JP6801271B2 - Information processing equipment, systems and programs - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to information processing devices, systems and programs.

It is common for equipment manufacturers and equipment vendors that rent equipment to customers to provide various services related to the equipment to the customers. One such service is a service that improves the operating rate of equipment in the customer environment (probability that at least one or more equipment is operating in the customer environment).

For example, in Patent Document 1, by presenting the replacement timing and replenishment timing of consumables used in the device to the customer, the customer is encouraged to replace or replenish the consumables, and the operating rate of the device in the customer environment is improved. The technology is disclosed.

By the way, in the busy season when the use of equipment in the customer environment increases, the risk of failure of the equipment increases as the number of times and frequency of use of the equipment increase. However, in the conventional technology as described above, this is achieved. It is not possible to suppress the risk of failure due to the increase in the use of such equipment, which leads to a decrease in the operating rate of the equipment in the customer environment.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and is an information processing device, a system, and an information processing device and a system capable of suppressing a decrease in the operating rate of the equipment in the customer environment during a busy period when the use of the equipment in the customer environment increases. The purpose is to provide a program.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the information processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention relates to the use of the device from the device and sets a counter value indicating the number of times the device is used in a unit period. The device usage information acquisition unit that periodically acquires at least the device usage information including the device, and the busy period of the customer who uses the device for a unit period in which the counter value exceeds the reference value based on the acquired device usage information. It is provided with a prediction unit that predicts as, and a lending processing unit that performs lending processing for lending additional equipment to the customer during the busy season.

According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the operating rate of the device in the customer environment during a busy period in which the use of the device in the customer environment increases.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the system of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the device of the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the terminal device of the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus of the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the management device of the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the mobile terminal of the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the terminal device of the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the system of the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a customer's busy season prediction process performed by the system of the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of device usage information stored in the device usage information storage unit of the present embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of customer information stored in the customer information storage unit of the present embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of billing information stored in the customer information storage unit of the present embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of concentrated period information stored in the customer information storage unit of the present embodiment. FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a lending process for lending additional equipment to a customer during a busy season, which is performed by the system of the present embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for confirming whether or not the additional device of the present embodiment is rented. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a determination process for determining one or more additional devices to be rented candidates, which is performed by the system of the present embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of inventory information stored in the inventory information storage unit of the present embodiment. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific process for specifying additional equipment conditions performed by the system of the present embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a list screen of additional devices as rental candidates of the present embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a rental request screen for additional equipment that is a rental candidate of the present embodiment. FIG. 21 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a collection process for collecting additional equipment lent to a customer performed by the system of the present embodiment. FIG. 22 is a sequence diagram showing an example of contract proposal processing performed in the system of the first modification. FIG. 23 is a sequence diagram showing an example of inventory securing processing performed by the system of the second modification.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the information processing apparatus, system, and program according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the system 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the system 1 includes a device 10, a terminal device 20, an information processing device 30, a management device 40, a mobile terminal 50, and terminal devices 60-1 to 60-2.

The device 10, the terminal device 20, the information processing device 30, the management device 40, the mobile terminal 50, and the terminal devices 60-1 to 60-2 are connected via the network 2. The network 2 can be realized by, for example, the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network).

In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish the terminal devices 60-1 to 60-2, they may be simply referred to as the terminal device 60. Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the number of terminal devices 60 is two will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and three or more terminals may be used.

The device 10 is a device lent (leased) to a customer by a device maker or a device vendor that is an operator of the information processing device 30, and is installed in the customer environment of the customer. The device 10 includes, for example, various electronic devices such as image forming devices such as printing devices, copiers, multifunction devices, scanner devices, and facsimile devices, projectors, cameras, air conditioners, refrigerators, fluorescent lamps, vending machines, and handheld terminals. In addition, PC (Personal Computer) and the like can be mentioned. The multifunction device has at least two functions of a copying function, a printing function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function. In the present embodiment, the case where the device 10 is an image forming apparatus will be described as an example, but the present embodiment is not limited thereto. In the example shown in FIG. 1, only one device 10 is shown in the customer environment, but in reality, a plurality of devices 10 exist in the customer environment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the device 10 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the device 10 has a configuration in which the controller 910 and the engine unit (Engine) 960 are connected by a PCI bus. The controller 910 is a controller that controls overall control, drawing, communication, and input from the operation display unit 920 of the device 10. The engine unit 960 is an engine that can be connected to the PCI bus, and is, for example, a scanner engine such as a scanner. In addition to the engine portion, the engine portion 960 also includes an image processing portion such as error diffusion and gamma conversion.

The controller 910 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 911, a north bridge (NB) 913, a system memory (MEM-P) 912, a south bridge (SB) 914, a local memory (MEM-C) 917, and an ASIC. (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 916 and a hard disk drive (HDD) 918 are provided, and the north bridge (NB) 913 and the ASIC 916 are connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 915. Further, the MEM-P912 further includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 912a and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 912b.

The CPU 911 controls the entire device 10, has a chipset including NB 913, MEM-P912, and SB914, and is connected to other devices via this chipset.

The NB 913 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 911 to the MEM-P912, SB914, and the AGP bus 915, and has a memory controller that controls reading and writing to the MEM-P912, a PCI master, and an AGP target.

The MEM-P912 is a system memory used as a memory for storing programs and data, a memory for expanding programs and data, a memory for drawing a printer, and the like, and includes a ROM 912a and a RAM 912b. The ROM 912a is a read-only memory used as a memory for storing programs and data, and the RAM 912b is a writeable and readable memory used as a memory for expanding programs and data, a memory for drawing a printer, and the like.

The SB914 is a bridge for connecting the NB913 to a PCI device and peripheral devices. The SB914 is connected to the NB913 via a PCI bus.

The ASIC 916 is an IC (Integrated Circuit) for image processing applications having hardware elements for image processing, and has a role of a bridge connecting the AGP bus 915, the PCI bus, the HDD 918, and the MEM-C917, respectively. The ASIC 916 includes a PCI target and an AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) that forms the core of the ASIC 916, a memory controller that controls the MEM-C917, and a plurality of DMACs (Direct Memory) that rotate image data by hardware logic or the like. It consists of an Access Controller) and a PCI unit that transfers data between the engine unit 960 and the engine unit 960 via the PCI bus. A communication interface (I / F) 930, USB940, and an IEEE1394 (the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394) interface (I / F) 950 are connected to the ASIC 916 via a PCI bus. The operation display unit 920 is directly connected to the ASIC 916.

