JP2017205967A - Printed matter delivery system, printed matter delivery management apparatus and printed matter delivery method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printed matter delivery system which can efficiently deliver printed matters without reducing the business efficiency.SOLUTION: A printed matter delivery system which has a plurality of self-traveling image formation apparatuses, and a printed matter delivery management apparatus causing the plurality of self-traveling image formation apparatuses to execute printing and delivery of printed matters includes: a delivery time calculation unit which calculates the delivery completion time when each self-traveling image formation apparatus executes a print delivery job in a case where the print delivery job is input, and a job execution management unit which selects the self-traveling image formation apparatus for executing the print delivery job on the basis of the delivery completion time calculated by the delivery time calculation unit. The job execution management unit, when the first delivery completion time by the self-traveling image formation apparatus having a priority function is shorter than the second delivery completion time by the self-traveling image formation apparatus without the priority function, and the difference between the first delivery completion time and the second delivery completion time is less than the prescribed time, selects the self-traveling image formation apparatus without the priority function.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

  The present invention relates to a printed matter delivery system, a printed matter delivery management device, and a printed matter delivery method.

  A self-propelled image forming apparatus that has an image forming function for forming an image on a recording medium and an autonomous traveling function, executes printing based on print data input from a user terminal, and delivers printed matter to the user is known. It has been.

  In such a self-propelled image forming apparatus, when a print delivery instruction is newly received, it is determined whether or not to perform batch delivery to a plurality of delivery destinations based on the positional relationship with the delivery destination of the printed matter being delivered. Thus, a technique for improving delivery efficiency is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  Here, for example, consider a case where two self-propelled image forming apparatuses, a color machine and a monochrome machine, are provided in an office. In this case, if the color machine delivers color prints and monochrome prints at once, a user who wants to newly perform color printing will have to wait until the color machine completes delivery, which may reduce business efficiency.

  As described above, when a plurality of self-propelled image forming apparatuses having different printing functions are provided in the office, it is necessary to deliver the printed matter so as not to reduce business efficiency.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a printed matter delivery system that can deliver printed matter efficiently without lowering business efficiency.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printed matter delivery system including a plurality of self-propelled image forming apparatuses and a printed matter delivery management device that causes the plurality of self-propelled image forming apparatuses to execute printing and delivery of printed matter. A delivery time calculation unit that calculates a delivery completion time when each self-propelled image forming apparatus executes the print delivery job when a print delivery job is input, and a delivery calculated by the delivery time calculation unit A job execution management unit that selects a self-propelled image forming apparatus that executes the print delivery job based on a completion time, and the job execution management unit is a self-propelled image forming apparatus having a priority function. The first delivery completion time is shorter than the second delivery completion time by the self-propelled image forming apparatus having no priority function, and the difference between the first delivery completion time and the second delivery completion time is less than a predetermined time. Is Selecting said priority function is not self-propelled image forming apparatus.

  According to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a printed matter delivery system that can deliver printed matter efficiently without lowering business efficiency.

It is a figure which illustrates the printed matter delivery system in an embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates the composition of the self-propelled printer in an embodiment. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates the hardware constitutions of the traveling apparatus in embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates the hardware constitutions of the server in embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates the function structure of the self-propelled printer in an embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates the function structure of the server in embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of printed matter delivery processing in the first embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates the function information of a self-propelled printer. It is a figure which illustrates the print delivery job currently performed by the 1st self-propelled printer and the 2nd self-propelled printer. It is a figure which illustrates the driving | running route in which a 1st self-propelled printer and a 2nd self-propelled printer deliver printed matter. It is a figure which illustrates the delivery completion time calculation result of a 1st self-propelled printer and a 2nd self-propelled printer. It is a figure which illustrates a mode that a 1st self-propelled printer performs a print delivery job. It is a figure which illustrates a mode that a 2nd self-propelled printer performs a print delivery job. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of printed matter delivery processing in the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of a printed matter delivery process in the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of printed matter delivery processing according to a fourth embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates the delivery completion time calculation result of a 1st self-propelled printer and a 2nd self-propelled printer.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description may be omitted.

<Printed product delivery system>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a printed material delivery system 1 according to an embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printed matter delivery system 1 includes a first self-propelled printer 10a, a second self-propelled printer 10b, host terminals 20a to 20c, and a server 30. The first self-propelled printer 10a, the second self-propelled printer 10b, the host terminals 20a to 20c, and the server 30 are each connected to the network N by wire or wirelessly.

