JP2006209673A - Distributed output collection and delivery system, management device, control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a distributed output collection and delivery system efficiently producing articles and delivering the articles to a place a user requests quickly without increasing the cost of a new equipment investment and that of physical distribution. <P>SOLUTION: The distributed output collection and delivery system is provided with: a control center computer 101 for controlling the distributed production of print articles and the collection and delivery of the print articles; a production infrastructure 104 installed in each of a plurality of stores 103; and delivery vehicles 105 for rounding the stores for collecting and delivering the print articles. When receiving a print order from a customer, the control center computer 101 distributes print jobs to each store in accordance with the content of the print jobs, the operational state of the production infrastructures 104, and the delivery state of the delivery vehicles 105. The delivery vehicles 105 round each store to which the print jobs are distributed to collect the print articles, and deliver the print articles to a specified store for receiving the print articles. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a distributed output collection and delivery system, a management apparatus, a control method, and a program that are applied when quickly delivering a product to a user who desires a short delivery time without incurring new capital investment or logistics costs.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a system capable of processing including creation of products corresponding to various product needs from users and delivery of products using a delivery infrastructure (hereinafter referred to as infrastructure). The following various proposals have been made for this type of system.

1. In the case of a system with a print base capable of mass printing and a dedicated delivery infrastructure A print production base capable of handling a large amount of print output is set up in the suburbs, and prints are delivered at a dealership near the customer's home As for the form, a technique relating to a method (server and management program) for determining an optimum route to a print production base, an agency, and an agency has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In addition, a technique related to a method of transferring print order information to another production base when a print order cannot be processed at one base when the print production bases have different operating times has been proposed (for example, patents). Reference 2).

2. When using public transport for the distribution infrastructure and using the print base as a public transport window There are examples of reducing the delivery cost by using the public transport route as the distribution infrastructure. For example, when using railway lines, each station A technique relating to a method of installing a printer and a print server for each and executing printing based on the railway line situation and a user's desired receiving location has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 3).
JP 2003-16148 A JP 2003-6480 A JP 2001-256024 A

  However, the system capable of processing including product delivery from execution of product creation in the conventional example has the following problems.

1. In the case of a system having a print base capable of mass printing and a dedicated delivery infrastructure In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-16148, it is necessary to secure a space for installing the print base, but the print base is installed in the suburbs. In many cases, a dedicated collection and delivery system has been constructed to deliver goods to users and deliver consumables. Therefore, there is a problem that the distribution cost and the cost for infrastructure management increase. In addition, since there is a difference in the delivery infrastructure status from the print base to individual users, there is a problem that the delivery time of the products varies.

  In the case of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-6480, when a print order cannot be processed at one site, print order information is transferred to another production site, so printing is performed at a site far from the user. . As a result, it is expected that delivery cost, delivery date, etc. will be required.

2. When using public transportation as a delivery infrastructure and using a print base as a public transportation window In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-256024, the operation schedule of public transportation is basically determined based on the usage status of the transportation user. Has been. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to respond flexibly to various print orders (delivery dates, etc.).

  In addition, the public transportation window is expected to be crowded every day, and there is a problem that it is convenient for the user as a window for ordering prints.

  Further, when the delivery vehicle is involved in an accident or traffic jam while transporting the print output product, in the case of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-16148 or Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-6480, it is due to the arrival delay of the delivery vehicle. Delivery delays cannot be avoided. Even if another flight is sent out, the delivery is from the production base, so if the destination is far from the production base, the delay in delivery cannot be avoided.

  In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-256024, as described above, the operation schedule of public transportation is basically determined based on the use status of the transportation user, but there are accidents and traffic jams in public transportation. Even if it occurs, there is a problem that it is impossible to get off the route like a private delivery vehicle, and there is only a way to wait until the accident and traffic jam are resolved.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a distributed output collection / delivery system, a management device, a control method, and the like that can efficiently create a product and quickly deliver it to a user's desired location without incurring new capital investment or logistics costs, And providing a program.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, the distributed output collection and delivery system of the present invention includes a production unit that is installed at each of a plurality of production sites, and a delivery unit that circulates the production sites and collects and delivers products. The production means and the management means for managing the delivery means are communicably connected via a communication medium, and when the management means receives an order for the production of a product, the order contents of the product and the operating status of the production means, According to the delivery status of the delivery means, the production of the ordered product is distributed to production bases, and the production means of the production base to which the production of the goods is distributed produces the products based on instructions from the management means. The delivery means collects the products produced at the production base to which the production of the products is allocated and delivers the products to a product delivery place.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, the management apparatus of the present invention manages production means installed at each of a plurality of production bases to produce products, and delivery means for circulating the production bases and collecting and delivering the goods. A management apparatus for monitoring the operating status of the production means; a delivery status monitoring means for monitoring the delivery status of the delivery means; Create a schedule for allocating the production of the ordered product to the production base in consideration of the processing capability of the production means installed at each production site according to the operation status of the production means and the delivery status of the delivery means Means.

  Further, in the distributed output collection and delivery system according to the present invention, the management means determines that the delay due to the interruption is large when the production means at any production base interrupts the production means during product production based on the order. In some cases, the schedule may be changed, and when it is determined that the delay due to the interruption is small, the production of the product by the production means may be resumed after the interruption.

  According to the present invention, production means installed at a plurality of production bases scattered in a region are managed in a unified manner, and a distributed production / delivery environment for goods including collection and delivery of goods according to user orders is provided. Can be built. As a result, it is possible to efficiently produce, for example, a small / medium quantity product and quickly deliver it to the product delivery location without incurring new capital investment and logistics costs, and provide convenience to the user.

  In addition, since the production of products is preferentially distributed to production bases located on the delivery route including the product delivery location, it is possible to collect products using existing delivery means (delivery infrastructure), and the cost of the delivery infrastructure Can be reduced.

