JP2020015264A - Image formation device, information processing device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To shorten a delay of delivery to a user whose delivery order is in a posterior position as compared to that when it is necessary for the user to move to a specified place regardless of whether it is possible to receive it or not.SOLUTION: An image formation device includes: image formation means for forming an image on a recording material; receiving means for receiving a job that requests formation of an image and reception at a specified place; and control means for controlling own device to move to a place when a user who is the next delivery object satisfies a predetermined reception condition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming device, an information processing device, and a program.

  There is a self-propelled image forming apparatus having a function of moving to another user when a user is not present at a delivery destination.

JP 2017-097826 A

  The utilization rate is improved by a self-propelled image forming apparatus equipped with a function of moving to another user without waiting for the absence user to return, but the time required to move to the absence user is increased. I do.

  An object of the present invention is to reduce a delay in delivery to a user whose delivery order is later than in a case where it is necessary to move to a designated place regardless of whether or not reception is possible.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming unit for forming an image on a recording material, a receiving unit for receiving a job requesting reception at a location designated to form an image, and a user to be next delivered. And control means for controlling the apparatus to move to the place when a predetermined receiving condition is satisfied.
The invention according to claim 2 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the receiving condition is that the user actually exists within a predetermined range from the designated place.
The invention according to claim 3 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the receiving condition is a case where execution of delivery is instructed by a user in response to an inquiry as to whether delivery is possible.
The invention according to claim 4, wherein, when the user does not satisfy the receiving condition, the control unit inquires of the user who does not satisfy the receiving condition whether or not delivery is to be executed. An image forming apparatus.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control unit lowers a delivery order of a user who does not satisfy the receiving condition when a response to the inquiry is not received within a predetermined period. It is a forming device.
The invention according to claim 6, wherein when a state in which a response to the inquiry is not present within a predetermined period occurs a plurality of times, the control unit lowers a delivery order of a user who does not satisfy the reception condition. 5. The image forming apparatus according to item 4.
The invention according to claim 7 is that, even if the response to the inquiry is within a predetermined time period, if the current delivery is not desired, the control means sets the delivery of the user who does not satisfy the receiving condition. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the order is lowered.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the order of delivery is given based on a movement route for a job received by the reception unit within a predetermined reception period. It is.
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the order of delivery is given such that a user who exists inside a predetermined range from the designated place is ranked higher than a user who does not actually exist inside the range. An image forming apparatus according to item 1.
In the invention according to claim 10, the delivery order is reset for users who have not completed delivery every time delivery to one user is completed. Image forming apparatus.
The invention according to claim 11, wherein, when a movement route for the job received by the reception unit is determined within a predetermined reception period, the movement path falls within a predetermined range from the designated place. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an inquiry is made as to whether or not delivery is to be performed for a user who does not have the target.
The invention according to claim 12 provides a user who has responded to the inquiry that the delivery can be executed, even if the user is not within a predetermined range from the place, the inquiry is repeated. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the delivery is performed without performing the delivery.
The invention according to claim 13 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein delivery of a user who has not responded to the inquiry is not executed until delivery to another user is completed.
The invention according to claim 14, wherein the receiving means for receiving a job requesting reception at a location designated to form an image and the location when a user to be delivered next satisfies a predetermined reception condition. And control means for controlling the self-propelled image forming apparatus to move the self-propelled image forming apparatus.
According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a function for receiving a job requesting a computer to receive an image at a location designated to form an image, and a function for receiving a predetermined delivery condition when a user to be delivered next satisfies a predetermined receiving condition. And a function of controlling the self-propelled image forming apparatus or the self-propelled image forming apparatus to move to the location.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce a delay in delivery to a user whose delivery order is later than that in a case where it is necessary to move to a designated place regardless of whether reception is possible.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, priority can be given to delivery to a user who is ready to receive.
According to the invention described in claim 3, delivery to the user who has instructed execution of delivery can be prioritized.
According to the invention described in claim 4, the user's convenience can be confirmed before the delivery order is changed.
According to the fifth aspect of the invention, it is possible to avoid a delay in delivery to another user due to a user who does not respond to an inquiry.
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the order of immediate delivery from being delayed due to one non-response.
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the delivery order can be deferred for the convenience of the user.
According to the eighth aspect of the invention, it is possible to reduce the delay of the delivery as a whole.
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, priority can be given to delivery to a user who is ready to receive.
According to the tenth aspect, it is possible to cope with a change in the position of the user.
According to the eleventh aspect, it is possible to reduce a delay in delivery due to the absence of a user.
According to the twelfth aspect, it is possible to avoid a plurality of inquiries to the user who has requested delivery.
According to the thirteenth aspect, priority can be given to delivery to a user who is ready to receive.
According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the delay of delivery to a user whose delivery order is later than in the case where movement to a designated place is essential regardless of whether or not reception is possible.
According to the fifteenth aspect, it is possible to reduce a delay in delivery to a user whose delivery order is later than in a case where movement to a designated place is essential regardless of whether or not the delivery is possible.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a space in which a self-propelled printing device is arranged. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a printing apparatus used in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a printing apparatus used in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a print job issuance and a delivery schedule. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation performed by the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a case where the number of print jobs issued during a certain reception period is one. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed example of processing contents executed in step 5 of FIG. 5; FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a situation where a negative result is obtained in step 103 of FIG. 7. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen displayed on the display part of the terminal which a user carries in the order which judges the start of delivery. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating movement of the printing apparatus when a delivery OK response is received. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a change in the delivery queue when there is no response from the user even after two notifications and the current position is in a range where delivery is not possible. (A) shows an example of the relationship between a reception period and a print job received within the period, (B) shows the order of the user A in the delivery queue for delivery # 2, and (C) shows FIG. 11 shows a state in which the information is registered at the head of a delivery queue for delivery # 3 when delivery cannot be made to user A. FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a case where the number of print jobs issued during a certain reception period is four. 6 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of processing contents executed in step 9 of FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a delivery queue when four print jobs are received during a certain reception period. (A) shows an example of a print job reception order, (B) shows an example of registration of a delivery queue, (C) shows a delivery queue after delivery to user A is completed, (D) shows the case where the delivery to the user A is not completed, and shows the order of the users A when a negative result is obtained in step 108 of FIG. 7, and (E) shows that the delivery to the user A is not completed. In this case, the order of the user A when a positive result is obtained in step 108 is shown. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation performed by the printing apparatus according to the second embodiment. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation performed by the printing apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a case where the number of print jobs issued during a certain reception period is four. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating another example of a delivery queue when four print jobs are received during a certain reception period. (A) shows an example of a print job reception order, and (B) shows an example of registration of a delivery queue. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation performed by the printing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the movement of the user and how the delivery queue is updated in a time-series manner. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation performed by the printing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation of Step 5 in FIG. 21 executed when one print job is received during a reception period. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation of step 9 in FIG. 21 executed when a plurality of print jobs are received during a reception period. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation performed by the printing apparatus according to the sixth embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen displayed on the display part of the terminal which a user carries in the order which judges the start of delivery. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation of Step 5 in FIG. 24 executed when one print job is received during a reception period. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation of Step 9 in FIG. 24 performed when a plurality of print jobs are received during a reception period. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation performed by the printing apparatus according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a space in which a print server is arranged. FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of a print server. FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a functional configuration of a print server.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
<First Embodiment>
<Example of space>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a space 1 in which a self-propelled printing device 10 is arranged.
In FIG. 1, as an example of the space 1, a room where a plurality of people using the printing apparatus 10 are located is assumed.
However, the space 1 in which the printing device 10 is arranged does not need to be surrounded by a wall like a room. For example, the space 1 may be physically partitioned by partitions, bookshelves, or the like. The space 1 does not need to be physically separated. For example, it may be managed as a range surrounded by artificially defined virtual boundaries.

