Duplicate key production system

Abstract

To provide a duplicate key manufacturing system capable of shortening the delivery date of a duplicate key.SOLUTION: A duplicate key manufacturing system 1 includes an ordering terminal 2,3,4 that receives an input related to a request for manufacturing a duplicate key and transmits duplicate key ordering information based on the input to the outside, an order-receiving terminal 6 that receives the duplicate key ordering information from the ordering terminal 2,3,4, and an operation mode setting device 7 that generates operation mode setting information for setting an operation mode of a machine tool 8 based on the duplicate key ordering information received by the order-receiving terminal 6 and supplies the operation mode setting information to the machine tool 8.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a key duplication system. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, high-security, high-grade keys with complex key codes cannot be duplicated using key duplication machines owned by ordinary locksmiths. Such duplicate keys can only be made by manufacturers that accept orders from customers through locksmiths or manufacturer agents. The typical delivery time for this type of duplicate key is at least two weeks. This is because the key passes through various departments, such as order processing, manufacturing, inspection, and shipping, from order receipt to delivery, and each department takes a certain amount of time. Meanwhile, a system has been proposed to shorten the delivery time for special items such as surgical kits (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the system disclosed in Patent Document 1, the required order information is sent from the medical institution's client computer terminal once an operating room reservation is confirmed, and the order information for the surgical kit is managed on the server computer of the supplier that received the order. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-139436 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The online surgical kit order system in Patent Document 1 has something in common with the duplicate key production system in that it responds to the need to shorten delivery times for special items. However, not only are the special features of the items handled completely differently, but the technical concept is based on the premise that the production equipment of the supplier that receives the order is treated as a black box. For this reason, it is not possible to build a duplicate key production system with short delivery times by following the system in Patent Document 1.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances, and aims to provide a duplicate key production system that can shorten the delivery time for duplicate keys. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A duplicate key production system including an ordering terminal device that accepts input related to a request for the production of a duplicate key and transmits duplicate key order information based on the input and key identification information that identifies the key to be produced to the outside; an order receiving terminal device that receives the duplicate key order information and key identification information from the order receiving terminal device; and an operation mode setting device that generates operation mode setting information that sets the operation mode of a machine tool based on the duplicate key order information and key identification information received by the order receiving terminal device and supplies the information to the machine tool. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a duplicate key making system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the business flow of the duplicate key production system of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a typical business flow for making duplicate keys. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a duplicate key production system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 1, duplicate key production system 1 includes order terminal devices 2, 3, and 4. Order terminal devices 2, 3, and 4 are all capable of accepting input related to a request to produce a duplicate key. Order terminal device 2 is, for example, a computer installed in a locksmith. Order terminal device 3 is, for example, a computer installed at a key manufacturer's agency, and order terminal device 4 is, for example, a computer installed in the home of a person ordering a duplicate key. For ease of explanation, only three order terminal devices are depicted in FIG. 1, but order terminal devices 2, 3, and 4 each represent a number of order terminal devices.

[0009] Each of the order-taking terminal devices 2, 3, and 4 is connected to the order-receiving terminal device 6 via a network 5. The order-taking terminal devices 2, 3, and 4 each accept input related to a request to make a duplicate key and transmit the duplicate key order information based on that input to the external order-receiving terminal device 6. The duplicate key order information includes information indicating the intention to place an order and key identification information that identifies the key to be made. In other words, the order-receiving terminal device 6 receives the duplicate key order information from the order-taking terminal devices 2, 3, and 4 via the network 5.

[0010] The order receiving terminal device 6 is connected to an operation mode setting device 7. The operation mode setting device 7 sets the operation mode of the machine tool 8 used to manufacture keys, including duplicate keys. That is, the operation mode setting device 7 generates operation mode setting information for setting the operation mode of the machine tool 8 based on the duplicate key order information received by the order receiving terminal device 6, and supplies the information to the machine tool 8.

[0011] The order receiving terminal device 6 and the operation mode setting device 7 can be configured as separate computers, but in this example they are realized as functional parts of the same computer 9. The computer 9 is installed in a factory 10 in which the machine tool 8 is installed.

[0012] Next, the business flow of Fig. 2 will be explained in comparison with the business flow of Fig. 3. Fig. 2 is a diagram explaining the business flow of the duplicate key production system 1 of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a diagram explaining the business flow of a general duplicate key production that does not rely on the duplicate key production system 1 of Fig. 1.

[0013] First, referring to Figure 3, we will explain the business flow of a general duplicate key production process that does not rely on the duplicate key production system 1 of Figure 1. The user of the original key who is ordering the duplicate key orders the duplicate key from a locksmith (31) or an agency (32).