  In addition, if the arrival of the delivery means to the goods delivery place is delayed for a certain time or more, in order to collect the goods to the production base located on another delivery route, and collect and deliver the goods by other delivery means, It is possible to minimize the delay in the arrival time of the delivery means to the product delivery location. For example, even if a traffic jam or accident occurs on the delivery route, it is possible to prevent a situation in which delivery of the product to the user is greatly delayed. It becomes possible.

  In addition, in order to determine the start time of product production by calculating backward from the expected end time of product production at each production base so that the production of products ends before the estimated arrival time of the delivery means to each production base, It is possible to deliver products to the product delivery location in as short a time as possible, shorten the operation time of the production means, and eliminate waste such as discarding the products produced at the production base without going to collection. It becomes possible.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a distributed output collection and delivery system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, the distributed output collection and delivery system manages print production base areas 100a, 100b, and 100c each having a production infrastructure 104 installed in a plurality of stores 103 scattered in a region, and a plurality of production infrastructures 104 and a delivery infrastructure. A management center computer (server) 101, a terminal 102 owned by a print orderer, a delivery vehicle 105 as a delivery infrastructure that circulates between a plurality of stores and collects and delivers a printed product, and a wireless communication base A station 107 and an external WAN (Wide Area Network) 108 are provided.

  In this embodiment, a print product is a print output product (print product) that is a result of image formation and output on a recording medium such as paper, and a production infrastructure is an image of a copying machine, a printer, or the like. It is a forming device, and the delivery infrastructure is defined as delivery means including a delivery vehicle (dedicated vehicle) that travels around each store 103, a delivery vehicle of a courier, and a delivery vehicle of a mail carrier.

  A terminal (WEB terminal) 102 such as a personal computer (PC) of a print orderer, a production infrastructure 104 such as a copying machine or a printer disposed in a store 103 serving as a print production base, and management for managing print orders and delivery Data can be communicated with the center computer 101 by an external WAN 108 typified by a network such as the Internet via a device such as a router or a modem (not shown) for connecting a terminal or a LAN (Local Area Network) to the Internet. It is connected to the.

  Each of the print production base areas 100a, 100b, and 100c is a print production group area in which a plurality of stores 103, which are print production bases scattered in a region, are installed. Print output products (hereinafter referred to as print products) output from the production infrastructure 104 of each store 103 are delivered according to a delivery route 106 by a delivery vehicle 105 that regularly delivers between a plurality of stores in the print production base areas 100a, 100b, and 100c. to recover. The delivery vehicle 105 and the management center computer 101 are connected to a wireless network via a wireless communication network 109 and a wireless communication base station 107 by a wireless communication terminal such as a wireless LAN or a mobile phone. Communication is possible.

  The stores 103, which are print production bases scattered in the region, are stores such as convenience stores (hereinafter abbreviated as convenience stores) and copy shops, and production infrastructures 104 such as copiers and printers are installed in the stores. If the target store is a convenience store, the delivery vehicle 105 is a convenience store-only vehicle that delivers the stores 103 scattered in the target area along the determined delivery route 106, and regularly delivers and collects packages. This includes delivery vehicles of courier companies that perform delivery services and delivery vehicles of the Postal Service that regularly deliver and collect postal items.

  Next, the operation in the distributed output collection system will be described.

  First, print order information is transmitted from the terminal 102 of the print orderer to the management center computer 101 via the external WAN 108. The print order information is composed of order information related to printing such as image data to be printed, the number of prints, the size and type of the recording medium, and information related to reception such as a desired receipt time of a print product and a reception designated store.

  Upon receiving the print order information from the terminal 102, the management center computer 101 determines which store's production infrastructure 104 to use among a plurality of stores 103 scattered in the region based on the print order information. The print production base area where the receipt designated store instructed by the order information is located is selected. Next, the management center computer 101 calculates the print amount and print finish time necessary for execution of the print order, the calculation result, the delivery status (delivery schedule) of the delivery vehicle 105, and the operation status of the production infrastructure 104. Based on (usage status) and the like, it is determined how many print jobs are distributed to which store, and a print job execution command is issued to the production infrastructure 104 of each store.

  At the same time, the management center computer 101 instructs the delivery vehicle 105 via the wireless communication network 109 to collect the printed products output at each store and deliver them to the receiving designated store designated by the print orderer. put out. At this time, if it is more efficient for delivery to deliver the printed product to another delivery vehicle at a store on the way than delivery from one delivery vehicle to the designated store for delivery, Naturally, the management center computer 101 performs scheduling so that the collected printed products are delivered to another store that is not the designated receipt store, and then delivered to the designated receipt store by another delivery vehicle. Give instructions.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the management center computer 101, the production infrastructure 104, and the delivery vehicle 105.

  2, the production infrastructure 104 includes an image information input unit 201, a user input / output terminal unit 202, an image forming unit 203, and a network communication unit 204. The delivery vehicle 105 includes a current position information transmission unit 206, an information input / output terminal 207, and a mobile phone 208. The management center computer 101 includes a communication unit 209, a job reception unit 210, a job schedule unit 211, a delivery vehicle schedule unit 212, a storage unit 213, a traffic information recognition unit 214, a delivery vehicle state recognition unit 215, a print state monitoring unit 216, An accounting information management unit 217 and a customer information management unit 218 are provided.

  In the production infrastructure 104, the image information input unit 201 reads an image from a document or directly reads image information stored in a medium or the like. A user input / output terminal unit (hereinafter, abbreviated as an operation unit) 202 is configured to make settings for normal copying and input / output settings for information required when requesting mass print output (for example, output number setting / print product) The delivery method), and has a complex function such as calculating and displaying the cost required for the print output requested by the customer.

  The image forming unit 203 performs a printing operation for actually forming an image on a recording medium in accordance with the image input information from the image information input unit 201. The network communication unit 204 is connected to the management center computer 101 via the external WAN 108 and exchanges information input / output by the operation unit 202.