In the case of FIG. 1, six desks 2, six chairs 3, and one conference desk 4 are arranged in the space 1. Needless to say, the arrangement and number of the desks 2, the chairs 3, and the conference desks 4 are merely examples.
At each desk 2, a work terminal 5 operated by a user is arranged. The work terminal 5 is, for example, a notebook computer. A print job is issued at these work terminals 5 and transmitted to the printing device 10.
In FIG. 1, four users A to D exist in the space 1, and each user has a portable terminal 6. The portable terminal 6 is, for example, a smartphone. In some cases, a print job is issued from the portable terminal 6. In the case of the present embodiment, the portable terminal 6 is used for acquiring position information of the user.

In the space 1, an access point 20 is arranged. The number of access points 20 may be plural. The access point 20 transmits, for example, a print job received from a terminal operated by a user to the self-propelled printing apparatus 10 by wireless communication.
For wireless communication, for example, a Wi-Fi standard which is one of wireless LAN (Local Area Network) standards is used.
The work terminal 5 and the access point 20 may be connected by a cable.

The printing apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 has a structure in which wheels 12L, 12R, and 12F for movement and a user interface 13 are attached to a box-shaped apparatus main body 11.
The wheel 12F is attached to the front side of the device main body 11. The wheels 12L and 12R are mounted on the left and right sides of the apparatus main body 11.
The user interface 13 is used for providing information to a user and inputting an instruction by the user. In the case of FIG. 1, the user interface 13 is attached to the top surface of the apparatus main body 11.
The printing device 10 here is an example of an image forming device and also an example of an information processing device that determines a position where the own device is arranged.

<Configuration example of printing device>
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the printing apparatus 10 used in the first embodiment.
The printing apparatus 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111 that controls the entire apparatus through execution of a program, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 112 that stores programs such as a BIOS (Basic Input Output System) and firmware, and a program execution. And a RAM (Random Access Memory) 113 used as an area.
The CPU 111, the ROM 112, and the RAM 113 function as a computer.

The printing apparatus 10 includes a hard disk drive (HDD) 114 that stores image data and management data, an image processing unit 115 that performs image processing such as color correction and gradation correction on the image data, and includes, for example, an electrophotographic system. The image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit 116 that forms an image on a sheet by an inkjet method, and a sheet feeding mechanism 117 that takes out sheets one by one from a storage unit (not shown) and transports the sheet to the image forming unit 116.
Here, the image processing unit 115, the image forming unit 116, and the sheet feeding mechanism 117 are examples of an image forming unit. Paper is an example of a recording material.
The printing apparatus 10 may be provided with a scan function for optically reading a document, a FAX function for transmitting and receiving a FAX document, and a copy function for printing an image optically read from the document.

Further, the printing apparatus 10 is provided with a display unit 118 for displaying a user interface screen and an operation receiving unit 119 for receiving a user operation. These constitute the user interface 13.
In addition, the printing apparatus 10 is provided with a self-propelled mechanism 120 that drives the wheels 12L, 12R, and 12F to enable free travel.
Self-propelled mechanism 120 in the present embodiment has a motor that drives wheels 12L and 12R, and a steering mechanism that controls the direction of wheels 12F.
The rotation of the wheels 12L and 12R causes the main body 11 to move forward or backward. The traveling direction of the device main body 11 is switched according to the direction of the wheels 12F. However, the direction and speed of movement may be adjusted by controlling the rotation amounts and rotation directions of the wheels 12L and 12R. The self-propelled mechanism 120 here is an example of a moving unit.
Further, the printing apparatus 10 is provided with a communication interface (communication IF) 121 used for communication with the outside.
The above-described units are connected to each other through a bus 122 and a communication line (not shown), and exchange data via these wires.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the printing apparatus 10 used in the first embodiment.
The functions shown in FIG. 3 are realized through execution of a program by CPU 111.
FIG. 3 shows functions related to delivery of printed matter to the user who issued the print job among functions realized through execution of the program.
The functional printing apparatus 10 includes a print job receiving unit 131 that receives a print job, a delivery start determination unit 132 that determines the start of delivery to each user, and a user that acquires the current position of the user to whom the printed matter is delivered. A location acquisition unit 133, a delivery location acquisition unit 134 that acquires information on a delivery location specified by the user, a route search unit 135 that searches for a route that passes through the destination, a print control unit 136 that controls execution of a print job, and Function as a movement control unit 137 that controls the movement of the own device.

The print job receiving unit 131 according to the present embodiment executes a print job receiving process in units of a predetermined receiving period. The print job receiving unit 131 is an example of a receiving unit that receives a print job that requests image formation and reception at a location designated.
The time allocated to the reception period varies depending on the size of the space 1 to which the printed material is delivered by the printing apparatus 10, the number of users to whom delivery is made, and the like. The reception period may be, for example, one hour, 30 minutes, 15 minutes, 10 minutes, or another time.
The setting of the time allocated to the reception period can be changed by an administrator of the printing apparatus 10 or a user using the printing apparatus 10.

In the case of the present embodiment, a delivery schedule is defined separately from the reception period. The delivery schedule in the present embodiment corresponds to a standby phase assigned to charging of a battery incorporated in the printing apparatus 10, a delivery preparation phase for preparing delivery of a printed matter to a user who has issued a print job, and a print job. It is managed in three stages of a delivery phase for delivering the printed matter to the user.
In the case of the present embodiment, the times at which the delivery preparation phase and the delivery phase start are determined by a preset schedule. For example, the delivery phase starts at 0 minutes each hour, and the delivery preparation phase starts five minutes before the corresponding delivery phase.
The waiting phase is basically defined as a period from completion of delivery of the current delivery phase to start of the next delivery preparation phase. However, these schedules are only examples. Note that the time length of the delivery phase varies depending on the number of delivery destinations and the distance of movement accompanying the delivery. Therefore, the time length of the standby phase also varies.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the issuance of a print job and the delivery schedule. (A) shows an example of issuing a print job, and (B) shows an example of arrangement of a delivery schedule. In each case, the horizontal axis is time.
In FIG. 4, the same reference numerals are given to the reception periods and the delivery schedules corresponding to each other.
In the case of FIG. 4, the first delivery phase (delivery # 1) starts, the second standby phase (wait # 2), the second delivery preparation phase (delivery preparation # 2), and the second delivery phase (delivery). # 2), a third standby phase (standby # 3), a third delivery preparation phase (delivery preparation # 3), and a third delivery phase (delivery # 3).
That is, intermittent execution of the first delivery phase (delivery # 1), the second delivery phase (delivery # 2), and the third delivery phase (delivery # 3) is scheduled.
In the delivery schedule shown in FIG. 4, the period from the start time of one delivery phase to the start time of the next delivery phase is managed as one cycle T.

