JP5838187B2 - Information processing apparatus, processing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

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

  Currently, mail and parcel delivery services exist as services for delivering documents and parcels. In addition, when the object to be delivered is character data, there are services such as telegram and retax that transmit the character data to a base near the delivery destination using a telephone line or network, print the character data at the base, and deliver it to the recipient. . Of these services, courier service will be used to deliver packages such as moldings, etc., but the recipient will receive the creation of the molding to be shipped, packing it, bringing the delivery to the carrier, or collecting by the carrier. It takes time and cost according to the delivery distance until delivery to is completed.

By the way, recently, a 3D printer capable of printing a three-dimensional object has been improved in performance and price, and the 3D printer is easily used. A 3D printer is a device that outputs a modeled object by stacking liquid or powdered resin or plaster according to the shape defined by 3D model data. For example, it can be used for prototype creation and design review in the manufacturing industry and figure production. It is utilized. In addition, when a user provides 3D model data for outputting a modeled object with a 3D printer, there is a service for outputting the data with a 3D printer and delivering it to the user. Here, the 3D model data is data representing the modeled object with three-dimensional position information, and is data used by the 3D printer to output the modeled object. Specifically, the 3D model data is data created by 3D CAD or 3DCG creation software.
For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a procedure for creating a model from 3D data by an online service. Alternatively, Patent Document 2 shows a procedure for transferring and materializing 3D model data to a remote 3D printer.

JP 2002-086576 A JP 2009-294804 A

  However, all of these use a 3D printer to create a modeled object, and use a conventional logistics service such as a courier to deliver the output modeled object. Therefore, there is a problem that the time and cost for delivery can be reduced, and the efficiency from creation to delivery of a modeled object cannot be improved.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus, a processing method, and a program that can solve the above-described problems.

The present invention reads information of a delivery management database storing a physical distribution base equipped with a 3D printer in association with information on a delivery destination based on delivery destination information included in delivery instruction information input from a user, said neighboring delivery address identifies a neighboring distribution bases shown to multiple, using 3D model data including three-dimensional position information indicating a shape of a shaped article to be input to the 3D printer included in the delivery instruction information shaped object was calculated output time required for output using the 3D printer provided in the neighboring distribution centers, said the previous SL close distribution base the available start time included in the operation status of 3D printers included in the the output completion time of the shaped object by the 3D printer to calculate the output time, delivery start of the delivery means of the delivery address provided in the previous SL close distribution centers and delivery regional time及A delivery time specified by the user, which is obtained by reading a delivery available time zone from the operation status database, the delivery start time is after the output completion time, and the delivery available time zone is included in the delivery instruction information to to indicate that that can deliver the molded object, an information processing apparatus, characterized in that it comprises a distribution base determination unit for determining the close distribution centers to distribution bases to deliver output the shaped article.

According to the present invention, in the information processing apparatus described above, the physical distribution site determination unit uses 3D model data including three-dimensional position information indicating the shape of a model to be input to the 3D printer included in the delivery instruction information. Further calculating an output fee required to output the modeled object using the 3D printer provided in the neighboring logistics base, from the address information included in the delivery destination information and the address information of the neighboring logistics base determining the distribution centers of the shaped article further calculates a delivery fee required for delivery, delivers outputs the molded object based on the previous SL output rates and the delivery charges and adding the fees and the delivery time zone It is characterized by doing.

According to the present invention, the information processing apparatus includes a delivery instruction transmission unit that transmits the delivery instruction information input from a user to the determined distribution base via a network.

  In the present invention, the information processing apparatus described above is connected to a 3D model data database, which is a database storing 3D model data, and the 3D model data included in the delivery instruction information is acquired from the 3D model data database. It is characterized by model data.

  According to the present invention, the information processing apparatus described above includes the distribution base determined by the distribution base determination unit and the distribution base including a 3D printer having a high operation rate by accumulating information on the 3D printer used for outputting the modeled object. And a 3D printer introduction suggesting unit to be determined.

  In the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the delivery instruction information includes a message from a user to a delivery destination.

The present invention also relates to a delivery management database in which an information processing apparatus stores a physical distribution base equipped with a 3D printer in association with delivery destination information based on delivery destination information included in delivery instruction information input from a user. Loading of information, the neighboring delivery address identifies a neighboring distribution bases shown to multiple, 3D containing three-dimensional position information indicating a shape of a shaped article to be input to the 3D printer included in the delivery instruction information model data and output time required for output using the 3D printer provided with the molded object in the close distribution centers on the basis of the output time information acquired by reading the option data database to calculate, pre SL close the operation status information of the 3D printer acquired by reading from the operation status database provided in the distribution centers, included in the operation status information of the 3D printer Serial output completion time of the shaped object by the 3D printer calculated by adding the output time in the available start time of the 3D printer, delivery start time of the delivery means and the delivery region the delivery destination the neighbor distribution base comprises And the delivery available time zone is read from the operation status database and acquired, the delivery start time is after the output completion time, and the delivery available time zone is specified by the user included in the delivery instruction information to indicate that that can deliver the molded object to delivery time, a processing method characterized by determining the neighboring distribution centers to distribution bases to deliver output the shaped article.

