JP3966183B2 - Consumables usage prediction system, prediction program, and prediction method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a consumable usage amount prediction system, a prediction program, and a prediction method that are used by being attached to a consumable using device represented by a printer, a copying machine, a facsimile, or the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
When using consumables equipment such as printers, copiers, facsimiles, etc., in order to prevent consumables such as ink, toner, and printing paper from running out, spares of these consumables may be kept in stock. Many.
Regarding storage of such spare consumables, problems such as having to take a large space for storage occur if the storage amount is too large, and conversely if the storage amount is too small, a large amount of printing is unexpectedly performed. In general, it takes a lot of labor and labor to manage the inventory because it is not possible to deal with the case where the product enters, and it can be considered that the business will be adversely affected.
[0003]
Therefore, for example, in the prior art as shown in the following Patent Documents 1 to 3, etc., the amount of consumption / consumption of the consumables from the past to the present regarding the consumables-using device is monitored and recorded, and based on the data A system for predicting the purchase / ordering time of consumables by predicting the amount of consumables required in the future has been proposed.
Further, in Patent Document 4 below, a system is proposed that predicts the amount of consumables that will be required in the future in consideration of the increase or decrease in seasonal demand.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-352846
[Patent Document 2]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-228761
[Patent Document 3]
JP 2001-228762 A
[Patent Document 4]
JP 2002-63250 A
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, with such conventional technologies, the future usage is predicted mainly based on past usage conditions and seasonal demands, so consumables use that has never been seen in the past has occurred. Even if a necessary event occurs, or even if a scheduled event is canceled and the amount of consumables used is extremely reduced, it will not be reflected in future predictions, making it difficult to make an accurate prediction. .
[0006]
Therefore, the present invention has been devised in order to effectively solve such problems, and its purpose is to accurately predict the amount of consumable usage required simply by registering a schedule for a future event. The present invention provides a novel consumable usage amount prediction system, a prediction program, and a prediction method.
[0007]
[Means for solving the problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the consumables usage amount prediction system of the invention 1
A consumable usage amount prediction system attached to a consumable-use device, registered in the event registration means for registering a scheduled date and time of an event using the consumable-use device and its contents. Obtained by the consumption calculation means for selecting the estimated consumption amount according to the type of the event from the event contents, and calculating the predicted consumption amount of the consumable based on the estimated consumption value, and the consumption calculation means Consumable usage amount predicting means for predicting the type and quantity of consumable items that need additional acquisition from the predicted consumption amount, the remaining amount of consumables already installed in the consumable-use device, and the inventory amount thereof. It is characterized by that.
[0008]
In other words, the consumables usage amount prediction system of the present invention takes into consideration the occurrence of individual events scheduled in the future, and can thereby accurately predict the future consumption amount of consumables. As a result, an accurate order can be placed, and optimal inventory management can be performed without excess or deficiency. In addition, it is possible to accurately predict the amount of consumables used in the future simply by registering the scheduled date and time of future events and their contents, so the user can calculate the amount of consumables required for each event each time. Troublesome work such as doing is unnecessary.
[0009]
In addition, the consumables usage prediction system of the invention 2 is
The consumables usage amount prediction system according to the first aspect of the present invention further comprises consumables ordering means for placing an order for necessary consumables from a consumable supply source based on the prediction obtained by the consumables usage amount prediction means. It is characterized by that.
[0010]
In addition, the consumables usage prediction system of the invention 3 is
2. The consumables usage amount prediction system according to claim 1, further comprising consumables order notification means for urging a user to order necessary consumables based on the prediction obtained by the consumables usage amount prediction means. It is characterized by having.
As a result, even if the user does not always know the predicted amount and timing, it is possible to place an additional order for the optimal amount of consumables at the optimal time.
[0011]
In addition, the consumables usage prediction system of the invention 4 is
In the consumable material usage prediction system according to any one of the first to third aspects, a schedule for extracting an event that uses a consumable-use device from events listed in a schedule table and estimating the scheduled date and time and the content thereof The apparatus further includes an analysis unit, and the event registration unit registers the event estimated by the schedule analysis unit.