During the standby phase, the printing apparatus 10 returns to the standby location where the built-in battery charger is arranged, and charges the battery as needed.
It should be noted that the printing device 10 during the standby phase can be used as a stationary printing device. During use as a stationary printing apparatus, printed matter may be discharged from a discharge port different from that at the time of delivery. In the present embodiment, an operation mode used as a stationary printing apparatus is also referred to as a stationary mode.
Use as a stationary printing apparatus is also possible in a delivery preparation phase before delivery is started.

In FIG. 4, the print jobs handled by each delivery preparation phase are shown by dashed lines. For example, in the second delivery preparation phase (delivery preparation # 2), all print jobs received during the second reception period (reception period # 2) are handled. For example, in the third delivery preparation phase (delivery preparation # 3), all print jobs received in the third reception period (reception period # 3) are handled.
In the case of the present embodiment, a route is calculated for all print jobs received during the reception period before starting delivery.
The output of the printed matter corresponding to the print job received during the reception period may be executed collectively in the delivery preparation phase, or may be executed each time the print job arrives at the delivery destination.

Returning to the description of FIG.
The delivery start determination unit 132 determines whether or not the user can receive the print job before starting to move to a delivery location specified by the user who is the issuer of the print job. To start. Note that delivery to a user who cannot receive the printed matter is not performed. In the present embodiment, the start of delivery means the start of movement of the own device to the delivery destination.
Therefore, the delivery start determination unit 132 is an example of a control unit that controls the movement of the own device.
The delivery start determination unit 132 in the present embodiment determines whether to start delivery based on whether or not a predetermined receiving condition is satisfied.
For example, when the user is at a delivery location specified in advance, the delivery start determination unit 132 determines the start of delivery.
As described later, the delivery start determining unit 132 in the present embodiment determines whether to start delivery in consideration of other conditions.

The user position acquisition unit 133 according to the present embodiment acquires position information of a user who has issued a print job during the reception period.
In the case of the present embodiment, the user position acquisition unit 133 uses, for example, terminal position information acquired from the terminal 6 carried by the user who issued the print job as the position of the user.
The terminal 6 calculates its own position from the difference in the intensity of the radio wave received from the Wi-Fi base station, for example. Further, the terminal 6 calculates its own position from the difference in the strength of the signal transmitted by a communication method called BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) (registered trademark), for example. In addition, the terminal 6 autonomously calculates its own position based on the output of a built-in acceleration sensor, magnetic sensor, angular velocity sensor, or the like. This calculation method is also called autonomous navigation. Also, the terminal 6 receives a signal having the same protocol and frequency as GPS (Global Positioning System) and calculates its own position. This calculation method is also called IMES (Indoor MEssaging System).
In addition, the user position acquisition unit 133 may process an image captured by a camera arranged in the space 1 (see FIG. 1) to specify the position of the user who issued the print job. For example, the position information of the corresponding user may be acquired from an information processing device (not shown) that tracks the position of the user specified using the face recognition technology.

The delivery place acquisition unit 134 executes a process of acquiring a delivery place of the user.
The delivery location is registered in, for example, the hard disk device 114 (see FIG. 2) or an external server device capable of communicating through wireless communication.
When the information specifying the delivery location is included in the print job, the delivery location acquisition unit 134 acquires the target delivery location from the print job.

The route search unit 135 searches the print job received during the reception period for a route for achieving efficient delivery. Here, the route search unit 135 determines a moving route so that the moving distance for circulating through the target delivery location is reduced.
When determining the delivery route, the shape and dimensions of the space 1, the arrangement of the desks 2, 4 and the chair 3 (see FIG. 1) in the space 1, the dimensions of the desks 2, 4 and the chair 3, the Information such as a movable passage is included.
Note that the layout information used for determining the path may be learned by the printing apparatus 10 from the movement history of the printing apparatus 10.

The print control unit 136 controls the operations of the image processing unit 115 (see FIG. 2), the image forming unit 116 (see FIG. 2), and the paper feed mechanism 117 (see FIG. 2) based on the settings specified in the print job. Control and form an image on paper.
The movement control unit 137 controls the movement of the wheels 12L, 12R, and 12F (see FIG. 1) to control the movement of the own device to the delivery location. The movement control unit 137 here is an example of a control unit that controls movement of the own device.
Note that the movement control unit 137 may be provided with a function of avoiding an obstacle located on the movement route by using an output signal of a laser imaging detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor (not shown).

<Processing operation>
<Overview>
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation performed by the printing apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment.
The processing operation shown in FIG. 5 is realized through execution of a program by CPU 111 (see FIG. 2). Note that the symbol S shown in FIG. 5 represents each step constituting the processing operation.
The processing operation shown in FIG. 5 corresponds to the reception period, and is repeatedly executed each time the reception period ends.

First, the CPU 111 determines whether the current reception period has elapsed (step 1).
The process of step 1 is executed by the print job receiving unit 131 (see FIG. 3). Until the current reception period ends, the CPU 111 obtains a negative result in step 1.
When the current reception period ends, the CPU 111 obtains a positive result in step 1 and proceeds to step 2.
In step 2, the CPU 111 determines whether the number of print jobs is two or more.
The process of step 2 is also executed by the print job receiving unit 131. In step 2, it is confirmed whether the number of print jobs received during the reception period is plural or not.
When the number of print jobs received in the reception period is singular, the processing of steps 4 to 7 on the left side in the figure is executed, and when the number of print jobs received in the reception period is plural, the processing of steps 8 to 12 on the right side of the figure are executed Is done.

If a negative result is obtained in step 2, the CPU 111 proceeds to step 3. The case where a negative result is obtained in step 2 is a case where the number of print jobs received within the reception period is one or zero.
In step 3, the CPU 111 determines whether the number of received print jobs is greater than zero. The process of step 3 is also executed by the print job receiving unit 131.
If a negative result is obtained in step 3, the CPU 111 ends the delivery processing corresponding to the current reception period. This is because the accepted print job does not exist.
If a positive result is obtained in step 3, the CPU 111 searches for a route that passes through the delivery location (step 4).
Step 4 is executed by, for example, the delivery place acquisition unit 134 (see FIG. 3) and the route search unit 135 (see FIG. 3). Step 4 is executed when the number of print jobs received during the reception period is one.
Therefore, the CPU 111 in step 4 searches for a route for moving to the delivery location designated by the user who issued the print job.

Next, the CPU 111 determines whether delivery to the user who has issued the print job can be started (step 5).
Step 5 is executed by the delivery start determining unit 132 (see FIG. 3). In the case of the present embodiment, instead of unconditionally starting the delivery, the start of the delivery is permitted when a predetermined condition is satisfied. This is to avoid starting the delivery to the user who cannot receive the printed matter.
The output of the printed matter in step 5 is executed by the print control unit 136 (see FIG. 3), and the movement to the destination is executed by the movement control unit 137 (see FIG. 3). The delivery here is performed along the route searched in step 4.
Details of the processing operation executed in step 5 will be described later.
If a negative result is obtained in step 5, the CPU 111 ends the delivery processing in the current delivery phase.
On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step 5, the CPU 111 delivers the printed matter to the user who issued the print job (step 6).
Next, the CPU 111 initializes a count value K for managing the number of times of standby (hereinafter, referred to as “number of times of standby K”) (step 7), and shifts to a process of a next reception period.
Step 7 is executed by the delivery start determination unit 132. The number of waiting times K is a value used for managing the number of times of determining the start of delivery to a user who cannot receive a printed material, and is used in the determination processing of step 5. As will be described later, when the number of waits K exceeds a predetermined threshold, delivery to the corresponding user is carried over to the next delivery phase.