  Further, the store visitor recognition device 205 installed at the checkout (registration) (not shown) of each store counts the number of store visitors based on the detection of the store visitors, and stores the number of store visitor information for each hour of the production infrastructure 104. The data is sent to the operation unit 202. In addition, a tray with a security cover that can be key-locked (a storage box with a key) as a countermeasure against leakage of personal information in the production infrastructure 104 of each store so that the contents of printed products at the store are not leaked to third parties. ) Etc. to prevent leakage of personal information.

  In the delivery vehicle 105, the current position information transmission unit 206 transmits current position information for notifying the management center computer 101 of the current position of the delivery vehicle 105 via GPS (Global Positioning Systems). The information input / output terminal 207 outputs information such as the collection status of the printed products output from the production infrastructure 104 of each store to the management center computer 101 and acquires desired information from the management center computer 101. The information input / output terminal 207 is connected to the external WAN 108 via the mobile phone 208 or the like.

  In the management center computer 101, the communication unit 209 exchanges various information with the production infrastructure 104 in each store 103 connected to the external WAN 108, and further, with the print orderer's terminal 102 connected to the external WAN 108. Exchanges print order information. The job receiving unit 210 receives a print order directly input from the print orderer's terminal 102 or the like to the WEB site of the management center computer 101 via the external WAN 108 or a print order from a customer who visits each store. Receive and create a print job for each print order. Print order data created as a print job is stored in the storage unit 213.

  The delivery vehicle schedule part 212 grasps the delivery schedule of the delivery vehicle 105 that circulates each store 103 grouped in the optimum area. The traffic information recognition unit 214 receives road traffic information and the like of the area where each delivery vehicle 105 is traveling. The delivery vehicle status recognition unit 215 recognizes the collection and delivery status of the printed goods by the actual patrol of the delivery vehicle 105 based on information input from the delivery vehicle 105. The print status monitoring unit 216 monitors and grasps the execution status of a print job (including a copy print job of a customer who visits the store directly and makes a copy) for which print output is executed in the production infrastructure 104 of each store. To do.

  The job schedule unit 211 determines the contents of the print job created by the job reception unit 210 (print job priority based on the size of the print job, deadline information indicating the date and time the customer wants to receive the print product, etc.). The print status monitoring unit 216 grasps the use status (operation status) of the production infrastructure 104 of each store connected to the external WAN 108. The job schedule unit 211 further grasps the delivery status of the delivery vehicle 105 determined from the information input from the delivery vehicle status recognition unit 215 / traffic information recognition unit 214 / delivery vehicle schedule unit 212.

  The job schedule unit 211 collects the printed product printed out by the delivery vehicle 105 from the end of each print job at each store based on the grasped composite information, at each store 103. Distribute print output by optimally allocating print jobs ordered by customers to each store so that the time required for delivery including the distribution of printed products and delivery of printed products to customers is optimal. Execute job scheduling so that

  The billing information management unit 217 outputs a print order to a customer who directly places a print order at each store, or to a customer who places a print order directly from the WEB site to the management center computer 101 via the external WAN 108. The necessary cost is calculated, and the calculation result is sent to the operation unit 202 of the production infrastructure 104 of each store for the order through each store and directly to the terminal 102 of the print orderer for the order through the WEB site. Etc., and simultaneously managed as one piece of print job information.

  The customer information management unit 218 stores and manages customer information by using an ID and a password every time there is a print order from the customer, and assumes that there is a print order from the same customer again. In this case, the customer information is managed so that the customer information can be easily called with an ID and a password so as to eliminate troublesomeness such as re-input of the customer information. Note that the customer information management unit 218 and the billing information management unit 217 prevent information leakage by protecting the access via the external WAN 108 several times.

  Next, the operation of the distributed output collection and delivery system of the present embodiment having the above configuration will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an outline of a print order flow in the distributed output collection and delivery system.

  In FIG. 3, a print order flow is a process showing a flow from when a customer places a print order until the management center computer 101 accepts the print order. The horizontal direction shows the production infrastructure (copier) 104 and the management center computer 101 which are components of the distributed output collection system, and the vertical direction shows the time series from the top to the bottom.

  When a customer intends to use the distributed output collection system, it is necessary to first register the manuscript and the manuscript data at the order reception desk of the distributed output collection system, but the registration is performed by one of the following registration methods.

  The first registration method is a method of bringing a document or a storage medium storing document data into, for example, a convenience store located near the customer's home. In a convenience store, when a manuscript is brought in by a customer, the brought manuscript is attached to the image information input unit 201 of the production infrastructure 104 (in the case of a copier) installed in the store or the production infrastructure 104 (in the case of a printer). The original image is read by the scanner. Document data read from the document is transmitted to the management center computer 101 via the external WAN 108 (step S301).

  In this case, the print output size desired by the customer, the type of print output medium, the finishing method such as binding the print output medium (staple processing), the number of copies, the print quality, etc. are simultaneously displayed on the operation unit 202 of the production infrastructure 104 of the store. Input from. Further, customer data such as the customer's name, age, and gender is also input from the operation unit 202 of the production infrastructure 104. These output setting information and document data are encrypted by the production infrastructure 104 and then transmitted to the management center computer 101 via the external WAN 108 at the same time.

  Upon receiving the document data and the output setting information, the management center computer 101 first determines the amount to be charged to the customer by the charging information management unit 217 based on the document image and the output setting desired by the customer. The management center computer 101 encrypts the billing information by the customer information management unit 218 and then transmits it to the production infrastructure 104 at the convenience store via the external WAN 108.

  Thereby, the amount related to the print order is displayed on the operation unit 202 of the production infrastructure 104 (step S302). Based on the displayed amount, the customer finally determines whether or not to place a print order. If the customer decides to place a print order, he selects an order decision button (not shown) on the operation unit 202 of the production infrastructure 104. As a result, the billing information approved by the customer in the production infrastructure 104 is encrypted again and transmitted to the management center computer 101 via the external WAN 108 (step S303).

  As a result, the management center computer 101 determines that the print order has been accepted, and registers the customer information of the customer who has accepted the print order in the customer information management unit 218. Further, the management center computer 101 registers the billing information in the billing information management unit 217. Then, the management center computer 101 sends the received document data and output setting information to the job schedule unit 211.

