subsequent processing is the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. As described above, even if the mobile phone 100 does not include the GPS antenna, it is possible to automatically acquire the store number using the low-power short-range wireless communication unit 100a. FIG. 38 is a block diagram showing a partial configuration of a laundry system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The laundry system according to this embodiment differs from the laundry system described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 in the following configuration.

First, a laundry (store) 110 is provided with a vending machine (vending machine) 103 and a cash register 104 in addition to a laundry machine (washing machine and dryer) 102, and a manned store is assumed. . Usually, a plurality of laundry machines 102 are arranged, and one or a plurality of vending machines 103 are provided.
4 is usually provided with one unit. The cash register 104 is operated by a clerk.

This laundry system, like the laundry system according to the second embodiment, is configured on the assumption that a portable telephone 100 having a low-power short-range wireless communication unit 100a is used. That is, the laundry device 102, the vending machine 103, the cash register 104, and the mobile phone 100 are configured to be communicable by low-power short-range wireless communication. In this embodiment, the cash register 104 operated by the clerk can transmit a completion report, a clothing removal permission request, and the like to the mobile phone 100. The mobile phone 100 transmits a clothing removal permission / prohibition signal to the cash register 104.
It can be sent to

With this configuration, even if the customer leaves the store 110 during the washing and drying, the customer can be notified of the end of the washing and drying, and the service can be improved. In addition, it is possible to eliminate a problem that the clothes of the customer who has finished washing and drying are left in the laundry equipment for a long time by the clothes removal permission request and the clothes removal permission signal, so that the next customer cannot use the laundry equipment. .

Further, in the laundry system according to the third embodiment, the customer can use the laundry device 102 at the store 110 by using his / her own mobile phone 100 and use the vending machine by using the mobile phone 100. From 103, a desired product can be purchased. Specifically, by specifying the device number and the product number of the vending machine 103 by the mobile phone 100, the product is released to the product outlet of the vending machine 103. At the same time, the mobile phone 100 is notified of the product number and the product price, and is sent to the techno center 3 via the communication line control device 2.

Further, when various goods are arranged in the store 110, the desired goods can be purchased without cash by using the mobile phone 100. Specifically, by specifying the cash register 104 by the mobile phone 100, the cash register 104 can be used. The commodity code and the commodity price can be input using the cash register 104 that has become available. The input product code and the product price are notified from the cash register 104 to the mobile phone 100 using the low-power short-range wireless communication unit.
Is sent to the techno center 3 via.

In this embodiment, it is assumed that the store 110 is manned, but it may be an unmanned store. In this case, for example, the tags arranged for preventing theft are attached to the products arranged in the store. Then, for the product input to the cash register 104, the anti-theft tag may be invalidated, and the alarm may not be activated even if the product is taken out of the store 110.

In this embodiment, as described above, the store 1
In 10, using the mobile phone 100, the use of the laundry device 102, the purchase of a product from the vending machine 103, and the purchase of a product without cash using the cash register 104 can be performed. FIG. 39 shows the store 1
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control circuit configuration of a vending machine 103 and a cash register 104 provided in the ten.

The vending machine 103 includes a control unit (microcomputer) 91 and a memory 92. Further, a product selection unit 93 and a product removal unit 94 controlled by the control unit 91 are provided. Then, a specific product in the product group 95 is discharged to the product outlet 96 by the product selection unit 93 and the product removal unit 94. Control unit 91
Is connected to the display unit 97. Display 97
Includes a device selection lamp 98 and a product selection lamp 99. The vending machine 103 also has a Blue
An interface 70 for transmitting and receiving wireless data for the tooth is connected.

The cash register 104 includes a control unit (microcomputer) 71 and a memory 72.
An operation unit 73 is connected to the control unit 71. Operation unit 7
3 is provided with a display 74 and a key matrix 75 which are composed of 7 segments or LEDs. The control unit 71 is also connected to an interface 70 for transmitting and receiving wireless data for Bluetooth. further,
The cash register 104 includes a cash input / output unit 76.

The control circuit configuration of the laundry device 102 provided in the store 110 is the same as the configuration of the system according to the second embodiment described with reference to FIG. The control circuit configuration of the mobile phone 100 is also the same as the mobile phone 1 used in the second embodiment described with reference to FIG.
The configuration is the same as 00. Therefore, the description here is omitted.

FIG. 40 shows a completion report (report by e-mail) displayed on the display 11 of the mobile phone 100.
This is an example. FIG. 41 is an example of a clothing removal permission request also displayed on the display. The customer can select “permit” or “prohibit” in response to the clothing removal permission request and return it to the cash register 104 of the store 110.