This eliminates the need for the user to re-register the date and content of the event in the system, reduces the labor of the user of the consumables-using device, and reliably avoids inconveniences such as forgetting to register.
[0012]
In addition, the consumables usage prediction system of the invention 5 is
In the consumables usage prediction system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the consumables use device is a printer, and the consumables are ink or toner and printing paper.
This makes it possible to accurately grasp the amount of ink or toner and printing paper used in a printer whose usage frequency varies greatly depending on the scale and presence of the event, and the optimal amount of ink or toner and printing at the optimal time. You can order paper.
[0013]
The program for predicting consumption of consumables of the invention 6
The computer attached to the consumable-use device uses an event registration means for registering the scheduled date and time of the event using the consumable-use device and the contents of each event registered by the event registration means. A consumption calculation unit that selects a consumption estimation value according to the type of consumption, calculates a predicted consumption amount of the consumable based on the consumption calculation value, a predicted consumption obtained by the consumption calculation unit, and It functions as a consumable usage forecasting means that predicts the type and quantity of consumables that need to be additionally acquired from the remaining amount of consumables installed in the consumable equipment and its inventory. To do.
[0014]
As a result, in addition to the effect of the above-described invention 1, it is possible to use a computer system that is standardly installed in a general-purpose personal computer or many consumables using devices as it is. Compared with the case of manufacturing and realizing each of the above means, significant cost reduction can be achieved.
The program for predicting consumption of consumables of the invention 7
The computer attached to the consumable-use device uses an event registration means for registering the scheduled date and time of the event using the consumable-use device and the contents thereof, and the event from the contents of each event registered by the event registration means. A consumption calculation unit that selects a consumption estimation value according to the type of consumption, calculates a predicted consumption amount of the consumable based on the consumption calculation value, a predicted consumption obtained by the consumption calculation unit, and Consumable usage forecasting means that predicts the type and quantity of consumables that need to be additionally acquired from the remaining amount of consumables installed in the consumable equipment and its inventory, and the consumable usage forecasting means Consumables ordering means for ordering necessary consumables from the consumable supply source based on the obtained prediction, or consumables order notifying means for prompting the user to order necessary consumables. Features that make it work It is intended to.
[0015]
As a result, in addition to the effects of the invention 6, as in the inventions 2 and 3, the additional ordering work of consumables is also automatically performed, so that it is possible to further reduce the user's labor and use. Even if the user does not always know the predicted amount and timing, it is possible to place an additional order for the optimal amount of consumables at the optimal time.
The method for predicting the amount of consumables used according to the invention 8
In a method for predicting the amount of consumables used in a consumables-using device, the scheduled date and time of an event in which a pointing device connected to the computer attached to the consumables-using device is communicably connected to the consumables-using device. An event registration step for registering the content of the event, and a computer attached to the consumable-use device selects a consumption estimated value corresponding to the type of the event from the content of each event registered in the event registration step, A consumption calculation step for calculating a predicted consumption amount of the consumable based on the estimated consumption value, and a predicted consumption calculated by the computer attached to the consumable use device in the consumption calculation step and the use of the consumable A consumable usage forecast that predicts the type and quantity of consumables that require additional acquisition from the remaining amount of consumables installed in the device and its inventory. Tsu and up and is characterized in that it comprises a.
[0016]
As a result, it is possible to accurately predict the amount of consumables used in the future as in the first aspect of the invention, so that accurate ordering is possible and optimal inventory management without excess or deficiency can be performed.
In addition, the consumables usage prediction method of the invention 9 is
In a method for predicting the amount of consumables used in a consumables-using device, the scheduled date and time of an event in which a pointing device connected to the computer attached to the consumables-using device is communicably connected to the consumables-using device. An event registration step for registering the content of the event, and a computer attached to the consumable-use device selects a consumption estimated value corresponding to the type of the event from the content of each event registered in the event registration step, A consumption calculation step for calculating a predicted consumption amount of the consumable based on the estimated consumption value, and a predicted consumption calculated by the computer attached to the consumable use device in the consumption calculation step and the use of the consumable A consumable usage forecast that predicts the type and quantity of consumables that require additional acquisition from the remaining amount of consumables installed in the device and its inventory. And a consumable ordering step in which a computer attached to the consumable-use device orders a necessary consumable from the consumable supply source based on the predicted amount predicted in the consumable use amount prediction step. It is characterized by including these.