The MEM-C917 is a local memory used as a copy image buffer and a code buffer, and the HDD 918 is a storage for accumulating image data, programs, font data, and forms.

The AGP bus 915 is a bus interface for graphics accelerator cards proposed to speed up graphics processing, and speeds up graphics accelerator cards by directly accessing MEM-P912 with high throughput. Is.

The terminal device 20 is a customer-oriented (customer-used) terminal installed in the customer environment, and examples thereof include a PC (Personal Computer). The terminal device 20 is used, for example, for exchanging information regarding the rental of additional equipment with the information processing device 30.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the terminal device 20 of the present embodiment. The terminal device 20 includes a control device 21 such as a CPU and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a main storage device 22 such as a ROM and a RAM, an auxiliary storage device 23 such as an HDD and an SSD (Solid State Drive), and a display. It includes a display device 24, an input device 25 such as a keyboard and a mouse, and a communication device 26 such as a communication interface, and has a hardware configuration using a normal computer.

The information processing device 30 is operated by an operator such as the above-mentioned equipment manufacturer or equipment vendor, and remotely manages the equipment 10 lent to the customer by the operator, or performs a lending process for renting additional equipment to the customer. It is a server device that performs information processing, and can be realized by, for example, one or more computers. In the present embodiment, the case where the information processing device 30 is realized by one computer will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the information processing device 30 may be realized as an information processing system by two or more computers. ..

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 30 of the present embodiment. The information processing device 30 includes a control device 31 such as a CPU and GPU, a main storage device 32 such as ROM and RAM, an auxiliary storage device 33 such as HDD and SSD, a display device 34 such as a display, and an input such as a touch panel. It includes a device 35 and a communication device 36 such as a communication interface, and has a hardware configuration using a normal computer.

The management device 40 is a server device operated by an operator such as the above-mentioned equipment manufacturer or equipment vendor and manages additional equipment stored in the warehouse, and can be realized by, for example, one or more computers. In the present embodiment, the case where the management device 40 is realized by one computer will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the management system 40 may be realized as a management system by two or more computers. The functions of the information processing device 20 and the management device 40 may be integrated and realized by one computer.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the management device 40 of the present embodiment. The management device 40 includes a control device 41 such as a CPU and GPU, a main storage device 42 such as ROM and RAM, an auxiliary storage device 43 such as HDD and SSD, a display device 44 such as a display, and a keyboard and mouse. It is provided with an input device 45 and a communication device 46 such as a communication interface, and has a hardware configuration using a normal computer.

The mobile terminal 50 is a mobile terminal possessed by a maintenance person (serviceman) of an operator such as the above-mentioned device maker or device vendor, and examples thereof include smart terminals. The mobile terminal 50 is used, for example, to receive a request for installation of an additional device from the information processing apparatus 30 to a maintenance person.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 50 of the present embodiment. The mobile terminal 50 includes a control device 51 such as a CPU and GPU, a main storage device 52 such as ROM and RAM, an auxiliary storage device 53 such as HDD and SSD, a display device 54 such as a display, and an input device such as a touch panel. It is equipped with 55 and a communication device 56 such as a communication interface, and has a hardware configuration using a normal computer.

The terminal device 60 is a terminal installed in a warehouse in which additional equipment is stored, and examples thereof include a PC (Personal Computer). In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, it is assumed that at least one terminal device 60 is installed in each warehouse, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. The terminal device 60 is used, for example, to receive a delivery request for additional equipment from the management device 40.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the terminal device 60 of the present embodiment. The terminal device 60 includes a control device 61 such as a CPU and GPU, a main storage device 62 such as ROM and RAM, an auxiliary storage device 63 such as HDD and SSD, a display device 64 such as a display, and an input device such as a touch panel. It is equipped with 65 and a communication device 66 such as a communication interface, and has a hardware configuration using a normal computer.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the system 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the device 10 includes a device usage information providing unit 101, a device usage information storage unit 103, and a control unit 105. The device usage information providing unit 101 and the control unit 105 can be realized by, for example, a CPU 911, a MEM-P912, a communication I / F 930, or the like. The device usage information storage unit 103 can be realized by, for example, HDD 918.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the terminal device 20 includes a control unit 201. The control unit 201 can be realized by, for example, a control device 21, a main storage device 22, a communication device 26, and the like.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the information processing device 30 includes a device usage information acquisition section 301, a device usage information storage section 303, a prediction section 305, a customer information storage section 307, a lending processing section 309, and an additional device. The information storage unit 311 and the like are included. The device usage information acquisition unit 301 and the lending processing unit 309 can be realized by, for example, a control device 31, a main storage device 32, a communication device 36, and the like. The device usage information storage unit 303, the customer information storage unit 307, and the additional device information storage unit 311 can be realized by, for example, an auxiliary storage device 33. The prediction unit 305 can be realized by, for example, a control device 31 and a main storage device 32.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the management device 40 includes a control unit 401 and an inventory information storage unit 403. The control unit 401 can be realized by, for example, a control device 41, a main storage device 42, a communication device 46, and the like. The inventory information storage unit 403 can be realized by, for example, an auxiliary storage device 43 or the like.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the mobile terminal 50 includes a control unit 501. The control unit 501 can be realized by, for example, a control device 51, a main storage device 52, a communication device 56, and the like.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the terminal device 60 includes a control unit 601. The control unit 601 can be realized by, for example, a control device 61, a main storage device 62, a communication device 66, and the like.

Hereinafter, the operation of the system 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a customer's busy season prediction process performed by the system 1 of the present embodiment.

First, the device usage information providing unit 101 of the device 10 acquires the device usage information related to the use of the device 10 from the device usage information storage unit 103 of the device 10 and provides the device usage information to the information processing device 30. The device usage information acquisition unit 301 acquires the device usage information and updates the device usage information stored in the device usage information storage unit 303 of the information processing device 30 (step S101). The process of step S101 is performed periodically (for example, every month).

Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the device 10 is used for printing on the device 10 will be described as an example, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. Therefore, the device usage information of the present embodiment may be any information as long as it is information related to printing on the device 10. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of device usage information stored in the device usage information storage unit 303 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the device usage information of the present embodiment includes device identification information, customer identification information, lending period, durability value, counter value, and function counter value.