  The first self-propelled printer 10a and the second self-propelled printer 10b are an example of a self-propelled image forming apparatus. An image forming function for forming an image on a recording medium and an obstacle along a set traveling path are provided. It has an autonomous running function to run while avoiding. The first self-propelled printer 10a and the second self-propelled printer 10b form an image on a recording medium based on print data transmitted from the host terminals 20a to 20c, and the recording medium on which the image is formed (hereinafter, “printed matter”). To the user.

  In the following description, the present invention is not limited to either the first self-propelled printer 10a or the second self-propelled printer 10b. When a common configuration is described, the self-propelled printer 10 is referred to as the symbol a. , B are omitted.

  The host terminals 20a to 20c are PCs used by users, portable devices such as smartphones and tablets, and the like. When the user causes the first self-propelled printer 10a or the second self-propelled printer 10b to execute printing and delivery of printed matter, the user transmits print data to the server 30 together with a print delivery job including a print content and a delivery destination. To do. Hereinafter, any of the host terminals 20a to 20c may be referred to simply as “host terminal 20”.

  The server 30 is an example of a printed material delivery management apparatus, receives a print delivery job and print data transmitted from the host terminal 20, and prints and delivers to the first self-propelled printer 10a or the second self-propelled printer 10b. Let it run.

  Note that the numbers of the self-propelled printer 10, the host terminal 20, and the server 30 provided in the printed material delivery system 1 are not limited to the numbers exemplified in the present embodiment.

<Hardware configuration of print delivery system>
(Hardware configuration of self-propelled printer)
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the self-propelled printer 10 according to the embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the self-propelled printer 10 includes an image forming apparatus 100 that forms an image on a recording medium, and a traveling apparatus 200 that autonomously travels to a delivery destination while avoiding obstacles.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an operation panel 101, a printer engine 102, a drive battery 103, and a controller 110.

  The operation panel 101 includes, for example, a display unit such as a liquid crystal panel provided with a touch panel, an operation unit including a plurality of hard keys, and accepts various input operations by the user.

  The printer engine 102 includes, for example, a conveyance unit that feeds and conveys a recording medium, and an inkjet head that ejects ink onto the recording medium to form an image, and forms an image on the recording medium based on input print data. . The image forming method in the printer engine 102 is not limited to the ink jet method, and may be a different method such as an electrophotographic method.

  The drive battery 103 supplies power to the operation panel 101, the printer engine 102, and the controller 110. The drive battery 103 is connected to a power source and charged when the self-propelled printer 10 moves to the charging position.

  The controller 110 includes a CPU 111, ROM 112, RAM 113, NVRAM 114, operation panel I / F 115, engine I / F 116, network I / F 117, and battery I / F 118.

  The CPU 111 realizes various functions by processing a program loaded in the RAM 113. The ROM 112 stores a program and various data used by the program. The NVRAM 114 stores various setting information and the like.

  The operation panel I / F 115 is hardware for connecting to the operation panel 101. The engine I / F 116 is hardware for connecting to the printer engine 102. The network I / F 117 is hardware for connecting to the network N. The battery I / F 118 is hardware for connecting to the driving battery 103 and supplying power to each unit of the image forming apparatus 100.

  The image forming apparatus 100 may be provided with a scanner function for reading an image formed on a recording medium, a fax function for transmitting / receiving image data to / from an external device, and the like.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the traveling device 200 in the embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 4, the traveling device 200 includes a position detector 201, an obstacle sensor 202, a drive motor 203, a drive battery 204, and a controller 210.

  The position detector 201 detects the position of the self-propelled printer 10 in an office, for example. The detection method is not limited as long as the position detector 201 can detect the position of the self-propelled printer 10.

  The obstacle sensor 202 detects an obstacle existing ahead of the self-propelled printer 10 in the traveling direction. The obstacle sensor 202 is a distance measuring device such as a laser range finder, for example. The obstacle sensor 202 irradiates the laser beam and receives the reflected light, and measures the distance to the reflection point based on the phase difference between the irradiated laser beam and the received laser beam. In addition, the traveling device 200 uses the stereo camera method in which the distance to the object is measured by two cameras instead of the obstacle sensor 202 or a projection method in which various patterns are projected to recognize the position of the object. You may have a detection means to detect an object.

  The drive motor 203 rotates and drives a plurality of tires provided in the lower part of the self-propelled printer 10. The drive motor 203 can drive the right and left tires provided in the self-propelled printer 10 to drive the self-propelled printer 10 in any direction, front, rear, left, and right.