[0014] The duplicate key order information and key identification information that identify the key to be made, entered into an information terminal by a store employee in response to the user's order at the locksmith or agency, are received by a terminal at the key manufacturer's factory, where the duplicate key order processing (33) occurs. The factory's order processing (33) includes the task of checking whether the key has been registered and the ordered quantity and type in the "duplicate key order processing department." The order processing (33) also includes the task of checking the price of the ordered duplicate key, arranging the delivery date, issuing a receipt, etc. in the "customer service department."

[0015] After receiving orders (33) at the factory, manufacturing and inspection work (34) is carried out. In the manufacturing work, the "Perm Department" outputs the key number and specific key code data of the duplicate key that has been ordered. In addition, the "Production Department" changes the setup and processes the key to produce the duplicate key that has been ordered. The duplicate keys processed in the "Production Department" are sent to the inspection work. In the inspection work, the "Inspection Department" inspects both sides of the key processing position and depth.

[0016] After going through the manufacturing and inspection processes (34), the duplicate keys are sent to the shipping process (35). In the shipping process (35), the keys are packed and shipped in the "Shipping and Packaging Department." If the duplicate keys were ordered through a locksmith, they are delivered to the locksmith (36), and then handed over to the user at the locksmith (37). If the keys were ordered through an agency, they are delivered to the agency (38), and from there they are delivered to the designated location (39).

[0017] In the workflow shown in Figure 3, the time from when a user takes action to order a duplicate key until the duplicate key is shipped from the factory (T3) typically takes about two weeks. This is because the process from receiving a duplicate key to shipping typically passes through six departments: the duplicate key order department, customer service department, perm department, production department, inspection department, and shipping and packaging department. Assuming each department requires one business day, it takes a total of six days. However, in all factories, production planning for regular keys takes priority over duplicate keys. Meanwhile, production, inspection, and shipping and packaging are often performed by dedicated personnel. For this reason, duplicate key production is postponed due to the schedule of each department. Duplicate key production is inserted into the process during a changeover, but the completion date of the work according to the set schedule is often uncertain. The production system allows for a flexible delivery period without predicting the schedule for duplicate key production. In other words, the delivery date for duplicate keys is extended, typically taking about two weeks.

[0018] Here, changeover in the production process refers to the process of selecting a blank key according to the type of key and setting the selected blank key in a jig. In particular, the jig used to engrave the key number differs for each type of key, and after setting the key in the jig, fine adjustments to the engraving position are required, which takes time. Therefore, production is timed to coincide with the timing of duplicate key production work while coordinating with other orders. Dozens of types of jigs may be prepared.

[0019] Compared to a typical duplicate key production workflow that does not use the duplicate key production system 1 of the present disclosure, which was described with reference to Figure 3, the workflow using the duplicate key production system 1 in Figure 2 dramatically shortens the delivery time for duplicate keys. In the workflow in Figure 2, the user can order a duplicate key from a locksmith (21) or from an agency (22), or can place an order using a duplicate key ordering application on a home computer or smartphone (23). When ordering from a locksmith, order terminal device 2 in Figure 1 is used, when ordering from an agency, order terminal device 3 in Figure 1 is used, and when the user places an order using the application themselves, order terminal device 4 in Figure 1 is used.

[0020] When a user orders a duplicate key, the duplicate key order information sent from the ordering terminal devices 2, 3, and 4 is received by the order receiving terminal device 6 at the factory via the network 5. A computer 9 on the factory side, which has a functional section as the order receiving terminal device 6 and a functional section as the operation mode setting device 7, handles many of the operations on the factory side.

[0021] On the factory side, order taking, production management, processing, and shipping operations are carried out. Order taking involves confirming orders and issuing invoices in the "Order Taking Department," which is carried out as an automated process by computer 9. Production management involves confirming delivery dates and issuing production instructions in the "Production Management Department," which may adjust production as needed depending on the situation. Processing involves processing and inspecting spare keys in the "Key Processing Department," which is carried out as an automated process by computer 9. In other words, the processing data for the order contents is supplied to a CNC machine tool, which operates in accordance with the processing data to produce a duplicate key.

[0022] The computer 9 and machine tools disclosed herein create all types of duplicate keys by cutting from unprocessed round bars. Therefore, various original keys are produced under the management of a production program, while duplicate keys are also produced automatically. Both the various original keys and duplicate keys are shipped without any changeover. If the order was placed through a locksmith, the shipped duplicate key is delivered to the locksmith (25) and then handed over to the user at the locksmith (26). The same applies when the order was placed through an agency, but if the order was placed using an application, it is delivered to the specified location (27).