The device identification information is information for identifying a device, and examples thereof include, but is not limited to, a device ID and a serial number. The customer identification information is information for identifying a customer in a customer environment in which a device indicated by the device identification information is installed, and examples thereof include, but are not limited to, a customer ID and a customer name. The lending period is information indicating the period (lease period) in which the device indicated by the device identification information is lent to the customer indicated by the customer identification information from the operator such as the above-mentioned device manufacturer or device vendor. In FIG. 10, the lending period exemplifies the length of the period, but in reality, the lending start date and the lending end date are also included.

The durability value is a value indicating the number of times of usage durability, which is a guideline for the upper limit of usage in a unit period when using the device indicated by the device identification information. In the present embodiment, the unit period is one month, and the durability value indicates the number of monthly durable prints, which is a guideline for the upper limit of the number of prints in a month for normal printing on the device 10. I will explain, but it is not limited to this.

The counter value is a value indicating the number of times the device is used in a unit period indicated by the device identification information. In the present embodiment, the case where the counter value indicates the number of prints (monthly) for each unit period will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this.

The function counter value is a value indicating the number of times the function is used in a unit period for each function of the device indicated by the device identification information. In FIG. 10, the function counter values of the punch function, the staple function, and the color printing function are illustrated as the function counter values, but the function counter values are not limited thereto. Further, in FIG. 10, the function counter value indicates not only the number of times the function is used but also the number of times the function is not used for each unit period (monthly), but the number of times of non-use is not essential. Since each function is a function used at the time of printing, the total value of the number of times of use and the number of times of non-use in each function is the value of the counter value.

The device usage information provided by the device usage information providing unit 101 to the information processing device 30 includes at least the device identification information among the device identification information, the customer identification information, the lending period, the durability value, the counter value, and the function counter value. , The counter value of the latest unit period (latest month) and the function counter value may be included. Further, the device usage information acquisition unit 301 associates the device usage information stored in the device usage information storage unit 303 with the device identification information included in the device usage information acquired from the device 10 and acquires the device from the device 10. By additionally registering the counter value and the function counter value of the latest unit period (latest month) included in the usage information, the device usage information stored in the device usage information storage unit 303 is updated.

Subsequently, the prediction unit 305 of the information processing device 30 is based on the device usage information acquired by the device usage information acquisition unit 301 (specifically, the device usage information stored in the device usage information storage unit 303). Predict the busy period of the customer who uses the device 10 (step S103).

Specifically, the prediction unit 305 of the device 10 indicated by the device identification information associated with the customer identification information indicating the customer to be predicted during the busy season from the device usage information stored in the device usage information storage unit 303. The counter value (monthly) for each unit period is acquired, and the unit period in which the acquired counter value exceeds the reference value is predicted in the busy period. The reference value includes, for example, the durability value of the device 10 (monthly endurance print number), a value larger than the monthly average value of the counter value of the device 10, and the like, but a unit in which the number of prints by the customer increases rapidly. Any value that can specify the period may be used.

For example, in the device usage information shown in FIG. 10, when the customer identification information of the customer to be predicted during the busy season is "K001" and the reference value is the durability value of the device 10 (device whose device identification information is "A001"). , Prediction unit 305 predicts December as a busy season.

The above-mentioned busy season prediction method is an example and is not limited to this. For example, periodicity may be added in the above-mentioned busy season prediction method. That is, instead of predicting the busy season only in a single year, the above-mentioned prediction may be made in each year, and a unit period (month) in which the predicted ratio of the busy season exceeds a predetermined ratio may be set as the busy season. Further, for example, the busy period of the industry to which the customer belongs (for example, March in the case of the tax accountant industry) may be set as the busy period. Further, for example, a unit period (month) in which the number of users of the device 10 increases may be predicted as a busy period. In this case, the device usage information provided by the device usage information providing unit 101 to the information processing device 30 includes terminal identification information that identifies the terminal that used the device 10 in the unit period (for example, using the device 10 within the unit period). Including the IP address of the printed terminal), the prediction unit 305 calculates the number of terminals using the device 10 for each unit period based on the terminal identification information, and determines the unit period in which the number of terminals exceeds the reference value. You can predict it during the busy season. The reference value includes, for example, a value larger than the monthly average value of the number of terminals using the device 10, but is not limited to this.

Subsequently, the prediction unit 305 updates the customer information stored in the customer information storage unit 307 of the information processing device 30 to the predicted busy period of the customer (step S105).

The customer information stored in the customer information storage unit 307 is information indicating the contents of a contract regarding the rental of equipment that is concluded between the operator and the customer, such as the above-mentioned equipment manufacturer or equipment vendor. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of customer information stored in the customer information storage unit 307 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the customer information of the present embodiment includes customer identification information, contract form, availability of additional lending, base, and busy season.

The contract form indicates a contract form relating to the rental of equipment, and in the present embodiment, there are usually three forms of spot (selection) and spot (fixed), but the contract form is not limited to these. The contract form "normal" is a contract form in which additional equipment cannot be rented. The contract form "spot (fixed)" is a contract form in which the rental of additional equipment is fixed on a monthly basis. The contract form "spot (selection)" is a contract form in which the rental of additional equipment can be selected on a daily basis.

Whether or not additional equipment can be rented indicates whether or not additional equipment can be rented. The availability of additional lending indicates that lending is not possible when the contract type is "normal", and indicates that lending is possible when the contract type is "spot". The base indicates the area where the customer environment indicated by the customer identification information is located. The busy season indicates the busy season predicted by the prediction unit 305.

The customer information storage unit 307 also stores billing information related to billing in the contract form. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of billing information stored in the customer information storage unit 307 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the billing information of the present embodiment includes a contract form, whether or not additional lending is possible, a charge (normal), and a charge (concentrated period).

The charge (normal) indicates the normal charge amount of the contract form. In the present embodiment, the charge amount indicates the charge for one print sheet, but the charge amount is not limited to this. In other words, in the case of the contract form "normal", the charge amount for the charge (normal) is 30 yen per sheet, and in the case of the contract form "spot (fixed)", the charge amount for the charge (normal) is one sheet. It is 40 yen, and in the case of the contract form "spot (selection)", the charge amount at the charge (normal) is 50 yen per sheet. As described above, in the present embodiment, the charge amount for the use of the additional device (40 yen per sheet, 50 yen per sheet) is higher than the charge amount for the use of the normal device (30 yen per sheet).

