JP2021047493A - Laundry system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a management device of a laundry device capable of properly manipulating the laundry device via remote control.SOLUTION: When control of a laundry device connected to a management device of laundry devices connected to a network is directed from a manager PC connected to the network, the management device controls the laundry device via a card reader/writer connected to the laundry device and a relay device connected to the card reader/writer. The management device can control laundry devices without depending on the types of the laundry devices because it controls the laundry devices via the relay device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a laundry system having a management device for managing a plurality of laundry devices.

Conventionally, laundry equipment has been provided in which coins are inserted, the type of the coin is identified, and clothes and the like are washed and dried according to the amount of money deposited. Further, such a laundry device is known to be equipped with a card reader / reader for reading / writing data recorded on an IC card as a means for depositing money other than coins. The laundry equipment is operated by subtracting the monetary data corresponding to the amount of money set according to the operation of the laundry equipment to be used from the monetary data recorded on the IC card.

Further, as in JP-A-2018-222, there is a case in which a main controller and a management device for grasping the operating state of a plurality of laundry devices are connected to a network. There is known a laundry system in which a main controller is controlled by remote control from this management device and the power of the laundry equipment is turned on / off via a control circuit connected to the power supply.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2018-222

There are various possible reasons for power control, such as reduction of standby power, maintenance of equipment, and resolution of problems. For example, it is conceivable that the laundry equipment has a problem such as a failure, that the unused state is expected to continue for a long time, or that the power is turned off or on depending on the number of visitors. It is also possible to operate the laundry equipment manually, but due to restrictions such as travel time, there has been a demand for a laundry equipment that can be operated from a remote location by connecting to a network. Therefore, a system for remotely controlling laundry equipment has been conventionally considered.

However, in the conventional system, each laundry device is controlled by the main controller, but a common power supply is used for the main controller and each laundry device. Therefore, if there is an abnormality in the power supply or the device to which the power supply is connected, the main controller may be affected and normal operation may not be possible. In addition, since the main controller directly controls a plurality of laundry devices, when a communication problem occurs, the control load of the main controller processing such as communication control increases during that time, and the control of the laundry device is delayed. Was likely to occur. Since all the devices are connected, for example, if an abnormality occurs in one laundry device, the problem may spread to other devices.

When the laundry equipment is controlled from a remote location, the laundry system is provided which can prevent the influence of the power supply from other equipment and can operate the laundry equipment remotely.

The laundry system of the present invention is said to be connected to the laundry device by communication from the laundry device, a management device that manages the laundry device, and an external device connected to the management device by communication via the management device. In a laundry system that controls a laundry device, a terminal device connected to the laundry device and arranged in the middle of a connection path between the laundry device and the management device, and the terminal device and the laundry device are connected to each other. It includes a signal processing means for converting a control signal from a terminal device into an instruction signal capable of operating the laundry equipment, and a relay device for outputting the instruction signal converted by the signal processing means to the laundry equipment. The laundry equipment inputs a monetary signal corresponding to the amount of money input, and controls the execution of a predetermined operation based on the monetary signal, and whether or not to supply power to the laundry equipment. The terminal device has an input means for inputting the instruction signal including the information and a power supply control means for controlling power supply to the laundry equipment based on the instruction signal, and the terminal device is connected to a local area network. The first communication means for communicating with the management device, the card reader / reader for reading / writing the IC card, and the money stored in the IC card for reading / writing the IC card set in the card reader / reader. From the data, the predetermined value corresponding to the amount of money required to cause the laundry equipment to perform the predetermined operation is reduced and updated, the monetary signal corresponding to the predetermined value is generated, and the generated monetary signal is generated. The second control means has a second control means for controlling the output to the first control means, and the second control means further inputs a control command from the management device, analyzes the control command, and relays the control command. The control device generates an operable control signal and controls the output to the relay device. The management device has a second communication means connected to the local area network, and the laundry device is transmitted from the external device. When the control information to be remotely operated is received, the control information is converted into the control command that can be operated by the terminal device, transmitted to the terminal device via the second communication means, and relayed to the terminal device. It is characterized in that the laundry equipment is controlled via an apparatus.