On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step 2, the CPU 111 proceeds to step 8.
In step 8, the CPU 111 searches for a route that passes through a delivery location corresponding to a plurality of print jobs. This search is performed such that the length of the moving path is shortened.
Step 8 is executed by, for example, the delivery place acquisition unit 134 and the route search unit 135. If the same user issues a plurality of print jobs, the number of delivery locations is one.
In step 8, the order of delivery between the subjects is also determined. The determined order is recorded in the delivery queue.
Next, the CPU 111 determines whether it is possible to start delivery to the user recorded at the head of the delivery queue (step 9).
Step 9 is executed by the delivery start determination unit 132. Details of the processing operation executed in step 9 will be described later. In the case of the present embodiment, the determination processing in step 9 is executed during the delivery of the printed matter to the user whose order in the delivery queue is one immediately before. The smaller the time difference between the point in time when the start of delivery is determined and the point in time when delivery can actually be started, the less unnecessary movement occurs.

If a negative result is obtained in step 9, the CPU 111 changes to the next user in the delivery queue (step 12).
On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step 9, the CPU 111 delivers the printed matter to the user who issued the print job (step 10).
The output of the printed matter in step 10 is executed by the print control unit 136, and the movement to the delivery destination is executed by the movement control unit 137. The delivery here is executed along the route searched in step 8.

Next, the CPU 111 determines whether the number of unexecuted print jobs is greater than 0 (step 11).
Step 11 is executed by the delivery start determination unit 132. This is because, in the case of the present embodiment, delivery to a user who cannot receive a printed material is skipped without being executed.
If a positive result is obtained in step 11, the CPU 111 proceeds to step 12 described above, and changes the delivery target person to the next user in the delivery queue.

On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step 11, the CPU 111 ends the delivery processing in the current delivery phase. The case where a negative result is obtained in step 11 means that there is no unexecuted print job, that is, it is zero.
Step 11 in the present embodiment is based on the assumption that the print job can be delivered to all the users who issued the print job within the delivery period. However, the case where only one print job is issued will be described. As described above, a user whose number of times of determining the start of delivery to a user who cannot receive a printed material exceeds the threshold value may carry over from the delivery queue of the current delivery schedule to the next delivery schedule.

<Details of processing operation in step 5>
Subsequently, details of the processing operation executed in FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a case where the number of print jobs issued during a certain reception period is one. In FIG. 6, the parts corresponding to those in FIG.
In the case of FIG. 6, the issuer of the print job is the user A. User A operates the work terminal 5 of his desk 2 to issue a print job. In the case of FIG. 6, the delivery place of the user A is indicated by “delivery place A”, and the outer edge of the range regarded as the delivery place A is represented by an ellipse indicated by a dotted line.
In FIG. 6, only the user A is illustrated for convenience of explanation, but another user who has not issued a print job may exist in the space 1.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of the processing content executed in step 5 of FIG.
In the case of FIG. 7 as well, the symbol S represents each step constituting the processing operation.
The processing operation illustrated in FIG. 7 is executed by the delivery start determination unit 132 (see FIG. 3).
When Step 5 is started, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the current time is within X seconds after the print job is issued by the target user (Step 101).
If a positive result is obtained in step 101, the CPU 111 proceeds to step 6 to start delivery.
Here, the value of X seconds is a threshold value given in advance. The value of X seconds may be set, for example, by an administrator. Further, the value of X seconds may be changed after the setting by the administrator, for example. The value of X seconds is, for example, a time when it is considered that there is no change in a state in which a print can be received. Within this time, the user is likely to receive the printed material at the delivery location specified in advance by the user, so the start of delivery is permitted.

If a negative result is obtained in step 101, the CPU 111 acquires the current position of the user (step 102).
After the time exceeds X seconds, there is a high possibility that the user is not at the delivery place specified in advance by the user, so the current position of the user is acquired. As the current position of the user, the position information acquired by the user position acquisition unit 133 (see FIG. 3) is used.
Next, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the user's current position is within a radius of Y meters from the specified delivery location (step 103).
The Y meter is a threshold value that gives a range that can be regarded as a delivery place, and is given in advance. The value of Y meters may be set by, for example, an administrator. Further, the value of Y meter may be changed after the setting by the administrator, for example. The value of the Y meter is given in consideration of the measurement accuracy of the current position of the user. This range of the Y meter corresponds to the range of the ellipse indicated by the broken line for the delivery location A shown in FIG. The example in FIG. 6 is an example in which the place where the print job is issued matches the delivery place.
If a positive result is obtained in step 103, the CPU 111 proceeds to step 6 to start delivery.

If a negative result is obtained in step 103, the CPU 111 sends a notification to the user asking whether to start delivery (step 104).
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a situation where a negative result is obtained in step 103 of FIG.
In FIG. 8, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 6 are denoted by reference numerals.
In the case of FIG. 6, the user A is located at the delivery place A, whereas in the case of FIG. 8, the user A is located near the meeting desk 4 distant from the delivery place A.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen 150 displayed on the display unit of the terminal 6 carried by the user in the order of determining the start of delivery.
For example, the screen 150 is displayed as a pop-up with a sound indicating the arrival of a message.
In the case of FIG. 9, the screen 150 includes a sentence 151 for inquiring the user whether the user wants to start the delivery, a button 152 operated when the user wants the delivery, and a button 153 operated when the user does not want the delivery. Is included.
In FIG. 9, the sentence 151 exemplifies the contents of “It seems that Mr. A is not at the specified delivery location. Do you want to start delivery?”. Of course, this content is an example.

Returning to the description of FIG.
After transmitting the notification in step 104, the CPU 111 determines whether there is a response within Z seconds (step 105).
The value of Z seconds is a threshold value given in advance. The value of Z seconds may be set by an administrator, for example. Further, the value of Z seconds may be changed after the setting by the administrator, for example. The value of Z seconds is determined in consideration of the time required for the user to notice the notification and then operate any button. However, since the delivery cannot be started until Z seconds have elapsed, it is necessary to consider the influence of the delay.

If an affirmative result is obtained in step 105, the CPU 111 determines whether or not a response of delivery OK has been received (step 106). Specifically, it is determined whether or not button 152 (see FIG. 9) has been operated.
If a positive result is obtained in step 106, the CPU 111 proceeds to step 6 to start delivery.
This is because the user who has responded to the delivery OK is assumed to move to the delivery location specified in advance.
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the movement of the printing apparatus 10 when a delivery OK response is received.
In FIG. 10, the parts corresponding to those in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 10, when the user A responds that the delivery is OK, the movement of the printing apparatus 10 to the delivery location A is started.

Returning to the description of FIG.
If a negative result is obtained in step 106, the CPU 111 proceeds to step 107.
The case where a negative result is obtained in step 106 is a case where the user makes a response that does not want to start delivery. However, the print job remains without being canceled. Therefore, the CPU 111 registers the target user at the head of the delivery queue in the next reception period (step 107), and ends the current delivery phase.