According to the present invention, in the processing method described above, the modeled object is converted into the neighboring logistics base using 3D model data including three-dimensional position information indicating the shape of the modeled object input to the 3D printer included in the delivery instruction information. Further calculates an output fee required for output using the 3D printer provided in the delivery, and delivery required for delivery of the shaped article from the address information included in the delivery destination information and the address information of the neighboring logistics base further calculating the fee, and determines the distribution bases to deliver output the molded object based on the previous SL output rates and the delivery charges and adding the fees and the delivery time zone.

Further, according to the present invention, information on a delivery management database in which a computer stores a distribution base equipped with a 3D printer in association with information on a delivery destination based on delivery destination information included in delivery instruction information input from a user. Loading, nearby the delivery address identifies a neighboring distribution bases shown to multiple, 3D model data including three-dimensional position information indicating a shape of a shaped article to be input to the 3D printer included in the delivery instruction information the shaped article was calculated output time required for output using the 3D printer provided in the neighboring distribution bases, can be used included in the operational status of the 3D printer provided in the previous SL close distribution centers using the output completion time of the shaped object by the 3D printer from the start time and the output time is calculated, and the delivery address provided in the previous SL close distribution centers and delivery regional delivery Get the delivery start time and delivery time zone of stage loading from operational status database, wherein there delivery start time later than the output completion time, the use of the delivery time zone is included in the delivery instruction information who when indicates that capable delivery of the molded object to the specified delivery time, a program for causing to function as a means for determining the neighbor distribution centers to distribution bases to deliver output the shaped article is there.

Further, according to the present invention, in the above program, a 3D model including a three-dimensional position information indicating a shape of a model to be input to a 3D printer included in the delivery instruction information and input to the 3D printer included in the delivery instruction information. Using the data, further calculate an output fee required to output the modeled object using the 3D printer provided at the neighboring logistics base, and address information included in the delivery destination information and the neighboring logistics base further calculate the delivery fee required from the address information to the delivery of the molded product, the molded object to output to deliver based on the previous SL and output charge the delivery fee and an addition to the fees and the delivery time zone It is made to function as a means to determine a distribution base.

  According to the present invention, by efficiently utilizing a distribution base and a 3D printer that exist in the whole country, it is possible to quickly move to any place where the distribution system covers an arbitrary shaped object that can be output by the 3D printer. The effect that it is possible to deliver by is obtained. Moreover, the effect that the number of 3D printers to introduce can be suppressed is also acquired.

It is a figure which shows the minimum structure of the information processing apparatus by 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the specific structure of the information processing apparatus and physical distribution system by 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a 1st sequence diagram which shows the processing sequence of the physical distribution system by 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a 1st figure which shows the example of the table used for the process of the information processing apparatus by 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a 1st figure which shows the processing flow of the information processing apparatus by 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the specific structure of the physical distribution system by 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the specific structure of the information processing apparatus by 3rd embodiment of this invention.

<First embodiment>
Hereinafter, an information processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a minimum configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment.
In this figure, reference numeral 1 represents an information processing apparatus. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 1 includes at least a physical distribution site determination unit 30.
The distribution base determination unit 30 uses which 3D printer at any distribution base in the country or around the world when the user wants to send a gift of a model that can be output by a 3D printer to friends and acquaintances. It is a functional unit that outputs the model and determines which delivery means to deliver. In the present embodiment, the modeled object is an object that can be output by a 3D printer. For example, a character doll or stuffed animal as a gift, a prototype of various industrial products, or the like can be considered. A logistics base is a delivery base for a carrier that relays delivery of parcels such as parcel delivery services, and possesses delivery means such as trucks and passenger cars. Note that the 3D printer here includes all three-dimensional molding machines. Further, in this embodiment, each distribution base is provided with a 3D printer, and it is assumed that a molded article is output at the distribution base and can be delivered from the distribution base by a delivery means such as a truck.
The distribution base determination unit 30 determines a distribution base most suitable for output and delivery of a modeled object based on the operation status of the 3D printer and the time required for delivery.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a specific configuration of the information processing apparatus and the physical distribution system according to the first embodiment. The same functional units as those in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, in the physical distribution system of the present embodiment, a reception server 1 corresponding to the information processing apparatus 1 is installed in the order receiving center. Each distribution base includes at least an operation status transmission server 2, a delivery instruction receiving server 3, a print instruction server 4, a 3D printer 5, a printer 6, and a delivery vehicle 7.