  The second registration method is a method of accessing the management center computer 101 of the distributed output collection and delivery system disclosed on the external WAN 108 represented by the Internet from the terminal (WEB terminal) 102 and uploading the document data. The customer himself creates document data using word processing software installed in the terminal 102 or reads the document using a scanner he owns. Document data read from the document is registered at the terminal 102 and transmitted to the management center computer 101 via the external WAN 108 (step S301).

  In this case, the print output size desired by the customer, the type of print output medium, the finishing method such as binding the print output medium (staple processing), the number of copies, the print quality, and the like are simultaneously input from the operation unit of the terminal 102. . Furthermore, customer data such as the customer's name, age, and sex is also input from the operation unit of the terminal 102. The output setting information and document data are encrypted by the terminal 102 and then transmitted to the management center computer 101 via the external WAN 108 at the same time. Further, in the case of a print order via the external WAN 108, a nearby convenience store is selected from the list of stores displayed on the terminal 102 as a place where a print product is desired to be received, and is input. On the other hand, if the user wishes to receive a printed product at home, the home address and telephone number are entered.

  When the management center computer 101 receives the document data and the output setting information transmitted from the terminal 102, first, based on the document image and the output setting desired by the customer, the amount charged to the customer by the charging information management unit 217 is calculated. decide. The management center computer 101 encrypts the billing information by the customer information management unit 218 and then transmits it to the customer's WEB terminal via the external WAN 108.

  As a result, the amount related to the print order is displayed on the customer terminal 102 (step S302). Based on the displayed amount, the customer finally determines whether or not to place a print order. If the customer decides to place a print order, he selects an order decision button (not shown) on the terminal 102. As a result, the billing information approved by the customer at the terminal 102 is encrypted again and then transmitted to the management center computer 101 via the external WAN 108 (step S303).

  As a result, the management center computer 101 determines that the print order has been accepted, and registers the customer information of the customer who has accepted the print order in the customer information management unit 218. Further, the management center computer 101 registers the billing information in the billing information management unit 217. Then, the management center computer 101 sends the received document data and output setting information to the job schedule unit 211.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an outline of a distributed print job schedule in the distributed output collection and delivery system.

  In FIG. 4, the distributed print job schedule is a schedule for distributing print jobs to a plurality of production infrastructures 104 and printing them out. The horizontal direction shows the management center computer 101 and the production infrastructure (copier A, copier B, copier C) 103 which are components of the distributed output collection system, and the vertical direction is time series from top to bottom. Is shown.

  First, the management center computer 101 determines a delivery destination store when it is necessary to deliver a print product to a store where a customer has placed a print order or a store that the customer desires to receive. When the delivery destination store is determined, the management center computer 101 selects, from the delivery route group of the delivery vehicle, a delivery route capable of collecting the printed products to a desired store and a convenience store on the delivery route. For print jobs that require finishing, it is possible to collect print products from a route that goes around a store where the production infrastructure 104 equipped with the finishing mechanism is installed and from a store where the production infrastructure 104 equipped with the finishing mechanism is installed. Select a convenient store.

  Next, the management center computer 101 inquires the production infrastructure 104 installed in each store on the delivery route about the current situation (step S401). The contents to be inquired are the current usage status (operation status) of the production infrastructure 104, the durability status of consumables such as paper and toner, the usage history of past visitors, the status of the operation rate due to jams, and the like. These data are transmitted from the production infrastructure 104 to the management center computer 101 via the external WAN 108 (step S402).

  The management center computer 101 receives the data and performs distributed scheduling of print jobs so that the printing is finished by the desired reception time requested by the customer and the collection of the printed products by the delivery vehicle is finished. Then, the management center computer 101 transmits a print job to the production infrastructure 104 of each store based on the distributed scheduling (step S403).

  As a specific example, a case of basic distributed scheduling excluding complicated conditions such as traffic conditions will be described. For example, with respect to the current time 15:00, the estimated arrival times of delivery vehicles to the stores A, B, C, and D are 15:30, 16:00, 16:30, and 17:00, respectively. Also, assume that 250 copies are printed and delivered to store D. The print speeds determined from the respective histories at stores A, B, and C are 60 sheets / minute, 30 sheets / minute, and 60 sheets / minute, respectively. When the time from the current time in the stores A, B, and C to the arrival of the delivery vehicle is compared, they are 30 minutes, 1 hour, and 1 hour 30 minutes, respectively. As a result, the load distribution ratio according to the print time is a ratio of 1: 2: 3. At the same time, the load distribution ratio according to the printing speed is a ratio of 2: 1: 2.

  As described above, in this distributed print scheduling, the store A is instructed to print 50 copies, the store B is 50 copies, and the store C is 150 copies. When the print job is completed, the production infrastructure 104 in each store notifies the management center computer 101 of the end of the print job (step S404).

  For example, when an interrupt print job is generated by a visitor in a production infrastructure 104 (copier) of a certain store, the production infrastructure 104 notifies the management center computer 101 that an interruption has occurred.

  The management center computer 101 temporarily interrupts the print job requested to the production infrastructure 104 in which the interruption has occurred, and determines from the past print job status in the store where the interruption has occurred, and determines that the delay due to the interruption is large. If so, reschedule for the remaining print jobs. In other words, the production infrastructure 104 that allows time for the arrival of the delivery flight on the same delivery route and that allows the addition of an additional print job is selected, and additional printing is performed. If the management center computer 101 can determine that it will be in time for arrival of the delivery flight even if an interruption occurs, the management center computer 101 waits for the end of the interruption and starts the print job again.

  Further, when the operation of the production infrastructure 104 is stopped due to, for example, a paper jam and the down time occurs, the production infrastructure 104 notifies the management center computer 101 that the down time has occurred.

  The management center computer 101 reschedules the print job requested to the production infrastructure 104 in which the down time has occurred. In other words, the production infrastructure 104 that allows time for the arrival of the delivery flight on the same delivery route and that allows the addition of an additional print job is selected, and additional printing is performed.

