JP2023140172A - Information processing system, information processing device, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an information processing system, information processing device, information processing method and program, which allow for delivering digital materials to printing companies suitable for printing the same.SOLUTION: An information processing system is provided, comprising a reception unit for receiving order information including information on a digital material from orderer's terminal, a first generation unit for generating job information for performing printing based on the order information, and a delivery unit configured to deliver the job information to a management device of a specific printing company selected from multiple printing companies.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program.

In recent years, marketing by companies has shifted to digital marketing, and demand for paper-based marketing is decreasing. On the other hand, since direct mail (DM) has a higher open rate and conversion rate than email, the use of DM is being reconsidered. In order to print a DM, it is necessary to place an order with a printing company, and so-called printing mail order services, which allow users to create print data, order printing and shipping, and so on, are becoming popular. Additionally, systems that create print data using digital materials such as design templates and illustrations are also becoming widespread.

As such an ordering system for printed matter for mail-order printing, a system for selecting printing companies, delivery companies, and design companies based on quality evaluations of the companies has been disclosed (for example, Patent Document 1). Furthermore, a system has been disclosed that selects a printing company or a delivery company that can ship in the shortest time based on the location and capabilities of the printing company or delivery company (for example, Patent Document 2).

However, with conventional techniques, there is a problem in that digital materials may not be distributed to printing companies suitable for printing.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system, an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that can distribute digital materials to printing companies suitable for printing. shall be.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objects, the present invention provides a receiving unit that receives order information including information regarding digital materials from an orderer terminal, and a job that executes printing based on the order information. A first generation unit that generates information; and a distribution unit that distributes the job information to a management device of a specific printing business among a plurality of printing businesses based on attribute information of the digital material. shall be.

According to the present invention, digital materials can be distributed to printing companies suitable for printing.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an equipment system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a cloud system or the like according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the printing press according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of functional blocks of the equipment system according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data model used in the device system according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a trader registration screen. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of digital material registration processing of the device system according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a digital material registration screen. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an editing screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a template selection screen. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an illustration data selection screen. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of address data. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the overall processing flow of the device system according to the embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an order screen. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing print preparation and printing of a job using arrow lines. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of job execution determination processing in the cloud system according to the embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating prediction of the device state at the start time of free time. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of device state prediction processing in the cloud system according to the embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a prediction operation of preparation time and execution time. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a neural network used for machine learning. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating another example of the configuration of functional blocks of the cloud system according to the embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of an information processing system, an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Further, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and the constituent elements in the following embodiments include those that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are within the so-called equivalent range. is included. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, changes, and combinations of constituent elements can be made without departing from the gist of the following embodiments.

(Schematic configuration of equipment system)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an equipment system according to an embodiment. The schematic configuration of the device system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 1.

The equipment system 100 shown in FIG. 1 receives an order from an orderer to print a job or print data using digital materials, selects a printing company suitable for the printing, has the printing company execute the printing, and prints out the printed material. This is a system for producing printed matter and providing printed matter to the orderer. As shown in FIG. 1, the equipment system 100 includes a cloud system 50, an orderer terminal 40, a management server 11 (management device) of one or more printing companies 10, an administrator terminal 12, and a printing machine 30. . Further, the cloud system 50, the orderer terminal 40, the management server 11, the administrator terminal 12, and the printing machine 30 of the printing company 10 are capable of data communication with each other via the network N.

The network N is a network that includes the Internet because the cloud system 50 is used in this embodiment. Furthermore, within the printing company 10, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), etc. are used. Note that the network N may use a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

The printing business 10 means a business that has printing equipment such as a printing factory, a printing shop, or a predetermined building, and prints printed matter using the equipment. The system of each printing business 10 includes a management server 11, an administrator terminal 12, and a printing machine 30. The management server 11 and the printing machine 30 may be capable of data communication with each other via a network within the system of the printing company 10. A printed matter is one that is printed by forming an image of print data on a recording medium such as paper using a printing device such as an image forming device. Examples of printed matter include direct mail, advertisements, flyers, booklets, posters, promotional materials, catalogs, pamphlets, slips, invoices, and other commercial printed matter used by brand owners who order orders for business and sales promotions. It may also be a document used by the ordering party.

The management server 11 is an information processing device such as a PC (Personal Computer), a workstation, or a print server device that instructs the printing machine 30 to execute a job when job information is distributed from the cloud system 50.

Further, the above-mentioned job refers to a unit of print processing. For example, printing a certain number of pages of a certain document. In this embodiment, printing by the printing press 30 is execution of a job, but the specific process of executing a job differs depending on the type of printing press 30. Furthermore, the output obtained by executing the job may be simply displaying the results, storing the results in the cloud, sending an email, or notifying the user or the like. Further, job information is information regarding jobs. For example, job information is information that receives order information, specifies attribute information (bibliographical information) of a printing company, etc., and a printing target, and notifies the printing company as a new job. Note that the job information may include only attribute information, and the print target (print data) may be created later. Note that in this embodiment, a job and job information are not strictly distinguished. Job schedule information is information indicating a scheduled start time and end time for a job to be executed in a certain printing press 30 . In addition, print data (print information) is data used to print on a recording medium using an image forming device. For example, if layout data includes digital materials (image files) and is generated as print data. State, etc.

The administrator terminal 12 is an information processing device used by a printing company or the like to register (request registration) desired digital materials in the cloud system 50 . Here, digital materials refer to material data such as templates and illustration data to be included in print data. The digital material is, for example, an image file that is registered in advance of ordering. In this way, for digital materials registered by a printing company, it is preferable to have the printing company print the data because the printing company has the know-how for printing print data that includes the digital material. be. In this embodiment, the cloud system 50 selects a printing company to which job information of the print data will be distributed based on the attributes of the digital material included in the print data (for example, the printing company that is the registrant of the digital material). The operations to be performed will be explained in detail. Note that the person who registers the digital material using the administrator terminal 12 is not limited to a printing company, and may be a designer of the digital material. In this case, the administrator terminal 12 is not limited to being held by the printing company 10. Note that digital materials can be registered by logging in as a registered vendor from the administrator terminal 12 owned by various users (printing vendors, designers, etc.). The administrator terminal 12 is equipped with a web browser and an application, and displays each screen by accessing the cloud system 50 via the network.

The printing machine 30 is an image forming device such as a production printer, a color inkjet printer, or a color/monochrome MFP (Multifunction Peripheral). The printing method of the printing machine 30 is an electrophotographic method, an inkjet method, letterpress printing, intaglio printing, lithographic printing, stencil printing, etc., and is not limited to these methods, as long as it is capable of printing. Furthermore, the printing machine 30 may be connected to a finisher (post-processing device) for performing post-processing (post-processing) such as paper folding, saddle stitching, case binding, punching, etc. on the printed recording medium. good. Further, the printing machine 30 may have a scanner function, a fax function, a copy function, or the like.

Note that if the printing press 30 is a commercial printing device, it is controlled by a DFE (Digital Front End). Therefore, a device independent of the printing press 30 may include the DFE. The present embodiment will be described assuming that the printing press 30 is equipped with a control function using the DFE.

The orderer terminal 40 is an information processing device that transmits order data (an example of order information) for ordering printing to the cloud system 50 in accordance with the operation of an orderer who requests printing. The orderer is a person who orders products such as printed matter from a producer such as a printing company. The orderer may be a company, such as a brand owner with a product brand, or an individual (non-corporate entity). The orderer terminal 40 can receive digital materials from the cloud system 50 and edit the layout for generating print data. The layout data (layout information) edited at this time is editing data in which a designated digital material is arranged and edited from among a plurality of digital materials, and is data that is the source of print data. Furthermore, it is also possible to embed a tag (variable element) into the layout data, which embeds data from variable data (variable information) such as address data. Then, the orderer terminal 40 performs order processing by transmitting the above-described layout data, variable data, and order details as order data to the cloud system 50. Note that the layout data may be data in which information indicating the digital material is embedded by specifying the digital material provided from the cloud system 50, or may be data that includes the digital material itself. good. Information related to digital materials is information that indicates specified, selected, arranged, and edited digital materials, including digital material identification information that identifies digital materials, icon data that indicates digital materials, and coordinates in the layout where digital materials are arranged. This includes location information, etc. Information regarding the digital material is included in the layout data or associated with it, included in the ordering data, and transmitted to the cloud system 50. The orderer terminal 40 is equipped with a web browser and an application, and displays each screen by accessing the cloud system 50 via the network.

When the cloud system 50 receives printing order data from the external orderer terminal 40, it detects free time from the schedule information of the printing machines 30 of each printing company 10, and calculates the preparation time and execution time of the received job. This is an information processing system that includes one or more information processing apparatuses that determines whether or not a job that is received during free time can be executed, determines and distributes a printing company 10 that can execute the job. That is, the cloud system 50 provides printing services to the users of the external orderer terminals 40. Here, cloud is an abbreviation for cloud computing, and refers to a usage format in which resources on a network are used without being aware of specific hardware resources. Although the term cloud is used in contrast to the term on-premises (in a facility managed by a user), the cloud system 50 may be located outside or inside the company LAN. One or more information processing devices included in the cloud system 50 function as a server to provide various information and processing results in response to requests from clients.

In addition, when making a determination, the cloud system 50 predicts the state of the printing press 30 at the start time of the free time, and combines the predicted state of the printing press 30 with the state of the printing press 30 set based on the received job information. Predict preparation time based on.

As shown in FIG. 1, the cloud system 50 includes an order management service 51, a customer management service 52, an equipment management service 53, a vendor management service 54, a job management service 55, a digital material management service 56, and a billing service. Management service 57. Each service is a function provided by the cloud system 50. In addition, it may also have infrastructure services such as an authentication service that manages user authentication, login, roles, and access rights, and a tenant management service that is corporate information when used as a company. In the cloud system 50, there may be servers corresponding to each service, or one or more servers may implement each service. Applications corresponding to each service are running on the server, and the applications can communicate with each other. Each application communicates via, for example, a Web API (Application Programming Interface). Web API does not have a strict definition, but it is an interface between applications or systems that is called over a network using a protocol such as HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol).

The order management service 51 receives print order data from an external orderer terminal 40, acquires the digital material specified in the order data from the digital material management service 56, generates print data, and sends the print data to the job management service. 55 to register job information for printing the print data. Note that the generation of print data is not limited to being performed by the order management service 51, but may be generated by the management server 11 of the printing company 10 or the printing machine 30. Further, the order data itself received from the orderer terminal 40 may include digital materials in advance.

The customer management service 52 manages information on customers who use the cloud system 50, such as users who use the orderer terminal 40.

The device management service 53 receives device information from each printing press 30 and provides the device information to the job management service 55.

The vendor management service 54 manages information about each printing vendor 10.

The job management service 55 acquires job information from the order management service 51 and centrally manages it, refers to the device information managed by the device management service 53, and based on the digital material of print data corresponding to the job information, The job information is distributed to a printing company 10 appropriate for printing.

The digital material management service 56 is a service that registers and manages various digital materials requested to be registered from the administrator terminal 12. Further, the digital material management service 56 provides designated digital materials in response to a request from the order management service 51 for generating print data.

When job information is distributed to the printing business 10, the billing management service 57 collects payment information from the user (customer) of the orderer terminal 40 corresponding to the job information and the printing business 10 that received the job information. Register the deposit information and perform the billing process.

The general operation of the device system 100 as described above is as follows. First, the printing press 30 notifies the device management service 53 of device information (configuration, settings, device status, job status, etc.) periodically or when there is a system change. The device management service 53 maintains the latest device information of the registered printing presses 30.

An orderer terminal 40 of a user who desires to print out a predetermined image file or the like transmits order data to an order management service 51. The order management service 51 generates print data from the received order data. At this time, the order management service 51 acquires the digital material specified in the order data from the digital material management service 56, and generates print data using the digital material, variable data, and the like. The order management service 51 then requests the job management service 55 to register job information for printing the print data. The job management service 55 registers the received job information.

The job management service 55 maintains the status of the printing machine 30 owned by the registered printing business 10 (the status indicated by the above-mentioned device information) and a list of accepted jobs. , it is possible to search for a printing company 10 that can execute by the desired delivery date. The job management service 55 selects a printing machine 30 of a printing company 10 that is suitable for executing the job, and distributes job information to the printing company 10 that owns the printing machine 30. Specifically, the job management service 55 selects the printing industry difference based on the attributes of the digital material included in the print data of the job information (for example, the printing company that is the registrant of the digital material, etc.). Then, the printing machine 30 of the printing company 10 executes the job.