According to the present invention, the influence from other laundry equipment is reduced, the certainty of control of the laundry equipment is improved, and the laundry equipment is ensured even when the control load for remote control of the laundry equipment is large. Can provide a laundry system that can be controlled.

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of the laundry system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the management device. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a terminal device, a relay device, and a laundry device. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating another example of the deposit means. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating still another example of the deposit means. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the laundry system.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Each figure is only schematically shown to the extent that the present invention can be fully understood. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples. Further, in each figure, common components and similar components are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of the laundry system. The management device 1 and the user device 3 are connected to a network 2 such as the Internet. Although one management device 1 and one user device 3 are shown in the figure, a plurality of management devices 1 and a plurality of user devices 3 may be provided.

The user device 3 is a computer connected to the network 2. The user device 3 is, for example, a personal computer, a computer such as a PDA or a smartphone, which has a communication function, an input function, and a display function.

The user device 3 can acquire and send various information stored in the management device 1 via the network 2. For example, it acquires information such as the operating status of the managed laundry equipment, and sends various commands and data to the management device. The network 2 is a network such as the Internet, which is a wide area network, and can communicate between connected devices.

The management device 1 includes a computer connected to the network 2, and has a local area network (LAN) different from the network 2 and has a plurality of terminals such as the first terminal device 4, the second terminal device 7, and the third terminal device 10. It is connected to the device so that it can communicate with it. Here, three units are explained, but more or less may be used.

The management device 1 is wirelessly connected to the first terminal device 4, the second terminal device 7, and the third terminal device 10. Here, an example of wireless connection will be described, but a wired connection is also possible. The management device 1 can manage and control the state of a terminal device such as the first terminal device 4 and the devices connected to the terminal device 1. Details will be described later.

The first relay device 5 and the first laundry device 6 are connected to the first terminal device 4. The first laundry device 6 is a laundry device such as a washing machine and a dryer. A device managed and controlled by the management device 1 is connected.

The first relay device 5 inputs a signal from the first terminal device 4, generates various signals to be output to the first laundry device 6 based on the signal, and outputs the generated signal to the first laundry device 6. .. Further, the first terminal device 4 and the first laundry device 6 are connected to each other. The first terminal device 4 and the first laundry device 6 can input and output signals to each other. The first terminal device 4 includes, for example, a card reader that can read and write data stored in an IC card, which will be described later, and a communication device that connects the management device 1. The communication connection path from the user device 3 to the first laundry device 6 is connected wirelessly or by wire, and the management device 1, the first terminal device 4, and the first relay device 5 are arranged in the middle of the connection path.

Details of the first terminal device 4, the first relay device 5, and the first laundry device 6 will be described later. Further, the first relay device 5, the first laundry device 6 connected to the first terminal device 4, the second relay device 8, the second laundry device 9, and the third terminal device connected to the second terminal device 7. The third relay device 11 and the third laundry device 12 connected to the 10 are devices having the same functions, respectively. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, one representative, for example, the first terminal device 4 and the third laundry device 12 are connected to the third relay device 11. The first relay device 5 and the first laundry device 6 have been described, and the description of other devices will be omitted.

For example, a coin laundry is usually equipped with laundry equipment such as a plurality of washing machines and dryers, and each equipment is centrally managed in terms of operating conditions. Further, the device connected to the network 2 can perform control such as remote control.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the management device. The management device 1 includes a management device control means 20, a first communication means 21, a memory 22, a management database 23, a second communication means 24, a card issuing device 25, and a deposit / withdrawal means 26. The management device 1 is a kind of computer.

The management device control means 20 includes a CPU and performs various controls of the entire device according to a program stored in the memory 22.

The memory 22 includes a ROM for storing programs, initial setting values, and the like, temporary data storage, a working memory, and a RAM for storing setting values and the like.

The management database 23 is a database that includes a memory for storing data and stores information about a device to be managed in association with each device. For example, it is possible to store information such as an operation history and a current operation status of each laundry device, an operation history of each terminal device, information such as a current operation status, and information on an IC card described later. The management database 23 is connected to the management device control means 20 and operates under the control of the management device control means 20. The management database 23 is controlled by the management device control means 20, and processes such as updating and searching the stored data are performed. The management database 23 provides information such as issuance of the IC card of the management device 1, update of monetary data of the IC card, usage history of the IC card, operation status of the managed device, and usage history for each managed device and individually. Information is stored in association with each IC card.