[0017]
As a result, in addition to the same effects as the invention 8, as in the inventions 2 and 3, additional ordering work of consumables is also automatically performed, so that it is possible to further reduce the labor of the user. In addition, even if the user does not always know the predicted amount and timing, it is possible to place an additional order for the optimal amount of consumables at the optimal time.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a communication network provided with the consumables usage amount prediction system of the present invention.
As shown in the figure, an internal communication network 11 such as a LAN is installed in a local area 10 such as a home or office. The internal communication network 11 includes a printer 12 which is one of consumables using devices, A print instruction terminal 13 for controlling the printer 12 is connected, and the internal communication network 11 is communicably connected to a service company 15 which is a consumable supplier through an external communication network 14 such as the Internet.
[0019]
The print instruction terminal 13 is composed of a general-purpose personal computer (PC) or a terminal capable of issuing a print instruction other than a PC. The configuration of the print instruction terminal 13 includes a schedule management unit 20, an input unit 21, as shown in FIG. A display unit 22, a print instruction unit 23, a storage unit 24, and a communication unit 25 are provided.
The schedule management unit 20 mainly has a function of transmitting a date and time of a future event registered by the user using the printer 12 by the input unit 21 and a print schedule, which is a content thereof, to the printer 12 using the communication unit 25. The print instruction unit 23 mainly performs a function of processing predetermined print data and sending the print data to the printer 12 via the communication unit 25. The input unit 21, the display unit 22, and the storage unit 24 are each composed of hardware such as a keyboard, a mouse, a CRT or a liquid crystal display, a semiconductor memory, and a hard disk device that are standardly equipped on a general PC. Each function such as input, display, and storage of a print schedule created by the schedule management unit 20 is provided.
[0020]
On the other hand, the printer 12 always uses ink, toner, printing paper, or the like as a consumable during its operation. As shown in FIG. 3, a printer 30 that provides a printing function and a housing of the printer 12 are provided. A communication unit 33 that provides a communication function with a display unit 31 composed of a liquid crystal screen or the like, an operation panel 32 that is a setting / operation interface (UI) of the printer 12, and a print instruction terminal 13; In addition to the original configuration of the printer such as a storage unit 34 composed of a hard disk, a semiconductor memory, etc., it has a structure including consumables management means 35 for managing consumables dedicated to the printer.
[0021]
The consumable item management means 35 includes a consumable item possession amount management unit 40, a schedule collection unit 41, a consumable item usage amount analysis unit 42, and a consumable item ordering unit 43.
The consumables possession amount management unit 40 regularly supplies the remaining amount of consumables that are currently being used by its own printer, the stock amount of consumables for the printer currently in possession, and the printer. Based on information such as the delivery schedule of consumables to be managed, it is integratedly managed as a “consumables holding amount schedule” indicating the relationship between the date and time and the holding amount of each consumable.
[0022]
For example, when a printer uses four types of ink (C: cyan, M: magenta, Y: yellow, K: black) and A4 printing paper as consumables, the consumables attached to the printer and When the stock quantity is as shown in FIG. 4, that is, as shown in the figure, C: 7112, M: 3281, Y: 4155, K: 3212 ink and 150 A4 printing sheets remain, and C 5, M, K ink cartridges, M ink cartridges 0, A4 printing paper: 2 bundles (500 × 2) are stored in stock respectively. As shown in FIG. 6, in a case where a predetermined consumable item is delivered at a predetermined date and time, the relationship between the date and the amount of each consumable item held is as shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 6, as of November 23, the consumables inventory of the printer is C: 17112, M: 13281, Y: 8174, K: 13212, and A4 paper: 1150. As shown in FIG. 5, the inks M and Y are delivered one by one as shown in FIG. 5, and therefore, the stock quantity as of November 25 is increased to M: 23281 and Y: 18174 as shown in FIG. 6. become. In addition, according to the delivery schedule of FIG. 5, since one ink K is delivered on December 19th, the stock amount of ink K as of December 19 increases by the amount delivered as shown in FIG. Will do.