The billing management service 57 withdraws money from the account of the user (customer) of the orderer terminal 40 based on the job execution completion notification notified from the printing machine 30 of the printing business 10, and charges the money to the printing business 10 that executed the job. and deposit into the account of the registrant of the digital material of print data.

With the configuration described above, by printing with the printing machine 30 suitable for executing the job, it is possible to increase the operating rate of the printing machine 30, prevent opportunity loss, and improve the printing business using the equipment system 100. Proceeds can be divided among 10.

(Hardware configuration of cloud system, management server, administrator terminal, and orderer terminal)
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a cloud system or the like according to the embodiment. The hardware configurations of the cloud system 50, management server 11, administrator terminal 12, and orderer terminal 40 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. Here, the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus that constitutes the cloud system 50, the management server 11, the administrator terminal 12, and the orderer terminal 40 will be explained. The management server 11 and the administrator terminal 12 may be configured as separate information processing devices, or a single information processing device (PC) may include software with a server function (software for the management server 11) and a web browser. It may be configured and realized by installing a plurality of software such as an application (software for the administrator terminal 12).

As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing apparatus includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 801, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 802, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 803, an HD (Hard Disk) 804, and an HDD ( Hard disk controller 805, display 806, external device connection I/F 808, network I/F 809, keyboard 811, pointing device 812, DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable) drive 814, and media I/F 816 It is equipped with. These devices are connected by bus lines 810 such as an address bus and a data bus to enable data communication.

The CPU 801 is a calculation device that controls the operation of the entire information processing device. The ROM 802 is a nonvolatile storage device that stores programs used to drive the CPU 801, such as an IPL (Initial Program Loader). The RAM 803 is a volatile storage device used as a work area for the CPU 801.

The HD 804 is a nonvolatile auxiliary storage device that stores various data such as programs. The HDD controller 805 is a controller that controls reading or writing of various data to the HD 804 under the control of the CPU 801. Note that the HD 804 and the HDD controller 805 may be SSDs (Solid State Drives).

The display 806 is a display device that displays various information such as a cursor, menu, window, characters, or images. External device connection I/F 808 is an interface for connecting various external devices. Examples of the external device in this case include a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or a printer. The network I/F 809 is an interface for data communication via the network N, and is capable of communication based on, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark), TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)/IP (Internet Protocol), etc. It is an interface.

The keyboard 811 is an input device that includes a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numbers, various instructions, and the like. The pointing device 812 is an input device such as a mouse that selects and executes various instructions, selects a processing target, moves a cursor, and the like.

The DVD-RW drive 814 is a device that controls reading and writing of various data to and from a DVD 513 such as a DVD-R (Digital Versatile Disk Recordable) or a DVD-RW, which is an example of a removable recording medium. The media I/F 816 is an interface that controls reading or writing (storage) of data to the media 815 such as a flash memory.

Note that the cloud system 50 is often realized by a virtual machine. A virtual machine is an information processing device that runs another OS on a host OS (Operating System).

Furthermore, the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus that constitutes the cloud system 50, the management server 11, the administrator terminal 12, and the orderer terminal 40 shown in FIG. 2 is an example, and the components shown in FIG. It is not necessary to include all of them, or it may include other components. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the information processing devices that constitute the cloud system 50, the management server 11, the administrator terminal 12, and the orderer terminal 40 do not need to have the same hardware configuration.

(Hardware configuration of printing press)
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the printing press according to the embodiment. The hardware configuration of the printing press 30 will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

As shown in FIG. 3, the printing press 30 includes a controller 910, a short-range communication circuit 920, an engine control section 930, an operation panel 940, and a network I/F 950.

The controller 910 includes a CPU 901, which is the main part of the computer, a MEM-P (system memory) 902, an NB (north bridge) 903, an SB (south bridge) 904, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) 906, and an MEM-P (system memory) 902. -C (local memory) 907, an HDD controller 908, and an HD 909. Of these, the NB 903 and the ASIC 906 are connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 921.

The CPU 901 is a calculation device that performs overall control of the printing press 30. NB903 is a bridge for connecting CPU901, MEM-P902, SB904, and AGP bus 921, and includes a memory controller that controls reading and writing to MEM-P902, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) master, and an AGP target. has.

The MEM-P 902 includes a ROM 902a, which is a memory for storing programs and data that realizes each function of the controller 910, and a RAM 902b, which is used as a memory for developing programs and data, and for drawing when printing the memory. Note that the programs stored in the RAM 902b are files in an installable or executable format that can be read by a computer such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a CD-R (Compact Disc Recordable), or a DVD. It may also be configured to be recorded on a recording medium and provided.

The SB904 is a bridge for connecting the NB903 to PCI devices, peripheral devices, and the like. The ASIC 906 is an IC (Integrated Circuit) for image processing that includes hardware elements for image processing, and has the role of a bridge that connects the AGP bus 921, the PCI bus 922, the HDD controller 908, and the MEM-C 907, respectively. The ASIC906 includes a PCI target and an AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) that is the core of the ASIC906, a memory controller that controls the MEM-C907, multiple DMACs (Direct Memory Access Controllers) that rotate image data using hardware logic, etc. It also includes a PCI unit that transfers data between a scanner section 931 and a printer section 932 via a PCI bus 922 . Note that the ASIC 906 may be connected to a USB interface or an IEEE1394 (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394) interface.

MEM-C907 is a local memory used as a copy image buffer and code buffer. The HD 909 is a storage for storing image data, font data used during printing, and forms. The HDD controller 908 is a controller that controls data reading or writing to the HD 909 under the control of the CPU 901. Note that the HDD controller 908 and HD 909 may be SSDs.

AGP bus 921 is a bus interface for graphics accelerator cards proposed to speed up graphics processing, and can speed up graphics accelerator cards by directly accessing MEM-P902 with high throughput. .

The near field communication circuit 920 is a communication circuit such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). Near field communication circuit 920 is electrically connected to ASIC 906 via PCI bus 922 . An antenna 920a for wireless communication is connected to the short-range communication circuit 920.

Engine control section 930 includes a scanner section 931 and a printer section 932. The scanner unit 931 and printer unit 932 include image processing functions such as error diffusion and gamma conversion.

The operation panel 940 includes a panel display section 940a such as a touch panel that displays current setting values or a selection screen and accepts input from the user, and a numeric keypad and a copy screen that accepts setting values for conditions related to image formation such as density setting conditions. A hard key 940b consisting of a start key or the like that accepts a start instruction is provided.

Note that the printing machine 30 can sequentially switch and select a document box function, a copy function, a printer function, and a fax function using an application switching key on the operation panel 940. When the document box function is selected, the mode is set to the document box mode, when the copy function is selected, the mode is set to the copy mode, when the printer function is selected, the mode is set to the printer mode, and when the fax function is selected, the mode is set to the fax mode.

The network I/F 950 is an interface for data communication via the network N, and is an interface capable of communication based on, for example, Ethernet and TCP/IP. Network I/F 950 is electrically connected to ASIC 906 via PCI bus 922.

Note that the hardware configuration of the information processing device constituting the printing press 30 shown in FIG. 3 is an example, and it is not necessary to include all the components shown in FIG. It can also be used as a thing.

(Configuration and operation of functional blocks of equipment system)
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of functional blocks of the equipment system according to the embodiment. The configuration and operation of the functional blocks of the device system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

<Management server>
As shown in FIG. 4, the management server 11 of the printing business 10 includes a communication section 111, a registration confirmation section 112, a job execution instruction section 113, and a job information storage section 119.

The communication unit 111 is a functional unit that transmits and receives various information to and from the job management service 55. The communication unit 111 receives job information distributed by the job management service 55. The communication unit 111 is realized by, for example, executing a program by the network I/F 809 and the CPU 801 shown in FIG.

The registration confirmation unit 112 is a functional unit that confirms whether the job information received by the communication unit 111 is to be registered. For example, when job information is received by the communication unit 111, the registration confirmation unit 112 uses a web browser displayed on the display 806 of the management server 11 (or a terminal device such as the administrator terminal 12 connected to the management server 11). or the application displays a screen prompting the user to choose whether or not to permit registration. If the printing company is selected by the job management service 55 as the execution destination for the job information, but cannot print out the job information due to some malfunction of the printing machine 30, etc., the printing company performs operations using the keyboard 811 or pointing device 812. Depending on the input, acceptance of the job information is rejected. In this case, the registration confirmation unit 112 transmits a job information approval/disapproval notification to the job management service 55. On the other hand, if the printing machine 30 is capable of printing, the printing company allows acceptance of the job information by operating input using the keyboard 811 or pointing device 812. In this case, the registration confirmation unit 112 registers the job information in the job information storage unit 119.

The job execution instruction unit 113 is a functional unit that instructs the printing machine 30 to execute job information registered in the job information storage unit 119 by the registration confirmation unit 112 according to schedule information included in the job information. be.

The job information storage unit 119 is a functional unit that stores job information received by the communication unit 111. The job information storage unit 119 is realized by at least one of the RAM 803 and the HD 804 shown in FIG.

The registration confirmation unit 112 and job execution instruction unit 113 described above are realized, for example, by executing programs by the CPU 801 shown in FIG. Note that some or all of these functional units may be realized not by a software program but by an integrated circuit such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC.

Note that the functions of each functional unit of the management server 11 shown in FIG. 4 are conceptually shown, and the configuration is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of functional units illustrated as independent functional units in the management server 11 shown in FIG. 4 may be configured as one functional unit. On the other hand, the functions of one functional unit in the management server 11 shown in FIG. 4 may be divided into a plurality of functions and configured as a plurality of functional units.

<Printing machine>
As shown in FIG. 4, the printing machine 30 of the printing company 10 includes a communication section 301, a device information transmission section 302, and a job execution section 303.

The communication unit 301 is a functional unit that transmits and receives various information to and from the device management service 53. The communication unit 301 transmits device information to the device management service 53, for example, under the control of the device information transmitting unit 302. The communication unit 301 is realized, for example, by a program being executed by the network I/F 950 and the CPU 901 shown in FIG.

The device information transmitting unit 302 is a functional unit that transmits device information regarding the printing press 30 to the device management service 53 via the communication unit 301. The device information includes, for example, the configuration of the printing press 30 such as the printing speed, settings such as paper type and size, the status of the printing press 30 such as whether it is in operation or out of order, and schedule information such as how many jobs are being submitted. Including etc. The contents of the device information will be explained in the cloud system 50 described later.

The job execution unit 303 is a functional unit that executes job information in response to an instruction to execute the job information from the job execution instruction unit 113 of the management server 11 . Specifically, the job execution unit 303 causes the printer unit 932 to print out the print data included in the job information onto a recording medium such as paper.

The device information transmitting unit 302 and job executing unit 303 described above are realized, for example, by executing programs by the CPU 901 shown in FIG. 3. Note that some or all of these functional units may be realized not by a software program but by an integrated circuit such as an FPGA or an ASIC.

Note that the functions of each functional unit of the printing press 30 shown in FIG. 4 are conceptually shown, and the configuration is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of functional units illustrated as independent functional units in the printing press 30 shown in FIG. 4 may be configured as one functional unit. On the other hand, in the printing press 30 shown in FIG. 4, the functions of one functional unit may be divided into a plurality of functions, and the functions may be configured as a plurality of functional units.

<Administrator terminal>
As shown in FIG. 4, the administrator terminal 12 includes a communication section 121, a digital material registration request section 122, a display control section 123, and an input section 124.

The communication unit 121 is a functional unit that transmits and receives various information to and from the digital material management service 56 of the cloud system 50. For example, the communication unit 121 transmits the digital material desired to be registered and the attribute information of the digital material to the digital material management service 56. Here, the attribute information is information indicating the attributes of the digital material, and the details will be described later. Note that the attribute information includes, in addition to the attribute information directly specified for the digital material, information on the creator or registrant of the digital material (for example, information on the printing company that is the user of the administrator terminal 12), The communication unit 121, which also includes information about the creator of the digital material, the printing company designated by the registrant, etc., is realized by, for example, executing a program by the network I/F 809 and the CPU 801 shown in FIG.

The digital material registration requesting unit 122 is a functional unit that requests the digital material management service 56 to register the digital material set on the administrator terminal 12 and the attribute information input via the input unit 124 .

The display control unit 123 is a functional unit that controls the display operation of the display 806 of the administrator terminal 12. For example, the display control unit 123 displays on the display 806 a digital material registration screen to be described later for setting digital materials and inputting attribute information, a vendor registration screen to be described below for registering vendor information of a printing vendor, etc. Display. The display control unit 123 is realized by, for example, a web browser or an application installed on the administrator terminal 12, and acquires screen information such as the above screen from the cloud system 50 by accessing the cloud system 50 from the administrator terminal 12. indicate.