The first communication means 21 connects to the network 2 and transmits / receives data to / from an external device. The first communication means 21 includes an interace connected to the network 2, is connected to the management device control means 20, and operates under the control of the management device control means 20. The management device control means 20 can send and receive data to and from the user device 3 connected to the network 2 via the first communication means 21.

The second communication means 24 is a wireless communication means such as a wireless LAN. The second communication means 24 operates under the control of the management device control means 20. The second communication means 24 communicates with each of the first terminal device 4, the second terminal device 7, and the third terminal device 10, and transmits / receives data. A kind of local area network (LAN) can be formed. Further, although the wireless communication means is used here, it may be replaced with a wired LAN.

The first terminal device 4 is connected to the first laundry device 6 which is a managed device. Therefore, the user device 3 can manage the first laundry device 6 via the network 2, the management device 1, the first terminal device 4, the first relay device 5, and the like.

The card issuing device 25 operates under the control of the management device control means 20. The card issuing device 25 includes a transport means for transporting the IC card from the hangar to the insertion / ejection port, and a read / write device for reading / writing data to / from the IC card. Processing such as issuing an IC card and changing data is performed according to the input of the touch panel 27 described later or the instruction from the user device 3. By writing monetary data corresponding to the deposit amount on the IC card, the IC card can be used in the laundry equipment in the same way as coins.

The deposit / withdrawal means 26 operates under the control of the management device control means 20. Money is inserted from the deposit port, the denomination is identified, and the deposited amount is output to the management device control means 20. In addition, the amount of money instructed by the management device control means 20 is paid out from the payout port. It also includes a credit card processing device and can process deposits using a card. For example, the amount of money corresponding to the monetary data to be written on the IC card is deposited from the deposit / withdrawal means 26. When the payment is made, the monetary data corresponding to the amount is added to the IC card and written.

The touch panel 27 operates under the control of the management device control means 20. The touch panel 27 is a liquid crystal display device and an input device that is arranged in a matrix on the liquid crystal display device and can acquire both a detection signal and a contact position when an object comes into contact with the liquid crystal display device. The management device control means 20 displays a predetermined display on the touch panel 27 and inputs an output signal from the touch panel 27. For example, the management device control means 20 can display a button at a predetermined position of the liquid crystal display device, and when a finger touches the position, it can perform a process corresponding to the display of the button.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a terminal device, a relay device, and a laundry device. The first terminal device 4 and the first relay device 5 are connected. The first terminal device 4 and the first laundry device 6 are connected. The first relay device 5 and the first laundry device 6 are connected.

The first terminal device 4 includes a terminal control means 30, a third communication means 31, a card reader 32, a display panel 33, an input means 34, a memory 35, a history database 36, and an IF unit 37.

The terminal control means 30 includes a CPU and performs various controls of the entire first terminal device 4 according to a program stored in the memory 35.

The memory 35 includes a ROM for storing programs, initial setting values, and the like, temporary data storage, a working memory, and a RAM for storing setting values and the like.

The third communication means 31 is a wireless communication means such as a wireless LAN that operates under the control of the terminal control means 30 and communicates with the second communication means 24 of the management device 1. The first terminal device 4 can transmit and receive data via the third communication means 31 and the second communication means 24.

The card reader 32 operates under the control of the terminal control means 30 to read and write the IC card. The card reader 32 may be a contact type or a non-contact type device. The stored data can be read and other data can be written to the IC card set in the card reader 32 under the control of the terminal control means 30.

The display panel 33 is a display means that operates under the control of the terminal control means 30 and displays characters, figures, and the like. Display numbers and letters so that the user can visually understand them. For example, the charge for using the connected first laundry device 6 is displayed. The input means 34 is an input means that operates under the control of the terminal control means 30 and performs operations such as changing the amount of money input by the user and changing the mode.

The history database 36 operates under the control of the terminal control means 30, and stores the history of the operation status of the first terminal device 4. For example, when an IC card is used, the date and time, the unique number of the IC card, the monetary data of the IC card, when coins are used, the date and time, the amount of money, the data transmission history data to the first relay device, and the like. ..