First, the configuration and function of the order receiving center will be described.
The reception server 1 includes a request processing unit 10, an operation status reception unit 20, a distribution base determination unit 30, and a delivery instruction transmission unit 40. These are functions provided when a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executes a program in the receiving server 1. The reception server 1 includes a 3D model data database 50 (hereinafter referred to as 3D model data DB 50), an option data database 60 (hereinafter referred to as option data DB 60), an operation status database 70 (hereinafter referred to as operation status DB 70), A delivery management database 80 (hereinafter referred to as a delivery management DB 80) is provided.
The request processing unit 10 has a function of accepting a request for delivery of a model from a user. Specifically, the request processing unit 10 is design data necessary for outputting a modeled object with a 3D printer, and includes 3D model data including three-dimensional position information indicating the shape of the modeled object, and polishing and coloring. The object option information for specifying the designation is input from the user via the network. In addition, the request processing unit 10 includes shipper information such as the user's address and name, delivery destination information such as the address and name of the delivery destination, desired delivery date and time, delivery service, a box for storing a model, wrapping and ribbon Delivery option information that specifies whether or not there is also input from the user via the network. The request processing unit 10 can read the model option information from an option data DB 70 described later and the delivery option information from a delivery management DB 80 described later so that the user can select it. In addition, the request processing unit 10 has a preview function for presenting a completed image of a model to be delivered from the input information to the user via the network. A general computer graphics technique may be used for the preview function. The request processing unit 10 has a function of presenting options necessary for continuing the process to the user and prompting the user to input, and a result of the process via the network.
Furthermore, the request processing unit 10 has a function of inputting a message from the user so that the user can send the message to the delivery destination in addition to the shaped object, for example, a telegram to which the message is delivered to the stuffed animal. Have.

The operation status receiving unit 20 is an operation status of the 3D printer, such as whether or not the 3D printer has failed from each distribution base, and when the 3D printer can be used when it is in use, and a delivery vehicle as a delivery means. The information including the operation status of the delivery means such as the delivery departure time and delivery area is received from each distribution base.
As described above, the distribution base determination unit 30 determines a distribution base that is a base for outputting and delivering a modeled object requested by the user using a 3D printer. The determination method will be described later.
The delivery instruction transmission unit 40 outputs the 3D model data, the shipper information, the delivery destination information, the model option information, the delivery option information, and the model input from the user to the distribution base determined by the distribution base determination unit 30. It has a function of transmitting information instructing delivery to a designated delivery destination.

The 3D model data DB 50 is a database that accumulates 3D model data of various types of shaped objects. Even if the user does not own the 3D model data by himself / herself, the user can select the desired 3D model data from the 3D model data held by the 3D model data DB 50 to send the modeled object indicated by the 3D model data. Is possible. The user can use the preview function of the request processing unit 10 to select the modeled object indicated by the 3D model data held by the 3D model data DB50 while the option data DB60 is selected by the user. It is a database that stores information that can be selected for finishing. The information that can be selected by the user is, for example, the presence or absence of glazing of the modeled object and the color that can be colored. In addition, the option data DB 60 stores a table that defines a fee required for output.
The operation status DB 70 is a database that accumulates information indicating the operation status of the 3D printer and delivery means of each distribution base received by the operation status receiving unit 20.
The delivery management DB 80 is a database that accumulates various information related to delivery. The delivery management DB 80 holds, for example, a table associating a distribution base and a delivery area, a table defining a hierarchical structure on the jurisdiction between distribution bases, and a table defining delivery charges. The hierarchical structure on the jurisdiction between the distribution bases is information that the distribution base A2 exists under the distribution base A1, for example. The delivery management DB 80 also includes a table that defines matters relating to delivery services such as services for corporations and services for general customers, packing methods such as delivery time zone designation and wrapping methods, and charges when these designations are made. ing.
Based on the information stored in these functional units and the database, the acceptance server 1 of the order receiving center inputs a delivery instruction of a modeled article from the user, determines a distribution base in charge of the delivery, and issues a delivery instruction to the distribution base.

Next, the configuration and functions of the distribution base will be described.
The operating status transmission server 2 transmits the operating status of the 3D printer provided in the distribution base and the operating status of the vehicle as the delivery means to the receiving server 1 of the order receiving center. The operating status of the 3D printer is information such as whether the 3D printer is out of order and when it can be used when outputting it for other shaped objects. Further, the operation status of the vehicle is information indicating whether the delivery vehicle cannot be used due to a vehicle failure or the absence of the driver, the time to leave the distribution base for delivery, and the delivery area. The operating status transmission server 2 may transmit the information when receiving an inquiry from the receiving server 1 or may transmit the information to the receiving server 1 when the operating status changes. Moreover, these information may transmit the information about all the 3D printers and vehicles each time, or may transmit only the difference information about the 3D printers and vehicles that have changed.

The delivery instruction receiving server 3 receives the delivery instruction information for instructing the output from the 3D printer and the delivery of the modeled object from the reception server 1. The delivery instruction information includes at least 3D model data of the model, model option information for specifying the finishing and packing method of the model, delivery option information for specifying the delivery time and delivery service, delivery destination information such as a delivery address, Contains shipper information such as the user's address. When the user transmits a message by telegram or the like, the delivery instruction information includes a transmission message.
When receiving the information, the delivery instruction receiving server 3 outputs the information to the print instruction server 4.