FIGS. 42 and 43 show the details of the operation unit 73 of the cash register 104, showing the operation of the key matrix 75 and the display contents of the display 74. When the clothing removal permission request key is pressed (FIG. 42A), for example, a message “The device of device number: 8 is in a state of waiting for clothing removal” is displayed (FIG. 42B).
When the device selection key is further pressed, the number of the other device in the clothes removal waiting state is displayed (FIG. 42C). When a clothing removal request is made for the displayed device, a clothing removal permission request key is pressed. Then, the display 7
The display of 4 changes to FIG. 42D.

FIG. 43E shows a response from the customer.
Alternatively, the display of FIG. 43F is displayed. FIG. 43E shows the case where the clothing removal permission is obtained, and FIG. 43F shows the case where the clothing removal is prohibited. As described above, in the laundry system according to this embodiment, a service for notifying the customer of the completion of washing and drying is provided to the customer, and if permitted by the customer, the clerk of the store 110 can perform washing and drying from the laundry device 102. A service is provided to take out the completed clothing and transfer it to, for example, a storage basket. If the clothes are to be kept for a certain period of time, for example, 10 minutes after washing and drying, a billing process is performed.

The processing will be described below with reference to flowcharts. FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the mobile phone 100. When the line is connected (step T1), it is determined whether or not the connection is from the techno center 3 (step T2). If the connection is from the techno center, it is determined whether or not the completion report has been received (step T3). If the completion report has been received, the screen of FIG. 40 is displayed (step T3).
4). That is, a message “washing completed” is displayed on the display 11. Instead of this display, the completion notification may be made by voice.

If the completion notification is not received in step T3, it is further determined whether or not the request is a clothing removal permission request (step T5). If it is a clothing removal permission request, the screen of FIG. 41 is displayed (step T).
6). That is, "10 minutes have passed since the end of washing.
If you have permission to take out your clothes, take them out. If you do not have permission to take out your clothes, you will be charged 10 yen per 10 minutes. "
Two selectable options of “1. Allow (take out)” and “2. Prohibit (leave as it is)” are displayed.

In response to this display, the customer can select one of the options. As a result, it is determined whether or not “1. Permission” is selected (step T7), and if permission is selected, a clothing removal permission response is transmitted from the mobile phone 100 (step T8). If permission is not selected and prohibition is selected, the mobile phone 100
Transmits a clothing removal prohibition response (step T9). Then, the line is disconnected (step T1).
0).

[0107] When the completion notification is made in step T4, the line is disconnected by the operation of the customer or after a certain time has elapsed. FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the laundry device 102. The laundry machine 102 determines whether or not the operation is completed (step T11), and when the operation is completed, connects the line to the techno center 3 (step T12). Then, a completion report is transmitted to the techno center 3 together with the store number and the device number (step T13). Then, the line is disconnected (step 14).

FIG. 46 shows the control operation of the cash register 104 operated by the clerk. The cash register 104 determines whether or not the clothing removal permission request key has been input (step T21).
The connection to the techno center 3 is made (step T22). Then, a command for requesting the completed device is transmitted to the techno center 3 together with the store number (step T23). Then, it waits for a reception response from the techno center 3 (step 24). When there is a reception response, the display of FIG. 42B is displayed on the display 74 based on the transmitted completed device data (step T25).

Then, it is determined whether or not there is a key input from the clerk who saw this display (step T26). When there is a key input, it is determined whether or not the key is a device selection key (step T27). If the key is a device selection key, the device data in a completed state is determined based on a reception response given from the techno center 3. Is displayed, for example, based on (T28).

If it is determined in step T27 that the input is not a device selection key but a clothing removal permission request key, FIG. 42D is displayed (step T29), and a command for requesting clothing removal permission is displayed together with the device number. It transmits (step T30). This transmission is performed to the mobile phone 100. As a result, it waits for a reception response from the mobile phone 100 (step T31), and determines whether the reception response is permitted or prohibited (step T32).

If the response is a permission response, the display of FIG. 43E is performed (step T33), and the prohibition flag of the corresponding device is cleared (step T34). Then, the line is disconnected (step T38). On the other hand, if the reception response is a prohibition response, FIG. 43F is displayed (step T3).
5) Set a prohibition flag for the device (step T)
36). Then, the idle time counter of the corresponding device is started (step T37), and the line is disconnected (step T3).
8).

Thereafter, the cash register 104 checks the idle time counter of the device for which the inhibition flag is set (step T39), and determines whether or not the value of the counter is "10" (step T40). If the counter is not "10", the counter is updated (step T4).
1) When the counter becomes "10", the idle time counter is returned to "00" (step T42), the connection with the techno center 3 is made (step T43), and the billing amount is 10 yen together with the store number and the device number. (Step T
44). Then, the line is disconnected (step T45).