  When the management center computer 101 performs distributed scheduling of print jobs for the production infrastructure 104 installed in each store, the management center computer 101 makes a print request by adding an additional print page to the head of each divided print job. The additional print page is handled as a document different from the original print data, and is scheduled so that sheets are not combined into the same bundle during finishing such as stapling.

  As the additional print page, customer information encrypted in a barcode is printed. In addition, the additional print page includes information for preventing mistakes of the delivery vehicle driver when delivering and collecting printed products, such as the destination store name, delivery route name, output store name, and output time of the delivery vehicle. Printed. In addition, the delivery vehicle driver checks the checklist when his / her work is completed, so that no work leakage occurs.

  In performing distributed scheduling of print jobs, the management center computer 101 performs distributed calibration processing on a target production infrastructure group, particularly when performing color printing, and applies it to the production infrastructure 104 installed in each store. It requests the user to transmit color information (information indicating color density). The production infrastructure 104 installed in each store performs predetermined density control, and then creates current output density and gradation level data and transmits the data to the management center computer 101.

  Based on the above data, the management center computer 101 supplements gradation linearity for print jobs that require distributed processing to each production infrastructure 104 to create data, and then transmits the print jobs. Further, when the color information received from the production infrastructure 104 is not guaranteed within a desired range, the production infrastructure 104 may be excluded from the target of distributed scheduling.

  When the production infrastructure 104 installed in each store is a copying machine, the printer function for outputting data to a recording medium such as paper is mainly used, and the scanner function for reading an image from a document and converting it into electronic data The printer function and the scanner function can be provided to the store visitor.

  As a result of distributed scheduling of print jobs by the management center computer 101, if individual received print jobs are output from the corresponding production infrastructure 104, security is not possible when using the store by inserting coins. In order not to cause a problem, it is output to a tray with a security cover that can be key-locked and is provided in the production infrastructure 104. When the driver of the delivery vehicle 105 collects the printed product from each store and turns around, the driver unlocks the key cover of the tray with the security cover, takes out the printed product in the tray, and then instructs the additional print page of the printed product. To the delivery destination store.

  The status of consumables such as paper and toner used in the production infrastructure 104 installed in each store is sequentially notified to the management center computer 101. As a result, the management center computer 101 may reduce the allocation of print jobs to be distributed to the production infrastructure 104 with a small amount of consumables, especially paper. However, the management center computer 101 simultaneously delivers stock paper to a store that has a shortage to a surplus store so that there is no problem with the distributed scheduling of print jobs due to a decrease in allocation. Instruct. This instruction is simultaneously printed on the additional print page added to the print job.

  When the driver of the delivery vehicle 105 collects the printed product from each store and travels around, the driver reads the instruction to deliver the surplus of consumables such as paper and toner from the additional print page at the same time. To deliver between stores. Alternatively, the management center computer 101 instructs the delivery vehicle 105 to go to the delivery center that stocks the consumables on the delivery route and supply the consumables.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an outline of a delivery vehicle delivery schedule in the distributed output collection and delivery system.

  In FIG. 5, the delivery vehicle delivery schedule is a schedule related to the delivery of printed goods in a plurality of delivery vehicles 105. The horizontal direction indicates a delivery vehicle group (delivery vehicles A, B, and C) that are components of the distributed output collection and delivery system, the GPS for the current position information confirmation system, the management center computer 101, and road traffic information. Shows the time series from top to bottom.

  The delivery vehicles 105 (including the case of a plurality of vehicles) traveling around each store always manage the current location information from the current location information transmission unit 206 installed in the delivery vehicles 105 via a GPS wireless network or the like. To the center computer 101 (step S501). Further, the management center computer 101 always grasps the traffic situation from the network such as VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System) and the operation situation of the delivery vehicle 105 (step S502).

  First, when a print job is generated (F501), the management center computer 101 analyzes the contents of the print job and the traffic situation acquired from the delivery vehicle 105, road traffic information, etc., and distributes the print job. The print job contents and delivery route are notified to the information input / output terminal 207 of the delivery vehicle 105 (step S503). The notified print job content is information indicating a store that is printing or a store that is scheduled to print.

  As an example of notification of the contents of the print job, there is a method of displaying on the display unit of the delivery vehicle 105 a screen in which the store, the print job amount (number of print copies) performed at the store, and the delivery destination are described.

  As a result, the driver of the delivery vehicle 105 receives a print product by a print job executed by the store clerk in the production infrastructure 104 together with the delivery collection operation of other products at the store at the store. At this time, the store clerk transmits a print merchandise receipt notification to the management center computer 101 via the network communication unit 204 of the production infrastructure 104 and the driver of the delivery vehicle 105 via the information input / output terminal 207 (step S504).

  As an example of notification of receipt of a printed product, a store clerk reads a bar code of an additional print page at the top of the printed product at a store cash register, and a delivery vehicle driver sends the information input / output terminal 207 in the delivery vehicle to the management center computer 101. There are methods such as e-mail transmission. In this case, information necessary for preventing mistakes in collection and delivery and improving efficiency is printed on the additional print page at the top of the print product.

  When the delivery vehicle 105 travels to a plurality of stores before heading to the destination store, the processes in steps S501 to S504 are repeated until the delivery vehicle 105 reaches the destination store. Further, depending on the delivery schedule of the delivery vehicle 105, the plurality of delivery vehicles 105 do not collect the print products at one place, but the print products are finally delivered to the delivery vehicle 105 heading to the destination store at a store in the middle or at a resting place. You may hand it over.

  Then, the driver of the delivery vehicle 105 ends the delivery schedule of the print job he is in charge of to the management center computer 101 by the information input / output terminal 207 as soon as the delivery schedule related to the print job (printed product) he is in charge of is finished. Is notified (step S505).