The print instruction server 4 issues a print instruction to the 3D printer 5 based on the 3D model data and the model option information input from the delivery instruction receiving server 3. Further, the print instruction server 4 issues a print instruction for an invoice or a message sent by the user based on the input delivery destination information, shipper information, and delivery option information.
A plurality of types of 3D printers 5 may exist in order to use them properly depending on the material of the modeled object and the accuracy of the finish.
The printer 6 is, for example, a laser printer, a label printer, or an impact printer that prints a copy-type invoice.
The delivery vehicle 7 is a vehicle for a logistics delivery person to deliver a molded article.

FIG. 3 is a first sequence diagram showing processing of the physical distribution system according to the present embodiment.
A process in which the physical distribution system according to the present embodiment delivers a shaped article based on a request from a user will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.
As a premise, the delivery company provides the output and delivery service of the modeled object, and uses the Web server function of the reception server 1 to publish a homepage on the Internet for receiving an order for the service. To do. Further, it is assumed that the delivery instruction information received from the homepage is transmitted to the receiving server 1 of the order receiving center. Then, the user accesses the homepage using a web browser from an arbitrary terminal, and 3D model data, modeling option information, shipper information, delivery destination information, delivery option information, and a telegram message to be sent along with the modeling object It is assumed that delivery instruction information is input and delivery instructions are given.

  When the request processing unit 10 of the receiving server 1 receives the delivery instruction information input from the terminal by the user via the network, the request processing unit 10 determines whether or not the modeled object can be handled (step S1). For example, when it is clear that the 3D printer cannot output from the size of the modeled object, it is determined that the handling is impossible. In addition, it may be determined that the model cannot be handled when the shape of the model is contrary to public order and morals or when it falls under the law, or when the desired delivery date is clearly too short compared to the time required for output. In determining whether or not the model can be handled from the size of the modeled object, for example, a cube having a size that can store the modeled object is obtained from the coordinate data of the 3D model data, and the model can be handled and stored in advance in the storage unit of the reception server 1. It may be determined that handling is not possible if the size is larger than the size that can be handled in advance compared to the size of the cube that defines the size of the object. In addition, when determining the desired delivery date, the output time of the object is calculated using 3D model data and a predetermined simulation function, and the date and time required for the calculated output is added to the date and time when the delivery instruction information is input. If it seems to be past the delivery date, it may not be handled. Moreover, you may perform determination of whether the shape of a molded article etc. is contrary to public order and morals as follows. For example, a preview image of the model indicated by the 3D model data input using the “unavailable” button and the preview function of the request processing unit 10 is displayed on the display unit of the terminal provided in the order receiving center. Then, if an employee of the order center makes a judgment by looking at the displayed preview image and violates public order and morals, the user can press the “Do not handle” button, and if the “Do not handle” button is pressed, it cannot be handled to decide. If it is determined in step S1 that the model requested by the user is unacceptable, the process flow ends.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S <b> 1 that the handling is possible, the request processing unit 10 outputs delivery instruction information to the distribution base determining unit 30. Then, the distribution base determination unit 30 specifies the distribution base in charge of the delivery destination and the nearby distribution base from the address information of the delivery destination (step S2). These distribution bases must have a 3D printer, and a distribution base that does not have a 3D printer is not selected even if it is close to a delivery destination. In step S2, the distribution bases are narrowed down as follows, for example. First, the logistics base determination unit 30 identifies a logistics base that uses the delivery address as a delivery area from a table in which the delivery destination address and the responsible logistics base are associated with each other based on the delivery destination address information. A table defining the hierarchical relationship is read to identify a higher-level logistics base that supervises the identified logistics base. Then, the logistics base determination unit 30 reads the identifiers of all the logistics bases under the higher logistics base from the table defining the hierarchical relation of the logistics bases as identifiers of neighboring logistics bases. Note that these tables are all provided in the delivery management DB 80.
Next, the distribution base determination unit 30 inquires of the selected distribution bases about the operation status of the 3D printer and the delivery means (step S3). Then, the operating status transmission server 2 reads the operating status of the 3D printer and the delivery means from the database and transmits it to the receiving server 1 (step S4). The operating status may be manually input to the operating status transmission server 2 by the employee at the distribution base. These operating statuses transmitted by the operating status transmitting server 2 are received by the operating status receiving unit 20 of the receiving server 1 and output to the distribution site determining unit 30.

  The distribution base determination unit 30 performs a distribution base determination process after narrowing down the distribution bases (step S5). The method for determining the distribution base will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. When the distribution base to be output and delivered using the 3D printer is determined, the distribution base determination unit 30 outputs the delivery instruction information and information including the determined distribution base to the delivery instruction transmission unit 40. The delivery instruction transmitting unit 40 transmits the input information to the delivery instruction receiving server 3 (step S6). The delivery instruction receiving server 3 transmits the received delivery instruction information to the print instruction server 4, and the print instruction server 4 reads out the 3D model data from the received delivery instruction information and outputs it to the 3D printer 5 to instruct the output of the modeled object. (Step S7). Further, the print instruction server 4 reads the delivery destination information and delivery destination option information from the received delivery instruction information, and instructs the printer 6 to print the invoice (step S8). When printing a message such as a telegram in addition to a modeled object, the print instruction server 4 instructs the printer 6 to read and print the user's message from the received delivery instruction information, and the printer 6 outputs the message. . This processing flow ends. After the completion of this processing flow, the delivery person loads the printed object, the card on which the message is printed, etc. on the delivery vehicle and delivers it to the delivery destination.