The input unit 124 is a functional unit that receives operation input from a printing company or the like. The input unit 124 is realized by the keyboard 811 and pointing device 812 shown in FIG.

The digital material registration request unit 122 and display control unit 123 described above are realized, for example, by executing a program by the CPU 801 shown in FIG. 2. Note that some or all of these functional units may be realized not by a software program but by an integrated circuit such as an FPGA or an ASIC.

Note that each functional unit of the administrator terminal 12 shown in FIG. 4 is a conceptual representation of the function, and is not limited to such a configuration. For example, a plurality of functional units illustrated as independent functional units in the administrator terminal 12 shown in FIG. 4 may be configured as one functional unit. On the other hand, the functions of one functional unit in the administrator terminal 12 shown in FIG. 4 may be divided into a plurality of functions and configured as a plurality of functional units.

<Orderer terminal>
As shown in FIG. 4, the orderer terminal 40 includes a communication section 401, a digital material acquisition section 402, an order transmission section 403, a display control section 404, and an input section 405.

The communication unit 401 is a functional unit that transmits and receives various information between the order management service 51 and the digital material management service 56 of the cloud system 50. For example, the communication unit 401 transmits order data edited on the orderer terminal 40 to the order management service 51. The communication unit 401 also receives digital materials used when editing the layout of print data on the orderer terminal 40 from the digital material management service 56 . The communication unit 401 is realized, for example, by the network I/F 809 shown in FIG. 2 and the CPU 801 executing a program.

The digital material acquisition unit 402 is a functional unit that acquires digital materials used for editing the layout of print data from the digital material management service 56 via the communication unit 401.

The order transmission unit 403 manages orders via the communication unit 401 by using digital materials edited on the orderer terminal 40 and layout data including variable elements for embedding data from variable data, and the variable data as order data. This is a functional unit that performs order processing by transmitting information to the service 51.

The display control unit 404 is a functional unit that controls the display operation of the display 806 of the orderer terminal 40. For example, the display control unit 404 causes the display 806 to display a digital material registration screen for changing the layout of print data, a template selection screen for selecting digital materials, an illustration data selection screen, etc., as described later. . The display control unit 404 is realized, for example, by a web browser or application installed on the orderer terminal 40, and obtains screen information such as the above screen from the cloud system 50 by accessing the cloud system 50 from the orderer terminal 40. indicate.

The input unit 405 is a functional unit that receives operational input from the orderer. The input unit 405 is realized by the keyboard 811 and pointing device 812 shown in FIG.

The digital material acquisition unit 402, order transmission unit 403, and display control unit 404 described above are realized by, for example, executing a program by the CPU 801 shown in FIG. 2. Note that some or all of these functional units may be realized not by a software program but by an integrated circuit such as an FPGA or an ASIC.

Note that each functional unit of the orderer terminal 40 shown in FIG. 4 is a conceptual representation of the function, and is not limited to such a configuration. For example, a plurality of functional units illustrated as independent functional units in the orderer terminal 40 shown in FIG. 4 may be configured as one functional unit. On the other hand, the function of one functional unit in the orderer terminal 40 shown in FIG. 4 may be divided into a plurality of functions and configured as a plurality of functional units.

<Order management service>
As shown in FIG. 4, the order management service 51 of the cloud system 50 includes a communication unit 511 (communication unit 511 as an example of a receiving unit) and a digital material acquisition unit 512 (digital material acquisition unit 512 as an example of an acquisition unit). ), a print data generation unit 513 (print data generation unit 513 as an example of a second generation unit), and a job registration request unit 514 (job registration request unit 514 as an example of the first generation unit).

The communication unit 511 is a functional unit that transmits and receives various information to and from the orderer terminal 40. For example, the communication unit 511 receives (accepts) order data from the orderer terminal 40. The communication unit 511 is realized by, for example, executing a program by the network I/F 809 and the CPU 801 shown in FIG.

The digital material acquisition unit 512 is a functional unit that acquires the digital material specified in the order data received by the communication unit 511 from the digital material management service 56 via the communication unit 511.

The print data generation unit 513 is a functional unit that generates print data from the order data received by the communication unit 511 and the digital material acquired by the digital material acquisition unit 512. Specifically, the print data generation unit 513 arranges image data as a digital material in a template as a digital material specified in the order data, and further embeds variable data included in the order data in a variable element. Generate print data with . The print data is, for example, PDF (Portable Document Format) or JDF (Job Definition Format) data. Note that, as described above, the print data generation unit 513 may generate the print data based on the order data, for example, by the management server 11 or the printing machine 30. In this case, the management server 11 or the printing machine 30 corresponds to the second generation unit. Alternatively, the printing data generation unit 513 may perform up to the generation of data in which digital materials are arranged, and the printing machine 30 may perform the process of embedding variable data into variable elements.

The job registration request unit 514 has a function of generating job information for executing printing, including print data generated by the print data generation unit 513, and requesting the job management service 55 to register the job information. Department.

The digital material acquisition unit 512, print data generation unit 513, and job registration request unit 514 described above are realized by, for example, executing programs by the CPU 801 shown in FIG. 2. Note that some or all of these functional units may be realized not by a software program but by an integrated circuit such as an FPGA or an ASIC.

Note that the functions of each functional unit of the order management service 51 shown in FIG. 4 are conceptually shown, and the structure is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of functional units illustrated as independent functional units in the order management service 51 shown in FIG. 4 may be configured as one functional unit. On the other hand, in the order management service 51 shown in FIG. 4, the functions of one functional unit may be divided into a plurality of functions and configured as a plurality of functional units.

<Customer management service>
The customer management service 52 of the cloud system 50 has a customer information storage section 529, as shown in FIG.

The customer information storage unit 529 is a storage unit that stores information about customers who use the cloud system 50 (for example, an orderer who uses the orderer terminal 40, etc.) as customer information. The customer information storage unit 529 is realized by at least one of the RAM 803 and the HD 804 shown in FIG.

<Device management service>
As shown in FIG. 4, the device management service 53 of the cloud system 50 includes a communication section 531, a device information registration section 532, a device information providing section 533, and a device information storage section 539.

The communication unit 531 is a functional unit that transmits and receives various information to and from the printing machine 30 of the printing company 10. For example, the communication unit 531 receives device information from the printing machine 30. Furthermore, when starting communication, the communication unit 531 uses a bidirectional communication mechanism (for example, WebSocket or MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport), etc.). The communication unit 531 is realized, for example, by the network I/F 809 shown in FIG. 2 and the CPU 801 executing a program.

The device information registration section 532 is a functional section that registers device information received via the communication section 531 in the device information storage section 539.

The device information providing unit 533 is a functional unit that provides the job management service 55 with device information registered in the device information storage unit 539. Note that it is desirable that the device information providing unit 533 provides device information without delay when new device information is registered. Alternatively, the device information providing section 533 may provide the information in response to a request from the device information acquisition section 552 of the job management service 55, or may provide the information periodically or at a time when the load is low.

The device information storage unit 539 is a functional unit that stores device information. The device information storage unit 539 is realized by at least one of the RAM 803 and the HD 804 shown in FIG. The device information is information including, for example, device ID, configuration, settings, device status, remaining amount of paper, ink, remaining amount of ink, and job status. The device ID is identification information that uniquely identifies the printing press 30. The configuration is information regarding the functions that the printing press 30 has, and includes, for example, whether color printing or black-and-white printing is possible, printing speed if possible, and whether variable data can be embedded into print data. The settings include the paper size, type, grade, etc. set in the printing machine 30. The device status represents the current status of the printing press 30, such as being in operation, stopped, or out of order. The remaining paper amount is the remaining amount of paper. The ink includes process color ink and special color ink (for example, transparent ink, fluorescent ink, metallic ink, mixed color ink, etc.). Here, the special color is a color other than the so-called process color of CMYK, and is a color that can be printed using a special coloring material (ink, toner, etc.) for that color. Dedicated color materials include, for example, metallic color materials (gold toner, silver toner, ink), transparent color materials (clear toner, ink), fluorescent color materials (fluorescent color toner, ink), foils (gold leaf, silver leaf), IR toner (invisible red toner ink issued by infrared irradiation), etc. The remaining ink amount is the remaining amount of ink. The job status is information regarding the job being input to the printing press 30, and includes, for example, schedule information.

The device information registration section 532 and the device information providing section 533 described above are realized, for example, by executing programs by the CPU 801 shown in FIG. 2. Note that some or all of these functional units may be realized not by a software program but by an integrated circuit such as an FPGA or an ASIC.

Note that the functions of each functional unit of the device management service 53 shown in FIG. 4 are conceptually shown, and the configuration is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of functional units illustrated as independent functional units in the device management service 53 shown in FIG. 4 may be configured as one functional unit. On the other hand, in the device management service 53 shown in FIG. 4, the functions of one functional unit may be divided into a plurality of parts and configured as a plurality of functional parts.

<Vendor management service>
As shown in FIG. 4, the vendor management service 54 of the cloud system 50 includes a vendor information storage section 549 (a vendor information storage section 549 as an example of a first storage section).

The vendor information storage unit 549 is a storage unit that stores information about the printing vendor 10 that uses the cloud system 50 as vendor information. The vendor information storage unit 549 is realized by at least one of the RAM 803 and the HD 804 shown in FIG.

<Job management service>
As shown in FIG. 4, the job management service 55 of the cloud system 50 includes a communication unit 551, a device information acquisition unit 552, a job information registration unit 553, and a job execution determination unit 554 (a job execution determination unit as an example of the determination unit). A determination unit 554 ), a schedule generation unit 555 , a job information distribution unit 556 (job information distribution unit 556 as an example of a distribution unit), a billing information notification unit 557 , and a job information storage unit 559 .

The communication unit 551 is a functional unit that transmits and receives various information to and from the management server 11 of the printing company 10. For example, the communication unit 551 transmits (distributes) job information to the management server 11. The communication unit 551 also receives a job execution completion notification from the management server 11. The communication unit 551 is realized by, for example, executing a program by the network I/F 809 and the CPU 801 shown in FIG.

The device information acquisition unit 552 is a functional unit that receives device information from the device management service 53. The device management service 53 may transmit new device information to the job management service 55 each time it receives new device information, or may transmit the device information periodically or when the load is low. Alternatively, the device information acquisition unit 552 may request device information from the device management service 53 and receive the device information as a result of the request. In this case as well, the device information acquisition unit 552 may make the request periodically or when the load is low.

The job information registration unit 553 is a functional unit that receives job information registration from the order management service 51. Specifically, job information registration section 553 receives job information transmitted by job registration request section 514 of order management service 51 via communication section 551, and registers it in job information storage section 559. The contents of the job information will be described later.

The job execution determination unit 554 determines which printing company 10 should execute the job information registered in the job information storage unit 559 by the job information registration unit 553 (which printing machine 30 of which printing company 10 should print the job information) This is a functional unit that makes decisions. For example, the job execution determination unit 554 predicts the state of the printing press 30 at the start of the free time based on the current state of the printing press 30 of each printing business 10 and the schedule information in which job execution is scheduled, and Determine whether the newly accepted job can be completed by the end of the time period.

Then, the job execution determination unit 554 selects a printing company suitable for printing the job information based on the attributes of the digital material included in the print data of the job information, among the printing companies 10 that can execute the job based on the schedule information. Judge 10. For example, the job execution determination unit 554 determines that among the printing vendors 10 that can execute the job based on the schedule information, the creator of the digital material is registered as the printing vendor 10 in the vendor information storage unit 549 of the vendor management service 54. In this case, the printing company 10 is determined to be an appropriate printing company 10. Note that if the print data includes digital materials created by different printing companies 10, the job execution determining unit 554 may determine that the printing company 10 most associated with each digital material is the appropriate printing company 10. good. Further, the job execution determination unit 554 determines whether the printing vendor 10 is specified for the digital material among the printing vendors 10 that can execute the job based on the schedule information (the printing vendor 10 is associated with the digital material). case), the printing company 10 may be determined to be an appropriate printing company 10. Further, the job execution determination unit 554 determines that among the printing vendors 10 that can execute the job based on the schedule information, if the printing vendor 10 is specified as the creator of the digital material (the printing vendor 10 is specified as the creator of the digital material) 10), the printing vendor 10 may be determined to be an appropriate printing vendor 10. Further, the job execution determination unit 554 appropriately selects a printing company 10 capable of printing the spot color when a spot color is specified for the digital material among the printing vendors 10 capable of executing the job based on the schedule information. The printing company 10 may also make the determination. Further, the job execution determination unit 554 selects a suitable printing company from among the printing companies 10 capable of executing the job based on the schedule information, a printing company 10 capable of printing that satisfies the printing conditions included in the attribute information of the digital material. It may be determined as 10.