  Even when a plurality of delivery vehicles 105 perform delivery related to a printed product by scheduling of the management center computer 101, the management center computer is performed by performing the processing of the above steps S501 to S505 in each delivery vehicle 105. 101 can grasp the collection status of the printed product and the operation status of the delivery car at any time.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an outline of a print product delivery flow in the distributed output collection and delivery system.

  In FIG. 6, a print product delivery flow is a process showing a flow until a print product output based on the distributed print job schedule of FIG. 4 reaches the print orderer. The horizontal direction indicates the management center computer 101 and the print orderer, which are components of the distributed output collection system, and the vertical direction indicates time series from the top to the bottom.

  First, when the print product is completed, the management center computer 101 notifies the reception designated store of that fact, and preparation for delivering the print product to the hand of the print orderer is completed (step S601). The print orderer can pay the print fee and receive the printed merchandise at his / her preference by recognizing the slip, personal identification code, etc. received at the time of the print order at the reception designated store (step S602).

  Furthermore, if you wish to deliver the printed product to your home or office at the request of the print orderer when you place a print order, print it using the delivery vehicle of the courier or the delivery vehicle (second delivery infrastructure) of the mail carrier. Delivery to the place desired by the orderer is possible. A delivery request notification to the second delivery infrastructure is made at the time of print order, and a delivery location change request notification is made by contacting a convenience store as needed.

  The management center computer 101 instructs the second delivery infrastructure or convenience store to exchange the price of the printed product when the delivery request notification is received. When the print orderer receives the print product, the print orderer pays the second delivery infrastructure or convenience store as a price for the print product. At this time, a considerable charge is made to the print orderer as a usage fee for the second delivery infrastructure.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of print product creation and print product collection when an accident occurs on a delivery vehicle route in a distributed output collection and delivery system.

  In FIG. 7, the illustrated example best represents the features of the present invention, and stores A, stores B, stores C, stores D, stores E, stores F, and stores G exist in a predetermined area. The situation is illustrated. Each store has a copier and printer as production infrastructure. The delivery route 105 that travels around the store D, the store E, the store F, and the store G and the delivery that travels around the store A, the store B, the store C, and the store F are delivered to the delivery vehicle 105 that is a delivery infrastructure. There is route B.

  The management center computer 101 periodically monitors the delivery schedule in the delivery route A and the delivery route B, the current position of each delivery vehicle 105, the traffic situation in the delivery route A and the delivery route B, and the like. In addition, a process for calculating the estimated arrival time of the delivery vehicle 105 to each store is performed.

  As for the delivery schedule of the delivery vehicle 105 on the delivery route A, first, the scheduled arrival time at the store D is 11:00, the scheduled arrival time at the store E is 12:00, and the estimated arrival time at the store F is 13: 00, the estimated arrival time at the store G is 14:00. The delivery schedule of the delivery vehicle 105 on the delivery route B is that the scheduled arrival time at the store A is 12:00, the scheduled arrival time at the store B is 13:00, and the estimated arrival time at the store C is 10:00. At 14:00, the estimated arrival time at the store F is 15:00.

  Here, it is assumed that the store G is designated as a print merchandise receipt designated store, and a print order from a customer having a desired receipt time of 500 copies of print merchandise occurs at 11:30 in the evening. In this case, the management center computer 101 first confirms the delivery schedule in the delivery route A including the store G, which is the designated store for receiving the printed goods, the current position of the delivery vehicle 105, the traffic situation in the delivery route A, and the like.

  At this time, if no traffic accident or traffic jam has occurred on the delivery route A, the delivery vehicle 105 on the delivery route A arrives at the store G, which is a designated store for receiving printed goods, at 14:00 as scheduled. Since it is possible to collect the printed products within the customer's desired reception time by the estimated time of arrival at the store G, the management center computer 101 receives 50 print jobs corresponding to the print orders at the store E, respectively. The print order data is distributed and distributed so that F is generated in 150 copies and the store G is generated in 300 copies.

  The production infrastructure of the store E is designated immediately before the delivery vehicle 105 of the delivery route A starts printing in time for the estimated arrival time 12:00 at the store E, and immediately before the delivery vehicle 105 of the delivery route A arrives at the store E. The printed 50 copies are completed. In this case, the management center computer 101 calculates the print start time by calculating backward from the expected print end time in the production infrastructure of the store E so that the print ends before the estimated arrival time of the delivery vehicle 105 to the store E. The same applies to other stores. The delivery vehicle 105 on the delivery route A collects 50 copies at the store E and heads to the next store F.

  For example, it is assumed that an accident occurs during delivery from the store E to the store F on the delivery route A and a traffic jam occurs. At this time, the management center computer 101 judges the situation such as traffic accident information, traffic jam information, and the current position of the delivery vehicle 105, and delivers 50 copies of the print created at the store E to the delivery vehicle 105 of the delivery route A as it is. Or a new 50 copy is made at another store, and it is decided whether to deliver it by a delivery vehicle 105 of another delivery route.

  If the delivery center 105 of the delivery route A determines that the collection time of the printed product at the store G is not likely to be in time (the estimated arrival time of the delivery vehicle 105 at the store G is more than a certain time) If it is determined that it is delayed, a store and a delivery route that can produce and collect products most efficiently from another delivery route are searched. Here, the delivery route B corresponds to this.

  For example, it is assumed that the current position of the delivery vehicle 105 on the delivery route B is on the way from the store A to the store B. At this time, the management center computer 101 requests the order of 50 copies requested from the store E to the store C on the delivery route B until the time when it is determined that the delivery vehicle 105 on the route A cannot deliver. In store C, if the delivery car 105 of delivery route B starts on the way from store B to store C, it will be in time for the printed product collection time, so it will wait until printing is not started. ing.

  During this time, the management center computer 101 monitors whether the delivery vehicle 105 on the delivery route A can be delivered, and if the delivery vehicle 105 on the delivery route A becomes available for delivery during this time, the management center computer 101 sends it to the store C. The allocated 50 prints are canceled, and the delivery vehicle 105 on the delivery route A is allowed to execute delivery to the store G as it is. However, if the delivery vehicle 105 of the delivery route A is not ready for delivery by the start of printing at the store C, the management center computer 101 cancels the collection of the printed products from the delivery vehicle 105 of the delivery route A and delivers the delivery. It is assumed that print merchandise is collected and delivered using the route B delivery vehicle 105.