The charge (concentrated period) indicates the billing amount in the concentrated period of the contract type. The concentration period indicates the period during which the rental of additional equipment is concentrated in the warehouse where the additional equipment to be rented is managed. In other words, in the case of the contract form "spot (fixed)", if the rental period of the additional equipment corresponds to the concentrated period of the warehouse where the additional equipment is managed, the charge (concentrated) is not the charge amount (normal). 42 yen per sheet, which is the billing amount for the period), will be applied.

The concentration period information indicating the concentration period of each warehouse is stored in the customer information storage unit 307. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of concentrated period information stored in the customer information storage unit 307 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, the concentration period information of the present embodiment indicates a warehouse base and a concentration period of the base.

From the above, for example, when a customer whose customer identification information of the device usage information shown in FIG. 11 is "K002" rents out additional devices in October, which is a busy season, the contract form is "spot (fixed)". Therefore, if the base of the warehouse from which the additional equipment is rented is "Osaka", it is a concentrated period (see Fig. 13), so the charge (concentrated) is not the charge (normal) of 40 yen per sheet. 42 yen per sheet, which is the billing amount for the period), will be applied. On the other hand, if the base of the warehouse from which the additional equipment is rented is "Tokyo", it is not a concentrated period (see FIG. 13), so 40 yen per sheet, which is the charge (normal), is applied.

Subsequently, the lending processing unit 309 of the information processing device 30 acquires the customer information of the customer whose busy period has been updated by the prediction unit 305 from the customer information storage unit 307 and transmits it to the terminal device 20 of the customer (step S107). ).

Subsequently, the control unit 201 of the terminal device 20 receives the customer information from the information processing device 30 and displays it on the display device 24 (step S109). As a result, the customer can confirm whether or not the busy season predicted by the information processing apparatus 30 is met. The customer may request a review of the contract contents with the operator such as the above-mentioned equipment maker or equipment vendor based on the busy period predicted by the information processing apparatus 30, or the above-mentioned equipment maker. The operator such as the device vendor or the device vendor may propose to the customer to review the contract contents based on the busy period predicted by the information processing device 30.

FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a lending process for lending additional equipment to a customer during a busy season, which is performed by the system 1 of the present embodiment.

First, the lending processing unit 309 of the information processing device 30 refers to the customer information stored in the customer information storage unit 307 and identifies a customer whose busy season is near (for example, a customer whose busy season is approaching one month later). (Step S201).

Subsequently, the lending processing unit 309 notifies the terminal device 20 of the specified customer whose busy season is near, the busy period, and the control unit 201 of the terminal device 20 receives the notification (step S203). The lending processing unit 309 may notify not only the customer's terminal device 20 but also the customer's device 10 of the busy season.

Subsequently, when requesting the rental of additional equipment during the busy season, the control unit 201 requests the information processing apparatus 30 to add equipment (step S205).

In the present embodiment, the lending processing unit 309 uses the customer information of the specified customer whose busy season is near, and as shown in FIG. 15, the screen information of the screen for notifying the busy season and confirming whether or not the additional device is rented. Is generated and notified to the terminal device 20 of the customer. Therefore, the control unit 201 displays the screen as shown in FIG. 15 on the display device 24 by using the notified screen information. Then, when the customer selects the device addition request button 701 on the screen shown in FIG. 15 using the input device 25, the control unit 201 makes a device addition request to the information processing device 30. When the customer selects the cancel button 702 on the screen shown in FIG. 15 using the input device 25, the control unit 201 does not request the information processing device 30 to add the device and does not request the rental of the additional device.

Subsequently, the lending processing unit 309 determines one or more additional devices that are candidates for lending to the customer (step S207).

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a determination process for determining one or more additional devices to be rented candidates, which is performed in the system 1 of the present embodiment.

First, the lending processing unit 309 of the information processing device 30 acquires inventory information of additional devices stored in each warehouse from the management device 40 (step S301). Specifically, when the lending processing unit 309 requests the management device 40 to acquire the inventory information, the control unit 401 of the management device 40 receives the inventory of each of the plurality of additional devices from the inventory information storage unit 403 of the management device 40. Since the information is acquired and provided to the information processing apparatus 30, the lending processing unit 309 acquires the plurality of provided inventory information.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of inventory information stored in the inventory information storage unit 403 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17, the inventory information of the present embodiment includes device identification information, base, lending status, durability value, function information, release date, lending date, and scheduled return date.

The device identification information is information for identifying an additional device, and examples thereof include, but is not limited to, a device ID and a serial number. The base indicates a warehouse in which additional equipment indicated by the equipment identification information is managed. The lending status indicates whether or not the additional device indicated by the device identification information can be rented (whether it can be rented or is being rented). The durability value indicates the durability value of the additional device indicated by the device identification information (in this embodiment, the number of monthly durability prints). The function information indicates the function of the additional device indicated by the device identification information. The release date indicates the release date of the additional device indicated by the device identification information. The lending date indicates the lending date of the additional device indicated by the device identification information. The scheduled return date indicates the scheduled return date of the additional device indicated by the device identification information.

Subsequently, the lending processing unit 309 acquires the device usage information including the customer identification information of the customer to be lending the additional device from the device usage information storage unit 303 (step S303).

Subsequently, the lending processing unit 309 specifies additional device conditions for determining one or more additional devices to be rented candidates based on the acquired plurality of inventory information and device usage information (step S305). In the present embodiment, the case where the additional device condition is specified from the durability value and the function will be described as an example, but the present embodiment is not limited to this.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific process for specifying additional equipment conditions performed by the system 1 of the present embodiment.

First, the lending processing unit 309 of the information processing device 30 determines the durability value condition, which is one of the additional equipment conditions (step S401). In the present embodiment, as described above, as an example of the busy season prediction method by the prediction unit 305, the unit period in which the counter value of the device 10 exceeds the reference value is predicted in the busy season. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the lending processing unit 309 determines in the durability value condition that the durability value of the additional device is larger than the difference between the counter value and the reference value of the device 10 in the busy season. Not limited.

For example, as described above, in the device usage information shown in FIG. 10, the customer identification information of the customer to be predicted during the busy season is "K001", and the reference value is the durability of the device 10 (device whose device identification information is "A001"). If it is a value, the forecasting unit 305 predicts December as a busy season. Therefore, the difference between the counter value and the reference value of the device 10 in December is 1000, and the durability value condition is that the durability value is 1000 or more.