For example, in order to improve the response of the device, if communication is performed with the management device 1 for each process, the processing time may become long due to a communication error or retransmission. If the processing time becomes long, the usability deteriorates, so the processing that can be completed on the terminal should be completed as much as possible. For example, the processing history is stored in the history database 36, and the history data is acquired by the management device 1 when the user is not using it. The management device 1 polls periodically, and if there is a change in the history, the management device 1 acquires the history data. By doing so, the IC card for using the first laundry device 6 can be continuously used even in a situation where the communication environment deteriorates and communication errors occur frequently. Data can be sent and received after communication is performed normally.

Further, the history database 36 is stored in storage means such as RAM, EEPROM, and flash memory provided in the first terminal device 4, but the storage capacity is smaller than that of the management database 23 of the management device 1, and so much information is stored. Can not do it. Therefore, the management device 1 periodically acquires the stored data so that it can operate without any problem even with a small memory capacity. Further, since the first laundry device 6 takes several minutes to several tens of minutes for one operation such as washing and drying, the history can be stored in the management device 1 even if communication is performed at intervals of about 10 to 60 minutes.

The IF unit 37 operates under the control of the terminal control means 30, and sends data to the first relay device 5. A signal can be transmitted from the first terminal device 4 to the input unit 38 of the first relay device 5.

The first relay device 5 includes an input unit 38, a signal processing unit 39, and an output unit 40. The input unit 38 inputs a command signal for controlling the first laundry device 6 from the IF unit 37. The signal input by the input unit 38 is, for example, a signal instructing whether to turn on or off the power of the first laundry device 6. The command signal input by the input unit 38 is converted into a signal that can be processed by the first laundry device 6 by the signal processing unit 39. The signal processing unit 39 is a signal processing means that analyzes the input signal and converts it into a signal that can be processed by the output destination. The output unit 40 outputs the signal converted by the signal processing unit 39 according to the level that can be input by the first laundry device 6.

The first relay device 5 inputs a signal from the first terminal device 4, converts it, and outputs a signal for controlling the first laundry device 6.

The first laundry device 6 is, for example, a device provided in a coin laundry such as a washing machine for clothes and a dryer. The first laundry device 6 includes a money receiving unit 48, a money identifying means 42, a laundry control means 43, a memory 44, an input / output unit 45, a drive unit 46, and a power supply control means 47. The power control target unit 41 includes, for example, a money identification means 42, a laundry control means 43, a memory 44, an input / output unit 45, and a drive unit 46. The power supply control target unit 41 is a target for which the power supply is turned on / off by the power supply control means 47.

The laundry control means 43, including the CPU, controls the entire first laundry device 6 according to a program stored in the memory 44.

The memory 44 includes a ROM for storing programs, initial setting values, and the like, temporary data storage, a working memory, and a RAM for storing setting values and the like.

The input / output unit 45 operates according to the control of the laundry control means 43. The input / output unit 45 includes an input / output device such as a touch panel. According to the control of the laundry control means 43, character figures are displayed on a display panel such as a liquid crystal display device, and input information is output to the laundry control means 43.

The drive unit 46 operates according to the control of the laundry control means 43. For example, it is a drive unit that drives a device such as a motor that rotates a washing tub, a combustor that generates heat of a dryer, and a blower that blows hot air.

The money receiving unit 48 is, for example, a slot for inserting coins. You can deposit the fee for using the first laundry equipment 6.

The money identification means 42 operates according to the control of the laundry control means 43. The inserted coin passes through the passage and moves to the coin identification means 42, identifies the denomination and authenticity of the coin, and outputs the resulting coin identification signal. For example, an identification signal corresponding to inserted coins such as 100-yen coins and 500-yen coins is output. This identification signal is also treated as a monetary signal representing an amount corresponding to the amount of money inserted. Based on this identification signal, the control means performs various processes such as causing the connected device to operate according to the amount of money.

The power supply control means 47 can select whether or not to supply electric power to the power supply control target unit 41. The power control means 47 can operate independently even when the power is supplied from the outside and the power is not supplied to the other functions of the first laundry device 6. That is, the power supply control means 47 can control the power supply to various parts of the first laundry equipment 6.