Furthermore, when the process of embedding variable data in print data is required, the job execution determining unit 554 may determine a printing company 10 that can handle the process as an appropriate printing company 10. Further, the job execution determination unit 554 may determine a printing business 10 that is capable of printing that satisfies the printing conditions included in the job information as an appropriate printing business 10. Further, the job execution determination unit 554 may determine, as the appropriate printing business 10, the printing business 10 whose address is closest to the address (delivery destination) included in the job information and indicated by the customer information. Note that, if delivery date priority or price priority is set in the job information, the job execution determination unit 554 selects the printing company 10 that satisfies the above conditions from among the printing companies 10 with the shortest delivery date or the lowest price. It may be determined by the appropriate printing company 10.

Note that there may be a plurality of printing companies 10 for which the job execution determination unit 554 executes the job.

The schedule generation unit 555 is a functional unit that generates schedule information when the job execution determination unit 554 determines which printing company 10 is to execute the job information. In this case, the schedule generation unit 555 stores the job information including the generated schedule information in the job information storage unit 559. Schedule information is information representing a schedule for when to execute a job.

The job information distribution unit 556 transmits the job information including the schedule information generated by the schedule generation unit 555 to the management server 11 of the printing business 10 that executes the job information determined by the job execution determination unit 554 via the communication unit 551. This is a functional unit that transmits (distributes) data via.

When job information is executed in the printing machine 30 of the printing company 10, the billing information notification unit 557 sends payment information from the orderer (customer) of the orderer terminal 40 that ordered the print data of the job information and the job information. This is a functional unit that notifies the billing management service 57 of payment information to the printing business 10 that has received the information distribution.

The job information storage unit 559 is a functional unit that stores job information. The job information storage unit 559 is realized by at least one of the RAM 803 and the HD 804 shown in FIG. The job information includes, for example, job ID, paper, number of sheets, image quality requirements, desired delivery date, print data, customer information, schedule information, log, and status. The job ID is identification information that identifies job information. Paper is the grade or type of paper required for this job. The number of copies is the number of copies to be printed in the job. The image quality requirement is the image quality (for example, resolution, etc.) required for the printed material. The desired delivery date is the delivery date for printed matter desired by the customer. Print data is data to be printed. The customer information is information that identifies the customer who requested this job. The schedule information is information about when the printing press 30 to which this job is assigned will execute the job. The log contains the start time and end time when the job was actually executed, and is also included in the job execution completion notification. The status is information indicating the progress state of the current job. Note that the job information may include information other than the above information.

For example, the device information acquisition unit 552, job information registration unit 553, job execution determination unit 554, schedule generation unit 555, job information distribution unit 556, and billing information notification unit 557 have programs executed by the CPU 801 shown in FIG. This is achieved by Note that some or all of these functional units may be realized not by a software program but by an integrated circuit such as an FPGA or an ASIC.

Note that the functions of each functional unit of the job management service 55 shown in FIG. 4 are conceptually shown, and the configuration is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of functional units illustrated as independent functional units in the job management service 55 shown in FIG. 4 may be configured as one functional unit. On the other hand, in the job management service 55 shown in FIG. 4, the functions of one functional unit may be divided into a plurality of functions and configured as a plurality of functional units.

<Digital material management service>
The digital material management service 56 of the cloud system 50 includes a communication section 561, a first digital material provision section 562, a second digital material provision section 563, and a digital material registration section 564 (a digital material registration section as an example of a registration section). 564), and a digital material storage section 569 (digital material storage section 569 as an example of a second storage section).

The communication unit 561 is a functional unit that transmits and receives various information between the administrator terminal 12 and the orderer terminal 40. For example, the communication unit 561 receives a digital material registration request from the administrator terminal 12 and transmits the digital material to the orderer terminal 40. The communication unit 561 is realized by, for example, executing a program by the network I/F 809 and the CPU 801 shown in FIG.

In response to a request from the orderer terminal 40 , the first digital material providing unit 562 reads the digital material used when editing the layout of print data from the digital material storage unit 569 , and sends the digital material to the orderer terminal 40 via the communication unit 561 . This is a functional unit that provides services to

In response to a request from the order management service 51, the second digital material providing unit 563 reads digital materials and attribute information necessary for generating print data from the digital material storage unit 569, and manages the order via the communication unit 561. This is a functional unit that provides service 51.

The digital material registration unit 564 is a functional unit that receives digital materials and attribute information set on the administrator terminal 12 via the communication unit 561 and registers them in the digital material storage unit 569.

The digital material storage unit 569 is a functional unit that stores digital materials and attribute information of the digital materials. The digital material storage unit 569 is realized by at least one of the RAM 803 and the HD 804 shown in FIG.

The first digital material providing unit 562, second digital material providing unit 563, and digital material registration unit 564 described above are realized by, for example, executing a program by the CPU 801 shown in FIG. 2. Note that some or all of these functional units may be realized not by a software program but by an integrated circuit such as an FPGA or an ASIC.

Note that each functional unit of the digital material management service 56 shown in FIG. 4 is a conceptual representation of the function, and is not limited to such a configuration. For example, a plurality of functional units illustrated as independent functional units in the digital material management service 56 shown in FIG. 4 may be configured as one functional unit. On the other hand, in the digital material management service 56 shown in FIG. 4, the functions of one functional unit may be divided into a plurality of functions and configured as a plurality of functional units.

<Billing management service>
The billing management service 57 of the cloud system 50 includes a billing processing section 571 and a billing information storage section 579.

The billing processing unit 571 registers the payment information from the orderer (customer) and the deposit information to each printing business 10 in the billing information storage unit 579, and based on these information, the orderer (customer) and each print This is a functional unit that requests a bank system corresponding to the bank account of the merchant 10 to process a transfer. The banking system executes transfer processing between bank accounts on the closing date.

The billing information storage unit 579 is a functional unit that stores withdrawal information and deposit information. The billing information storage unit 579 is realized by at least one of the RAM 803 and the HD 804 shown in FIG.

The billing processing unit 571 described above is realized, for example, by executing a program by the CPU 801 shown in FIG. 2. Note that the billing processing unit 571 may be realized not by a software program but by an integrated circuit such as an FPGA or an ASIC.

Note that the functions of each functional unit of the billing management service 57 shown in FIG. 4 are conceptually shown, and the structure is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of functional units illustrated as independent functional units in the billing management service 57 shown in FIG. 4 may be configured as one functional unit. On the other hand, in the billing management service 57 shown in FIG. 4, the functions of one functional unit may be divided into a plurality of functions and configured as a plurality of functional units.

(data model)
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data model used in the device system according to the embodiment. A data model used in the device system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

<Billing management service>
The billing management service 57 has the following deposit/withdrawal information (withdrawal information and deposit information stored in the billing information storage section 579).

・Registration date/deposit/withdrawal category/amount

The deposit/withdrawal information is generated, for example, when job information corresponding to order data transmitted from the orderer terminal 40 is distributed to one of the printing companies 10 and executed. The provider's deposit/withdrawal classification is withdrawal, and the provider's deposit/withdrawal classification is deposit.

<Vendor management service>
The vendor management service 54 has the following vendor information regarding the printing vendor 10 (information stored in the vendor information storage unit 549).

・Name, address, email address, account number (bank account)
·roll

Among these, the role is information that indicates whether the printer is a printing company that can perform printing processing or a designer who cannot perform printing processing, for example.

<Device management service>
As described above, the printing press 30 transmits device information to the device management service 53 periodically or at the timing when the device information changes. The device management service 53 has information regarding the following models (information stored in the device information storage unit 539).

・Paper/Image quality/Speed

Additionally, the device management service 53 has the following information regarding the printing press 30 (information stored in the device information storage unit 539).

·Machine number

Furthermore, the device management service 53 has information regarding the following configuration (information stored in the device information storage unit 539).

・Hardware configuration ・Software configuration ・Settings ・Update date and time

Additionally, the device management service 53 has the following information regarding the status of the printing press 30 (information stored in the device information storage unit 539).

・Status (waiting, preparing, printing, stopped, error, etc.)
・Paper (paper type, remaining amount, etc.)
・Ink (ink type, remaining amount, etc.)
・Adjustment status (alignment, color tone, etc.)
・Updated date and time

<Job management service>
The job management service 55 has the following job-related information (information stored in the job information storage unit 559).

・Paper and number of sheets (number of copies)
・Image quality requirements ・Print data ・Desired delivery date

Further, the job management service 55 has the following schedule-related information (information stored in the job information storage unit 559).

-Scheduled start date and time of preparation -Scheduled finish date and time of preparation -Scheduled date and time of printing start -Scheduled date and time of printing end

Further, the job management service 55 has information regarding the following execution results (information sent in a job execution completion notification).

・Execution status・Preparation start date and time・Preparation end date and time・Printing start date and time・Printing end date and time・Paper, number of sheets, confirmed amount

Note that the job execution completion notification is generated when the job execution is completed.

<Customer management service>
The customer management service 52 has the following customer information (information stored in the customer information storage unit 529).

・Name, address, email address, account number (bank account)

<Order management service>
The order management service 51 manages the following order-related information (order details).

・Size, paper, image quality requirements (color)
・Processing/Number of sheets (number of copies)
・Desired delivery date ・Effectiveness measurement ・Location of print data ・Layout data, editing data (including information regarding digital materials)

Among these, the print data location is information indicating a storage destination of print data to be generated by the order management service 51.

Additionally, the order management service 51 has generated print data. The order management service 51 also manages address data including the following information as variable data used in the generated print data or already embedded as data.

・Company name/department name ・Person name/Title ・Postal code ・Address ・Telephone number ・Email address ・Text ・Image

<Digital material management service>
The digital material management service 56 has attribute information (information stored in the digital material storage unit 569) regarding the following digital materials (illustration data, templates).

・Title, category, price, color, search tag, printing conditions

In addition, as attribute information regarding digital materials, the creator (registrant) of the digital material and the printing company specified by the creator (registrant), for example, the printing company specified at the time of prior company registration, etc. included. Further, the digital material is composed of image files such as templates and illustration data. Note that the template can also include other templates. A template is data of a model used for printed matter. For example, in the case of direct mail, data has a design and a frame (area for writing the name, address, and message) as a template for the address side (front side) for writing the addressee and the text side (back side) for writing the message. . Further, illustration data is data used for layout in combination with a template or alone.

(Business registration process)
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a trader registration screen. The vendor registration process of the device system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

The vendor registration screen 1500 is a screen for registering a vendor (printing vendor, designer, etc.). The vendor registration screen 1500 is displayed on the display 806 by the display control unit 123 of the administrator terminal 12, for example. As shown in FIG. 6, the business registration screen 1500 includes a business type selection area 1501, a company name input area 1502, an address input area 1503, a representative input area 1504, and a registration button 1505.

The trader type selection area 1501 is an area for selecting the trader type by the user of the administrator terminal 12. For example, if the user is capable of printing, the user selects "printing company", and if the user is unable to print and is a designer who only creates digital materials, the user selects "designer". When “printing business” is selected in the business type selection area 1501, the user who is a printing business may be able to register and specify one or more devices (printing machines 30) owned by the user on the business registration screen 1500. Further, when “Designer” is selected in the vendor type selection area 1501, the user who is a designer can register and specify one or more printing companies or devices (printing machines 30) desired for printing on the vendor registration screen 1500. It may be possible to do so. In this case, the vendor information registered in the vendor information storage unit 549 of the vendor management service 54 through the vendor registration screen 1500 may include or be linked to the designated printing vendor or device. With this, when the creator of the digital material is a registered vendor, it is possible to link the creator of the digital material (registered vendor) with the printing vendor specified in advance at the time of registration.

The company name input area 1502 is an input area for inputting the company name of the company to which the user belongs. Address input area 1503 is an input area for inputting the address of the business to which the user belongs. The representative input area 1504 is an input area for inputting the representative of the trader to which the user belongs.

The registration button 1505 is a button for registering the contents input on the vendor registration screen 1500 as vendor information in the vendor management service 54. When the registration button 1505 is pressed, the administrator terminal 12 transmits the trader information to the trader management service 54, and the trader information is registered in the trader information storage section 549.