In the present embodiment, the case where the counter value for determining the durability value condition is the counter value of one device 10 is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, additional equipment can be rented. If the customer to be processed uses a plurality of devices 10, the counter values of the plurality of devices 10 may be used, and if there are a plurality of customer bases to be rented out for additional devices, the counter values are added. The counter value of the device 10 used at the base for renting the device may be used.

Subsequently, the lending processing unit 309 determines a functional condition which is one of the additional equipment conditions (step S403). The lending processing unit 309 determines, for example, that the additional device has a function in which the usage rate exceeds the threshold value (for example, 10%) in the use of the device 10 in the busy season, but is limited to this. It's not something. The threshold value of the usage ratio may be obtained, for example, from the degree of change in the usage ratio between the busy season and the non-busy season for each function.

For example, as described above, in the device usage information shown in FIG. 10, the customer identification information of the customer to be predicted during the busy season is "K001", and the reference value is the durability of the device 10 (device whose device identification information is "A001"). If it is a value, the forecasting unit 305 predicts December as a busy season. Therefore, in December, the usage rate of the punch function of the device 10 was 1 (100 x 50/5000)%, the usage rate of the staple function was 20 (100 x 1000/5000)%, and the usage rate of the color printing function was 60 ( It is 100 × 3000/5000)%, and the functional condition is that it has a staple function and a color printing function.

Returning to FIG. 16, the lending processing unit 309 subsequently lends the device 10 (the device indicated by the device identification information included in the acquired device usage information) used in the customer environment of the customer to be lending the additional device. It is determined whether or not it is within a predetermined period until the expiration of the period (for example, within 3 months until the expiration of the lending period) (step S307).

If it is not within the predetermined period until the expiration of the lending period of the device 10 (No in step S307), the lending processing unit 309 selects an additional device satisfying the specified additional device condition from the acquired inventory information as a lending candidate to the customer. It is determined to be an additional device (step S309).

For example, in the case of the inventory information shown in FIG. 17, since the additional devices satisfying the above-mentioned additional device conditions are the additional device of the device identification information "B001" and the additional device of "B003", the device identification information "B001" is added. The equipment and additional equipment of "B003" are candidates for lending to customers. As a matter of course, even if the additional device satisfies the above-mentioned additional device condition, if the lending status is "renting", the additional device is not a candidate for lending to the customer.

On the other hand, if the lending period of the device 10 is within a predetermined period (Yes in step S307), the lending processing unit 309 selects the latest additional device satisfying the specified additional device condition from the acquired inventory information. The additional device that is a candidate for lending to the customer is determined (step S311).

For example, in the case of the inventory information shown in FIG. 17, the additional devices satisfying the above-mentioned additional device conditions are the additional device of the device identification information "B001" and the additional device of "B003", and the additional device of the device identification information "B001". Since the release date is newer, the additional device with the device identification information "B001" is a candidate for lending to the customer. As a matter of course, even if the additional device satisfies the above-mentioned additional device condition, if the lending status is "renting", the additional device is not a candidate for lending to the customer. In this way, when the rental of the device 10 already used by the customer is about to expire, the additional device with a new release date is preferentially lent to the customer, so that the new device can be rented after the rental of the device 10 has expired. As a (lease), it can be expected that the customer wants to rent out additional equipment with a new release date.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the lending processing unit 309 is a lending candidate from a plurality of additional devices based on the counter value in the busy season included in the device usage information and the durability value included in the inventory information. Determine one or more additional devices to be. Further, in the present embodiment, the lending processing unit 309 lends out a plurality of additional devices to the customer based on the function counter value for each function in the busy season included in the device usage information and the function information included in the inventory information. Determine one or more candidate additional devices. Further, in the present embodiment, the lending processing unit 309 lends the latest additional device out of one or more additional devices that are candidates for lending to the customer to the customer if the lending period of the device 10 is within a predetermined period. Decide on a candidate additional device.

Returning to FIG. 14, the lending processing unit 309 notifies the customer's terminal device 20 of the list of the determined additional devices as lending candidates (step S209).

Subsequently, the control unit 201 notifies the information processing device 30 of the additional device to be rented from the list of additional devices to be rented (step S211).

In the present embodiment, the lending processing unit 309 uses the inventory information and customer information of the determined additional devices as lending candidates to display the list screen of the additional devices as lending candidates as shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20. The screen information of the rental request screen of the additional device that is a rental candidate as shown is generated, and the terminal device 20 of the customer is notified. Therefore, the control unit 201 first displays a list screen of additional devices as lending candidates as shown in FIG. 19 on the display device 24 by using the notified screen information. Then, the customer uses the input device 25 to select the button of the additional device to be rented (here, the button 711 is assumed) from the buttons 711 and 712 of the additional device to be rented on the screen shown in FIG. When selected, the control unit 201 displays the rental request screen of the additional equipment as a rental candidate as shown in FIG. 20 on the display device 24. Further, when the customer selects the request button 721 on the screen shown in FIG. 20 using the input device 25, the control unit 201 sends the information processing device 30 the device identification information of the selected additional device to be rented. Notify the lending period. As a result, the lending processing unit 309 determines the additional device indicated by the notified device identification information as the lending target. When the customer selects the cancel button 722 on the screen shown in FIG. 20 using the input device 25, the control unit 201 does not request the information processing device 30 to add the device and does not request the rental of the additional device. ..

As described above, in the present embodiment, the lending processing unit 309 requests the terminal device 20 used by the customer to select an additional device to be rented from one or more additional devices that are candidates for lending to the customer. Then, the control unit 201 causes the customer to select an additional device to be rented from one or more additional devices that are candidates for renting to the customer based on the selection request, and processes the additional device selected by the customer. Notifying the device 30, the lending processing unit 309 determines the additional device selected by the customer as the additional device to be rented.

Subsequently, the lending processing unit 309 requests the mobile terminal 50 used by the maintenance person to install the determined additional device to be rented in the customer environment (step S213). In this request, for example, information about the determined additional device to be rented (for example, device identification information), information about the customer in which the additional device is installed (for example, customer identification information), information about the installation date and time, and the like are provided. You will be notified. The installation date and time may be set in advance as, for example, a predetermined time on the day before the rental start date, or may be determined when the additional equipment to be rented is selected. If the customer information includes the customer's address, the customer's address may also be notified. As a result, the control unit 501 of the mobile terminal 50 displays the notified information on the display device 54, so that the maintenance person can grasp the request contents and install the additional equipment to be rented delivered to the customer environment. It can be performed.