  The drive battery 204 supplies power to the position detector 201, the obstacle sensor 202, the drive motor 203, and the controller 210. The drive battery 204 is connected to a power source and charged when the self-propelled printer 10 moves to the charging position.

  The controller 210 includes a CPU 211, ROM 212, RAM 213, NVRAM 214, position detector I / F 215, motor I / F 216, obstacle sensor I / F 217, battery I / F 218, and network I / F 219.

  The CPU 211 realizes various functions by processing a program loaded in the RAM 213. The ROM 212 stores programs and various data used by the programs. The NVRAM 214 stores various setting information.

  The position detector I / F 215 is hardware for connecting to the position detector 201. The motor I / F 216 is hardware for connecting to the drive motor 203. The obstacle sensor I / F 217 is hardware for connecting to the obstacle sensor 202. The battery I / F 218 is hardware for connecting to the drive battery 204 and supplying power to each part of the traveling device 200. The network I / F 218 is hardware for connecting to the network N.

(Hardware configuration of the server)
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the server 30 in the embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 5, the server 30 includes a CPU 301, ROM 302, RAM 303, NVRAM 304, HDD 305, and network I / F 306.

  The ROM 302 stores various programs and data used by the programs. The RAM 303 is used as a storage area for loading a program, a work area for the loaded program, and the like.

  The CPU 301 realizes various functions by processing a program loaded into the RAM 303. The NVRAM 304 stores various setting information and the like. The HDD 305 stores programs and various data used by the programs. The network I / F 306 is hardware for connecting to the network N.

<Functional configuration of print delivery system>
(Functional configuration of self-propelled printer)
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the self-propelled printer 10 according to the embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 6, the image forming apparatus 100 of the self-propelled printer 10 includes a communication unit 121, an image processing unit 122, and a printing unit 123.

  The communication unit 121 receives a print delivery job and print data transmitted from the server 30. The image processing unit 122 renders an image to be printed by the printer engine 102 from the print data received by the communication unit 121. The printing unit 123 controls the printer engine 102 to form an image drawn by the image processing unit 122 on a recording medium.

  The travel device 200 includes a communication unit 221, a travel control unit 222, a position detection unit 223, and an obstacle detection unit 224.

  The communication unit 221 receives the print delivery job and the travel route transmitted from the server 30. The travel control unit 222 controls the drive motor 203 so that the self-propelled printer 10 travels along the travel route received by the communication unit 221.

  The position detector 223 detects the position of the self-propelled printer 10 based on the signal output from the position detector 201. The obstacle detection unit 224 detects an obstacle in the traveling direction of the self-propelled printer 10 based on a signal output from the obstacle sensor 202.

  The travel control unit 222 controls the drive motor 203 so that the self-propelled printer 10 travels along the travel route. When there is a difference between the travel position of the self-propelled printer 10 detected by the position detection unit 223 and the travel route, the travel control unit 222 causes the self-propelled printer 10 to travel along the travel route. Adjust the direction of travel. In addition, when the obstacle detection unit 224 detects an obstacle, the traveling control unit 222 changes the traveling route so as to avoid the obstacle.

(Functional configuration of server)
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the server 30 in the embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the server 30 includes a communication unit 31, a print data conversion unit 32, a job execution management unit 33, a delivery time calculation unit 34, a travel route calculation unit 35, a storage unit 36, and a priority function setting unit 37. Have.

  The communication unit 31 receives a print delivery job, print data, and the like transmitted from the host terminal 20. In addition, the communication unit 31 transmits a print delivery job, print data, a travel route, and the like to the self-propelled printer 10.

  The print data conversion unit 32 converts the print data received from the host terminal 20 into print data that can be interpreted by the image forming apparatus 100 of the self-propelled printer 10.

  The job execution management unit 33 manages print delivery jobs executed by the first self-propelled printer 10a and the second self-propelled printer 10b provided in the printed matter delivery system 1. Further, the job execution management unit 33 selects the self-propelled printer 10 that executes the print delivery job transmitted from the host terminal 20.

  The delivery time calculation unit 34 calculates the time until the self-propelled printer 10 executes and completes the print delivery job. The travel route calculation unit 35 obtains a travel route through which the self-propelled printer 10 delivers the printed matter based on the map information in the office stored in the storage unit 36. The storage unit 36 stores map information of an office where the printed material delivery system 1 is provided, a print delivery job, and the like.