(Digital material registration process)
FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of digital material registration processing of the device system according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a digital material registration screen. The flow of the digital material registration process of the device system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

<Step S51>
The user of the administrator terminal 12 performs a display operation on the digital material registration screen 1000 shown in FIG. 8 via the input unit 124. Then, the display control unit 123 causes the display 806 to display the digital material registration screen 1000. In this case, the display control unit 123 receives the screen information of the digital material registration screen 1000 from the digital material management service 56 and causes it to be displayed.

The digital material registration screen 1000 shown in FIG. This is a screen for registering with the management service 54. As shown in FIG. 8, the digital material registration screen 1000 includes an image file input area 1001, a title input area 1002, a category input area 1003, a price input area 1004, a color input area 1005, and a search tag input area. 1006, a paper size input area 1007, a paper type input area 1008, a post-processing input area 1009, a printer specification area 1010, and a registration button 1011.

The image file input area 1001 is an input area for inputting a digital material file that is illustration data or a template created by the creator. Specifically, the creator can input the file into the image file input area 1001 by dragging and dropping the file into the image file input area 1001 by operating the input unit 124 .

A title input area 1002 is an input area for inputting the name of the digital material to be registered. The category input area 1003 is an input area for inputting the category of the digital material to be registered. A price input area 1004 is an input area for inputting a price to be set as a usage fee for the digital material to be registered. A color input area 1005 is an input area for inputting color attributes used in the digital material to be registered. For example, if the digital material consists of only process colors, "process color" is selected and input, and if the digital material includes spot colors, "spot color" is selected and input. The search tag input area 1006 is an input area for inputting a search tag used to search for digital materials to be registered.

A paper size input area 1007 is an input area for selecting and inputting a paper size as a printing condition associated with a digital material to be registered. A paper type input area 1008 is an input area for selecting and inputting a paper type as a printing condition associated with a digital material to be registered. A post-processing input area 1009 is an input area for selecting and inputting post-processing as printing conditions associated with the digital material to be registered.

The printing company specification area 1010 is a specification area for specifying a printing company or a device (printing machine 30) that performs printing processing on the digital material to be registered.

The registration button 1011 associates the digital material, which is the illustration data or template input in the image file input area 1001, with the attribute information about the digital material input and specified above, and registers it in the digital material management service 56. This button is for Here, the attribute information is information including the information input and specified in 1002 to 1010 above and the creator of the digital material.

<Step S52>
The digital material registration unit 564 of the digital material management service 56 confirms with the vendor management service 54 whether the creator who has logged in to the administrator terminal 12 is a printing vendor registered in the vendor information storage unit 549. The request is sent to vendor management service 54.

<Step S53>
When the vendor management service 54 receives the confirmation request, it sends the confirmation result as to whether the creator is a printing vendor or designer registered in the vendor information storage unit 549 to the digital material management service 56 as a response.

<Step S54>
If the confirmation result received from the vendor management service 54 indicates that the printing vendor is a registered printing vendor, the digital material registration unit 564 transmits information about the equipment (printing machine 30) associated with the printing vendor to the vendor management service 54. request. Furthermore, when the confirmation result received from the vendor management service 54 indicates that the designer is a registered designer, the digital material registration unit 564 requests the vendor management service 54 for information on the printing vendor associated with the designer. Note that the associated device/printing vendor refers to the device or printing vendor specified at the time of vendor registration when the digital material creator (digital material registrant) is a registered vendor.

<Step S55>
In response to a request from the digital material registration unit 564, the vendor management service 54 sends a list of equipment/printing vendors associated with the creator (printing vendor or designer) to the digital material management service 56 as a response.

<Step S56>
The digital material registration unit 564 stores a list of devices and printing vendors sent from the vendor management service 54.

<Steps S57, S58>
Here, the digital material registration unit 564 may transmit the list as candidates to the administrator terminal 12. The display control unit 123 of the administrator terminal 12 can display the list as a pull-down in the printer specification area 1010 of the digital material registration screen 1000, and the creator can select from the devices and printers displayed in the pull-down. be. Note that devices and printing companies other than the associated devices and printing companies may be displayed, for example, by displaying a list of models suitable for printing spot colors and digital materials, or printing companies that have suitable models.

<Step S59>
The creator inputs various attribute information on the digital material registration screen 1000 by operating the input unit 124. The display control unit 123 transmits the input attribute information to the digital material management service 56 via the communication unit 121.

<Step S60>
The digital material registration unit 564 requests the vendor management service 54 for information on the device/printing vendor associated with the creator that corresponds to the attribute information received from the administrator terminal 12.

<Step S61>
In response to a request from the digital material registration unit 564, the vendor management service 54 creates a list of devices/printing vendors associated with the creator (printing vendor or designer) that corresponds to the attribute information. It is sent to the digital material management service 56 as a response.

<Step S62>
The digital material registration unit 564 stores a list of devices and printing vendors sent from the vendor management service 54.

<Step S63>
The digital material registration unit 564 transmits the list as candidates to the administrator terminal 12. The display control unit 123 of the administrator terminal 12 allows the list to be displayed in a pull-down manner in the printer specification area 1010 of the digital material registration screen 1000.

<Step S64>
The creator inputs the attribute information on the digital material registration screen 1000 by operating the input unit 124 and presses the registration button 1011. Then, the digital material registration requesting unit 122 requests the digital material management service 56 to register the digital material input in the image file input area 1001 and the input attribute information (including the creator). The digital material registration unit 564 receives the digital material and attribute information requested to be registered from the administrator terminal 12 via the communication unit 561, and registers it in the digital material storage unit 569.

(Editing operation using the editing screen)
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an editing screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a template selection screen. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an illustration data selection screen. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of address data. With reference to FIGS. 9 to 12, the operation of editing a print layout using an editing screen or the like will be described.

The editing screen 1100 shown in FIG. 9 is a layout screen for editing the printing layout, and is a screen displayed on the display 806 by the display control unit 404 of the orderer terminal 40. As a preliminary step to editing the print layout, the orderer using the orderer terminal 40 selects a template that will serve as a layout motif on the template selection screen 1200 shown in FIG.

A template selection screen 1200 shown in FIG. 10 is a screen for selecting a template to be used for a print layout. As shown in FIG. 10, the template selection screen 1200 includes a template upload button 1201, a search input area 1202, a category selection area 1203, a template display area 1204, and a confirm button 1205.

The template upload button 1201 is a button for uploading a unique template prepared by the orderer, rather than a template provided by the first digital material providing unit 562 of the digital material management service 56. For example, a unique template selected by pressing the template upload button 1201 may be added to the template display area 1204.

A search input area 1202 is an input area for inputting a search tag. By inputting a search tag into the search input area 1202, the display control unit 404 displays only templates associated with the tag in the template display area 1204.

Category selection area 1203 is an area for selecting a category for search. By selecting a category in the category selection area 1203, the display control unit 404 displays only templates associated with the selected category in the template display area 1204.

The template display area 1204 is an area for displaying a list of templates. As described above, the template display area 1204 displays the search tag input in the search input area 1202 and the template associated with the category selected in the category selection area 1203. Note that the template display area 1204 may display the template itself provided by the digital material acquisition unit 402 from the first digital material providing unit 562 of the digital material management service 56, and may display a thumbnail of the template. Good too.

The confirm button 1205 is a button for selecting and confirming the template selected by the orderer from among the templates displayed in the template display area 1204. When the confirm button 1205 is pressed, the display control unit 404 displays the selected and confirmed template on the editing screen 1100.

Further, on the editing screen 1100 shown in FIG. 9, illustration data, which is various digital materials, can be arranged based on the template selected on the template selection screen 1200. Note that it may also be possible to arrange other templates based on the template. The orderer using the orderer terminal 40 can select illustration data to be placed on the editing screen 1100 on the illustration data selection screen 1300 shown in FIG.

An illustration data selection screen 1300 shown in FIG. 11 is a screen for selecting illustration data used for printing layout. As shown in FIG. 11, the illustration data selection screen 1300 includes an illustration data upload button 1301, a search input area 1302, a category selection area 1303, an illustration data display area 1304, and a confirm button 1305.

The illustration data upload button 1301 is a button for uploading not the illustration data provided by the first digital material providing unit 562 of the digital material management service 56, but original illustration data prepared by the orderer. For example, original illustration data selected by pressing the illustration data upload button 1301 may be added to the illustration data display area 1304.

A search input area 1302 is an input area for inputting a search tag. By inputting a search tag into the search input area 1302, the display control unit 404 displays only illustration data associated with the tag in the illustration data display area 1304.

Category selection area 1303 is an area for selecting a category for search. By selecting a category in the category selection area 1303, the display control unit 404 displays only illustration data associated with the selected category in the illustration data display area 1304.

The illustration data display area 1304 is an area for displaying a list of illustration data. The illustration data display area 1304 displays illustration data associated with the search tag input in the search input area 1302 and the category selected in the category selection area 1303, as described above. Note that the illustration data display area 1304 may display the illustration data itself provided by the digital material acquisition unit 402 from the first digital material providing unit 562 of the digital material management service 56, and may display a thumbnail of the illustration data. It may also be something to do.

The confirm button 1305 is a button for selecting and confirming the template selected by the orderer from among the templates displayed in the illustration data display area 1304. When the confirm button 1305 is pressed, the display control unit 404 arranges the selected and confirmed illustration data on the editing screen 1100.

Next, returning to FIG. 9, the explanation of the editing screen 1100 will be continued. The editing screen 1100 shown in FIG. 9 exemplifies a layout in which variable elements 1101 to 1107 and a digital material 1108 are arranged in a predetermined template.

Variable elements 1101 to 1107 are parts for embedding corresponding data from predetermined variable data. For example, FIG. 12 shows address data as an example of variable data. When print data is generated from the layout data (edited data) edited on the editing screen 1100, data corresponding to the address data is sequentially embedded in the variable elements 1101 to 1107. Further, the variable elements 1101 to 1107 may be set in advance in the template selected on the template selection screen 1200 shown in FIG. 10, or may be newly arranged in the template on the editing screen 1100.

The digital material 1108 is illustration data selected and arranged from the illustration data selection screen 1300 shown in FIG.

Note that the various variable elements and digital materials (illustration data, other templates) arranged on the editing screen 1100 may be able to be added, deleted, and rearranged at will according to the orderer's operations.

When the orderer finishes setting the layout on the editing screen 1100, the orderer performs a save operation by operating the input section 405. Then, the display control unit 404 requests the order management service 51 to save the layout set on the editing screen 1100 as layout data (edited data), and the layout data is saved in the order management service 51. Note that the storage location of the layout data is not limited to the order management service 51, and may be the digital material management service 56 or the orderer terminal 40.

(Overall processing flow of equipment system)
FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the overall processing flow of the device system according to the embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an order screen. The overall processing flow of the device system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14.

<Step S11>
The device information transmitting unit 302 of the printing press 30 of each printing business 10 transmits device information regarding the printing press 30 to the device management service 53 via the communication unit 301.

<Step S12>
The device information registration unit 532 of the device management service 53 registers the device information received via the communication unit 531 in the device information storage unit 539. As a result, the device information stored in the device information storage section 539 is updated to the latest information.

<Step S13>
Next, the device information providing unit 533 of the device management service 53 provides the job management service 55 with the device information registered in the device information storage unit 539. Then, the device information acquisition unit 552 of the job management service 55 receives device information from the device management service 53.

<Steps S14, S15>
The orderer of the orderer terminal 40 performs a display operation on the order screen 1400 shown in FIG. 14 via the input unit 405. Then, display control unit 404 causes display 806 to display order screen 1400. In this case, the display control unit 404 receives the screen information of the order screen 1400 from the order management service 51 and displays it.

An order screen 1400 shown in FIG. 14 is a screen for placing a print order with the cloud system 50. As shown in FIG. 14, the order screen 1400 includes a paper size input area 1401, a usage data input area 1402, a paper type input area 1403, a color input area 1404, a processing input area 1405, and a number of copies input area 1406. , a delivery date/price priority input area 1407, an effect measurement input area 1408, a total price display area 1409, a quote issue button 1410, an address upload button 1411, an order button 1412, and an estimated arrival date display area 1413. include.

A paper size input area 1401 is an input area for selecting and inputting the paper size of printed matter. The usage data input area 1402 is an input area for selectively inputting the layout data saved on the editing screen 1100 shown in FIG. 9 described above. The paper type input area 1403 is an input area for selecting and inputting the paper type of printed matter. A color input area 1404 is an input area for selecting and inputting the color of printed matter.