Subsequently, the lending processing unit 309 requests the management device 40 to ship the determined additional device to be rented to the customer environment, and the control unit 401 of the management device 40 receives this request (step S215). .. In this request, for example, information about the determined additional device to be rented (for example, device identification information), information about the customer in which the additional device is installed (for example, customer identification information), information about the installation date and time, and the like are provided. You will be notified. The installation date and time may be set in advance as, for example, a predetermined time on the day before the rental start date, or may be determined when the additional equipment to be rented is selected. If the customer information includes the customer's address, the customer's address may also be notified.

Subsequently, the control unit 401 updates the lending status of the inventory information including the notified device identification information among the inventory information stored in the inventory information storage unit 403 from "rentable" to "rental". Update the inventory information in (step S217).

Subsequently, the control unit 401 instructs the terminal device 60 of the warehouse in which the additional equipment to be rented is stored to send the additional equipment to be rented to the customer environment (step S219). The control unit 401 can identify the warehouse in which the additional equipment to be rented is stored from the "base" included in the inventory information. In this instruction, for example, information about the determined additional device to be rented (for example, device identification information), information about the customer in which the additional device is installed (for example, customer identification information), information about the installation date and time, and the like are provided. You will be notified. The installation date and time may be set in advance as, for example, a predetermined time on the day before the rental start date, or may be determined when the additional equipment to be rented is selected. If the customer information includes the customer's address, the customer's address may also be notified. As a result, the control unit 601 of the terminal device 60 displays the notified information on the display device 64, so that the person in charge of delivery work in the warehouse can grasp the request contents and deliver the additional equipment to be rented to the customer environment. Can perform delivery work for.

Subsequently, when the maintenance staff completes the installation of the additional equipment to be rented in the customer environment, and the maintenance staff inputs the completion of installation of the additional equipment to be rented in the customer environment using the input device 55, the control is performed. The unit 501 notifies the information processing device 30 of the completion of the lending process together with the device identification information of the additional device to be rented, and the lending processing unit 309 of the information processing device 30 receives this notification (step S221).

Subsequently, when the lending processing unit 309 receives the lending processing completion notification from the mobile terminal 50, the inventory information including the received device identification information and the addition notified from the terminal device 20 to the information processing device 30 in step S211. The device rental period and the like are registered as additional device information in the additional device information storage unit 311 (step S223).

In the example shown in FIG. 14, an example in which the maintenance staff installs the additional equipment in the customer environment has been described, but the delivery worker in the warehouse performs kitting (initial setting and preparation for introduction) in advance, and the customer himself / herself. May be installed with additional equipment.

FIG. 21 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a collection process for collecting additional equipment lent to a customer, which is performed by the system 1 of the present embodiment.

First, the lending processing unit 309 of the information processing device 30 refers to the additional device information stored in the additional device information storage unit 311, and the customer whose lending period of the rented additional device is about to expire (for example, of the lending period). Identify (customers whose expiration is approaching one week later) (step S501).

Subsequently, the lending processing unit 309 notifies the terminal device 20 of the customer whose specified lending period is about to expire to the effect that the lending period is about to expire, and the control unit 201 of the terminal device 20 receives the notification (step). S503). The lending processing unit 309 may notify not only the customer's terminal device 20 but also the customer's device 10 that the lending period is about to expire.

Subsequently, when the customer uses the input device 25 to input to approve the expiration of the loan period of the rented additional device, the control unit 201 sends an approval notice to the information processing device 30 to approve the expiration of the loan period. , The lending processing unit 309 of the information processing apparatus 30 receives the notification (step S505).

Subsequently, when the lending processing unit 309 receives the approval notice from the terminal device 20, it notifies the mobile terminal 50 that the lending period is about to expire and requests the mobile terminal 50 to collect the additional device after the lending period has expired (step S507). As a result, the control unit 501 of the mobile terminal 50 displays the notified or requested information on the display device 54, so that the maintenance person can grasp the notified content and the requested content, and can display the additional device lent to the customer. Collection work can be performed to collect the additional equipment after the loan period has expired.

When the additional device lent to the customer is collected in the warehouse, the control unit 401 of the management device 40 identifies the device of the additional device from any of the information processing device 30, the mobile terminal 50, and the terminal device 60. Upon receiving the collection completion notification including the information, the lending status of the inventory information including the device identification information stored in the inventory information storage unit 403 is updated from "renting" to "lending possible".

The customer may also be able to request an extension of the rental period of the rented additional equipment. In this case, in step S505, the control unit 201 may request the extension of the lending period, and the lending processing unit 309 may extend the lending period of the additional device information stored in the additional device information storage unit 311.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the busy season in which the use of equipment in the customer environment increases approaches, additional equipment is lent to the customer. Therefore, in the busy season, the operating rate of the equipment in the customer environment is reached. Can be suppressed.

(Modification example 1)
In the above embodiment, the case where the additional equipment is rented out to the customer whose contract form is "spot" has been described as an example, but the contract form "spot" is proposed to the customer whose contract form is "normal". You may try to do so. In the following, the "spot" may be either the above-mentioned "spot (selection)" or "spot (fixed)".

FIG. 22 is a sequence diagram showing an example of contract proposal processing performed in the system 1 of the modified example 1.

First, the processes from step S701 to step S705 are the same as the processes from steps S101 to S105 in the sequence diagram shown in FIG.

Subsequently, the lending processing unit 309 of the information processing device 30 refers to the customer information stored in the customer information storage unit 307, and the customer whose contract form is "normal" and whose busy period is near (for example, the busy period is 1). Identify the customer who is approaching after a month (step S707).

Subsequently, the lending processing unit 309 notifies the terminal device 20 of the specified customer whose busy season is near, the busy period, and the control unit 201 of the terminal device 20 receives the notification (step S709). It should be noted that this notice includes a proposal for a contract form "spot" in which additional equipment can be rented. Further, the lending processing unit 309 may notify not only the customer's terminal device 20 but also the customer's device 10 of the busy season.