[0023]
The schedule collection unit 41 collects events (scheduled to be printed) that are directly input by the printer user using the operation panel 32 or the like or transmitted from the print instruction terminal 13, and gives an ID number to the collected events. A function of registering an event in a “print schedule” as shown in FIG. 7 is exhibited. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, when User B collects an event such as printing 20 Christmas cards on November 28, or User A printing 200 New Year cards on December 20, etc. The ID numbers (001, 002,...) Are assigned and identified, and these are registered in a “print schedule” as illustrated in time series.
[0024]
Based on the “print schedule” created by the schedule collection unit 41 and the “ink consumption estimation table” that has been identified in advance, the consumable usage amount analysis unit 42 plans to consume the consumables consumed for each event. The amount is calculated, and the calculated consumption amount is recorded as a “consumable consumption schedule”. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the consumption amount of consumables for each event registered in the “print schedule” described above is obtained using an “ink consumption estimation table” that represents the ink consumption amount for each event. As shown in FIG. 9, in the event of printing 20 Christmas cards with ID: 001, C: 160 (8 × 20), M: 300 (15 × 20), Y: 180 (9 × 20) ), K: 80 (4 × 20) ink is consumed, and in the event of printing 500 sheets of black and white text with ID: 003, K: 10000 (20 × 500) ink and 500 sheets of A4 paper Are consumed, and these consumption amounts are reflected in the “consumable consumption schedule” as shown in FIG.
[0025]
The consumables ordering unit 43 monitors a schedule ahead for a certain period in the “consumables possession amount schedule”, and uses the communication unit 33 when the consumables possession amount falls below a certain level. The service company 15 is automatically ordered, and a function for controlling the consumables to be delivered at a desired delivery date is provided. For example, when it is set that the ordering process is performed when the stock amount of A4 paper falls below 1000 sheets, the consumables ordering unit 43 sets 500 A4 paper sheets on December 21 as shown in FIG. When it is determined that the amount of inventory consumed is less than 1000 sheets as shown in FIG. 6, an order is made to the service company 15 so that additional A4 paper is obtained by December 21. . In addition, if it is known that the delivery date takes about one week in advance, the A4 paper ordering process is performed at least one week before the desired delivery date in consideration of the delivery date.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 3, the “print schedule”, “ink consumption estimation table”, “consumable consumption schedule”, “delivery schedule”, and “consumable inventory table” shown in FIGS. The “consumables possession amount schedule” is stored in the storage unit 24 together with normal print data, etc., and is updated to the latest information at regular time intervals or appropriately. In addition, the service company 15 as a supply source of consumables is not particularly limited, and consumables used equipment, consumables dealers and manufacturers, or maintenance / maintenance specialized companies entrusted with the business may be considered. ing.
[0027]
The specific operation flow of the present invention will be described above.
First, in the near future, when the user of the printer 12 finds out that an event involving printing using the printer has occurred in the near future, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 13 (step 100). Then, this print information is transmitted to the schedule collection unit 41 of the printer 12 via the internal communication network 11, and an ID for identifying the event (scheduled print) is given, and the print information is displayed together with the ID number in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the information is registered in the “print schedule” (steps S102 and S104). For example, when the user A uses the print instruction terminal 13 to input an event of “printing 200 New Year's cards on December 20”, the print information is consumable for the printer 12 via the internal communication network 11. As shown in FIG. 7, the ID number 002 is given by the schedule collection unit 41 and the content is registered in the “print schedule” in time series. Next, the consumable material usage amount analyzing unit 42 analyzes the print contents of the new event registered in the “print schedule”, and estimates the consumable material consumption amount consumed in the event (step S106). Is added to the “consumables consumption schedule” shown in FIG. 6 (step S108), and the estimated amount of use is reflected in the “consumables holding schedule” shown in FIG. 6 (step S110). For example, the event of ID: 002 is an ink consumption of C: 12, M: 5, Y: 11, and K: 8 per postcard according to the numerical value in the New Year's card column of the ink consumption estimation table shown in FIG. Therefore, in order to print 200 New Year's cards, ink of C: 2400, M: 1000, Y: 2200, K: 1600 is consumed, and the estimated value is shown in FIG. “Schedule” is added to the column of December 20, and the estimated value of the amount consumed is the total amount of consumables at the end of the previous event (C: 16925, M: 22981, Y: 17994, K: 23052) (C: 14552, M: 21981, Y: 15794, K: 21452) will be reflected in the column of December 20 of the “consumables holding schedule” in FIG.