  In store C, 50 copies of the print are completed by 14:00, and the printed product is delivered to the delivery vehicle 105 on the delivery route B. The delivery vehicle 105 on the delivery route B then goes to the store F, and the store F completes the order print 150 before delivery vehicle 105 arrives and delivers it to the delivery vehicle 105 on the delivery route B. Next, the delivery vehicle 105 on the delivery route B receives an instruction from the management center computer 101 and performs temporary flight delivery called print product delivery to the store G that is not delivered on the normal delivery route B.

  In the store G, 300 copies of the print are executed in accordance with the arrival time (here, 16:00) of the delivery vehicle 105 on the delivery route B, which is a temporary flight. The store G receives 200 copies of the prints created and collected at the store C and the store F from the delivery vehicle 105 of the delivery route B that has arrived. A print of 500 copies is completed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the production infrastructure 104 such as copiers and printers installed in a plurality of stores scattered in the region is managed in a unified manner, and printed products are ordered according to user orders. By creating a distributed output collection and delivery system environment that includes the collection and delivery of products, it is possible to efficiently create small / medium quantity printed products desired by general users, without incurring new capital investment and logistics costs. It is possible to quickly deliver to a location desired by the user, thereby providing convenience to the user.

  In addition, in order to preferentially transfer print order data to the production infrastructure 104 of a plurality of stores located on the delivery route including the print product receiving designated store, and to distribute the production of the print products, the print utilizing the existing delivery infrastructure is used. The product can be collected, and the cost for the distribution infrastructure can be reduced.

  Further, if the arrival of the delivery vehicle 105 at the designated receipt store of the printed product is delayed for a certain time or more, the production infrastructure 104 of the store located on another delivery route not including the designated receipt store is made to act on behalf of the store. Since the goods are collected and delivered by another delivery vehicle 105 on another delivery route, it is possible to minimize the delay of the arrival time of the delivery vehicle 105 to the designated receiving store. Even when an accident or the like occurs, it is possible to prevent a situation where product delivery to the user is significantly delayed.

  In addition, since the print start time is determined by calculating backward from the expected print end time at each store so that the production of the printed product ends before the estimated arrival time of the delivery car 105 to each store, the receipt designation is performed. Product delivery to the store in as short a time as possible is possible, the operation time of the production infrastructure 104 can be shortened, and it is possible to eliminate waste such as discarding the printed product created in the store without going to collection It becomes.

[Second Embodiment]
The second embodiment of the present invention is different from the first embodiment described above in the following points. Other elements of the present embodiment correspond to those of the first embodiment (FIG. 2) described above, production infrastructure (copiers and printers), production infrastructure installation targets (stores such as convenience stores), products Since it is basically the same except for (print product), the description is omitted.

  In the first embodiment described above, creation of a print product using a production infrastructure of a store such as a convenience store has been described. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the production / delivery / delivery of parts (commodities) in a small / medium company operating a small / medium-scale factory or the like will be described. In FIG. 8, the same components as those in FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a corporate network system as a distributed output collection and delivery system in which small and medium enterprises operating small and medium-sized factories and the like according to the present embodiment are connected by a network.

  In FIG. 8, the company network system has a configuration in which a management center computer 101 and computers (not shown) installed in a plurality of parts production companies / part assembly companies 801 to 811 are connected via a network 800.

  In small and medium-sized enterprises, for example, a single component of an automobile or a single component of a printer is manufactured as a product by an NC machine tool or the like. Of course, it is possible to produce such parts by one small and medium-sized company, but as the number of parts and types of parts increases, the amount that can be produced by one small and medium-sized company is limited. It becomes almost impossible.

  In such a case, computers of parts production companies and parts assembly companies are connected by the network 800, and the production status and the like in each company are centrally managed by the management center computer 101 connected to the network 800. Further, the companies connected by the network 800 are circulated according to the production amount by the delivery infrastructure such as the delivery vehicle 105.

  By connecting small and medium enterprises operating small and medium-sized factories or the like via the network 800 in this way, a large enterprise is formed, and an amount of parts that cannot be produced by one enterprise in the enterprise is produced. To customers). Order information relating to a large number of parts that have been ordered by one company is transmitted to the management center computer 101, and the production volume at each company is determined by the management center computer 101 while the production status at each company is determined. Let them share production. Parts that have been produced and finished are collected by the delivery infrastructure such as the delivery vehicle 105, collected at the ordering company, and delivered to the ordering party (customer company) as the final product.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, a large business entity is configured by connecting small and medium-sized enterprises over a network, and according to the delivery status of the delivery infrastructure such as the delivery car 105 and the production status of each enterprise, By centrally managing the part production schedule of parts in each company by the management center computer 101, it becomes possible to effectively and optimally use the sleep machine in each company. In addition, it is possible to realize mass production of parts with a large number of parts and types that cannot be handled by one small and medium-sized company.

[Other embodiments]
In the first embodiment, the management center computer and a plurality of stores are connected as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in addition to a plurality of stores, the store network is integrated. Centers (for example, the district headquarters of a convenience store chain) may also be connected via a network, and the delivery of goods and the store network may be centrally managed.

  In the first embodiment, a convenience store has been exemplified as an object for installing production infrastructure. However, the present invention is not limited to this and may be applied to a copy shop or the like.

  In the second embodiment, the case where the management center computer and a plurality of component production companies and component assembly companies are connected by a network has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In addition to a parts assembly company, for example, a distribution company distribution center may be connected via a network so that parts / product production and distribution can be centrally managed.

  In addition, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the embodiments to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus as a storage medium. This can also be achieved by reading and executing the stored program code.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program code and the storage medium storing the program code constitute the present invention.