Subsequently, when the customer uses the input device 25 to input to update the contract form from "normal" to "spot", the control unit 201 makes a contract request for "spot" to the information processing device 30 to provide information. The lending processing unit 309 of the processing device 30 receives the notification (step S711).

As a result, the operator such as the above-mentioned equipment maker or equipment vendor can make a concrete proposal for updating the contract form to "spot" to the customer whose contract form is "normal". It should be noted that this proposal may be made from the customer service of the operator such as the above-mentioned equipment manufacturer or equipment vendor.

(Modification 2)
In the above embodiment, additional equipment that is a candidate for lending to the customer may be secured in advance in a warehouse near the customer's base.

FIG. 23 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the inventory securing process performed by the system 1 of the modification 2.

First, the lending processing unit 309 of the information processing device 30 refers to the customer information stored in the customer information storage unit 307 and identifies a customer whose busy season is near (for example, a customer whose busy season is approaching five weeks later). (Step S801). Here, the process of step S801 is almost the same as step S201 of the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 14, but the proximity of the busy season is made longer than that of step S201. As a result, the inventory securing process can be performed before the lending process shown in FIG. 14 is executed, and the inventory can be secured in advance in the warehouse near the customer's base.

Subsequently, the process of step S803 is the same as the process of step S207 of the sequence diagram shown in FIG.

Subsequently, the lending processing unit 309 makes an inventory securing request to the management device 40 including the list of additional devices to be the determined lending candidates and the base included in the customer information of the customer, and the control unit 401 of the management device 40 makes this request. Receive the request (step S805).

Subsequently, the control unit 401 refers to the inventory information stored in the inventory information storage unit 403, and is notified of the base associated with the device identification information of each additional device shown in the list of the notified additional devices. Check if it is near the customer's base (more specifically, the closest). For example, if the notified customer's base is "Tokyo", the base (warehouse that stores each additional device) associated with the device identification information of each additional device shown in the list of notified additional devices is Check if it is "Tokyo".

Then, as a result of confirmation, the control unit 401 refers to the terminal device 60 of the warehouse in which the additional device is stored (here, the terminal device 60-1) for the additional device that is not stored in the warehouse near the customer's base. To transfer the additional device to a warehouse near the customer's base (step S807). In addition, this additional device transfer communication includes the device identification information of the additional device and the base of the warehouse of the transfer destination.

Further, the control unit 401 informs the terminal device 60 (here, the terminal device 60-2) of the warehouse to which the additional device is transferred that the additional device is transferred from another base warehouse. (Step S809). In addition, this additional device transfer communication includes the device identification information of the additional device and the base of the warehouse of the transfer source.

As described above, in the modification 2, the lending processing unit 309 determines in advance additional equipment to be a lending candidate to the customer, and the management device 40 is a lending candidate to the customer in the warehouse closest to the customer environment. The control unit 401 requests the storage of the additional equipment to be stored, and the control unit 401 sends the terminal device 60-1 for the warehouse that stores the additional equipment that is a candidate for lending to the customer to the customer in the warehouse closest to the customer environment. Instructs the transport of additional equipment that is a candidate for lending to the customer environment, and instructs the terminal device 60-2 for the warehouse closest to the customer environment to transport the additional equipment that is a candidate for lending to the customer. Therefore, according to the second modification, the inventory securing process can be performed before the lending process shown in FIG. 14 is executed, and the inventory can be secured in advance in the warehouse near the customer's base. ..

(Modification 3)
In the above embodiment, the information processing device 30 determines additional devices to be rented to the customer, and the customer (to the terminal device 20) selects the additional devices to be rented from the additional devices to be rented. The example of making the device to be rented has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the information processing apparatus 30 may determine the additional device to be rented. In this case, the information processing device 30 (rental processing unit 309) may determine, for example, the latest additional device from the additional devices that are candidates for lending as the additional device to be rented.

(Modification example 4)
In the above embodiment, the customer is notified that the busy season is approaching, but such notification may be omitted.

(program)
Equipment 10, terminal device 20, information processing device 30, management device 40, mobile terminal 50, and terminal device 60 of the above embodiment and each modification (hereinafter, referred to as "each device of the above embodiment and each modification"). The program executed by is a file in an installable format or an executable format, and is a computer-readable storage such as a CD-ROM, CD-R, memory card, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or flexible disk (FD). It is stored and provided on a medium.

Further, the program executed by each device of the above-described embodiment and each modification may be provided by storing it on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloading it via the network. Further, the program executed by each device of the above-described embodiment and each modification may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. Further, the program executed by each device of the above-described embodiment and each modification may be provided by incorporating it in a ROM or the like in advance.

The program executed by each device of the above-described embodiment and each modification has a modular configuration for realizing each of the above-described parts on a computer. As actual hardware, for example, the CPU reads a program from the ROM onto the RAM and executes the program, so that each of the above functional units is realized on the computer.

The above-described embodiment and each modification are presented as examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above-mentioned novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

1 System 2 Network 10 Equipment 20 Terminal equipment 30 Information processing equipment 40 Management equipment 50 Mobile terminals 60-1 to 60-2 (60) Terminal equipment 101 Equipment usage information providing unit 103 Equipment usage information storage unit 105 Control unit 201 Control unit 301 Equipment usage information acquisition unit 303 Equipment usage information storage unit 305 Prediction unit 307 Customer information storage unit 309 Lending processing unit 311 Additional equipment information storage unit 401 Control unit 403 Inventory information storage unit 501 Control unit 601 Control unit

JP-A-2002-101252

Claims (21)