  For example, the priority function setting unit 37 aggregates functions necessary for execution of printing from the print delivery job stored in the storage unit 36 and sets the priority function. Functions necessary for execution of printing are, for example, a color printing function, a monochrome printing function, a duplex printing function, a stapling function, a punching function, and the like. For example, the priority function setting unit 37 sets, as the “priority function”, the function that is most frequently used for executing the print job among these functions.

  For example, the priority function setting unit 37 sets the color printing function as the priority function when a large amount of color printing is performed. Further, the priority function setting unit 37 may set a plurality of functions as priority functions in order from the function having the largest number of times used for execution of the print job. Note that the priority function may be set by the user.

<Printed delivery processing>
Next, a printed matter delivery process in the printed matter delivery system 1 will be described.

[Example 1]
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of the printed matter delivery process in the first embodiment.

  In the printed matter delivery process according to the first embodiment, when the communication unit 31 of the server 30 receives a print delivery job from the host terminal 20 in step S101, the job execution management unit 33 performs functions necessary for execution of printing in step S102. Check. For example, the job execution management unit 33 confirms a function necessary for executing printing such as color printing or monochrome printing.

  In step S103, the job execution management unit 33 selects the self-propelled printer 10 that can execute printing of the received print delivery job. For example, when the print delivery job is color printing, the self-propelled printer 10 having the color printing function is selected.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating function information of the self-propelled printer 10 stored in the storage unit 36 of the server 30.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the storage unit 36 includes, for example, the capabilities (color / monochrome, printing speed) and functions (function names) of the first self-propelled printer 10a and the second self-propelled printer 10b. , Function values) and the like are stored. The job execution management unit 33 selects the self-propelled printer 10 that can execute printing of the print delivery job based on the function information stored in the storage unit 36.

  For example, when the print delivery job is monochrome printing, the job execution management unit 33 selects the first self-propelled printer 10a and the second self-propelled printer 10b having a black and white printing function. For example, when the print delivery job is color printing, the job execution management unit 33 selects the first self-propelled printer 10a having a color printing function.

  In the following description, the print delivery job newly received by the server 30 is to deliver a printed matter of 150 pages in black and white to the user b, and the job execution management unit 33 and the first self-propelled printer 10a having the monochrome printing function and the first A description will be given assuming that the two self-propelled printer 10b is selected.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 10, the job execution management unit 33 manages a print delivery job that is being executed by the first self-propelled printer 10a and the second self-propelled printer 10b.

  In the example shown in FIG. 10, the first self-propelled printer 10a executes a job for delivering a printed matter of 60 pages in color to the user d and a job for delivering a printed matter of 15 pages in color to the user a. Yes. In addition, the second self-propelled printer 10b executes a job for delivering a printed matter of 15 pages in black and white to the user f.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the job execution management unit 33, for example, the delivery destination user, the distance to the delivery destination user, the travel time to the delivery destination user, the function in the print data (function name, function value), print Data file size, remaining data reception time, number of print data pages, estimated print completion time, estimated delivery completion time, total delivery completion time, etc. are managed.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a travel route through which the first self-propelled printer 10a and the second self-propelled printer 10b deliver printed matter in the office map 40 in which the printed matter delivery system 1 is provided. FIG. 11 shows seats (squares) of the users a to f, a travel route (solid arrow) for delivering the printed matter to the user a after the first self-propelled printer 10a delivers the printed matter to the user d, and a second self-propelled vehicle. A travel route (broken arrows) through which the type printer 10b delivers the printed matter to the user f is shown.

  In the first self-propelled printer 10a and the second self-propelled printer 10b, travel routes determined by the travel route calculation unit 35 of the server 30 are set. Further, the estimated delivery completion time and the total delivery completion time shown in FIG. 10 are obtained by the delivery time calculation unit 34 based on the moving time, the printing time, and the like.

  Returning to the flowchart shown in FIG. 8, in step 104, the delivery time calculation unit 34 calculates the total delivery completion time of the printed matter in the self-propelled printer 10 capable of printing the newly received print delivery job.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 12A, the delivery time calculation unit 34 calculates the total delivery completion time when the first self-propelled printer 10a executes a newly received print delivery job. The delivery time calculation unit 34 determines the delivery completion prediction time for the user d and the user a, the travel time from the user a seat to the user b seat, the remaining print data reception time, the print completion prediction time, etc. The time required for one self-propelled printer 10a to complete all deliveries is calculated. In addition, the delivery time calculation unit 34 similarly calculates the total delivery completion time when the second self-propelled printer 10b executes a newly received print delivery job, for example, as shown in FIG. .