[0028]
On the other hand, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11, the consumables possession amount management unit 40 monitors whether or not the printing process actually performed is printing registered in the “print schedule” (step S200). When it is determined that the print is a print (YES), the registered print job is deleted from the “print schedule” (step S202), and when it is determined that the print is not registered (NO), The actual usage amount of the consumables is measured as it is (step S204), and the measured value is reflected in the “consumables holding amount schedule” (step S206).
[0029]
Next, when the “consumables holding schedule” is changed in this way, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12, the consumables holding up to a certain period (event) for each consumable is a standard. When it is determined whether or not the reference value can be maintained (step S300), and when it is determined that the reference value or more can be secured (YES), the process ends as it is and when it is determined that the reference value cannot be secured (NO) ) Performs an ordering process with respect to the service company 15 so that the amount of consumables held satisfies the reference value (step S302).
[0030]
Consumables are ordered by the consumables ordering unit 43 automatically recognizing the type, quantity, desired delivery date, etc. of the consumables determined based on the “consumables holding schedule”. However, the user may directly perform an ordering process with respect to the consumables ordering unit 43. In this case, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 13, the user inputs the type, quantity, desired delivery date, etc. of the consumables using the input unit 21 of the print instruction terminal 13 or the operation panel 32 of the printer 12 ( Step S400). Then, the consumables ordering unit 43 that has received this performs an ordering process to the server of the service company 15 in response to the user's request (step S402), and the delivery schedule ID returned from the service company 15; A delivery date notification is received (step S404), written in the “delivery schedule” shown in FIG. 5 (step S406), the consumables holding amount after delivery is calculated and reflected in the “consumables holding schedule” To do. For example, when the minimum holding amount of each ink is set to 5000, the holding amount of ink K is 13052 as of November 28 as shown in FIG. If it is determined that the amount of ink K held is well below 5000 when completed, an order is placed with a delivery date so that new ink K is replenished by December 19, as shown in FIG. Will do. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, even if the December 20 event ends, the minimum ink holding amount can be maintained, and the minimum consumables inventory can always be secured.
[0031]
If the ordered consumable is actually delivered, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 14, it is confirmed by the delivery schedule ID whether or not it is the ordered consumable (step S500). After that, the consumables that have been delivered are entered in the “consumables inventory table” shown in FIG. 4, and the item of the consumables is deleted from the “delivery schedule table” shown in FIG. 5 (step S504). The consumables that have been used are reflected in the “consumables holding schedule”. At this time, if the type and quantity of consumables delivered are the same as those of the consumables ordered, the contents of the “Consumables Holding Schedule” will not change at all. The content of the “consumables possession schedule” changes, and thereafter, the content of the “consumables possession amount schedule” is updated based on this content.
[0032]
Further, in the service company 15 that has received the order, that is, the service company 15 that has received an order for consumables, after receiving the order via the external communication network 14 (step S600), as shown in the flowchart of FIG. The printer user (user) determines whether or not delivery is possible on the desired delivery date (date and time) (step S602), and if possible (YES), that date is set as the delivery date and time. (NO), after confirming another date as the delivery date and time (step S604), a delivery schedule ID is generated, and the delivery date and time confirmed together with the delivery schedule ID is sent to the user side via the external communication network 14. It will be transmitted (step S608).
[0033]
On the other hand, when it is determined in advance that the registered event is canceled and printing is not performed, the printer user uses the print instruction terminal 13 as in the case of registration, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. Then, after deleting the corresponding printing schedule from the “print schedule” and the “consumable consumption schedule” (steps S700 and S702), the holding amount changed by the deletion is reflected in the “consumables holding amount schedule” (step S704). .