FIG. 4 is a first diagram illustrating an example of a table used for processing of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.
An outline of processing for selecting a distribution base based on the operating status of the 3D printer and the delivery means will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 4A is an example of a table that holds the operating status of the 3D printer. The record in the first line of FIG. 4A indicates that the 3D printer “PA01” at the distribution base A is in use and cannot be used until X month Y day 12:00. The record on the second line indicates that the 3D printer “PA02” at the distribution base A is out of order and cannot be used for the time being. The record on the third line indicates that the 3D printer “PA03” at the distribution base A is not broken. Since it is not currently used, it can be used immediately, but it is scheduled to be used from 18:00 on the X month Y day. The operating status DB 70 holds information on the operating status of the 3D printer, for example, in the format shown in the table of FIG. When the operating status receiving unit 20 receives a new 3D printer operating status from the operating status transmission server 2, the operating status receiving unit 20 updates information stored in the operating status DB 70. In this figure, only the information on the distribution base A is described, but actually, information on the operating status of the 3D printers provided in other distribution bases such as the nearby distribution bases B and C is also held. For example, if the delivery destination received from the user is the delivery area of the logistics base A, the logistics base determination unit 30 indicates that the operation status processing code is not “unusable” from this table and the logistics base code is the logistics base. A record corresponding to the condition that it is a neighboring logistics base of A is read, and the output completion time when “PA01” and “PA03” are used is calculated. In the case of this example table, “PA02” fails and is not read because it cannot be used. Also, the reason for calculating “PA01” that is currently in use is that the output performance of “PA01” and “PA03” may be completed earlier if “PA01” is used because of the output performance of “PA01” and “PA03”. .
By holding the operation status of the 3D printer in this way, the distribution site determination unit 30 can calculate when the output of the model is completed from the time and the operation status required for the output of the model. Regarding the calculation of the output completion time, for example, the time required for output is calculated using a predetermined simulation function based on the performance of each 3D printer and the shape, volume, weight, number of polygons, material, etc. of the output object to be output. Then, it is added to the usable start time acquired by referring to the “remarks” field of this table example.

  FIG. 4B is an example of a table that holds the operating status of the delivery vehicle. The record in the first line in FIG. 4B indicates that the vehicle SA01 at the distribution base A departs at 11:00. The record on the second line indicates that the vehicle SA02 at the distribution base A departs at 12:00 but is a direct flight to the nearby distribution base B. The record on the third line indicates that the vehicle SA01 at the distribution base A leaves at 15:00. In addition to the examples given here, if the delivery person is absent or the departure time of the vehicle changes due to the congestion of the road, the situation of this table will be known Can do. In addition, these pieces of information are held in the operation status DB 70, and when the operation status receiving unit 20 receives new information from the operation status transmission server 2, the table is updated and the operation statuses of vehicles at other distribution bases are also held. This is the same as the operation status of the 3D printer. Then, when receiving delivery instruction information from the user via the network, the logistics site determination unit 30 reads a record corresponding to the condition that the logistics site code is a neighboring logistics site of the logistics site A from this table, The output completion time of the shaped object described with reference to FIG. 4A is compared with the values acquired from the “delivery start time” fields of these records. Then, the distribution base determination unit 30 departs after the output completion time of the modeled object. For example, when the vehicle that can be delivered to the delivery destination earliest is selected or the delivery time zone is designated, the time zone Vehicles that can be delivered to can be selected.

FIG. 4C is an example of a table that holds the time and charge from the output of the modeled object to the completion of delivery. The table shown in FIG. 4C is a work table created based on the output completion time of the table shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B and the shaped article described in FIG.
The record in the first line of FIG. 4C can be delivered by the vehicle “SA01” when output using the 3D printer “PA01” at the distribution base A. It can be delivered to the delivery destination between 18:00, and the fee required at that time is 5000 yen. When the record on the second line is output using the 3D printer “PA03” at the distribution base A, the output is completed earlier than “PA01”, but the delivery vehicle is “SA01” and the same as in the first line. This indicates that the delivery time zone and the charge are the same as in the first line. The record on the third line shows the delivery time zone and fee when output by the 3D printer “PB01” at the nearby logistics base B, and the output of the molded object is late, and the delivery time zone is also in the morning of the next day. It shows that it will become. When the distribution base determination unit 30 receives a request for output and delivery of a model from the user, the table in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the output completion time of the model described in FIG. A table indicating the relationship between a 3D printer, a delivery vehicle, a delivery time zone, and a charge as shown in FIG. 4C is created from the table defining the above and the table defining the delivery charge, and stored in a memory or the like. Then, the distribution site determination unit 30 presents, for example, the case where the earliest output can be delivered and the case where the cheapest output can be delivered to the display unit of the user terminal via the request processing unit 10 to prompt the user to select. May be. Alternatively, when the fastest delivery and the cheapest delivery are the same as in this example, the logistics site determination unit 30 sends the request to the “X month Y day 15: 00 to 18:00 via the request processing unit 10. Only a simple confirmation message such as “The fee is 5000 yen” may be presented.