  In step S105, the job execution management unit 33 checks whether the printable self-propelled printer 10 has a priority function.

  Here, for example, when the staple function is set as the priority function and neither the first self-propelled printer 10a nor the second self-propelled printer 10b has the staple function (step S105: NO), the process proceeds to step S106. move on.

  In step S106, the job execution management unit 33 selects the self-propelled printer 10 having the shortest total delivery completion time calculated in step S104 as an execution target of the print delivery job. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, when the total delivery completion time by the first self-propelled printer 10a is 218 seconds and the total delivery completion time by the second self-propelled printer 10b is 213 seconds, job execution management The unit 33 selects the second self-propelled printer 10b that can be delivered in a short time.

  For example, when the color printing function is set as the priority function, the first self-propelled printer 10a has the color printing function (step S105: YES), and the process proceeds to step S107. In step S107, the job execution management unit 33 compares the total delivery completion time T1 of the first self-propelled printer 10a having the priority function with the total delivery completion time T2 of the second self-propelled printer 10b having no priority function. To do.

  If the total delivery completion time T1 of the first self-propelled printer 10a having the priority function is equal to or greater than the total delivery completion time T2 of the second self-propelled printer 10b having no priority function (step S107: NO), step S108 Proceed to In step S108, the job execution management unit 33 selects the second self-propelled printer 10b that can execute delivery in a short time and has no priority function as the self-propelled printer 10 that executes the print delivery job.

  When the total delivery completion time T1 of the first self-propelled printer 10a having the priority function is less than the total delivery completion time T2 of the second self-propelled printer 10b having no priority function (step S107: YES), The process proceeds to step S109.

  In step S109, the job execution management unit 33 sets in advance a difference (T2−T1) between the total delivery completion time T1 of the first self-propelled printer 10a and the total delivery completion time T2 of the second self-propelled printer 10b. It is compared with the reference time Ts.

  When the difference (T2−T1) in the total delivery completion time is less than the reference time Ts (step S109: YES), the process proceeds to step S108, where the job execution management unit 33 sets the second self-delivery job as the execution target of the print delivery job. The running printer 10b is selected. In this case, the first self-propelled printer 10a can complete the delivery in a shorter time. However, when the user wants to newly execute color printing, the color is delivered until the delivery of the first self-propelled printer 10a is completed. The execution of printing is awaited. Therefore, if the difference between the total delivery completion times is less than the reference time Ts, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, the second self-propelled printer 10b having no priority function is caused to execute the print delivery job.

  In this way, by causing the second self-propelled printer 10b having no priority function to execute the print delivery job, the load on the first self-propelled printer 10a having the priority function of color printing that is frequently used in the office is reduced. Is possible. Therefore, the printed matter can be delivered without deteriorating the business efficiency of the user in the office who often performs color printing. Further, the second self-propelled printer 10b having no priority function can deliver the printed matter to the user in a time that is not significantly different from the case where the first self-propelled printer 10a delivers.

  If the difference in total delivery completion time (T2−T1) is equal to or greater than the predetermined reference time Ts (step S109: NO), the process proceeds to step S110, and the job execution management unit 33 sets the print delivery job as an execution target. The first self-propelled printer 10a is selected. In this way, when the difference (T2-T1) in the total delivery completion time is equal to or greater than the reference time Ts, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, printing is performed on the first self-propelled printer 10a that can execute delivery in a short time. Run a delivery job.

  In step S <b> 111, the job execution management unit 33 transmits the print delivery job, the print data, and the travel route through the communication unit 31 to the self-propelled printer 10 selected as the execution target of the print delivery job. The self-propelled printer 10 that has received the print delivery job and the print data executes printing and delivery according to the print delivery job.

  Thus, according to the printed matter delivery process in the first embodiment, in the printed matter delivery system 1 having a plurality of self-propelled printers 10 each having a different printing function, it is efficiently performed without lowering the business efficiency of the user in the office. It becomes possible to deliver printed matter.

  The printed material delivery system 1 may be provided with three or more self-propelled printers 10. In this case, when there are a plurality of self-propelled printers 10 having a priority function, in step S107, a plurality of self-propelled printers 10 having a priority function are included in the total delivery completion time T1 of the self-propelled printer 10 having a priority function. The shortest total delivery completion time among the total delivery completion times of the traveling printer 10 is used. If there are a plurality of self-propelled printers 10 having no priority function, in step S107, a plurality of self-propelled printers 10 having no priority function are included in the total delivery completion time T2 of the self-propelled printer 10 having no priority function. The shortest total delivery completion time among the total delivery completion times of the printer 10 is used.