[0034]
When canceling the delivery of the consumables that have been ordered with the cancellation of printing, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 17, the corresponding delivery schedule is deleted from the “delivery schedule” (step S800), The holding amount changed by the deletion is reflected in the “consumable item holding amount schedule” (step S802). Further, the service company 15 is notified (requested) of order cancellation via the external communication network 14.
[0035]
On the other hand, if the content of the “Consumables holding schedule” changes and is updated due to printing execution, printing schedule registration / cancellation, ordering / cancellation, etc., each consumable is held each time it is updated. The amount is confirmed, but as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 18, it is determined whether the amount of each consumable is within an arbitrary reference range determined by a certain time (step) S900), if it is below the standard, the ordering process is performed according to the flow shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 (step S902). If the standard value is exceeded, the order is canceled according to the order cancellation flow of FIG. 17 (step S904). ), It is possible to always have an appropriate amount of consumables.
[0036]
As described above, the present invention provides an event registration means for registering the scheduled date and time of an event using a consumable-use device such as a printer, and the content thereof, and a predicted consumption amount of consumables required based on the registered event content. The type and quantity of consumables that need additional acquisition are estimated from the estimated consumption obtained, the remaining amount of consumables installed in the consumables using the above consumables, and their inventory. Therefore, the occurrence of individual events scheduled in the future is reflected in the prediction of consumption, and the usage of the consumable can be accurately predicted.
[0037]
As a result, it is possible to place an accurate order, and it is possible to perform optimal inventory management without excess or deficiency. In addition, it is possible to accurately predict the amount of consumables used in the future simply by registering the scheduled date and time of future events and their contents, so that the user can calculate the amount of consumables required for each event. Such a cumbersome work becomes unnecessary.
In the above embodiment, the “event registration means for registering the scheduled date and time of the event and its contents” is, for example, the input unit 21 and display unit 22 of the print instruction terminal 13, the operation panel 32 of the printer 12, and the display. The “consumption consumption calculating means for calculating the predicted consumption of necessary consumables based on the registered event” is, for example, a schedule constituting the consumable management means 35 of the printer 12. Further, it is realized by the collecting unit 41 and the consumables usage amount analyzing unit 42, and further “additional acquisition is necessary from the obtained predicted consumption amount, the remaining amount of consumables mounted on the consumables use device and the stock amount thereof. The consumable use amount predicting means for predicting the type and quantity of consumables is also realized by the schedule collection unit 41 and the consumables possession amount management unit 40.
[0038]
In the above-described embodiment, a printer is used as the consumable-use device. However, the consumable-use device subject to the present invention inevitably consumes consumables during its operation. The electronic device is not particularly limited as long as the consumption can be automatically and accurately grasped by various sensors and the like, for example, a copier that uses toner or paper as a consumable like the printer, Of course, it can also be applied to a facsimile or the like.
[0039]
Further, as an event that is a subject of the present invention, as described above, an event in which the use of the consumable-use device is unavoidable, that is, the consumable product is consumed by using the function of the consumable-use device when the event is executed. It is not particularly limited as long as it is a thing, but the most excellent effect is exhibited especially in an event that occurs irregularly and consumes a large amount of consumables at a time. In other words, for example, if the consumable equipment is a printer or copier, there are conferences and presentations that require a large amount of printed materials and copies at once, creation of flyers and advertising posters, creation of questionnaires and test questions, etc. In addition, if the consumable device is a facsimile, there are intensive orders and large-capacity document reception that involve a large amount of reception.
[0040]
Further, the consumables usage amount prediction system does not necessarily have to be provided integrally with the consumables using device, but exists alone via the network, for example, the print instruction terminal 13 or a print (not shown). It may be in a state where it is incorporated in the server, or if each means is functionally functioning with each other, the state where each means is separated as in this embodiment, for example, only the consumption calculation means is the printer 12. It is also possible to have a configuration in which other means exist in the print instruction terminal 13 or the printer server.