  Examples of the storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-RAM, and a DVD. -RW, DVD + RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, etc. can be used. Alternatively, the program code may be downloaded via a network.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. A case where part or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing is also included.

  Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. This includes a case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Further, by executing the program code read out by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the OS running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code is actually Needless to say, the present invention also includes a case in which the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by performing part or all of the processing and the processing.

  In this case, the program is supplied by downloading directly from a storage medium storing the program or from another computer or database (not shown) connected to the Internet, a commercial network, a local area network, or the like.

  The form of the program may be in the form of object code, program code executed by an interpreter, script data supplied to an OS (operating system), and the like.

1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a distributed output collection and delivery system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the management center computer 101, production infrastructure, and a delivery vehicle. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the print order flow in a distributed output collection and delivery system. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the distributed print job schedule in a distributed output collection system. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the delivery vehicle delivery schedule in a distributed output collection and delivery system. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the printed goods delivery flow in a distributed output collection and delivery system. It is a figure which shows the example of printed goods preparation and printed goods collection when an accident occurs on the delivery vehicle route in a distributed output collection and delivery system. It is a figure which shows the example of the enterprise network system as a distributed output collection and delivery system which connected the small and medium enterprises which manage the small and medium-sized factory etc. which concern on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention with a network.

Explanation of symbols

101 Management center computer (management means, management device)
103 stores (production bases)
104 Production infrastructure (production means)
105 Delivery vehicle (delivery means)
108 External WAN (communication medium)
109 Wireless communication network (communication medium)
206 Current location information sending part (sending means)
207 Information input / output terminal (notification means)
211 Job schedule section (creating means)
214 Traffic information recognition unit (Traffic information monitoring means)
215 Delivery vehicle status recognition unit (delivery status monitoring means)
216 Print status monitoring unit (operation status monitoring means)
800 network (communication medium)
801-811 Company (production base)

Claims (11)

Production means for producing products installed at each of the plurality of production bases, delivery means for circulating and collecting the goods through the production bases, and management means for managing the production means and the delivery means via a communication medium Connected to communicate
The management means distributes the production of the ordered product to the production bases according to the order contents of the product, the operation status of the production means and the delivery status of the delivery means when receiving an order for production of the product,
The production means of the production base to which the production of the product is allocated, produces the product based on the instruction of the management means,
The distributed output collection and delivery system, wherein the delivery means collects the products produced at the production base to which the production of the products is distributed and delivers the products to a product delivery place. The management means considers the operating status monitoring means for monitoring the operating status of the production means, the delivery status monitoring means for monitoring the delivery status of the delivery means, and the processing capability of the production means installed at each production site. And creating means for creating a schedule for distributing production of the ordered product to production bases,
2. The distributed output collection and delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the delivery means includes a sending means for sending a current position, and a notifying means for notifying the management means of the state of product collection.   3. The distributed output collection / delivery according to claim 2, wherein the creation unit of the management unit preferentially distributes the production of the product to the production unit of the production base located on a delivery route including the product delivery place. system. The management means further comprises traffic information monitoring means for monitoring traffic information,
The traffic information monitoring means and the delivery status monitoring means of the management means periodically monitor the traffic information of the delivery route including the commodity delivery location and the current position of the delivery means, and the delivery means to each production base Calculate the estimated arrival time for
When the creation means of the management means determines that the estimated arrival time of the delivery means to the product delivery location is delayed by a certain time or more, the creation means of the production base located on another delivery route not including the product delivery location 3. The distributed output collection and delivery system according to claim 2, wherein the production means is substituted for production of the product, and the other delivery means on the other delivery route is instructed to collect and deliver the product.   The creation means of the management means is an estimated end time of product production at the production means installed at each production base so that the production of the goods ends before the scheduled arrival time of the delivery means to each production base. The distributed output collection and delivery system according to claim 4, wherein the start time of product production is determined by calculating backward from the above.   2. The distributed output collection and delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the production means is selected from a group including an image forming apparatus for outputting a print product and a machine tool for producing a part.   2. The distributed output collection and delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the delivery means is selected from a group including a dedicated delivery vehicle that patrols each production base, a delivery vehicle of a courier service, and a delivery vehicle of a mail carrier. .   The distributed output collection and delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the production base is selected from a group including a store having an image forming apparatus and a company having a machine tool. A management device that manages production means installed at each of a plurality of production bases to produce products and a delivery means that circulates the production bases and collects and delivers the goods.
Operating status monitoring means for monitoring the operating status of the production means;
Delivery status monitoring means for monitoring the delivery status of the delivery means;
When receiving an order for production of the product, the order is received in consideration of the processing capability of the production means installed at each production base according to the order contents of the product, the operating status of the production means, and the delivery status of the delivery means. A management device comprising a creation means for creating a schedule for distributing production of products to production bases. Production means for producing products installed at each of the plurality of production bases, delivery means for circulating and collecting the goods through the production bases, and management means for managing the production means and the delivery means via a communication medium A distributed output collection and delivery system that is communicably connected,
When receiving an order for the production of the product, the management means distributes the production of the ordered product to the production base according to the order contents of the product, the operation status of the production means, and the delivery status of the delivery means, and the product The production means of the production base to which the production of the product has been distributed is made to produce the product, and the delivery means is instructed to collect the product produced at the production base to which the production of the product is assigned and deliver it to the delivery location. A control method characterized by: Production means for producing products installed at each of the plurality of production bases, delivery means for circulating and collecting the goods through the production bases, and management means for managing the production means and the delivery means via a communication medium A program for causing a computer to execute a control method of a distributed output collection and delivery system connected in a communicable manner,
When receiving an order for the production of a product, the management unit distributes the production of the ordered product to production bases according to the order content of the product, the operation status of the production unit, and the delivery status of the delivery unit; A module that causes the production means of the production base to which the production of the goods is distributed to produce the goods, and a collection and delivery place of the goods produced at the production base to which the production of the goods is distributed to the delivery means. And a module for instructing delivery of the program.

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