  Further, in the processes after step S108, when the self-propelled printer 10 having the priority function is selected, the self-propelled printer having the shortest total delivery time among the plurality of self-propelled printers 10 having the priority function is selected. 10 is selected. Further, when selecting the self-propelled printer 10 having no priority function, the self-propelled printer 10 having the shortest total delivery completion time is selected from the plurality of self-propelled printers 10 having no priority function.

[Example 2]
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of printed matter delivery processing according to the second embodiment.

  In the printed matter delivery process according to the second embodiment, when the communication unit 31 of the server 30 receives a print delivery job from the host terminal 20 in step S201, the job execution management unit 33 performs functions necessary for execution of printing in step S202. Check. In step S <b> 203, the job execution management unit 33 stores functions necessary for execution of printing in the storage unit 36.

  Subsequently, in step S204, the priority function setting unit 37 aggregates the functions stored in the storage unit 36, and sets the function having the largest number of times of storage as the priority function. The processing from step S205 to step S213 is the same as the processing from step S103 to step S111 of the printed matter delivery processing in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  According to the printed matter delivery process in the second embodiment, the function most frequently used by the user in the office where the printed matter delivery system 1 is provided is automatically set as the priority function. Also, the priority function is automatically changed when a function with high usage frequency changes. For this reason, for example, an administrator or the like does not need to set again, and a priority function optimal for the user is set. Therefore, according to the printed matter delivery process in the second embodiment, the printed matter can be efficiently delivered without deteriorating the business efficiency of the user in the office.

[Example 3]
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of the printed matter delivery process according to the third embodiment. The printed matter delivery process in the third embodiment is executed when a plurality of functions are set as priority functions.

  The processing from step S301 to step S304 of the printed matter delivery process in the third embodiment is the same as the processing from step S101 to step S104 of the printed matter delivery process in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  In step S305, the job execution management unit 33 checks whether the printable self-propelled printer 10 has any of a plurality of functions set as priority functions. For example, when the color printing function and the punch function are set as the wired function and none of the printable self-propelled printers 10 have the color printing function and the punch function (step S305: NO), the process proceeds to step S306.

  In step S306, the job execution management unit 33 selects the self-propelled printer 10 having the shortest total delivery completion time calculated in step S304 as an execution target of the print delivery job.

  For example, when the color printing function and the punch function are set as the priority functions, and any of the printable self-propelled printers 10 has at least one of the color printing function and the punch function (step S305: YES). The process proceeds to step S307.

  In step S307, the job execution management unit 33 compares the total delivery completion time T1 of the self-propelled printer 10 having the priority function with the total delivery completion time T2 of the self-propelled printer 10 having no priority function. Here, when a plurality of functions (for example, a color printing function and a punch function) are set as priority functions, the job execution management unit 33 determines whether or not any function (for example, a color printing function or a punch function) is present. The total delivery completion times T1 and T2 obtained based on the comparison are compared.

  If the total delivery completion time T1 of the self-propelled printer 10 having the priority function is equal to or greater than the total delivery completion time T2 of the self-propelled printer 10 having no priority function (step S307: NO), the process proceeds to step S308. In step S308, the job execution management unit 33 selects the self-propelled printer 10 having no priority function as an execution target of the print delivery job.

  If the total delivery completion time T1 of the self-propelled printer 10 having the priority function is less than the total delivery completion time T2 of the self-propelled printer 10 having no priority function (step S307: YES), the process proceeds to step S309. .

  In step S309, the job execution management unit 33 compares the difference in total delivery completion time (T2−T1) with the reference time Ts. If the difference in total delivery completion time (T2−T1) is less than the reference time Ts (step S309: YES), the process proceeds to step S308, and the job execution management unit 33 does not have a priority function as an execution target of the print delivery job. The self-propelled printer 10 is selected.

  If the total delivery completion time difference (T2−T1) is equal to or greater than the reference time Ts (step S309: NO), the process proceeds to step S310, where the job execution management unit 33 prioritizes execution of the print delivery job. A self-propelled printer 10 having a function is selected.

  In step S311, the job execution management unit 33 checks whether there is another priority function set. For example, when the color printing function and the punch function are set as the priority functions, and the processing from step S307 to step S310 is executed based on the presence or absence of the color printing function, the punching function is set as the other priority function. Since there is a function (step S311: YES), the process proceeds to step S312.