FIG. 5 is a first diagram illustrating processing of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.
With reference to the flowchart of FIG. 5, the distribution base determination process in step S5 of FIG. 3 according to the present embodiment will be described.
First, the distribution base determination unit 30 estimates the output time and the charge from the volume and weight of the modeled object, the number of polygons, the material, the coloring, and the finishing method based on the input 3D model data and modeled option information (step) S11). In calculating the output fee from these information, the relationship between these items and the fee required for output is defined in the fee table provided in the option DB 60, and the distribution base determining unit 30 reads the information and reads each item. It may be obtained by adding together the time and fee. Here, the polygon is a method of expressing a three-dimensional shape with a collection of elements having triangles and quadrilaterals as elements, and is an example of a method of expressing a three-dimensional shape. In this method, a model can be expressed more precisely as the number of elements such as triangles increases. For example, the output time is calculated by calculating the volume of the model from the coordinate data of the 3D model data, and calculating the output time of the model by integrating the output time per unit volume that is determined and stored in advance. Also good. Also, regarding the output fee, the basic fee is determined by adding the output amount per unit time to the calculated output time of the shaped object, and the fee according to the number of polygons, finish accuracy, area to be colored, etc. is added to the basic fee. May be calculated.

  Next, the distribution base determination unit 30 reads the operation status of the 3D printer of the distribution base narrowed down by the identifier of the distribution base narrowed down in step S2 of FIG. If the user designates a 3D printer at this time, the operating status may be read only for the designated type of 3D printer. The reason why the user designates the 3D printer is that the materials that can be used differ depending on the characteristics of the 3D printer, and the finished product is different. Next, the distribution site determination unit 30 reads from the operation status DB 70 times when each 3D printer can be used (usable start time), and adds the output time obtained in step S11 to those times to determine the output completion time. (Step S12). Then, the relationship between each 3D printer, the output completion time, and the output fee is written in the memory and temporarily stored.

  Next, the distribution base determination unit 30 reads the operation status of the delivery vehicle included in the distribution base narrowed down by the identifier of the distribution base narrowed down in step S2 of FIG. Then, the distribution site determination unit 30 compares the departure time of each delivery vehicle with the output completion time determined by each 3D printer determined in step S12, and selects a vehicle whose delivery start time is after the completion of output by the 3D printer. The delivery time zone by the vehicle is read (step S13). For example, the distribution base determination unit 30 may read the operation status table as described with reference to FIG. Further, the distribution site determination unit 30 reads a delivery fee table from the delivery management DB 80, obtains the delivery distance from the address information of each distribution site and the address information of the delivery destination, and determines the delivery fee as the size or weight of the shaped object. Determine from the delivery distance. When the delivery time zone and delivery fee for each vehicle are obtained, the distribution site determination unit 30 includes the delivery vehicle, delivery time zone, and delivery fee in the output completion time and output fee information for each 3D printer written in the memory in step S12. Information is added to the memory and written into the memory, and a table showing the relationship between the deliverable time and the charge as shown in FIG. 4C, for example, is created.

  Next, the distribution site determination unit 30 reads the created table showing the relationship between the deliverable time and the fee, and compares the records from the deliverable time zone and the fee (step S14). Then, for example, a 3D printer that can be delivered earliest or can be delivered within a designated delivery time zone and a logistics base equipped with the 3D printer are determined. Alternatively, the combination that can be delivered at the lowest price may be determined. In the determination, the distribution site determination unit 30 confirms the user by presenting the delivery time and the delivery fee when the output and delivery can be performed earliest on the display unit of the user terminal via the request processing unit 10. You may be prompted. Or, instead of the case where delivery can be performed earliest, the case where output and delivery can be performed at the lowest cost may be presented. Alternatively, the user may be allowed to select either the case where the output and delivery can be performed earliest and the case where the output and delivery can be performed cheapest.

According to the present embodiment, the distribution system having distribution bases nationwide and the network connecting them are used to send the 3D model data to the distribution base near the delivery destination, thereby eliminating the distribution in the relay section. Time, cost, and environmental load can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible for a user to send an arbitrary shaped object having a shape that can be output by a 3D printer to any place in a short time.
In addition, even when the 3D printer at the distribution base closest to the delivery destination cannot be used due to failure or in use, the 3D printer can be output by selecting and outputting an appropriate 3D printer from the 3D printer operating status at the neighboring distribution base. Can be efficiently operated, and the number of 3D printers to be introduced can be suppressed to reduce costs.