[0023] As mentioned above, because order taking, production management, and processing are automated, the time from when a user takes action to order a duplicate key until the duplicate key is shipped from the factory (T2) is shortened to about three days. This is a dramatic reduction compared to the usual two weeks for the same time period (T3) for a typical duplicate key, as explained with reference to Figure 3.

[0024] The effects of the embodiment of the present disclosure described above are summarized as follows. (1) One embodiment of the present disclosure is a duplicate key production system 1 including order terminal devices 2, 3, and 4 that accept input related to a request to produce a duplicate key and transmit duplicate key order information based on the input to the outside, an order receiving terminal device 6 that receives the duplicate key order information from the order receiving terminal devices 2, 3, and 4, and an operation mode setting device 7 that generates operation mode setting information that sets the operation mode of a machine tool 8 based on the duplicate key order information received by the order receiving terminal device 6 and supplies the information to the machine tool 8.

[0025] In the above embodiment (1), the process from receiving an order for a duplicate key to its production can be automated, which significantly reduces the delivery time for the duplicate key.

[0026] (2) In the duplicate key production system 1 described above in (1), it is preferable that the operating mode setting information includes interrupt setting information for inserting a specific process for producing a duplicate key into a production process that is already in progress or is scheduled to be in progress.

[0027] In the above embodiment (2), both original keys and duplicate keys can be efficiently manufactured without changing the setup.

[0028] (3) In the duplicate key production system 1 described above in (1) or (2), it is preferable that the operating mode setting information includes machine tool control information for controlling the machine tool 8 to cut an unprocessed base material to produce a key.

[0029] In the above embodiment (3), various original keys and duplicate keys can be produced from rod-shaped material, and there is no need to select one from a variety of blank keys and set it for processing before processing, making it possible to create flexible production plans.

[0030] It should be noted that various forms can be adopted for the order terminal devices 2, 3, and 4 in the duplicate key production system 1. For example, a desktop computer, a personal computer, a smartphone, or other forms of portable information terminals can be applied. [Explanation of symbols]

[0031] 1... Duplicate key production system 2, 3, 4... Order terminal device 5... Network 6... Order receiving terminal device 7... Operation mode setting device 8... Machine tool 9... Computer 10... Factory

Claims

1. An order receiving unit that receives duplicate key ordering information, including key identification information that identifies the key to be manufactured, directly from an ordering terminal device via a network; An information processing device comprising: an operating mode setting unit that generates operating mode setting information that sets the operating mode of a machine tool based on the key identification information included in the duplicate key order information received by the order receiving unit and supplies the information to the machine tool.

2. An information processing device as described in claim 1, in which the processing from the order receipt of a duplicate key at the order receiving department to the shipment of the duplicate key produced by the machine tool is carried out without the intervention of any third party other than the person who ordered the duplicate key and the person who received the order.

3. An information processing device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the key identification information is a key number.

4. An information processing device as described in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the order receiving unit is equipped with a computer that automatically performs a delivery date confirmation process when it receives the duplicate key order information from the ordering terminal device and accepts an order for a duplicate key.

5. An information processing device described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the operating mode setting information includes interrupt setting information that interrupts a specific process for producing the duplicate key into a production process that is already in progress or is scheduled to be in progress.

6. An information processing device described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the operating mode setting information includes machine tool control information for controlling the machine tool to cut a base material and produce the duplicate key.

7. A manufacturing device that generates a duplicate key based on duplicate key order information that includes key identification information for identifying the key to be produced, which is sent directly from an ordering terminal device via a network.

8. An order receiving process for receiving duplicate key ordering information, which includes key identification information for identifying the key to be produced, directly from an ordering terminal device via a network; an identification step of generating operation mode setting information for setting an operation mode of the machine tool based on the key identification information included in the duplicate key order information received in the order receiving step; A method for manufacturing a duplicate key, comprising: a production process of supplying the operating mode setting information to the machine tool to manufacture the duplicate key.

9. An order receiving process for receiving duplicate key ordering information, which includes key identification information for identifying the key to be produced, directly from an ordering terminal device via a network; an identification step of generating operation mode setting information for setting an operation mode of the machine tool based on the key identification information included in the duplicate key order information received in the order receiving step; a production process of supplying the operation mode setting information to the machine tool to produce the duplicate key, A program that causes a computer to execute automatic processing from receiving an order for the production of the duplicate key to producing the duplicate key using the machine tool.

10. The program of claim 9, wherein the key identification information is a key number.

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