The power supply control means 47 inputs a signal from the first relay device 5, and selects whether or not to supply electric power to the power supply control target unit 41 based on the signal. The first relay device 5 and the first terminal device 4 also have independent power supplies and can operate independently. By varying the signal processing unit 39 and the output unit 40 of the first relay device 5, different types of first laundry equipment 6 can be controlled. The power ON / OFF can be controlled by the first relay device 5 regardless of the power state of the first laundry device 6.

When the first terminal device 4 is connected to the first laundry device 6, the money receiving unit 48 and the card reader 32 can be used together. It is possible to process the value obtained by adding the identification signal from the money identification means 42 and the monetary data from the card reader 32 or the point data corresponding to the monetary data as the deposited amount and output it to the laundry control means 43. it can. Further, for example, the first terminal device 4 can be attached to or detached from the first laundry device 6 later. When the first laundry device 6 does not have a function of reading and writing an IC card, the IC card can be made available by attaching the first terminal device 4.

When the first terminal device 4 is connected to the first laundry device 6, the first terminal device 4 operates with a power source different from that of the first laundry device 6, so that the power of the first laundry device 6 is turned off. Sometimes it works. Further, the first relay device 5 is also supplied with electric power by another power source. For example, the history of the operating status of the first laundry device 6 can be recorded in the history database 36. For example, when the money receiving unit 48 receives a deposit of an amount that does not operate, the deposit status can be stored in the history database 36 of the first terminal device 4. If the power supply is cut off by the power supply control means 47 in that state, the operation of the first laundry device 6 is stopped. However, in the first terminal device 4, information about the fact that the payment was in the middle and that the power was cut off remains in the history database 36. When the refund is required later, the contents of the history database 36 can be confirmed, and the situation can be confirmed accurately.

Alternatively, the laundry control means 43 can perform an operation of adding up the identification data from the money identification means 42 and the monetary data from the first terminal device 4, and process it as the deposited amount. In this case, the signal line 49 is connected, and the output from the money identification means 42 is output only to the laundry control means 43.

Further, the laundry control means 43 outputs the amount of money required for operation to the terminal control means 30 of the first terminal device 4, the first terminal device 4 displays the amount of money on the display panel 33, and the card reader 32 is IC. The monetary data corresponding to the amount of money can be deducted from the card, and the payment can be output from the terminal control means 30 to the laundry control means 43 of the first laundry device 6. An amount of money, which is a predetermined value required for the first laundry device 6 to perform a predetermined operation, is set. The first laundry device 6 performs a predetermined operation based on the monetary data from the coin or the IC card corresponding to the predetermined value. The card reader 32 reads the monetary data stored in the IC card, calculates monetary data obtained by subtracting a predetermined value corresponding to a predetermined operation from the monetary data, and writes the monetary data of the calculation result to the IC card. It works. Such a process is a process of obtaining compensation for the service. After writing the monetary data of the calculation result to the IC card, the terminal control means 30 outputs the monetary signal corresponding to the monetary data of the calculation result to the first laundry device 6.

Here, when the first terminal device 4 is not directly connected to the first laundry device 6, the output of the money identification means 42 is an identification signal corresponding to the coins deposited when the signal line 49 is connected to the laundry control means 43. The monetary signal is input by the laundry control means 43, and the operation of the first laundry device 6 is controlled. For example, if a predetermined amount of money is deposited, the first laundry device 6 is operated for a predetermined time.

The first terminal device 4 can be configured separately from the first laundry device 6, and can be used in various ways such as when the first terminal device 4 is removed.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating another example of the deposit means. A two-dimensional code is displayed on the display panel 33 of the first terminal device 4 connected to the first laundry device 6, and is recognized by the mobile phone 51, which is a unique device of the user owned by the user, so that payment can be made. It is a device. Since there is no need to use an IC card or money, there is an advantage that it can be operated safely without storing money in the coin laundry.

The mobile phone 51 is equipped with a first image input means 52 such as an electronic camera, and has a function of recording an image. Further, the mobile phone 51 is equipped with a liquid crystal display device 53 which is a display means, and can display characters, figures, and the like. Further, the mobile phone 51 is a mobile device such as a smartphone that can be connected to the Internet via a base station. Such a two-dimensional code payment system can be used by using the mobile phone 51, which is a unique device of the user owned by the user. A payment server capable of two-dimensional code payment is connected to the Internet.