A device usage information acquisition unit that periodically acquires device usage information that is related to the use of the device from the device and includes at least a counter value indicating the number of times the device is used in a unit period .
Based on the acquired device usage information, a prediction unit that predicts a unit period in which the counter value exceeds a reference value as a busy period of a customer who uses the device.
A lending processing unit that performs lending processing for lending additional equipment to the customer during the busy season,
Information processing device equipped with. And the device use information acquisition unit for acquiring periodically at least including equipment use information terminal identification information for identifying the terminal using the device in a unit period be those related to the use of the device from the device,
A prediction unit that calculates the number of terminals using the device for each unit period based on the terminal identification information of the acquired device usage information, and predicts the unit period in which the number of terminals exceeds the reference value as the busy period of the customer. When,
A lending processing unit that performs lending processing for lending additional equipment to the customer during the busy season,
Information processing device equipped with . The lending processing unit acquires inventory information including at least a durability value indicating the number of times of usage durability in the unit period for each of the plurality of additional devices, and based on the counter value and the durability value in the busy season, the plurality of The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein one or more additional devices that are candidates for lending to the customer are determined from the additional devices. The device usage information includes at least a counter value indicating the number of times the device is used in a unit period.
The lending processing unit acquires inventory information including at least a durability value indicating the number of times of usage durability in the unit period for each of the plurality of additional devices, and based on the counter value and the durability value in the busy season, the plurality of The information processing device according to claim 2 , wherein one or more additional devices that are candidates for lending to the customer are determined from the additional devices. The device usage information includes at least a function counter value indicating the number of times the function is used in a unit period for each function of the device.
The lending processing unit acquires inventory information including at least functional information indicating the function of the additional device for each of the plurality of additional devices, and is based on the function counter value and the function information for each function in the busy season. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein one or more additional devices that are candidates for lending to the customer are determined from the plurality of additional devices. The device usage information further includes lending period information indicating the lending period of the device.
When the lending processing unit is within a predetermined period until the expiration of the lending period of the device, the lending processing unit adds the latest additional device among one or more additional devices that are candidates for lending to the customer as a lending candidate to the customer. The information processing device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, which is determined by the device. The lending processing unit makes a selection request to the terminal device used by the customer to select an additional device to be rented from one or more additional devices that are candidates for lending to the customer, and is selected by the customer. The information processing device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the additional device is determined to be the additional device to be rented. The information processing device according to claim 7, wherein the lending processing unit requests a management device that manages the plurality of additional devices to ship the determined additional devices to be rented to the customer environment. The information processing device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the lending processing unit requests a mobile terminal used by a maintenance person to install the determined additional device to be rented in the customer environment. The plurality of additional devices are stored in a plurality of warehouses.
The lending processing unit determines in advance additional devices that are candidates for lending to the customer, and for the management device that manages the plurality of additional devices, the lending candidates to the customer in the warehouse closest to the customer environment. The information processing device according to any one of claims 3 to 9, which requests storage of the additional device. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the charge amount for the use of the additional device is higher than the charge amount for the use of the device. A device usage information acquisition unit that periodically acquires device usage information that is related to the use of the device from the device and includes at least a counter value indicating the number of times the device is used in a unit period .
Based on the acquired device usage information, a prediction unit that predicts a unit period in which the counter value exceeds a reference value as a busy period of a customer who uses the device.
A lending processing unit that performs lending processing for lending additional equipment to the customer during the busy season,
System with. And the device use information acquisition unit for acquiring periodically at least including equipment use information terminal identification information for identifying the terminal using the device in a unit period be those related to the use of the device from the device,
A prediction unit that calculates the number of terminals using the device for each unit period based on the terminal identification information of the acquired device usage information, and predicts the unit period in which the number of terminals exceeds the reference value as the busy period of the customer. When,
A lending processing unit that performs lending processing for lending additional equipment to the customer during the busy season,
System comprising a. The lending processing unit acquires inventory information including at least a durability value indicating the number of times of usage durability in the unit period for each of the plurality of additional devices, and based on the counter value and the durability value in the busy season, the plurality of The system according to claim 12, wherein one or more additional devices that are candidates for lending to the customer are determined from the additional devices. The device usage information includes at least a counter value indicating the number of times the device is used in a unit period.
The lending processing unit acquires inventory information including at least a durability value indicating the number of times of usage durability in the unit period for each of the plurality of additional devices, and based on the counter value and the durability value in the busy season, the plurality of The system according to claim 13 , wherein one or more additional devices that are candidates for lending to the customer are determined from the additional devices. The device usage information includes at least a function counter value indicating the number of times the function is used in a unit period for each function of the device.
The lending processing unit acquires inventory information including at least functional information indicating the function of the additional device for each of the plurality of additional devices, and is based on the function counter value and the function information for each function in the busy season. The system according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein one or more additional devices that are candidates for lending to the customer are determined from the plurality of additional devices. The device usage information further includes lending period information indicating the lending period of the device.
When the lending processing unit is within a predetermined period until the expiration of the lending period of the device, the lending processing unit adds the latest additional device among one or more additional devices that are candidates for lending to the customer as a lending candidate to the customer. The system according to any one of claims 14 to 16, which is determined by the device. It is equipped with an information processing device and a terminal device used by the customer.
The information processing device includes the device usage information acquisition unit, the prediction unit, and the lending processing unit.
The lending processing unit makes a selection request to the terminal device to select an additional device to be rented from one or more additional devices that are candidates for lending to the customer.
The terminal device is
Based on the selection request, the customer is made to select an additional device to be rented from one or more additional devices that are candidates for lending to the customer, and the information processing device is notified of the additional device selected by the customer. Equipped with a control unit
The system according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the lending processing unit determines an additional device selected by the customer as the additional device to be rented. Further equipped with a management device for managing the plurality of additional devices,
The plurality of additional devices are stored in a plurality of warehouses.
The lending processing unit determines in advance additional equipment that is a candidate for lending to the customer, and stores the additional equipment that is a candidate for lending to the customer in the warehouse closest to the customer environment for the management device. Ask,
The management device
The terminal device for the warehouse that stores the additional equipment that is a candidate for lending to the customer is instructed to transport the additional equipment that is a candidate for lending to the customer to the warehouse closest to the customer environment, and the customer. The system according to claim 18, further comprising a control unit for instructing the terminal device for a warehouse closest to the environment to carry additional equipment that is a candidate for lending to the customer. A device usage information acquisition step for periodically acquiring device usage information that is related to the use of the device from the device and includes at least a counter value indicating the number of times the device is used in a unit period .
Based on the acquired device usage information, a prediction step of predicting a unit period in which the counter value exceeds a reference value as a busy period of a customer who uses the device, and
A lending processing step for lending additional equipment to the customer during the busy season, and a lending processing step.
A program that lets your computer run. A device usage information acquisition step that periodically acquires device usage information that is related to the use of the device from the device and includes at least terminal identification information that identifies the terminal that used the device in a unit period.
The number of terminals using the device is calculated for each unit period based on the terminal identification information of the acquired device usage information, and the busyness of the customer who uses the device during the unit period when the number of terminals exceeds the reference value. Prediction steps to predict as a period and
A lending processing step for lending additional equipment to the customer during the busy season, and a lending processing step.
A program that lets your computer run.

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