<Second Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a physical distribution system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific configuration of the physical distribution system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
In the second embodiment, a company other than the logistics business constructs a reception server 8 for providing 3D model data and provides the 3D model data. Examples of companies other than the logistics business include manufacturers that provide repair parts, toy makers, and various content creators. The reception server 8 of the 3D model data providing company includes a request processing unit 11 and a 3D model data DB 51. In addition, the reception server 8 has a Web server function, and publishes a homepage that provides services for outputting and delivering its 3D model data on the Internet, and a user accesses the homepage from a terminal. Use the service. The reception server 8 is connected to the distribution server's reception server 1 via a network.
Similarly to the request processing unit 10, the request processing unit 11 inputs 3D model data, shipper information, delivery destination information, modeling object option information, and delivery destination option information from the user via the network. The 3D model data here is 3D model data selected from data held by the user in the 3D model data DB 51.
When the request processing unit 11 inputs such information from the user, the request processing unit 11 transmits the information to the reception server 1 of the logistics company. The subsequent processing is the same as in the first embodiment.

In addition to the configuration of FIG. 6, a company that provides 3D model data prepares a 3D model data DB 51 on its own server, connects to the distribution server reception server 1 using a known technology, and receives the reception server 1. A mode of providing 3D model data is also conceivable. In this form, the user accesses the home page provided by the logistics company and directly inputs 3D model data and delivery destination information. The user can select 3D model data from the 3D model data DB 50 owned by the logistics company or the 3D model data DB 51 of the company that provides the 3D model data.
According to the present embodiment, the 3D model data providing company can increase the profit by providing the user with the 3D model data held by the company by coordinating with the reception server 8 and the reception server 1 of the logistics company. Become. In addition, since the user is provided with a materialized object rather than providing 3D model data, there is little fear of easily copying 3D model data, which is his own asset.

<Third embodiment>
The information processing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a specific configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
In the third embodiment, the information processing apparatus 1 includes a 3D printer introduction suggesting unit 90 and a 3D printer operation result DB 91. For other configurations, the third embodiment is the same as the first embodiment.
The 3D printer operation result DB 91 is a database that accumulates information on the distribution bases and 3D printers determined by the distribution base determination unit 30. The 3D printer operation result DB 91 stores, for example, monthly operation times for each 3D printer provided in each distribution base so that the transition of the operation status of the 3D printer can be grasped.
The 3D printer introduction suggestion unit 90 is a functional unit provided by the CPU provided in the information processing apparatus 1 executing a program, and extracts a distribution base including a 3D printer with a high operation rate from information stored in the 3D printer operation result DB 91. It has a function to do. The 3D printer introduction suggesting unit 90 extracts a distribution base including a 3D printer having a high operation rate from information stored in the 3D printer operation result DB 91. In addition, logistics bases with low occupancy rates will be extracted. The operation rate of the 3D printer may be a value obtained by adding the monthly operation times of the 3D printers included in the distribution base and dividing the sum by the number of 3D printers. The 3D printer introduction suggestion unit 90 presents the bases having the high operating rate and the low bases thus obtained to the employee as HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) format pages using, for example, the Web server function of the reception server 1. To do.

Based on the result presented by the 3D printer introduction suggestion unit 90, the employee relocates the 3D printer, for example, from a distribution base with a low operation rate to a distribution base with a high operation rate. Alternatively, it may be possible to introduce a new 3D printer at a distribution base with a high operation rate.
According to the present embodiment, a more efficient 3D printer arrangement can be realized by specifying a distribution base where a 3D printer is insufficient and replenishing the 3D printer. As a result, it is possible to more efficiently deliver a modeled object that can be output by a 3D printer to any place in a short time.

  The information processing apparatus 1 described above has a computer inside. Each process of the information processing apparatus 1 described above is stored in a computer-readable recording medium in the form of a program, and the above process is performed by the computer reading and executing the program. Here, the computer-readable recording medium means a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a semiconductor memory, or the like. Alternatively, the computer program may be distributed to the computer via a communication line, and the computer that has received the distribution may execute the program.

  The program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above. Furthermore, what can implement | achieve the function mentioned above in combination with the program already recorded on the computer system, what is called a difference file (difference program) may be sufficient.

  In addition, it is possible to appropriately replace the components in the above-described embodiments with known components without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Information processing apparatus 2 ... Operation status transmission server 3 ... Delivery instruction receiving server 4 ... Print instruction server 5 ... 3D printer 6 ... Printer 7 ... Delivery vehicle 8 ...・ Reception server 10 ... request processing unit 11 ... request processing unit 20 ... operation status receiving unit 30 ... distribution site determining unit 40 ... delivery instruction transmitting unit 50 ... 3D model data DB
51 ... 3D model data DB
60 ... Option data DB
70 ... Operation status DB
80 ... Delivery management DB
90 ... 3D printer introduction suggestion part 91 ... 3D printer operation result DB

Claims (10)