  In step S312, the job execution management unit 33 sets another priority function (for example, a punch function) as a comparison target for all delivery completion times, and executes the processes in and after step S307.

  If the processes from step S307 to step S310 are executed for each of the color printing function and the punch function and there is no other priority function set (step S311: NO), the process proceeds to step S313.

  In step S313, the job execution management unit 33 transmits the print delivery job, the print data, and the travel route through the communication unit 31 to the self-propelled printer 10 selected as the execution target of the print delivery job. The self-propelled printer 10 that has received the print delivery job and the print data executes printing and delivery according to the print delivery job.

  According to the printed matter delivery process in the third embodiment, even when a plurality of printing functions are set as the priority function, the print delivery job is executed based on the comparison result of the delivery completion times depending on the presence or absence of each function. The self-propelled printer 10 is selected. Therefore, it is possible to deliver printed matter efficiently without reducing the work efficiency of users in the office as much as possible.

[Example 4]
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of the printed material delivery process according to the fourth embodiment.

  The processing from step S401 to step S406 of the printed matter delivery process in the fourth embodiment is the same as the processing from step S101 to step S106 of the printed matter delivery process in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  In step S407, the delivery time calculation unit 34 calculates the total delivery completion time when the self-propelled printer 10 having the priority function executes the newly received first print delivery job. The delivery time calculation unit 34 calculates the total delivery completion time Ta1 of the self-propelled printer 10 having the priority function and the total delivery completion time Tb1 of the self-propelled printer 10 having no priority function in this case.

  Next, in step S408, the delivery time calculation unit 34 causes the self-propelled printer 10 having a priority function to execute a second print delivery job assumed as the next job in addition to the first print delivery job. Delivery completion time Ta1 ′ is calculated. The second print delivery job requires a priority function, and the average value of the print delivery job executed in the office is used as the number of pages, the data size, and the like.

  In FIG. 18A, for example, after the first self-propelled printer 10a having the color printing function which is a priority function is caused to execute the first print delivery job (delivery of printed matter of black and white 150 pages to the user b). The calculation result of the temporary delivery completion time Ta1 ′ in the case of executing the second print delivery job (delivery of color 40 pages to the user x) is shown. Further, the calculation result of the total delivery completion time Tb1 of the second self-propelled printer 10b having no priority function is shown.

  In step S409, the delivery time calculation unit 34 calculates the total delivery completion time when the self-propelled printer 10 having no priority function executes the newly received first print delivery job. The delivery time calculation unit 34 calculates the total delivery completion time Ta2 of the self-propelled printer 10 having the priority function in this case and the total delivery completion time Tb2 of the self-propelled printer 10 having no priority function.

  Next, in step S410, the delivery time calculation unit 34 calculates a provisional delivery completion time Ta2 ′ when the self-propelled printer 10 having a priority function executes a second print delivery job assumed as the next job.

  FIG. 18B shows, for example, the total delivery completion time Tb2 when the second self-propelled printer 10b having no priority function is caused to execute the first print delivery job. Also shown is a provisional delivery completion time Ta2 ′ for causing the first self-propelled printer 10a having the color printing function as the priority function to execute the second print delivery job.

  In step S411, the job execution management unit 33 compares | Ta1′−Tb1 | and | Ta2′−Tb2 |, which are differences in the total delivery completion times of the self-propelled printers 10 obtained in steps S407 to S410.

  If the condition of step S411 is satisfied (step S411: YES), in step S412, the job execution management unit 33 selects the self-propelled printer 10 having the priority function as the execution target of the print delivery job. If the condition in step S411 is not satisfied (step S411: NO), in step S413, the job execution management unit 33 selects the self-propelled printer 10 having no priority function as the execution target of the print delivery job. .

  In step S414, the job execution management unit 33 transmits the print delivery job, the print data, and the travel route through the communication unit 31 to the self-propelled printer 10 that executes the print delivery job. The self-propelled printer 10 that has received the print delivery job and the print data executes printing and delivery according to the print delivery job.

  According to the printed matter delivery process in the fourth embodiment, the difference between the total delivery completion time of the self-propelled printer 10 having the priority function and the total delivery completion time of the self-propelled printer 10 having no priority function is reduced. A self-propelled printer 10 that executes a print delivery job is selected. Accordingly, in the printed material delivery system 1, even when a print delivery job requiring a priority function is received after the received print delivery job, the time required for efficient delivery and completion of all print delivery jobs Can be shortened.