If a negative result is obtained in step 105 described above, the CPU 111 proceeds to step 108.
A negative result is obtained in step 105 when there is no response within Z seconds. The case where there is no response includes the case where the user does not notice the notification.
Here, the CPU 111 determines whether the current position of the user is unknown or outside the delivery range (step 108).
In the case of the present embodiment, the current position of the user is acquired in step 102 but may not be specified. In such a case, the determination in step 103 becomes a negative result.
When a positive result is obtained in step 108, the CPU 111 proceeds to step 107 described above. This is because the printed matter cannot be delivered if the current position of the user is unknown or can be specified but is outside the range of delivery.

On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step 108, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the number of standbys K is zero (step 109).
In the present embodiment, since it is assumed that the notification to the user is executed twice, zero is used as the threshold value.
If the number of waits K is 1, the CPU 111 obtains a negative result in step 109 and proceeds to step 107. The fact that the number of times of waiting K is 1 means that two notifications have already been executed.

Note that the print job is issued by one person, and there is no delay in delivery to other users. Therefore, the setting may be such that three or more notifications are allowed. In that case, a threshold is set according to the allowable number of times.
If an affirmative result is obtained in step 109, the CPU 111 executes a wait of W seconds (step 110).
The value of W seconds is a threshold value given in advance. The value of W seconds may be set, for example, by an administrator. Further, the value of W seconds may be changed after the setting by the administrator, for example. The value of W seconds gives the idle time until another notification. This is because, for example, a scene in which a response cannot be made immediately even if the user is aware of the notification is assumed. However, if the value of W seconds is long, the start of delivery is delayed.
Next, the CPU 111 adds 1 to the value of the number of times of standby K (step 111). In this example, the number of waits K is updated to 1.
After that, the CPU 111 returns to step 104 and executes the second notification.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a change in the delivery queue when there is no response from the user even if the notification is made twice and the current position is in a range where delivery is not possible. (A) shows an example of the relationship between a reception period and a print job received within the period, (B) shows the order of the user A in the delivery queue for delivery # 2, and (C) shows FIG. 11 shows a state in which the information is registered at the head of a delivery queue for delivery # 3 when delivery cannot be made to user A. FIG.
In the example of FIG. 11, the print job A of the user A is received in the second reception period (reception period # 2), and the print job B of the user B is received in the third reception period (reception period # 3). There are cases.
When one print job is received, the user who issued the print job received during each reception period is registered at the head of the delivery queue.

However, when the delivery cannot be made to the user A, as shown in FIG. 11, the user A is registered at the head of the delivery queue for the delivery # 3 corresponding to the third reception period (reception period # 3).
By registering the user A at the top of the delivery queue for the delivery # 3, the start of delivery to the user A can be determined first, and delay in delivery is reduced. Note that the start of delivery of the user B is delayed due to the convenience of the user A, but a large delay is avoided as in the case where a plurality of print jobs are received during the same period. Further, when the user A cannot continuously receive, the distribution to the user B is started first, and the influence on the user B can be reduced.

<Details of processing operation in step 9>
Next, details of the processing operation executed in step 9 (see FIG. 5) will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a case where the number of print jobs issued during a certain reception period is four. In FIG. 12, the parts corresponding to those in FIG.
In the case of FIG. 12, four users A, B, C and D have issued print jobs.
In the case of FIG. 12, the delivery place A of the user A is the conference desk 4. On the other hand, the delivery location B of the user B, the delivery location C of the user C, and the delivery location D of the user D are set on the desk 2 which is a seat of each user.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of the processing content executed in step 9 of FIG.
In the case of FIG. 13 as well, the symbol S indicates individual steps constituting the processing operation.
In FIG. 13, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
The processing operation shown in FIG. 13 is also executed by the delivery start determination unit 132 (see FIG. 3).
When step 9 is started, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the current time is within X seconds from the issuance of the print job of the user located at the head of the delivery queue (step 101).
If a positive result is obtained in step 101, the CPU 111 proceeds to step 10 to start delivery.
The value of X seconds in step 101 in FIG. 13 may be different from the value of X seconds in step 101 in FIG.

If a negative result is obtained in step 101, the CPU 111 acquires the current position of the user (step 102).
Next, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the user's current position is within a radius of Y meters from the specified delivery location (step 103).
Even when a positive result is obtained in step 103, the CPU 111 proceeds to step 10 to start delivery.
If a negative result is obtained in step 103, the CPU 111 sends a notification to the user asking whether to start delivery (step 104).
After transmitting the notification in step 104, the CPU 111 determines whether there is a response within Z seconds (step 105).
If an affirmative result is obtained in step 105, the CPU 111 determines whether or not a response of delivery OK has been received (step 106).
If a positive result is obtained in step 106, the CPU 111 proceeds to step 10 to start delivery.
The above processing operation is the same as the case where the number of print job receptions is one.

If a negative result is obtained in step 106, the CPU 111 proceeds to step 121 and moves the target user to the end of the delivery queue. The CPU 111 that has proceeded to step 121 proceeds to step 12 and determines the start of delivery for the next user in order.
If a negative result is obtained in step 105, the CPU 111 determines whether the current position of the user is unknown or outside the delivery range (step 108).
In the case of FIG. 13, the operation in response to the result of the determination in step 108 is different from the case where the number of print job receptions is one.
If a positive result is obtained in step 108, the CPU 111 moves the order to the end of the delivery queue (step 121). This is because there is no need to hurry the delivery of the printed matter to a user whose current position is unknown or is outside the delivery range. After the execution of step 121, the CPU 111 proceeds to step 12. That is, the determination target is changed to the next user.
On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step 108, the CPU 111 changes the order in the delivery queue by one (step 122). After execution of step 122, the CPU 111 proceeds to step 12. That is, the determination target is changed to the next user.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a delivery queue when four print jobs are received during a certain reception period. (A) shows an example of a print job reception order, (B) shows an example of registration of a delivery queue, (C) shows a delivery queue after delivery to user A is completed, (D) shows the order of the user A when the delivery to the user A is not completed and a negative result is obtained in step 108, and (E) shows the case where the delivery to the user A is not completed. The order of the user A when a positive result is obtained in step 108 is shown.
In the case of FIG. 14A, during the second reception period (reception period # 2), print jobs are issued in the order of user A, user D, user C, and user B.
However, as shown in FIG. 14B, the order in the delivery queue is the order of the user A, the user B, the user C, and the user D, which is different from the accepted order.
The reason for this is that, in the example of FIG. 12, the path length in the order of the delivery location A, the delivery location B, the delivery location C, and the delivery location D specified by each user has a shorter travel distance than the other order. It is.

As shown in FIG. 14C, when the delivery to the user A is completed, the order in the delivery queue is moved up by one, and the user B moves to the top instead of the user A.
Further, as shown in FIG. 14D, when the delivery to the user A is not completed and a negative result is obtained in step 108, the order in the delivery queue is changed between the user B and the user A. In this case, the start of the delivery to the user A is determined again after the start of the delivery for the user B is determined. With this method, the delay in starting the delivery to the user B is reduced. On the other hand, even if the delivery is temporarily delayed, the delay in starting the delivery to the user A is reduced.

Further, as shown in FIG. 14E, when the delivery to the user A is not completed and a positive result is obtained in step 108, the order in the delivery queue of the user A is moved to the end. In this case, the determination of the start of delivery for a user other than the user A is performed before the user A. With this method, the delay of the start of delivery to the users B, C, and D can be shortened. On the other hand, an opportunity to determine the start of delivery to the user A will be secured within the current delivery period, and the user A will not be registered in the delivery queue corresponding to the next delivery period. Delivery delays are reduced.
When there is a response not desiring delivery (in the case of a negative result in step 106 of FIG. 13), the process may proceed to step 122.
If there is a response that does not require delivery, the response may be registered at the head of the delivery queue corresponding to the next delivery period, or may be separately managed as an unexecuted print job.