[0041]
Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the consumables management means 35 is linked with the personal schedule management software and this system, and the events that use the consumables-using device are extracted from the personal events listed in the schedule table. If the schedule analysis unit 44 having a function of estimating the scheduled date and time and the content thereof is further provided, the user does not need to register the date and time and details of the event in the system again. The labor of the user of the device is reduced, and inconvenience such as forgetting to register can be effectively avoided.
[0042]
Further, in the consumable item management unit 35 of FIG. 3, instead of the consumable item ordering unit 43, a consumable item order notifying unit that prompts the user to order the necessary consumable item, for example, necessary consumption by visual or voice. If a function for prompting the ordering of goods is provided and the ordering work is left to the user, the system configuration can be further simplified to contribute to cost reduction.
[0043]
By the way, specific examples that can be considered as an event accompanied by a printing operation and the contents of the printing are as follows.
1. office
▲ 1 Business negotiations and external meetings
Business negotiation materials → A4 color document 10 pages x 5 copies: A4 coated paper
(2) In-house meetings
Internal meeting materials → A4 monochrome document 4 pages x 15 copies: A4 plain paper
(3) Report meeting
Internal report creation → A4 color document 3 pages x 20 copies: A4 plain paper
▲ 4 ▼ Exhibition
Poster → 5 sheets of A2 paper: 5 sheets of A2 quality paper
Photo → 20 sheets of A2 paper: 20 sheets of 2L photographic paper
▲ 5 ▼ Business trip
Business trip report distribution materials → A4 color document 5 pages x 5 copies: A4 plain paper
▲ 6 ▼ New equipment and equipment introduction
Simple manual provided → A4 monochrome document 1 page x 1 copy: A4 plain paper
2. Sales office
▲ 1 New product launch
Quotation for mass retailers, delivery note printing, poster printing
(2) Special sale at mass retailers
Poster printing
3. restaurant
▲ 1 New menu addition, photos, menus, POPs, etc. for limited-time services, etc.
4). Mass retailer
(1) POP, price tag, flyer, etc. when a new product is introduced
5). School, cram school, prep school
(1) Handouts for class and school events, test question sheets, answer sheets, etc.
6). Architecture office
▲ 1 ▼ Proposal materials for customers when introducing plans
(2) Blueprints Blueprints at the time of delivery, design details (necessary parts and configuration), quotation
7). Personal schedule
Travel (photos, printout of local information), friend's birthday (message card), meet friends (photo sticker), children's birthday party, sports day, watching sports, going home, grandchild coming to play (Photo), New Year (new year postcard), go to meals (store information printing, coupon printing), go shopping (flyers, coupons, etc.).
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a network configuration to which a system of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print instruction terminal.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a “consumables inventory table”.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a “delivery schedule”.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a “consumables possession amount schedule”;
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a “print schedule”.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an “ink consumption estimation table”;
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a “consumables consumption schedule”;
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow relating to a print schedule input.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a flow of reacquisition of consumables holding amount after printing.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing confirmation of a “consumables holding amount schedule”.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a flow related to consumables ordering.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a flow relating to delivery of consumables.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a flow relating to a consumable goods order.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a flow regarding cancellation of printing.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a flow related to canceling an order.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing confirmation of a “consumables holding amount schedule”.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Local area, 11 ... Internal communication network, 12 ... Printer (consumables use apparatus), 13 ... Print instruction terminal, 14 ... External communication network, 15 ... Service company, 20 ... Schedule management part, 21 ... Input part, 22 Display unit, 23 Print instruction unit, 24 Storage unit, 25 Communication unit, 30 Print unit, 31 Display unit, 32 Operation panel, 33 Communication unit, 34 Storage unit, 35 Consumable management Means 40: Consumables possession amount management unit 41 ... Schedule collection unit 42 ... Consumable use amount analysis unit 43 ... Consumables ordering unit 44 ... Schedule analysis unit

Claims (9)

A consumables usage prediction system attached to consumables using equipment,
Event registration means for registering the scheduled date and time of the event using the consumables-using device and the contents thereof;
A consumption calculation means for selecting a consumption estimated value corresponding to the type of the event from the contents of the event registered in the event registration means, and calculating a predicted consumption amount of the consumable based on the consumption estimation value;
Consumption that predicts the type and quantity of consumables that need to be additionally acquired from the predicted consumption obtained by the consumption calculation means, the remaining amount of consumables that are already installed in the consumables-using device, and the inventory amount A consumable usage amount prediction system, comprising: a consumable usage amount prediction means. In the consumables usage prediction system according to claim 1,
A consumable item usage amount prediction system further comprising consumable item ordering means for ordering necessary consumable items from a consumable supplier based on the prediction obtained by the consumable item usage amount predicting unit. In the consumables usage prediction system according to claim 1,
A consumable item usage amount prediction system further comprising consumable item order notifying means for prompting a user to order a necessary consumable item based on the prediction obtained by the consumable item usage amount predicting unit. In the consumables usage amount prediction system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
It further comprises a schedule analysis unit that extracts events that use consumables devices from the events listed in the schedule table and estimates their scheduled date and time and their contents.