  As described above, according to the printed material delivery system 1 in the present embodiment, it is possible to efficiently deliver printed materials without reducing the business efficiency of users in the office.

  The printed matter delivery system, the printed matter delivery management device, and the printed matter delivery method according to the embodiments have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and improvements can be made within the scope of the present invention. Is possible.

1 Printed matter delivery system 10a First self-propelled printer (self-propelled image forming apparatus)
10b Second self-propelled printer (self-propelled image forming apparatus)
20a to 20c Host terminal 30 Server (printed material delivery management device)
33 Job execution management unit 34 Delivery time calculation unit 36 Storage unit 37 Priority function setting unit

JP2015-83514A

Claims (6)

A printed matter delivery system comprising a plurality of self-propelled image forming devices and a printed matter delivery management device for causing the plurality of self-propelled image forming devices to execute printing and delivery of printed matter,
A delivery time calculating unit that calculates a delivery completion time when each self-propelled image forming apparatus executes the print delivery job when a print delivery job is input;
A job execution management unit that selects a self-propelled image forming apparatus that executes the print delivery job based on a delivery completion time calculated by the delivery time calculation unit;
The job execution management unit completes the first delivery when the first delivery completion time by the self-propelled image forming apparatus having the priority function is shorter than the second delivery completion time by the self-propelled image forming apparatus without the priority function. When the difference between the time and the second delivery completion time is less than a predetermined time, a self-propelled image forming apparatus without the priority function is selected. A storage unit for storing a printing function necessary for executing the print delivery job;
The printed matter delivery system according to claim 1, further comprising: a priority function setting unit that sets the priority function based on the number of times of the printing function stored in the storage unit. When a plurality of priority functions are set, the job execution management unit determines whether the print delivery is based on a comparison between the first delivery completion time and the second delivery completion time depending on the presence or absence of each priority function. 3. The printed matter delivery system according to claim 1, wherein a self-propelled image forming apparatus that executes a job is selected. A printed matter delivery system comprising a plurality of self-propelled image forming devices and a printed matter delivery management device for causing the plurality of self-propelled image forming devices to execute printing and delivery of printed matter,
A delivery time calculating unit that calculates a delivery completion time when each self-propelled image forming apparatus executes the print delivery job when a print delivery job is input;
A job execution management unit that selects a self-propelled image forming apparatus that executes the print delivery job based on a delivery completion time calculated by the delivery time calculation unit;
The delivery time calculation unit has a delivery completion time of the print delivery job by each of the self-propelled image forming apparatuses when the print delivery job is input, and a self-propelled function having a priority function after the delivery of the print delivery job is completed. The provisional delivery completion time when the image forming apparatus executes a provisional printing delivery job,
The job execution management unit, based on a difference between a temporary delivery completion time by the self-propelled image forming apparatus having the priority function and a delivery completion time by the self-propelled image forming apparatus having no priority function, A printed matter delivery system, wherein a self-propelled image forming apparatus for executing a job is selected. A printed matter delivery management device for causing a plurality of self-propelled image forming apparatuses to execute printing and delivery of printed matter,
A delivery time calculating unit that calculates a delivery completion time when each self-propelled image forming apparatus executes the print delivery job when a print delivery job is input;
A job execution management unit that selects a self-propelled image forming apparatus that executes the print delivery job based on a delivery completion time calculated by the delivery time calculation unit;
The job execution management unit completes the first delivery when the first delivery completion time by the self-propelled image forming apparatus having the priority function is shorter than the second delivery completion time by the self-propelled image forming apparatus without the priority function. When the difference between the time and the second delivery completion time is less than a predetermined time, a self-propelled image forming apparatus without the priority function is selected. A printed matter delivery method in a printed matter delivery system comprising a plurality of self-propelled image forming devices and a printed matter delivery management device for causing the plurality of self-propelled image forming devices to execute printing and delivery of printed matter,
A delivery time calculating step for calculating a delivery completion time when each self-propelled image forming apparatus executes the print delivery job when a print delivery job is input;
A job execution management step of selecting a self-propelled image forming apparatus that executes the print delivery job based on the delivery completion time calculated by the delivery time calculation step;
In the job execution management step, the first delivery completion time by the self-propelled image forming apparatus having a priority function is shorter than the second delivery completion time by the self-propelled image forming apparatus having no priority function. When the difference between the time and the second delivery completion time is less than a predetermined time, a self-propelled image forming apparatus without the priority function is selected.

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