For reference, the cash register 104
FIG. 48 shows an example of the prohibition flag and the idle time counter provided in the control program management table in FIG. FIG.
9 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the techno center 3. When the techno center 3 determines that the line is connected (step T51), the laundry equipment 102
It is determined whether or not the connection is made from (step T52). If the connection is from the laundry device 102, it is determined whether or not the completion report is received (step T53). If the completion report is received, based on the store number and the device number,
A line is connected to the mobile phone 100 (step T54), a completion report is transmitted to the mobile phone 100 (step T55), and the corresponding device is stored as a completed state (step T56).

If it is determined in step T52 that the connection is not from a laundry machine, the cash register 10
It is determined whether or not the connection is made from step 4 (step T57).
If the connection is from the cash register 104, it is determined whether or not a completed device is requested (step T58). If the request is for a device in a completed state, a line is connected to the mobile phone 100 based on the store number and the device number (step T59), and a completion report is transmitted to the mobile phone 100 (step T60).

In step T58, if it is not a request for a device in a completed state, it is further determined whether or not the request is a clothing removal permission request (step T61). If the request is for clothing removal permission, a line is connected to the mobile phone 100 based on the store number and the device number (step T62), and a clothing removal permission request is transmitted to the mobile phone 100 (step T6).
3).

As a result, the process waits for reception of clothing removal permission or prohibition data from mobile phone 100 (step T64).
The received clothing removal permission or prohibition data is transmitted to the cash register 104 (step T6).
5). If it is not a request for permission to take out clothes in step T61, it is further determined whether or not a charge has been received (step T66).

When the accounting is received, the customer-specific master file is accessed, and the accounting amount is added to the customer-specific device usage fee data (step T67). In the above processing, the customer's mobile phone 10
0, and the techno center 3 receives the signal from the customer's mobile phone 100, but the techno center 3 receives the signal from the customer's mobile phone 100. To the cash register 10 from the mobile phone 100.
4 may be configured to receive a clothing removal permission or prohibition signal.

[0118] In addition, although the example in which the completion report and the clothing removal permission request are transmitted as character information by so-called mail has been described, a configuration in which the completion report and the clothing removal permission request are transmitted by a picture or a symbol may be used. Alternatively, a completed message or a clothing removal permission request may be transmitted as voice information to the customer's mobile phone 100 by synthetic voice or the like, and the customer may respond to the transmitted voice by voice. Good.

In each of the embodiments described above, the techno center 3 (laundry management server) and the communication company server 4
May be configured by the same server. That is, the configuration may be such that the communication company server 4 performs the laundry management. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a laundry system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of the laundry system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a mobile phone as an example of a mobile information terminal.

FIG. 4 is a specific example of a display screen of a display.

FIG. 5 is a specific example of a display screen of a display.

FIG. 6 is a specific example of a display screen of a display.

FIG. 7 is a specific example of a display screen of a display.

FIG. 8 is a specific example of a display screen of a display.

FIG. 9 is a specific example of a display screen of a display.

FIG. 10 is a front view showing the configuration of the operation unit of the dryer installed in the laundry.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a change in the display mode of the display unit 22.

FIG. 12 is a front view showing a configuration of an operation unit of a dryer installed in a laundry.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a change in the display mode of the display unit 32.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a control circuit configuration of a laundry device provided in the laundry and a block diagram showing a control circuit configuration of a DTC (store controller).

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the mobile phone 10.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the laundry management server of the techno center 3.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the laundry management server of the techno center 3.

18 is a flowchart illustrating another control operation of the mobile phone 10. FIG.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing another control operation of the laundry management server of the techno sector 3.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing another control operation of the laundry management server of the techno center 3.

FIG. 21 is a diagram exemplifying a part of contents stored in a store-specific master file of the techno center 3;

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a control operation of a DTC (store controller).

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a control operation of a laundry device provided in a store.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the communication company server 4.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the carrier-contracted bank mainframe 5;

FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing a partial configuration of a laundry system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a mobile phone 100 as an example of a mobile information terminal used in the laundry system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of each laundry device provided in the laundry.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of an external front view of a display unit 80 of the laundry device.

30 is a front view of the mobile phone 100. FIG.

FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating a correspondence relationship between a specific example of a display screen of a mobile phone and a display unit of a laundry device.

FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating a correspondence relationship between a specific example of a display screen of a mobile phone and a display unit of a laundry device.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the mobile phone 100.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the mobile phone 100.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing a control operation of a dryer as a laundry machine.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing a part of another control operation of the mobile phone 100.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing another control operation of the dryer as a laundry device.