The first laundry device 6 is connected to the first terminal device 4. Clothes and the like can be put in the clothes throwing part 50 and washed, dried and the like. The first terminal device 4 is provided with a second image input means 54 such as an electronic camera capable of recording an image. The second image input means 54 is controlled by the terminal control means 30 and can record an image and generate image data. The first terminal device 4 is connected to the management device 1, and the management device 1 is connected to a wide area network such as the Internet.

Further, the first two-dimensional code 55 can be displayed on the display panel 33 of the first terminal device 4. The first two-dimensional code 55 can be copied by the first image input means 52 of the mobile phone 51, stored as image data in the mobile phone 51, and various processes can be performed.

Further, the first two-dimensional code 55 displayed on the display panel 33 displays or hides line-shaped or rectangular display elements, and arranges each element vertically and horizontally to selectively display a plurality of patterns. It is possible. The more display elements there are, the more patterns can be displayed. Since each pattern can be specified individually, it is possible to link one of the patterns with the data of the amount of money as the consideration for providing the service. In addition, by specifying the displayed information and the user's unique information, it is possible to make a payment by paying the amount of consideration from the user. A payment server capable of such a service is connected by communication.

For example, the first two-dimensional code 55 displayed on the display panel 33 and the amount of money required to operate the first laundry device 6 are linked in advance and registered in a payment server (not shown). Then, the user's unique information, the mobile phone 51, and the like are also registered in the payment server in advance. The displayed first two-dimensional code 55 is read and transmitted to the payment server for payment. Since the first two-dimensional code 55, the amount of consideration for the service, and the unique information of the user to be used can be specified, payment can be made from the account designated by the user.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating still another example of the deposit means. In FIG. 4, the case where the first two-dimensional code 55 is displayed on the first terminal device 4 has been described, but here, an example in which the mobile phone 51 displays the second two-dimensional code 56 will be described.

Information that identifies the user's unique information is registered in the payment server (not shown) in advance, and the amount of money required to operate the first laundry device 6 is linked in advance and registered in the payment server (not shown). ing. In such a case, the user-specific second two-dimensional code 56 can be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 53 of the mobile phone 51. The second image input means 54 of the first terminal device 4 causes the first terminal device 4 to acquire the second two-dimensional code 56 by inserting the second two-dimensional code 56 into the imaging range 57. This makes it possible to identify the unique information of the user who owns the second two-dimensional code 56. The amount of consideration for the service is displayed on the display panel 33, and if the confirmation input for payment is input from the input means 34, the unique information of the user is specified and the amount of consideration for the service is displayed from the user's account. It can be paid and settled.

Payment using such a second two-dimensional code 56 has become widely used. The first terminal device 4 includes a display panel 33 provided with a liquid crystal display device which is a high-definition display means capable of displaying a second two-dimensional code 56, a second image input means 54 such as an electronic camera, and input from a user. The user owns a communication terminal such as a mobile phone capable of two-dimensional code payment by providing an input means 34 having a button for performing a two-dimensional code payment and a third communication means 31 capable of communicating with an external device connected to the Internet. If so, two-dimensional code payment is possible. Further, the first terminal device 4 may include a touch panel having a button for inputting the user and a display device for displaying a two-dimensional code or the like. Further, the history of these operations can be left in the history database 36 of the first terminal device 4.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the laundry system. The operation of controlling the first laundry device 6 from the user device 3 via the management device 1, the first terminal device 4, and the first relay device 5 will be described.

In step S1, the user device 3 makes a request to the management device 1 to acquire information on the laundry equipment managed by the management device 1 from the management database 23 of the management device 1. For example, it is a request for acquiring information on the power ON / OFF state of each laundry device and information on whether or not it is operating. Further, for example, the person who operates the user device 3 is a coin laundry administrator or a maintainer, and is a person who operates the power supply of the device.

In step S2, the management device 1 searches the management database 23 for the requested information based on the request from the user device 3, and transmits the result to the user device 3. For example, the information stored in the management database 23 is searched for each laundry device, the power ON / OFF status information and the information on whether or not the device is operating are acquired, and the data associated with each laundry device is obtained. Generate and send to the user device 3.