<Embodiment 2>
Next, a second embodiment will be described.
In the case of the second embodiment as well, the self-propelled printing device 10 (see FIG. 1) is used.
Note that the hardware configuration and the functional configuration of the printing apparatus 10 are the same as those in the first embodiment. That is, the printing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment also has the configuration shown in FIGS.
In the case of the present embodiment, a part of the processing operation executed by the printing apparatus 10 is different from the first embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation performed by the printing apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment.
In FIG. 15, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 5 are denoted by reference numerals. The symbol S in FIG. 15 represents each step constituting the processing operation.

The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the processing when the number of print jobs received within the reception period is plural is executed separately for the last one print job and the other. .
Therefore, in the case of FIG. 15, after the execution of step 10, it is determined whether or not the number of unexecuted print jobs is greater than 1 (step 21).
When the number of unexecuted print jobs becomes 1, the CPU 111 obtains a negative result in step 21 and shifts to step 5 to determine the start of delivery shown in FIG. 7 instead.

For this reason, in the case of the present embodiment, for the last one of a plurality of print jobs received during the same reception period, the target user is located within Y meters from the delivery location. If not, at least two notifications are performed.
Also, when a negative result is obtained in step 106 (see FIG. 7), when a positive result is obtained in step 108 (see FIG. 7), when a negative result is obtained in step 109 (see FIG. 7), The CPU 111 registers the user of the print job corresponding to the head of the delivery queue in the next reception period.
In the case of the present embodiment, only the last one shifts to the determination processing shown in FIG. 7, but the delivery is started even if the determination of the delivery start shown in step 9 is executed a predetermined number of times. If not, the process may proceed to the determination process shown in step 5.

<Embodiment 3>
Next, a third embodiment will be described.
Also in the case of the third embodiment, the self-propelled printing device 10 (see FIG. 1) is used.
Note that the hardware configuration and the functional configuration of the printing apparatus 10 are the same as those in the first embodiment. That is, the printing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment also has the configuration shown in FIGS.
In the case of the present embodiment, a part of the processing operation executed by the printing apparatus 10 is different from the first embodiment.

In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which, when the number of print jobs received during the reception period is plural, delivery to a user near a previously specified delivery location is prioritized.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation performed by the printing apparatus 10 according to the third embodiment.
In FIG. 16, the parts corresponding to those in FIG. The symbol S in FIG. 16 represents each step constituting the processing operation.
In the case of FIG. 16 as well, when it is confirmed in step 1 that the current reception period has elapsed, the CPU 111 determines whether the number of received print jobs is two or more (step 2).
The processing when a negative result is obtained in step 2 (steps 3 to 7) is the same as that in FIG.

On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step 2, the CPU 111 acquires the current positions of all the subjects (step 31).
Next, the CPU 111 places the user whose acquired current position is within Y meters from the delivery location at the top of the delivery queue, and searches for a route of movement (step 32). In the case of the present embodiment, there is a possibility that the route of the searched movement is longer than in the case of the first embodiment. This is because, unlike the search in which the movement distance is prioritized, the delivery is performed first to the user at the delivery location.
After step 32, the CPU 111 repeats the processing of steps 9 to 12 until there is no unexecuted print job, as in the embodiment.
Since the position information is not the position information immediately before the start of the delivery, if the time until the actual start of the delivery is long, even the user arranged in the higher order in step 32 may not be able to receive the printed matter. For this reason, the start of delivery to the user at the delivery location is determined first.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a case where the number of print jobs issued during a certain reception period is four. In FIG. 17, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 12 are denoted by reference numerals.
In the case of FIG. 17 also, four users A, B, C and D have issued print jobs. However, there are two users A and D at the delivery location, and the users B and C are not at the respective delivery locations.
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating another example of the delivery queue when four print jobs are received during a certain reception period. (A) shows an example of a print job reception order, and (B) shows an example of registration of a delivery queue.
In FIG. 18, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 14 are denoted by reference numerals.
In addition, when the arrangement of the delivery queue is determined in consideration of the distance of movement accompanying the delivery as shown in FIG. 14, the order of the user A, the user B, the user C, and the user D becomes.
However, in the case of FIG. 18, the user at the delivery place is given priority, so that the delivery queue is in the order of user A, user D, user C, and user B.

<Embodiment 4>
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described.
Also in the case of the fourth embodiment, the self-propelled printing device 10 (see FIG. 1) is used.
Note that the hardware configuration and the functional configuration of the printing apparatus 10 are the same as those in the first embodiment. That is, the printing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment also has the configuration shown in FIGS.
In the case of the present embodiment, a part of the processing operation executed by the printing apparatus 10 is different from the first embodiment.

In the present embodiment, every time the delivery of the printed matter is completed, the position information of all the undelivered users is obtained, and the user at the delivery location is given priority at each point in time to search the registration of the delivery queue and the route of movement. The case will be described.
In any of the above-described embodiments, the search of the route passing through the delivery place, in other words, the registration of the delivery queue is performed once. However, this may delay the start of delivery to users who can receive it, and as a result, the time to complete delivery to all users may be longer.

Therefore, the present embodiment employs a method of reviewing the delivery route each time delivery is completed.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation performed by the printing apparatus 10 according to the fourth embodiment.
In FIG. 19, the parts corresponding to those in FIG. The symbol S in FIG. 19 represents each step constituting the processing operation.
In the case of FIG. 19 as well, when the elapse of the current reception period is confirmed in step 1, the CPU 111 determines whether the number of received print jobs is two or more (step 2).
The processing when a negative result is obtained in step 2 (steps 3 to 7) is the same as that in FIG.

On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step 2, the CPU 111 executes the processing of steps 8 to 11 as in the first embodiment.
That is, the CPU 111 searches for a route that passes through a delivery location corresponding to a plurality of print jobs so that the route length to be moved becomes short (step 8), determines whether delivery can be started (step 9), and enables delivery. If so, the printed matter is delivered (step 10). Subsequently, the CPU 111 determines whether there is an unexecuted print job (step 11).
In the present embodiment, if a positive result is obtained in step 11, that is, if there is an unexecuted print job, the CPU 111 acquires the current positions of all undelivered users (step 41).
Next, the user whose acquired current position is within Y meters from the delivery location is placed at the top of the delivery queue, and the route of the movement is searched (step 42).
Thereafter, the process returns to step 9 to determine whether or not delivery can be started for the first user in the delivery queue.

FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining the movement of the user and the state of updating the delivery queue in chronological order.
In FIG. 20, the vertical axis indicates the passage of time. Also, in FIG. 20, a column indicating a user at a specified delivery location and a column indicating a user not at a specified delivery location are provided to visually show temporal user movement.
At time t1, all four users are at the designated delivery location.
At this stage, the delivery queue registered in step 8 (see FIG. 19) is in the order of user A, user B, user C, and user D.
Therefore, the start of the delivery is determined for the user A located at the head of the delivery queue.
Since the user A is at the delivery location specified by himself, the delivery of the printed matter is completed.