The consumable use amount prediction system, wherein the event registration means is configured to register the event estimated by the schedule analysis unit. In the consumables usage prediction system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A consumable use amount prediction system, wherein the consumable using device is a printer, and the consumable is ink or toner and printing paper. A computer attached to a consumable-use device
An event registration means for registering the scheduled date and time of the event using the consumable-use device, and the contents thereof;
A consumption calculation unit that selects a consumption estimated value corresponding to the type of the event from the contents of each event registered by the event registration unit, and calculates a predicted consumption of the consumable based on the consumption estimated value;
Consumption that predicts the type and quantity of consumables that need to be additionally acquired from the predicted consumption obtained by the consumption calculation means, the remaining amount of consumables that are already installed in the consumables-using device, and the inventory amount A consumables usage amount prediction program which functions as a product usage amount prediction means. A computer attached to a consumable-use device
Event registration means for registering the scheduled date and time of the event using the consumables-using device and the contents thereof;
A consumption calculation unit that selects a consumption estimated value corresponding to the type of the event from the contents of each event registered by the event registration unit, and calculates a predicted consumption of the consumable based on the consumption estimated value;
Consumption that predicts the type and quantity of consumables that need to be additionally acquired from the predicted consumption obtained by the consumption calculation means, the remaining amount of consumables that are already installed in the consumables-using device, and the inventory amount Product usage forecasting means,
Consumable ordering means for ordering the necessary consumables from the consumable supply source based on the prediction obtained by the consumable usage amount predicting means, or consumption that prompts the user to order the necessary consumables A consumable use amount prediction program that functions as a product order notification means. In a method for predicting the amount of consumables used in consumables-using equipment,
An event registration step in which an instruction device connected to be communicable with a computer attached to the consumable-use device registers the scheduled date and time of an event in which the consumable-use device is used and the contents thereof, and the consumable-use device A consumption that calculates the estimated consumption of consumables based on the estimated consumption by selecting the estimated consumption according to the event type from the contents of each event registered by the attached computer in the event registration step Additional acquisition from the calculation step, the estimated consumption calculated in the consumption calculation step by the computer attached to the consumable using device, the remaining amount of consumables installed in the consumable using device, and the inventory amount thereof A consumable usage amount prediction step for predicting the type and quantity of consumables that require a consumable. In a method for predicting the amount of consumables used in consumables-using equipment,
An event registration step in which an instruction device connected to be communicable with a computer attached to the consumable-use device registers the scheduled date and time of an event in which the consumable-use device is used and the contents thereof, and the consumable-use device A consumption that calculates the estimated consumption of consumables based on the estimated consumption by selecting the estimated consumption according to the event type from the contents of each event registered by the attached computer in the event registration step Additional acquisition from the calculation step, the estimated consumption calculated in the consumption calculation step by the computer attached to the consumable using device, the remaining amount of consumables installed in the consumable using device, and the inventory amount thereof A consumable usage amount predicting step for predicting the type and quantity of consumables that require a consumable, and a computer attached to the consumable using device includes the consumable Based on the predicted amount predicted in dose prediction step, consumables usage prediction method, which comprises a consumable ordering step of ordering the necessary consumables against consumables suppliers, the.

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