Based on the delivery destination information included in the delivery instruction information input from the user, the information of the delivery management database storing the physical distribution base equipped with the 3D printer is read in association with the delivery destination information, and the delivery destination information is read. Identify multiple nearby logistics locations that indicate your neighborhood,
The 3D model data including 3D position information indicating the shape of the 3D object to be input to the 3D printer included in the delivery instruction information is used to output the 3D object using the 3D printer provided at the neighboring logistics base. Calculate the output time required to
From the usable start time and the output time included in the operation status of the 3D printer provided in the nearby logistics base, the output completion time of the molded object by the 3D printer is calculated,
A delivery start time and a delivery possible time zone of a delivery means having the delivery destination of the neighboring logistics base as a delivery area are read and obtained from an operation status database, and the delivery start time is after the output completion time, Logistics in which the modeled object is output and delivered to the neighboring logistics base when the deliverable time zone indicates that the modeled object can be delivered at the delivery time specified by the user included in the delivery instruction information An information processing apparatus comprising a logistics base determining unit that determines a base. The logistics base determination unit
The 3D model data including 3D position information indicating the shape of the 3D object to be input to the 3D printer included in the delivery instruction information is used to output the 3D object using the 3D printer provided at the neighboring logistics base. Further calculate the output fee required to
From the address information included in the delivery destination information and the address information of the neighboring logistics base, further calculate a delivery fee required for delivery of the shaped article,
The information processing according to claim 1, characterized in that to determine the distribution bases to deliver output the molded object based on the previous SL output rates and the delivery charges and adding the fees and the delivery time zone apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a delivery instruction transmission unit that transmits the delivery instruction information input from a user to the determined physical distribution base via a network. Connected to a 3D model data database, which is a database storing 3D model data,
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the 3D model data included in the delivery instruction information is 3D model data acquired from the 3D model data database. A distribution base determined by the distribution base determination unit, and a 3D printer introduction suggestion unit that accumulates information on the 3D printer used to output the modeled object and determines the distribution base including a 3D printer having a high operation rate. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the information processing apparatus is characterized. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the delivery instruction information includes a message from a user to a delivery destination. Information processing device
Based on the delivery destination information included in the delivery instruction information input from the user, the information of the delivery management database storing the physical distribution base equipped with the 3D printer is read in association with the delivery destination information, and the delivery destination information is read. Identify multiple nearby logistics locations that indicate your neighborhood,
Based on 3D model data including three-dimensional position information indicating the shape of a model to be input to the 3D printer included in the delivery instruction information and output time information obtained by reading an option data database, the model is displayed in the neighborhood. Calculate the output time required to output using the 3D printer provided at the distribution base,
The operation status information of the 3D printer provided in the neighboring logistics base is obtained by reading from the operation status database, and the output time is added to the usable start time of the 3D printer included in the operation status information of the 3D printer. Calculate the output completion time of the object by the printer,
A delivery start time and a deliverable time zone of a delivery means having the delivery destination of the neighboring logistics base as a delivery area are read from the operation status database, and the delivery start time is after the output completion time. When the deliverable time zone indicates that the shaped article can be delivered at the delivery time specified by the user included in the delivery instruction information, the shaped article is output and delivered to the neighboring logistics base. A processing method characterized by deciding on a distribution base. Information processing device
Based on the 3D model data including 3D position information indicating the shape of the model to be input to the 3D printer included in the delivery instruction information and the fee information acquired by reading the option database, the model is transferred to the neighboring logistics. Further calculate the output fee required for output using the 3D printer provided at the base,
Calculate the delivery distance from the neighboring logistics base to the delivery destination from the address information included in the delivery destination information and the address information of the neighboring logistics base, read the delivery management database, and form the modeling based on the delivery distance Further calculate the delivery fee required to deliver the goods,
The method according to claim 7, wherein determining the distribution bases to deliver output the molded object based on the previous SL output rates and the delivery charges and adding the fees and the delivery time zone . Computer
Based on the delivery destination information included in the delivery instruction information input from the user, the information of the delivery management database storing the physical distribution base equipped with the 3D printer is read in association with the delivery destination information, and the delivery destination information is read. Identify multiple nearby logistics locations that indicate your neighborhood,
The 3D model data including 3D position information indicating the shape of the 3D object to be input to the 3D printer included in the delivery instruction information is used to output the 3D object using the 3D printer provided at the neighboring logistics base. Calculate the output time required to
From the usable start time and the output time included in the operation status of the 3D printer provided in the nearby logistics base, the output completion time of the molded object by the 3D printer is calculated,
A delivery start time and a delivery possible time zone of a delivery means having the delivery destination of the neighboring logistics base as a delivery area are read and obtained from an operation status database, and the delivery start time is after the output completion time, Logistics in which the modeled object is output and delivered to the neighboring logistics base when the deliverable time zone indicates that the modeled object can be delivered at the delivery time specified by the user included in the delivery instruction information A program characterized by functioning as a means of determining a base. Computer
The 3D model data including 3D position information indicating the shape of the 3D object to be input to the 3D printer included in the delivery instruction information is used to output the 3D object using the 3D printer provided at the neighboring logistics base. Further calculate the output fee required to
From the address information included in the delivery destination information and the address information of the neighboring logistics base, further calculate a delivery fee required for delivery of the shaped article,
To claim 9, characterized in that to function as a means of determining the distribution bases to deliver output the molded object based on the previous SL output rates and the delivery charges and adding the fees and the delivery time zone The listed program.

Images