At time t2, a delivery queue is determined for the remaining three persons whose delivery has not been completed. This processing is executed in step 42 (see FIG. 19).
At time t2, user B and user C remain at the designated delivery location, but user D has left the designated delivery location.
For this reason, the delivery queue is in the order of user B, user C, and user D.
However, at time t3, both user B and user C have left the designated delivery location.
Therefore, the delivery to the user B registered at the head of the delivery queue has not been completed.
At time point t4, two users C and D have returned to the designated delivery locations.
For this reason, the delivery queue is in the order of user C, user D, and user B.
Here, the start of the delivery is determined for the user C located at the head of the delivery queue.
Since the user C is at the delivery place designated by himself, the delivery of the printed matter is completed.

At time t5, the user B has newly returned to the delivery place. As a result, two users, User B and User D, are at the delivery location.
In the case of FIG. 20, the delivery queue is in the order of user D and user B.
Here, the start of the delivery is determined for the user D located at the head of the delivery queue.
Since the user D is at the delivery place specified by himself, the delivery of the printed matter is completed.
As a result, at time t6, the only undelivered user is user B, and user B remains at the specified delivery location.
In this case, only the user B is registered in the delivery queue.
Accordingly, the start of the delivery is determined for the user B located at the head of the delivery queue.
In FIG. 20, the delivery of the printed matter for the user B is completed.
In this way, even if the user who issued the print job changes the position freely, the delivery queue is determined with priority given to the user at the designated delivery location, so that delivery to the user who is ready for reception can be performed. Priority is given, and as a result, the time to complete delivery to all is reduced.

<Embodiment 5>
Next, a fifth embodiment will be described.
Also in the case of the fifth embodiment, the self-propelled printing device 10 (see FIG. 1) is used.
Note that the hardware configuration and the functional configuration of the printing apparatus 10 are the same as those in the first embodiment. That is, the printing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment also has the configuration shown in FIGS.
In the case of the present embodiment, a part of the processing operation executed by the printing apparatus 10 is different from the first embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the position information of the user is re-acquired within a certain period of time (for example, after W seconds) from the notification to the user who is not at the delivery location, and if the user has returned to the delivery location, delivery is started without notification again. Will be described.
FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation performed by the printing apparatus 10 according to the fifth embodiment.
In FIG. 21, the parts corresponding to those in FIG. The symbol S shown in FIG. 21 represents each step constituting the processing operation.
FIG. 21 differs from FIG. 5 in that the process moves to step 7 when the last person is reached (when a negative result is obtained in step 11), and the number of waits K is initialized. In the present embodiment, this is because a plurality of notifications are used even when a plurality of print jobs are received during the reception period.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing operation of step 5 in FIG. 21 executed when one print job is received during the reception period.
In FIG. 22, the parts corresponding to those in FIG. The symbol S shown in FIG. 22 represents each step constituting the processing operation.
FIG. 22 differs from FIG. 7 in that it returns to step 102 after execution of step 111. In the case of FIG. 7, the process has returned to step 104.
In the present embodiment, the position of the user W seconds after the first notification is re-acquired, so that the latest position information can be used for the determination in steps 103 and 108. In the case of the present embodiment, delivery is started to the user who has returned to the delivery location without executing a notification again.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing operation of step 9 in FIG. 21 executed when a plurality of print jobs are received during the reception period.
23, the parts corresponding to those in FIG. 13 are denoted by the same reference numerals. It should be noted that the symbol S shown in FIG. 23 represents each step constituting the processing operation.
FIG. 23 differs from FIG. 13 in that if there is no response to the first notification, the user position information is reacquired after waiting for W seconds.
Therefore, when a negative result is obtained in step 105, the CPU 111 determines whether the number of standbys K is zero (step 131), and waits for W seconds when a positive result is obtained (step 132). After waiting for W seconds, the CPU 111 adds 1 to the number of times of waiting K (step 133), and returns to step 102.
If the response is slow even if the second notification is performed for the same user (negative result in step 131), the CPU 111 proceeds to step 108. That is, the process proceeds to the determination of the start of delivery to the next user, and delay in delivery to other users is reduced.
In the present embodiment, the position of the user W seconds after the first notification is re-acquired, so that the latest position information can be used for the determination in steps 103 and 108. In the case of the present embodiment, delivery is started to the user who has returned to the delivery location without executing a notification again.

<Embodiment 6>
Next, a sixth embodiment will be described.
Also in the case of the sixth embodiment, the self-propelled printing device 10 (see FIG. 1) is used.
Note that the hardware configuration and the functional configuration of the printing apparatus 10 are the same as those in the first embodiment. That is, the printing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment also has the configuration shown in FIGS.
In the case of the present embodiment, a part of the processing operation executed by the printing apparatus 10 is different from the first embodiment.

In the present embodiment, when the delivery route is first searched, all the users to be delivered are notified that the delivery is ready, and the user who has at least one response history is not at the delivery location. Even in such a case, a case where the notification is not performed again will be described.
FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation performed by the printing apparatus 10 according to the sixth embodiment.
24, the parts corresponding to those in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Note that the symbol S shown in FIG. 24 represents each step constituting the processing operation.
FIG. 24 differs from FIG. 5 in that a step 51 for transmitting a notification to one subject is provided between steps 4 and 5, and that all subjects are provided between steps 8 and 9. Is provided with the step 52 of transmitting the notification to the user.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen 160 displayed on the display unit of the terminal 6 carried by the user in the order of determining the start of delivery.
For example, the screen 160 is displayed as a pop-up with a sound indicating the arrival of a message.
In the case of FIG. 25, the screen 160 includes a sentence 161 inquiring whether delivery is desired, a button 162 operated when delivery is desired, and a button 163 operated when delivery is not desired.
In FIG. 25, the sentence 161 is exemplified as "delivery is ready. Delivery will be performed in order. Do you want to deliver?" Of course, this content is an example.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing operation of step 5 in FIG. 24 executed when one print job is received during the reception period.
26, the parts corresponding to those in FIG. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Note that the symbol S shown in FIG. 26 represents each step constituting the processing operation.
FIG. 26 differs from FIG. 7 in that step 141 is provided between step 103 and step 104 to determine whether there is a response history to the notification.
If a negative result is obtained in step 141, the CPU 111 proceeds to step 104 and executes another notification.
On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step 141, the CPU 111 skips steps 104 and 105 and proceeds to step 106. This is because the request of the user has been confirmed in the first notification, and it is not necessary to confirm it again. In step 106, it is determined whether or not the past response was delivery OK.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing operation of step 9 in FIG. 24 executed when a plurality of print jobs are received during the reception period.
27, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 13 are denoted by reference numerals. The symbol S shown in FIG. 27 represents each step constituting the processing operation.
FIG. 27 differs from FIG. 13 in that a step 151 for determining whether there is a response history to the notification is provided between steps 103 and 104.
If a negative result is obtained in step 151, the CPU 111 proceeds to step 104 and executes another notification.
On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step 151, the CPU 111 skips steps 104 and 105 and proceeds to step 106. This is because it is not necessary for the user whose request is confirmed by the first notification to confirm again. For example, even if the user is not at a delivery location immediately before delivery, any user who has requested delivery can be considered to be moving to the delivery location.
It should be noted that, for the user whose determination in step 151 or step 106 is the second time, the process may proceed to step 104 even if the response to the notification does not require delivery.