A processing input area 1405 is an input area for selecting and inputting post-processing (post-processing) of printed matter. The number of copies input area 1406 is an input area for selectively inputting the number of copies (number of sheets) of printed matter. The delivery date/price priority input area 1407 is an input area for selecting and inputting delivery date priority, price priority, or no priority. The effect measurement input area 1408 is an input area for selecting and inputting whether or not effect measurement is necessary. Effectiveness measurement means recording the level of interest and behavior of those who receive the printed material (customers of the brand owner, etc.) regarding the content of the printed material. When "Essential" is selected in the effect measurement input area 1408, the recorded information is provided to the orderer, etc. For example, a QR code (registered trademark) that is different for each destination of the direct mail is printed on printed matter such as direct mail as one of the variable data, and customers etc. can link to the URL included in the QR code (registered trademark). If you access and view the website from your terminal, it will be recorded in the cloud system 50 as if you were interested in the printed material (advertisement of the content of direct mail, etc.), that is, the printed material was effective. Provide effect information to orderers (brand owners) and printing companies. This records whether or not each printed matter or digital material has an effect, allowing the user to change the next print content and the customer to whom the printed material is sent.

The total amount display area 1409 is a display area that displays the total amount calculated based on the input order details. The scheduled arrival date display area 1413 is a display area that displays the scheduled arrival date of printed matter derived based on the input order details.

The estimate issue button 1410 is a button for executing an estimate regarding the total amount and expected arrival date. The address upload button 1411 is a button for uploading address data, which is an example of variable data, to the order management service 51. The order button 1412 is a button for placing an order based on the input order details. Note that even when changing each condition (order conditions 1401 to 1408, 1413, etc.) in FIG. 14, a search for printing companies and equipment is performed in the same way as steps S20 and S21 in FIG. 13, and the selection results are changed. If there is, it will be reflected in the display.

<Steps S16 to S18>
The display control unit 404 makes a request to the order management service 51 via the communication unit 401 for selectable layout data, that is, layout data edited and saved in advance on the editing screen 1100 by the orderer. Upon receiving the request, the order management service 51 transmits a list of layout data saved by the orderer to the orderer terminal 40. The display control unit 404 reflects the list so that it can be displayed in a drop-down list in the usage data input area 1402 of the order screen 1400.

<Steps S19 to S21>
The orderer selects and inputs layout data to be ordered for printing into the usage data input area 1402 by operating the input unit 405. Then, the display control unit 404 transmits a search request for a printing company and a device (printing machine 30) that can print the selected layout data to the device management service 53 via the communication unit 401. The device management service 53 determines the printing company and device (printing machine 30) that can print the layout data corresponding to the search request, calculates the total amount of fees incurred for printing by the printing company and device, and Derive the expected arrival date of printed matter. The equipment management service 53 then transmits the total amount and expected arrival date to the orderer terminal 40. Note that the process for determining whether the selected layout data can be printed is executed by the printing company and the device (printing machine 30), for example, by executing the same process as steps S311 to S320 of the job execution determination process shown in FIG. 16, which will be described later. Just take it as a thing.

<Step S22>
The display control unit 404 displays the total amount received from the device management service 53 in the total amount display area 1409 and displays the received scheduled arrival date in the scheduled arrival date display area 1413. Note that if there are vacant times for a plurality of printing presses 30 as the scheduled arrival date, the scheduled arrival date may be selected from among the available times as shown in FIG.

<Steps S23, S24>
Further, the orderer selects address data as an example of variable data to be used for embedding data in the selected layout data by operating the address upload button 1411 on the order screen 1400 via the input unit 405. . As a result, the order transmitting unit 403 of the orderer terminal 40 uploads the selected address data to the order management service 51 via the communication unit 401.

<Step S25>
The orderer inputs other order details on the order screen 1400 by operating the input section 405, and presses the order button 1412. Note that the paper size input area 1401, paper type input area 1403, color input area 1404, and processing input area 1405 on the order screen 1400 contain attribute information for the digital material included in the layout data selected in the usage data input area 1402. The associated paper size, paper type, color, and post-processing may be automatically input. Furthermore, it may be possible to input another selection item anew after the selection item has been automatically input.

Then, the order transmission unit 403 performs order processing by transmitting the selected layout data and the input order details as order data to the order management service 51 via the communication unit 401. The communication unit 511 of the order management service 51 then receives the order data. Note that the address data uploaded in step S24 may be included in the order data and transmitted by the order transmitter 403 at the timing when the order button 1412 is pressed. In any case, the address data is also treated as part of the order data.

<Steps S26, S27>
When the communication unit 511 receives the order data, the digital material acquisition unit 512 of the order management service 51 transfers the digital material (illustration data, template) specified by the layout data included in the order data to the digital material management service 56. via the communication unit 511. In response to the request from the order management service 51, the second digital material providing unit 563 of the digital material management service 56 reads the digital material and attribute information from the digital material storage unit 569, and manages the order via the communication unit 561. Provided to service 51. Note that if the layout data includes the digital material as it is, it is sufficient to receive only the attribute information.

<Step S28>
The print data generation unit 513 of the order management service 51 generates print data from the order data received by the communication unit 511 and the digital material acquired by the digital material acquisition unit 512. Specifically, the print data generation unit 513 arranges image data as a digital material in a template as a digital material specified by the layout data of the order data, and further converts variable data included in the order data into variable data. Embed it in an element to generate print data.

<Step S29>
Then, the job registration request unit 514 of the order management service 51 generates job information including the print data generated by the print data generation unit 513 and requests the job management service 55 to register the job information.

<Step S30>
The job information registration unit 553 of the job management service 55 receives registration of job information from the order management service 51. Specifically, job information registration section 553 receives job information transmitted by job registration request section 514 of order management service 51 via communication section 551, and registers it in job information storage section 559.

<Step S31>
Then, the job execution determination unit 554 of the job management service 55 determines which printing company 10 should execute the job information registered in the job information storage unit 559 by the job information registration unit 553 (which printing machine of which printing company 10). At step 30, a job execution determination process is performed to determine whether to perform print processing. Details of this job execution determination process will be described later.

<Step S32>
The schedule generation unit 555 of the job management service 55 generates schedule information when the job execution determination unit 554 determines which printing company 10 or printing machine 30 executes the job information. Then, the schedule generation unit 555 stores the job information including the generated schedule information in the job information storage unit 559.

<Step S33>
The job information distribution unit 556 of the job management service 55 transmits the job information including the schedule information generated by the schedule generation unit 555 to the management server 11 of the printing business 10 that executes the job information determined by the job execution determination unit 554. is transmitted (distributed) via the communication unit 551. The communication unit 111 of the management server 11 of the printing business 10 receives job information including schedule information.

<Steps S34, S35>
The registration confirmation unit 112 of the management server 11 confirms whether the job information received by the communication unit 111 is to be registered. For example, when job information is received by the communication unit 111, the registration confirmation unit 112 causes the display 806 of the management server 11 to display a screen prompting the user to select permission or disapproval of registration. If the printing company is selected by the job management service 55 as the execution destination for the job information, but cannot print out the job information due to some malfunction of the printing machine 30, etc., the printing company performs operations using the keyboard 811 or pointing device 812. Depending on the input, acceptance of the job information is rejected. In this case, the registration confirmation unit 112 transmits a job information approval/disapproval notification to the job management service 55. On the other hand, if the printing machine 30 is capable of printing, the printing company allows acceptance of the job information by operating input using the keyboard 811 or pointing device 812. In this case, the registration confirmation unit 112 registers the job information in the job information storage unit 119. The following description will be made assuming that the job information is registered in the job information storage section 119.

<Step S36>
The job execution instruction unit 113 of the management server 11 instructs the printing machine 30 to execute the job information registered in the job information storage unit 119 by the registration confirmation unit 112 according to the schedule information included in the job information. do.

<Step S37>
The job execution unit 303 of the printing machine 30 of the printing business 10 executes the job information in response to an instruction to execute the job information from the job execution instruction unit 113 of the management server 11 . Specifically, the job execution unit 303 causes the printer unit 932 to print out the print data included in the job information onto a recording medium such as paper.

<Steps S38, S39>
When the job execution is completed, the job execution unit 303 transmits a job execution completion notification to the management server 11. The communication unit 111 of the management server 11 then transmits the job execution completion notification received from the printing machine 30 to the job management service 55. Then, the communication unit 551 of the job management service 55 receives the job execution completion notification.

<Steps S40, S41>
The billing information notification unit 557 of the job management service 55 sends payment information from the orderer (customer) of the orderer terminal 40 that ordered the print data of the job information and to the printing company 10 that received the job information. The payment information is notified to the billing management service 57. The billing processing unit 571 of the billing management service 57 registers withdrawal information from the orderer (customer) and payment information to each printing business 10 in the billing information storage unit 579, and based on these information, A request is made to the bank system corresponding to the bank account of the customer) and each printing business 10 to process the transfer.

(Job execution judgment process)
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing print preparation and printing of a job using arrow lines. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of job execution determination processing in the cloud system according to the embodiment. Details of the job execution determination process in step S31 in FIG. 13 described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16.

FIG. 15 shows print preparation and print schedule information for two printing machines 30 (printing machines A and B). Dotted lines indicate preparation for printing and solid lines indicate printing. The portion without dotted lines or solid lines is free time. The length of the arrow represents time.

Next, with reference to FIG. 16, a specific flow of the job execution determination process in step S31 of FIG. 13 described above will be described.

<Step S311>
The job execution determination unit 554 searches for free time in the schedule information before the desired delivery date for the printing presses 30 (all if there is more than one) owned by the printing company 10 that is the target of determining whether or not the job can be executed. Then, the process moves to step S312.

<Step S312>
The job execution determination unit 554 checks whether the order details included in the job information include a selection of delivery date priority or price priority. If delivery date priority or price priority is included in the order contents (step S312: Yes), the process moves to step S320, and if it is not included (step S312: No), the process moves to step S313.

<Step S313>
Then, the job execution determination unit 554 stores the vendor information in the vendor management service 54 as the printing vendor 10 who is the creator of the digital material included in the print data of the job information among the printing vendors 10 whose free time is searched for in the schedule information. It is determined whether or not it is registered in the section 549. If the creator is registered as the printing vendor 10 in the vendor information storage unit 549 (step S313: Yes), the process moves to step S314, and if the creator is not registered (step S313: No), the process moves to step S315.

<Step S314>
The job execution determination unit 554 determines that the printing business 10 is an appropriate printing business 10 when the creator of the digital material is registered as the printing business 10 in the business information storage unit 549 of the business management service 54 .

<Step S315>
The job execution determination unit 554 also determines whether, among the printing companies 10 for which free time is searched in the schedule information, the printing company 10 is specified in the digital material included in the print data of the job information (the printing company 10 is specified in the digital material included in the print data of the job information). 10 is associated). If the printing company 10 is specified for the digital material (step S315: Yes), the process moves to step S316, and if it is not specified (step S315: No), the process moves to step S317.

<Step S316>
The job execution determination unit 554 determines the printing vendor 10 as an appropriate printing vendor 10 if the printing vendor 10 is specified for the digital material (if the printing vendor 10 is associated with the digital material). .

<Step S317>
Further, the job execution determination unit 554 determines whether, among the printing companies 10 whose free time is searched for in the schedule information, the printing company 10 is designated as the creator of the digital material included in the print data of the job information (the corresponding digital material It is determined whether the printing company 10 is associated with the creator. If the printing company 10 is specified as the creator (step S317: Yes), the process moves to step S318, and if it is not specified (step S317: No), the process moves to step S320. The printer 10 is associated with the creator of the digital material, for example, by specifying the printing company the registrant wishes to print on the vendor registration screen at the time of vendor registration. This is a case where a printing company 10 already associated with the digital material creator is specified at the time of registration. For example, at the time of vendor registration, the designer may be able to pre-register a familiar printing vendor, or the printing vendor may be able to specify another printing vendor.

<Step S318>
When the printing trader 10 is specified as the creator of the digital material (if the printing trader 10 is associated with the creator of the digital material), the job execution determination unit 554 selects the printing trader 10 as an appropriate The judgment is made as the printing company 10.

Note that the order of the determination processes in steps S313, S315, and S317 is not limited to the order shown in FIG. 16, and the order may be changed depending on the priority of the determination processes.

<Step S319>
Further, the job execution determination unit 554 performs printing of a spot color when a spot color is specified as attribute information of the digital material included in the print data for the printing machine 30 of the printing company 10 determined in step S314, S316, or S318. It is determined whether the printing press 30 is compatible with the digital material and whether the printing press 30 satisfies the printing conditions included in the attribute information of the digital material. When these conditions are satisfied (step S319: Yes), the process moves to step S321, and when these conditions are not satisfied (step S319: No), the process moves to step S320.