In the management database 23, a unique number is assigned to the managed laundry equipment, and various information is stored in association with each unique number.

In addition, various information is associated and stored for each unique number of the managed IC card. In addition, historical information such as used laundry equipment, used amount, and remaining amount is stored in relation to the date and time of use.

Next, in step S3, the information acquired from the management device 1 is displayed on the display screen of the user device 3. For example, for each managed laundry device, the power ON / OFF status and the status of whether or not it is operating are displayed.

Then, the user selects on the screen the laundry equipment for which the power ON / OFF is desired to be switched. The screen operation is not shown. Further, it is instructed to turn off the power of the selected laundry equipment when it is on, and to turn it on when it is off. Control information, which is an instruction command, is generated according to the content of the instruction and transmitted to the management device 1. The user device 3 generates and transmits control information such as a command that the management device 1 can operate.

Here, a case where the first laundry device 6 is selected and an instruction to turn off the power is given will be described as an example.

Next, in step S4, the management device 1 analyzes the selected laundry equipment and information on how to control the equipment based on the control information which is the received instruction command. Since it is an instruction to turn off the first laundry device 6, a control command which is a command to control the first laundry device 6 to be turned off is generated for the first terminal device 4 connected to the first laundry device 6. It is transmitted to the first terminal device 4. The management device 1 generates and transmits a command that the first terminal device 4 can operate.

Next, in step S5, the first terminal device 4 analyzes the received control command, which is a control command, and executes processing corresponding to the control command. Based on the received command, the first relay device 5 generates an operable signal. Since the control for turning off the first laundry device 6 is performed, the first terminal device 4 generates and transmits a control signal for controlling the first laundry device 6 to be turned off to the first relay device 5. .. Here, the first relay device 5 generates an instruction signal capable of operating the first laundry device 6 based on the received control signal. The generated instruction signal is output to the power supply control means 47 of the first laundry equipment 6. The power supply control means 47 turns off the power supply based on the instruction signal. If the power is turned on, the power is turned on.

Next, in step S6, the first terminal device 4 generates a control signal for controlling the first laundry device 6 to be turned off, and stores the transmitted information in the history database 36. That is, since there is a new operation, the history database 36 is updated to add new information.

Next, in step S7, the first terminal device 4 generates information to the effect that a control signal for controlling the first laundry device 6 to be turned off has been transmitted to the first relay device 5, and the management device 1 Send to.

Next, in step S8, the management device 1 transmits to the user device 3 the information received from the first terminal device 4 to the effect that the signal for controlling the first laundry device 6 to be turned off has been transmitted.

Next, in step S9, the user device 3 receives the information that the first terminal device 4 has controlled to turn off the first laundry device 6, and the display screen indicates that the requested process has been completed. Display. By looking at the display, the user can recognize that the requested processing has been completed.

In this way, the request from the user device 3 to the laundry device can be executed via the management device 1, the first terminal device 4, and the first relay device 5.

The first terminal device 4 stores the history of the processing in the history database 36. The management device 1 normally performs polling processing, and periodically acquires history information of each terminal device. The first terminal device 4 is no exception, and periodically confirms whether or not the history has been updated, and if there is an update, new history information is acquired from the history database 36. A short interval of about 1 minute is preferable, but since the history does not change frequently, it can be performed every 1 to 10 minutes. However, since the ON / OFF of the power supply is important information for the operation, the history information may be acquired when the management device 1 recognizes that the ON / OFF process of the laundry equipment is completed. For example, when the instruction completion information is transmitted from the first terminal device 4 to the management device 1 in step S7 and the management device 1 receives the information, the presence or absence of updating the history information to the first terminal device 4 is exceptional. Check, and if the history information is updated, acquire new history information. The acquired history information can also be stored in the management database 23 in association with the target laundry equipment.