FIG. 38 is a block diagram showing a partial configuration of a laundry system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 39 is a block diagram showing a control circuit configuration of a vending machine 103 and a cash register 104 provided in a store 110.

FIG. 40 is a diagram showing an example of a completion report displayed on the display of the mobile phone 100.

41 is a diagram showing an example of a clothing removal permission request displayed on the display of the mobile phone 100. FIG.

FIG. 42 is a diagram showing details of an operation unit of the cash register 104.

FIG. 43 is a diagram showing details of an operation unit of the cash register 104.

FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the mobile phone 100.

FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the laundry device 102.

FIG. 46 shows a cash register 1 operated by a clerk.
4 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 47: Cash register 1 operated by a clerk
4 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 48 is a diagram showing an example of a prohibition flag and an idle time counter provided in the control program management table in the cache register 104.

FIG. 49 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the techno center 3.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 101, 110 Laundry (store) 2 Telecommunications carrier line control device 3 Techno center (laundry management server) 4 Telecommunications carrier server 5 Telecommunications carrier contract bank mainframe 10, 100 Mobile phone 21, 31 Drivable lamp (Drivable status notification Means) 54 external communication means 81 device selection lamp (operable state notification means) 70, 100a low-power short-distance communication unit 102 laundry device 103 vending machine 104 cash register

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Shinya Izutsu 2-5-5 Keihanhondori, Moriguchi-shi, Osaka F-term in Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. (reference) 3B155 LA17 LB00 MA03 MA06 MA10 5K101 KK00 LL12 NN01 NN18 NN18

Claims (8)

[Claims] In a laundry system including a plurality of laundry devices for performing a predetermined process on clothes such as a washing machine for washing clothes and a dryer for drying clothes, the predetermined process for clothes in the laundry device is performed. A laundry system having means for transmitting the end of the processing to the portable information terminal of the customer based on the end. 2. The laundry system according to claim 1, wherein, in response to a lapse of a predetermined time after completion of the predetermined processing on the clothing, the clothing of the customer whose processing has been completed is transmitted to the customer's portable information terminal. A take-out permission request transmitting means for asking whether to take out from the laundry equipment, and in response to the transmission of the take-out permission request, based on whether the prohibition of take-out has been returned from the portable information terminal of the customer or that there has been no reply, A laundry system comprising: means for performing a billing process. 3. The laundry system according to claim 1, wherein the transmission to the portable information terminal of the customer is performed by character information. 4. The laundry system according to claim 2, wherein the take-out permission request includes “permission” and “prohibition” as data to which the customer can reply, and the request is transmitted to the customer's portable information terminal. Is selected, the selected data is automatically returned to the laundry system. 5. A laundry system comprising at least a laundry facility in which a plurality of laundry appliances such as a washing machine and a dryer are arranged, and a laundry management server for managing laundry facilities communicable with the laundry facility. The laundry facility is capable of communicating with a portable information terminal of a customer through a specific low-power wireless communication means, and the portable information terminal of the customer communicates the content communicated with the laundry facility to the specific low-power wireless communication. A laundry system capable of transmitting to a laundry management server by wireless communication means different from the means. 6. The laundry system according to claim 5, wherein the data transmitted from the laundry facility to the portable information terminal of the customer via the specific low-power wireless communication means includes specific information for identifying the laundry facility. The portable information terminal of the customer transmits the identification information identifying the laundry facility received from the laundry facility to the laundry management server by the wireless communication means, and the laundry management server transmits the laundry facility used by the customer. A laundry system characterized in that it is specified based on received specific information. 7. A method for specifying a laundry facility when using a laundry facility using a portable information terminal, wherein the portable information terminal is provided with a GPS antenna,
The portable information terminal can receive the signal from the GPS and specify the position information of the portable information terminal, and the customer who intends to use the laundry facility transmits the position information of the portable information terminal to the laundry management server. And
The laundry management server specifies a laundry facility to be used by a customer based on the transmitted location information of the portable information terminal, wherein the laundry management server specifies a laundry facility. 8. A laundry facility having at least a plurality of laundry machines such as a washing machine and a dryer, and a vending machine;
And a laundry system including a laundry management server for managing laundry facilities that can communicate with the laundry facility, wherein the laundry facility is operable by receiving an operation permission signal from the laundry management server,
In response to the operation of the laundry facility in the operable state, the operation information is transmitted to the laundry management server, wherein the laundry management server identifies a customer from a portable information terminal owned by the customer. Upon receiving the information and the specific information specifying the equipment to be used, confirming that the customer identification information is correct, transmitting an operation permission signal to the equipment specified by the specific information, and transmitting the operation information from the laundry equipment. Means for receiving and creating bill information for the customer based on the customer identification information and the operation information.