<Step S320>
Further, the job execution determination unit 554 determines which printing companies 10 satisfy other conditions regarding the job information. For example, if a process of embedding variable data in layout data is required, the job execution determining unit 554 may determine that a printing company 10 that has a printing machine 30 that can handle the process is an appropriate printing company 10. good. Further, the job execution determination unit 554 may determine a printing business 10 that is capable of printing that satisfies the printing conditions included in the job information as an appropriate printing business 10. Further, the job execution determination unit 554 may determine, as the appropriate printing business 10, the printing business 10 whose address is closest to the address (delivery destination) included in the job information and indicated by the customer information.

<Step S321>
Next, the job execution determination unit 554 determines, based on the current equipment status and schedule information up to the idle time of interest, the printing machine 30 of the printing company 10 that has been determined to be printable at the start time of the idle time. Predict 30 states. The state of the printing press 30 is, for example, the set paper type, remaining paper amount, ink, remaining ink amount, or adjustment state, and a prediction method will be described later. Predicting the state of the printing press 30 at the start time of idle time in this way is based on the tasks necessary before starting printing, such as setting paper, replacing roll paper, replenishing ink, cleaning the head, and adjusting (alignment, color tone, etc.) ), test printing, etc. are required, and commercial printing requires a long preparation time. Then, the process moves to step S322.

<Step S322>
The job execution determination unit 554 determines whether paper replacement, ink replenishment, or adjustment is necessary in preparation for job execution, based on the predicted state of the printing press 30 and new job information. The new job information also determines the paper type to be set, the required number of sheets, ink (type), ink amount, etc. If these predicted conditions are different from the conditions of the printing press 30 set for execution of new job information, the job execution determination unit 554 determines that replacement, adjustment, or replenishment is necessary. Note that it is desirable to also determine the necessity of head cleaning. Further, the job execution determination unit 554 determines the prediction of the state of the printing press 30 and the necessity of head cleaning by also referring to the past history. If paper replacement, ink replenishment, or adjustment is necessary (step S322: Yes), the process moves to step S323, and if it is not necessary (step S322: No), the process moves to step S324.

<Step S323>
If paper replacement, ink replenishment, or adjustment is required, job execution determination unit 554 predicts the preparation time and execution time of the job, taking paper replacement, ink replenishment, or adjustment into consideration. The time required for paper replacement, ink replenishment, or adjustment is estimated in advance for each paper type and adjustment content. Then, the process moves to step S325.

<Step S324>
If paper replacement, ink replenishment, or adjustment is not required, job execution determination unit 554 predicts the job preparation time without considering paper replacement, ink replenishment, or adjustment. In this case, the job execution determination unit 554 sets, for example, a certain fixed time (the minimum time required to start operation of the printing press 30) as the job preparation time. Then, the process moves to step S325.

<Step S325>
Next, the job execution determination unit 554 determines whether the job can be executed during free time. That is, the job execution determining unit 554 determines that the job can be executed during the free time if "free time>preparation time+execution time". However, if the predicted execution end time exceeds the desired delivery date, the job execution determination unit 554 determines that the job cannot be executed in this free time. In addition, if the predicted execution end time does not exceed the desired delivery date, but the next schedule information is registered after the free time, the job execution determination unit 554 determines that the job information set after the new job ends Correct the preparation time prediction. The prediction method is the same as step S321. In addition, the job execution determination unit 554 has moved the preparation start time of the next job information forward in order to meet the desired delivery date due to a change in preparation time, but the predicted execution end time of the new job has been moved forward in order to meet the desired delivery date. If the preparation start time has exceeded the specified preparation start time, it is determined that execution is not possible during this free time. If the job cannot be executed during free time (step S325: No), the process moves to step S326, and if the job can be executed (step S325: Yes), the process moves to step S327.

<Step S326>
If the job cannot be executed during the free time, the job execution determination unit 554 determines that the job cannot be executed during the free time.

<Step S327>
If the job can be executed during the free time, the job execution determination unit 554 sets schedule information for the free time.

As described above, the job execution determination unit 554 determines whether or not a job can be executed for each free time. If there are multiple executable free times, the job execution determination unit 554 selects the free time in which to execute the job, for example, as follows.

・Choose a free time that will shorten the preparation time for the next schedule information.
- If the gap time between the next schedule information is less than the threshold, select the shorter gap time.
- If the gap time between the next schedule information is greater than or equal to the threshold, select the one with the longer gap time.

These selection methods improve overall productivity by reducing preparation time such as replacing paper, and improve overall productivity by reducing idle time when jobs cannot be assigned. Being able to assign jobs improves overall productivity.

(Equipment status prediction processing)
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating prediction of the device state at the start time of free time. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of device state prediction processing in the cloud system according to the embodiment. The details of the device state prediction process in step S321 in FIG. 16 described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18.

FIG. 17 shows an example in which jobs (1) to (3) are set for printing machine A, and jobs (1) and (2) are set for printing machine B. A thick double-headed arrow 601 between jobs is job information added to the free time in printing machine A. A double-headed arrow 602 is job information added to the free time at printing press B. If it is determined that the job can be executed during the free time, a new job is set in the free time. Below, with reference to FIG. 18, a procedure for determining whether a new job can be set in the free time between job (2) and job (3) scheduled to be executed by printing machine A will be explained. As described above in step S321 in FIG. 16, the job execution determination unit 554 needs to predict the state of the printing press 30 at the start time t of the free time when job (2) immediately before the free time ends.

<Step S3211>
First, the job execution determination unit 554 determines whether the paper type of the new job is the same as job (2). If they are different (step S3211: No), the process moves to step S3212, and if they are the same (step S3211: Yes), the process moves to step S3213.

<Step S3212>
If the paper type of the new job is different from job (2), the job execution determination unit 554 determines that the paper needs to be replaced. Then, the process moves to step S3213.

<Step S3213>
Next, the job execution determination unit 554 determines whether there is enough remaining paper to execute the job. If job (1), job (2), and the new job are of the same paper type, the job execution determination unit 554 determines the usage amount of job (1) and job (2) from the current remaining paper amount in the device information. Pull. Further, if job (1) and job (2) are of different paper types and the new job is of the same paper type as job 2, the job execution determination unit 554 determines the paper type used by job (2). Subtract the usage amount of job (2) from the remaining amount (not necessarily new). In addition, if it is predicted that the paper will run out and be replaced during the execution of job (1) and job (2) or job (2), the job execution determination unit 554 determines the amount of paper based on the amount of paper after replacement. , subtract the subsequent usage. Furthermore, if the paper used for job 2 and the new job are different, the paper needs to be replaced, so the job execution determination unit 554 determines the remaining amount of paper (not necessarily new) to be used in the new job. get.

Note that if there are multiple sheets of the same paper in stock, a roll with a larger remaining amount than that for the new job may be selected so as to reduce the number of paper exchanges during execution of the new job. Further, in order to avoid discarding paper, a roll with less remaining amount than a new job may be selected to use up the paper. Further, the exchange policy may be changed through administrator settings.

As a result of comparing the amount of paper remaining at the completion of execution of job (2) or the amount of paper remaining for the replaced paper type with the number of sheets required for a new job, it is found that the paper runs out during job execution and needs to be replaced. If predicted (step S3213: No), the process moves to step S3214, and if not (step S3213: Yes), the process moves to step S3215.

<Step S3214>
As a result of comparing the amount of paper remaining at the completion of execution of job (2) or the amount of paper remaining for the replaced paper type with the number of sheets required for a new job, it is found that the paper runs out during job execution and needs to be replaced. If this is predicted, the job execution determining unit 554 determines that it is necessary to replace the paper with new paper. Then, the process moves to step S3215.

<Step S3215>
Next, the job execution determination unit 554 determines whether the ink types are the same and whether there is enough ink remaining to execute the job. The concept is the same as paper type and paper remaining amount, but the time required to replace and replenish ink is shorter than with paper. If the ink types are different, or if the ink types are the same but there is not enough ink remaining to execute the job (step S3215: No), the process moves to step S3216, and if the ink types are the same but there is not enough ink remaining to execute the job, the process proceeds to step S3216. If there is an amount (step S3215: Yes), the process moves to step S3217.

<Step S3216>
If the ink types are different, or if the ink types are the same and there is not enough ink to execute the job, the job execution determination unit 554 determines that ink needs to be refilled so that ink does not need to be refilled during job execution. to decide. Then, the process moves to step S3217.

<Step S3217>
Next, the job execution determination unit 554 determines whether the adjustment state is the same as that of job (2). The adjustment state refers to the position where an image is formed on the paper and the state of color development. At the end of job (2), the adjustment state is in accordance with the paper and image quality requirements of job (2). Therefore, whether or not the adjustment state is the same as that of the new job is determined by the paper and image quality requirements of the new job, so the job execution determination unit 554 determines whether the two are the same. If the two are not the same (step S3217: No), the process moves to step S3218, and if the two are the same (step S3217: Yes), the device state prediction process is ended.

<Step S3218>
If they are not the same, the job execution determining unit 554 determines that position and color adjustment is necessary. Then, the device state prediction process ends.

As described above, the state of the printing press 30 at the start time of the free time is predicted, and the preparation time is calculated based on the predicted state of the printing press 30 and the state of the printing press 30 set based on the received job information. can be calculated.

(preparation time and execution time)
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a prediction operation of preparation time and execution time. The preparation time and execution time will be explained with reference to FIG.

The preparation time is the time required for preparation, and the execution time is the time required to execute the job. As shown in FIG. 19, the preparation time can be expressed as "T _PC + T _if + T _hc + T _ac + T _tp ". That is, it is the total of the time required for paper replacement, the time required for ink replenishment, the time required for head cleaning, the time required for adjustment, and the time required for test printing. In this way, the preparation time is the total time required for paper replacement, ink replenishment, adjustment, etc. necessary to obtain the status of the printing press 30 based on the job information registered by the job information registration unit 553.

Here, _TPC is the time required for paper replacement, and if the paper type is the same in the previous job and the new job and there is a sufficient amount remaining, replacement is not necessary and is 0. T _if is the time required for ink replenishment, and if the ink type is the same as the new job and a sufficient amount remains, replenishment is not necessary and is 0. _Thc is the time required for head cleaning, and is 0 if it can be determined from the past execution history that head cleaning is not necessary. _Tac is the time required for adjustment (alignment, color tone, etc.), and is 0 if the paper and image quality requirements are the same for the previous job and the job you want to execute, and it can be determined from the past execution history that no adjustment is necessary. It is. T _tp is the time required for test printing.

Similarly, the execution time can be expressed as "T _PC + T _if + T _hc + T _ac + T _pp ". That is, it is the total of the time required to replace paper while a job is being executed, the time required to replenish ink, the time required for head cleaning, the time required for adjustment, and the printing time. However, T _PC , T _if , T _hc and T _ac are times when exchange occurs during job execution. Furthermore, in the execution time, the printing time _Tpp is predicted instead of the test printing time _Ttp . The printing time _Tpp is calculated by "number of pages per copy x number of sheets of job information/printing speed".

(Job execution completion notification)
The management server 11 transmits a job execution completion notification to the job management service 55 when the printing machine 30 completes execution of the job. The job execution completion notification includes the log of the executed job (preparation time and execution time), the amount, the state of the printing machine 30 before and after the job execution, and the like.

The status of the printing machine 30 before and after job execution includes the paper type of the previous job, the paper type of the new job, the remaining paper amount of the previous job, the number of sheets of paper consumed by the new job, and the paper type of the previous job. It includes the ink type of the job, the ink type of the new job, the remaining ink amount of the previous job, the remaining ink amount of the new job, the adjustment state of the previous job, the adjustment state of the new job, etc.

The job management service 55 improves the accuracy of predicting preparation time and execution time by accumulating the state of the printing press 30 before and after job execution in association with the job execution completion notification, and by performing statistical processing or machine learning. I can do it.

Machine learning is a technology that enables computers to acquire human-like learning abilities, and allows computers to autonomously generate algorithms necessary for judgments such as data identification from previously captured learning data. This refers to a technology that applies this to specific data to make predictions. The learning method for machine learning may be supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, reinforcement learning, or deep learning, or it may be a learning method that combines these learning methods. It doesn't matter what learning method you use.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a neural network used for machine learning. A neural network with deep layers is called a DNN (deep neural network). A layer between the input layer 701 and the output layer 703 is called an intermediate layer 702. The number of layers, the number of nodes 705, etc. in FIG. 20 are examples.