1 Management device 2 Network 3 User device 4 1st terminal device 5 1st relay device 6 1st laundry device 7 2nd terminal device 8 2nd relay device 9 2nd laundry device 10 3rd terminal device 11 3rd relay device 12 3 Laundry equipment 20 Management device Control means 21 First communication means 22 Memory 23 Management database 24 Second communication means 25 Card issuing device 26 Deposit / withdrawal means 27 Touch panel 50 Clothes insertion unit 51 Mobile phone 52 First image input means 53 Liquid crystal display device 54 Second image input means 55 First two-dimensional code 56 Second two-dimensional code

Claims (8)

Laundry equipment and
A management device that is connected to the laundry equipment by communication and manages the laundry equipment.
In a laundry system that controls the laundry device from an external device connected to the management device by communication via the management device.
A terminal device connected to the laundry device and arranged in the middle of the connection path between the laundry device and the management device.
A signal processing means connected to the terminal device and the laundry device and converting a control signal from the terminal device into an instruction signal capable of operating the laundry device is provided, and the instruction signal converted by the signal processing means is used. It has a relay device that outputs to the laundry equipment, and has
The laundry equipment
A first control means that inputs a monetary signal corresponding to the amount of money inserted and controls execution of a predetermined operation based on the monetary signal.
An input means for inputting the instruction signal including information on whether or not to supply electric power to the laundry equipment, and
A power control means for controlling the power supply to the laundry equipment based on the instruction signal, and
Have,
The terminal device is
A first communication means that connects to a local area network and communicates with the management device,
A card reader that reads and writes IC cards,
The IC card set in the card reader is read / written, and from the monetary data stored in the IC card, a predetermined value corresponding to the amount of money required for the laundry equipment to perform the predetermined operation is obtained. It has a second control means that controls to reduce and update, generate the monetary signal corresponding to the predetermined value, and output the generated monetary signal to the first control means.
The second control means further inputs a control command from the management device, analyzes the control command, generates the control signal in which the relay device can operate, and controls to output the control signal to the relay device.
The management device is
It has a second communication means to connect to the local area network, and has
When the control information for remotely controlling the laundry device is received from the external device,
Converting the control information into the control command that can be operated by the terminal device, transmitting the control information to the terminal device via the second communication means, and controlling the laundry device via the terminal device and the relay device. Laundry system featuring. The power supply control means controls ON or OFF of the power supply of the laundry equipment.
The management device, the terminal device, the relay device, and the laundry device are each supplied with electric power from different power sources.
When the management device receives the information for turning the power ON or OFF for the laundry device as the control information,
As the control command, the management device generates the control command based on the information of turning on or off the power supply and transmits the control command to the terminal device.
As the control signal, the terminal device generates the control signal based on the information of turning on or off the power supply and transmits the control signal to the relay device.
As the instruction signal, the relay device generates the instruction signal based on the information of turning on or off the power supply and outputs the instruction signal to the laundry equipment, regardless of the state of the power supply of the laundry equipment. The laundry system according to claim 1, wherein the control means turns on or off the power of the laundry device based on the information of turning on or off the power. The laundry equipment
A means of accepting money and a means of accepting money,
A money identification means that identifies the money and outputs an identification signal that is the identification result.
Have,
The identification signal is output from the money identification means to the second control means, and the identification signal is output to the second control means.
The second control means is characterized in that the input identification signal is used to generate the monetary signal having a value corresponding to the monetary data, and the generated monetary signal is output to the first control means. 1 or the laundry system according to claim 2. The laundry system according to claim 3, wherein the second control means calculates the amount of money input based on the identification signal and the predetermined value, and generates the monetary signal. .. The terminal device has a history database that stores information on the history of operations of the terminal device.
The second control means controls reading and writing of data to and from the history database.
Any of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the control signal is output from the terminal device to the relay device, the history database is updated by adding the output information of the control signal. The laundry system described in item 1. The management device has a management database in which the first control means controls reading and writing.
When the data in the history database is changed by periodically communicating with the terminal device, the data in the history database is acquired and the data in the management database is updated based on the acquired data. The laundry system according to claim 5, which is characterized. When the control signal is output from the terminal device to the relay device, the management device communicates with the terminal device in addition to the periodic communication to acquire data in the history database. The laundry system according to claim 6, wherein the data in the management database is updated based on the acquired data. The terminal device further includes an image input means for inputting an image and a display means for displaying the image.
The two-dimensional code for specifying the user's unique information displayed on the user's unique device by the image input means is input, or the two-dimensional code displayed by the display means is input by the unique device. The laundry system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the unique information is specified.

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