<Embodiment 7>
Next, a seventh embodiment as a modification of the sixth embodiment will be described.
Also in the case of the seventh embodiment, the self-propelled printing device 10 (see FIG. 1) is used.
Note that the hardware configuration and the functional configuration of the printing apparatus 10 are the same as those in the first embodiment. That is, the printing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment also has the configuration shown in FIGS.
In the case of the present embodiment, a part of the processing operation executed by the printing apparatus 10 is different from the first embodiment.

In the present embodiment, a description will be given of a case where delivery to a user who has responded to the notification is prioritized, and after delivery to the user who has responded ends, it is determined to start delivery to the user who has not responded. .
A user who has responded to the first notification is aware that the delivery is ready even if the response is undeliverable, and therefore gives priority to delivery over users who did not respond. .
FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation performed by the printing apparatus 10 according to the seventh embodiment.
28, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 27 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The symbol S in FIG. 28 represents each step constituting the processing operation.

In the case of FIG. 28, if a negative result is obtained in step 101, it is determined whether there is a response history to the notification (step 161).
Incidentally, in FIG. 27, this determination was made between step 103 and step 104.
When an affirmative result is obtained in step 161, the CPU 111 proceeds to step 106 and determines whether or not the content of the response is delivery OK.
On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step 161, the CPU 111 determines whether delivery to all respondents is incomplete (step 162).
Step 162 is performed to prioritize delivery to the responder.
If a negative result is obtained in step 162, the CPU 111 skips subsequent processing and proceeds to step 12. If a negative result is obtained in step 162, it is the order of the users who have not responded to the notification, but when the processing of the responder has not been completed. As described above, since the respondent is prioritized, the start of the delivery is not determined while the delivery to the respondent is not completed.
If a positive result is obtained in step 162, the CPU 111 proceeds to step 102.

<Embodiment 8>
In the above-described first to seventh embodiments, the case in which the determination as to whether or not to start the delivery is performed by the self-propelled printing apparatus 10 has been described. In the present embodiment, however, this processing is performed by a print job. I do.
FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an example of the space 1 in which the print server 200 is arranged.
29, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
The print server 200 controls the movement of the self-propelled printing device 10A existing in the space 1, and causes the user who issued the print job to deliver the printed matter. The print server 200 here is an example of an information processing device.
The print server 200 is an example of an information processing device that controls the movement of the self-propelled printing device 10A.

FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the print server 200.
The print server 200 includes a CPU 211 that controls the entire apparatus through execution of a program, a ROM 212 that stores programs such as a BIOS and an operation system, and a RAM 213 that is used as a program execution area.
The CPU 211, the ROM 212, and the RAM 213 function as a computer.

The print server 200 includes a hard disk drive (HDD) 214 for storing image data and management data, a display unit 215 for displaying a user interface screen, an operation receiving unit 216 for receiving a user operation, and communication with the outside. And a communication interface (communication IF) 217 used for communication.
The above-described units are connected to each other via a bus 218 and a communication line (not shown), and execute data transfer via these wirings.

FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the print server 200.
The functions illustrated in FIG. 31 are implemented through execution of a program by the CPU 211.
FIG. 31 shows functions related to delivery of printed matter to the user who issued the print job among functions realized through execution of the program.
The functional print server 200 includes a print job receiving unit 221 that receives a print job, a delivery start determination unit 222 that determines the start of delivery to each user, and a user that acquires the current position of the user to whom the printed matter is delivered. It functions as a position acquisition unit 223, a delivery location acquisition unit 224 that acquires information on a delivery location specified by the user, and a route search unit 225 that searches for a route that passes through the delivery destination.

The processing executed by the print job receiving unit 221 is the same as that of the print job receiving unit 131 (see FIG. 3) described in the first embodiment. The print job receiving unit 221 is an example of a receiving unit.
The content of the processing executed by the delivery start determination unit 222 is the same as that of the delivery start determination unit 132 (see FIG. 3) described in the first embodiment.
The content of the process executed by the user position acquisition unit 223 is the same as that of the user position acquisition unit 133 (see FIG. 3) described in the first embodiment.
The content of the processing executed by the delivery place acquisition unit 224 is the same as that of the delivery place acquisition unit 134 (see FIG. 3) described in the first embodiment.
The content of the processing executed by the route search unit 225 is the same as that of the route search unit 135 (see FIG. 3) described in the first embodiment.
Note that the delivery start determination unit 222 transmits a delivery instruction to the printing apparatus 10A through the communication interface 217. Here, the delivery start determination unit 222 is an example of a control unit that controls movement of the printing apparatus 10A to a delivery location.

<Other embodiments>
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It is apparent from the description of the appended claims that various modifications or improvements to the above-described embodiment are included in the technical scope of the present invention.

Reference numeral 6: portable terminal, 10, 10A: printing device, 20: access point, 131, 221: print job receiving unit, 132, 222 ... delivery start determining unit, 133, 223 ... user position obtaining unit, 134, 224 ... Delivery location acquisition unit, 135, 225: route search unit, 136: print control unit, 137: movement control unit, 200: print server

Claims (15)

Image forming means for forming an image on a recording material;
Accepting means for accepting a job requesting image formation and receipt at a designated location;
Control means for controlling the user to be moved to the place when the user to be delivered next satisfies a predetermined receiving condition,
An image forming apparatus having:   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the receiving condition is that a user actually exists within a predetermined range from the designated place. 3.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the receiving condition is a case where execution of delivery is instructed by a user in response to an inquiry about whether delivery is possible.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the user does not satisfy the receiving condition, the control unit inquires of the user who does not satisfy the receiving condition whether the delivery is to be executed.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when there is no response to the inquiry in a predetermined period, the control unit lowers a delivery order of a user who does not satisfy the receiving condition.   5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when a state in which a response to the inquiry is not received within a predetermined period occurs a plurality of times, the control unit lowers a delivery order of a user who does not satisfy the receiving condition.   5. The control unit according to claim 4, wherein, even if a response to the inquiry is within a predetermined period, if the current delivery is not desired, the control unit lowers a delivery order of a user who does not satisfy the receiving condition. Image forming apparatus.   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the order of delivery is given based on a movement route for a job received by the reception unit within a predetermined reception period. 3.   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the order of delivery is given such that users existing inside a predetermined range from the designated place are ranked higher than users not existing inside the range. 3.   The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the order of delivery is reset for users who have not completed delivery every time delivery to one user is completed.   At the time when the movement route for the job received by the receiving means is determined within a predetermined reception period, delivery is performed for users who are not within a predetermined range from the specified place. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an inquiry is made as to whether or not the image forming process is possible.   For a user who has responded to the inquiry to permit the execution of delivery, the delivery is executed without performing another inquiry even if the user is not within a predetermined range from the place. Item 12. The image forming apparatus according to Item 11.   5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein delivery of a user who does not respond to the inquiry is not performed until delivery to another user is completed. Accepting means for accepting a job requesting image formation and receipt at a designated location;
When the user to be delivered next satisfies a predetermined receiving condition, control means for controlling the own device or the self-propelled image forming device to move to the place,
Information processing device having On the computer,
A function for receiving a job requesting image formation and reception at a specified location;
A function of controlling the own device or the self-propelled image forming apparatus to move to the place when the user to be delivered next satisfies a predetermined receiving condition;
A program that executes