For example, the status of the printing press 30 before and after job execution and job information are input to the input layer 701. For information that is not numerical, such as the paper type and ink type of the job, prepare numerical values that correspond to the paper type and ink type of the job, and enter the numerical values. Alternatively, the paper type and ink type may be represented by one-hot vectors. The number of nodes in the output layer 703 is two, corresponding to the preparation time and execution time.

Input data input to the input layer 701 is forward propagated through the node 705 and transmitted to the output layer 703. Nodes are connected by weights (parameters), and an activation function is set for each node 705. In this embodiment, the output of the node of the output layer 703 is brought closer to the actual preparation time and execution time, so it becomes a regression problem for predicting quantitative data. Therefore, the activation function of the node in the output layer 703 may be an identity mapping that does not transform anything. A loss function that evaluates the difference between the output of each node of the output layer 703 and training data (preparation time and execution time) is known, and a squared error is often used as the loss function in the case of a regression model. The loss evaluated by the loss function is propagated backward through the neural network 700 from the output layer 703 to the input layer 701, and the parameters (weights for connecting nodes) of the neural network 700 are updated. This kind of learning method is called error backpropagation method.

In FIG. 20, the preparation time and execution time are estimated, but if the training data in the output layer 703 is a change in the state of the printing press 30, it is also possible to predict a change in the state of the printing press 30. In this case, a number of nodes corresponding to the state of the printing press 30 are prepared in the output layer 703, and each node is made to correspond to the state of the printing press 30. The state of the printing press 30 in this case is, for example, the paper type, ink, or adjustment state, and the neural network 700 learns the parameters by setting "1" if there is a change in the state and "0" if there is no change.

Note that although the neural network 700 has been described in FIG. 20, machine learning methods include perceptron, deep learning, support vector machine, logistic regression, Naive Bayes, decision tree, random forest, etc., and are described in this embodiment. There is no limit to the methods used.

Note that the cloud system 50 can be viewed as having a functional block configuration as shown in FIG. 21. As shown in FIG. 21, the order management service corresponding to the order management service 51 includes a first generation section corresponding to the job registration request section 514, a second generation section corresponding to the print data generation section 513, and a digital material acquisition section. It has an acquisition section corresponding to the section 512 and a receiving section corresponding to the communication section 511. Further, as shown in FIG. 21, the digital material/vendor management service corresponding to the digital material management service 56 and the vendor management service 54 is stored in a first storage section corresponding to the vendor information storage section 549 and a digital material storage section 569. It has a second storage section corresponding to the digital material registration section 564 and a registration section corresponding to the digital material registration section 564. Further, as shown in FIG. 21, the job management service corresponding to the job management service 55 includes a determining section corresponding to the job execution determining section 554 and a distributing section corresponding to the job information distributing section 556.

As described above, in the device system 100 according to the present embodiment, the communication unit 511 of the order management service 51 receives order data including information regarding digital materials from the orderer terminal 40, and requests job registration from the order management service 51. The unit 514 generates job information for executing printing based on the order data, and the job information distribution unit 556 of the job management service 55 selects one of the multiple printing companies 10 based on the attribute information of the digital material. It is assumed that job information is distributed to the management server 11 of a specific printing company 10. This allows the digital material to be distributed to a printing company suitable for printing.

Further, the job execution determination unit 554 determines, based on the attribute information of the digital material, the printing company 30 that has a printing machine that can execute printing according to the job information, and the creator of the digital material If the creator is the printing vendor 10 stored in the vendor information storage section 549, the printing vendor 10 is determined to be the printing company 10 that executes printing based on the job information. As a result, the printing business 10 as the creator of the digital material can print print data including the digital material by utilizing the know-how regarding printing of the digital material, and can improve print quality. .

Further, the job execution determination unit 554 determines whether or not the printing company 10 is specified in the attribute information of the digital material included in the layout data, and if the printing company 10 is specified in the attribute information, the printing company 10 is specified. 10 is determined to be the printing company 10 that executes printing based on the job information. As a result, even if the creator of the digital material is a designer or the like who is not the printing company 10, by associating the desired printing company 10 with the digital material, the designer or the like can print to the printing company 10. It is possible to ensure the quality intended by the designer, etc.

Further, the job execution determination unit 554 determines whether the printing business 10 is associated with the creator of the digital material included in the layout data, and if the printing business 10 is associated with the creator, the printing business 10 is determined to be the printing company 10 that executes printing based on the job information. As a result, even if the creator of the digital material is a designer, etc. who is not the printing company 10, the printing company 10 desired by the designer is associated with the designer, etc. in the company information, so that the printing company 10 can perform printing, and the quality intended by the designer or the like can be ensured.

In the above-described embodiment, if at least one of the functional units of the orderer terminal 40, the cloud system 50, the management server 11, and the administrator terminal 12 is realized by executing a program, the program is stored in a ROM or the like. It is provided pre-installed. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the programs executed on the orderer terminal 40, the cloud system 50, the management server 11, and the administrator terminal 12 are stored on a CD-ROM (Compact Disc) as files in an installable or executable format. It may be configured to be recorded and provided on a computer-readable recording medium such as read-only memory), flexible disk (FD), CD-R (Compact Disk-Recordable), or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc). . Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the programs executed on the orderer terminal 40, the cloud system 50, the management server 11, and the administrator terminal 12 are stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet, and downloaded via the network. It may be configured such that the information is provided by Further, in the above-described embodiment, the programs executed by the orderer terminal 40, the cloud system 50, the management server 11, and the administrator terminal 12 may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the programs executed on the orderer terminal 40, the cloud system 50, the management server 11, and the administrator terminal 12 have a module configuration that includes at least one of the above-mentioned functional units. In actual hardware, the CPU 801 reads and executes a program from the above-mentioned storage device (for example, ROM 802 or HD 804), so that each of the above-mentioned functional units is loaded onto the main storage device and generated. It has become.

10 Printing company 11 Management server 12 Administrator terminal 30 Printing machine 40 Orderer terminal 50 Cloud system 51 Order management service 52 Customer management service 53 Equipment management service 54 Vendor management service 55 Job management service 56 Digital material management service 57 Billing management service 100 Equipment system 111 Communication unit 112 Registration confirmation unit 113 Job execution instruction unit 119 Job information storage unit 121 Communication unit 122 Digital material registration request unit 123 Display control unit 124 Input unit 301 Communication unit 302 Device information transmission unit 303 Job execution unit 401 Communication unit 402 Digital material acquisition section 403 Order transmission section 404 Display control section 405 Input section 511 Communication section 512 Digital material acquisition section 513 Print data generation section 514 Job registration request section 529 Customer information storage section 531 Communication section 532 Device information registration section 533 Device information Providing unit 539 Device information registration unit 549 Vendor information storage unit 551 Communication unit 552 Device information acquisition unit 553 Job information registration unit 554 Job execution determination unit 555 Schedule generation unit 556 Job information distribution unit 557 Billing information notification unit 559 Job information storage unit 561 Communication unit 562 First digital material providing unit 563 Second digital material providing unit 564 Digital material registration unit 569 Digital material storage unit 571 Billing processing unit 579 Billing information storage unit 601, 602 Double arrow 700 Neural network 701 Input layer 702 Intermediate layer 703 Output layer 705 Node 801 CPU
802 ROM
803 RAM
804 HD
805 HDD controller 806 Display 808 External device connection I/F
809 Network I/F
810 Bus line 811 Keyboard 812 Pointing device 813 DVD
814 DVD-RW drive 815 Media 816 Media I/F
901 CPU
902 MEM-P
902a ROM
902b RAM
903NB
904SB
906 ASIC
907 MEM-C
908 HDD controller 909 HD
910 Controller 920 Near field communication circuit 920a Antenna 921 AGP bus 922 PCI bus 930 Engine control section 931 Scanner section 932 Printer section 940 Operation panel 940a Panel display section 940b Hard key 950 Network I/F
1000 Digital material registration screen 1001 Image file input area 1002 Title input area 1003 Category input area 1004 Price input area 1005 Color input area 1006 Search tag input area 1007 Paper size input area 1008 Paper type input area 1009 Post-processing input area 1010 Printing company Specified area 1011 Registration button 1100 Edit screen 1101-1107 Variable element 1108 Digital material 1200 Template selection screen 1201 Template upload button 1202 Search input area 1203 Category selection area 1204 Template display area 1205 Confirm button 1300 Illustration data selection screen 1301 Illustration data upload button 1302 Search input area 1303 Category selection area 1304 Illustration data display area 1305 Confirm button 1400 Order screen 1401 Paper size input area 1402 Usage data input area 1403 Paper type input area 1404 Color input area 1405 Processing input area 1406 Number of copies input area 1407 Delivery date/price priority Input area 1408 Effect measurement input area 1409 Total amount display area 1410 Estimate issue button 1411 Address upload button 1412 Order button 1413 Estimated arrival date display area 1500 Vendor registration screen 1501 Vendor type selection area 1502 Company name input area 1503 Address input area 1504 Representative Input area 1505 Registration button N Network

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-016158 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-016159

Claims (17)

a receiving unit that receives order information including information regarding digital materials from an orderer terminal;
a first generation unit that generates job information for executing printing based on the order information;
a distribution unit that distributes the job information to a management device of a specific printing business among a plurality of printing businesses based on attribute information of the digital material;
An information processing system with further comprising a determination unit that determines a printing company that has a printing machine that can execute printing according to the job information, based on attribute information of the digital material;
The judgment unit is
Determining whether the creator of the digital material is a printing trader stored in a first storage unit that stores printing trader information;
2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein when the creator is a printing company stored in the first storage unit, the printing company is determined to be a printing company that executes printing according to the job information. The information processing system according to claim 2, further comprising a registration unit that registers the digital material and the attribute information from an administrator terminal. 4. The information processing according to claim 3, wherein the registration unit includes the printing company specified by the administrator terminal in the attribute information of the digital material, and registers the digital material and the attribute information in a second storage unit. system. The information processing according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the registration unit transmits a list of printing companies associated with the creator using the administrator terminal to the administrator terminal in order to display the list on the administrator terminal. system. 6. The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein the ordering information includes layout information having information regarding the digital material, and wherein the information regarding the digital material includes identification information for identifying the digital material. The determining unit determines whether a printing company is specified in the attribute information of the digital material included in the layout information,
7. The information processing system according to claim 6, wherein when a printing company is specified in the attribute information, the printing company is determined to be the printing company to be caused to execute printing according to the job information. The determining unit determines whether a printing company is associated with the creator of the digital material included in the layout information,
8. The information processing system according to claim 6, wherein if a printing company is associated with the creator, the printing company is determined to be the printing company that executes printing based on the job information. When a spot color is specified as the attribute information of the digital material included in the layout information, the determination unit selects a printing company that has a printing machine compatible with printing the spot color to execute printing according to the job information. The information processing system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the information processing system is determined as a printing company. The layout information includes variable elements,
The order information includes variable information for embedding information in the variable element,
10. The determining unit determines a printing company that has a printing machine capable of embedding the variable information in the layout information as a printing company that executes printing based on the job information. The information processing system described in Section. further comprising a second generation unit that generates print information based on the layout information of the order information received by the reception unit,
The information processing system according to claim 6, wherein the first generation unit generates the job information including the print information. further comprising an acquisition unit that acquires the digital material specified by the layout information from a second storage unit that stores the digital material,
The information processing system according to claim 11, wherein the second generation unit generates the print information using the layout information and the digital material acquired by the acquisition unit. The receiving unit receives the layout information including variable elements and the ordering information including variable information for embedding information in the variable elements,
The information processing system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the second generation unit generates the print information by embedding information specified in the variable information into the variable element of the layout information. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the digital material is an illustration or a template. a receiving unit that receives order information including information regarding digital materials from an orderer terminal;
a first generation unit that generates job information for executing printing based on the order information;
a distribution unit that distributes the job information to a management device of a specific printing business among a plurality of printing businesses based on attribute information of the digital material;
An information processing device equipped with a receiving step of receiving order information including information regarding digital materials from an orderer terminal;
a generation step of generating job information for executing printing based on the order information;
a distribution step of distributing the job information to a management device of a specific printing vendor among a plurality of printing vendors based on attribute information of the digital material;
An information processing method having to the computer,
a receiving step of receiving order information including information regarding digital materials from an orderer terminal;
a generation step of generating job information for executing printing based on the order information;
a distribution step of distributing the job information to a management device of a specific printing vendor among a plurality of printing vendors based on attribute information of the digital material;
A program to run.

Images