Paint usage amount management system, paint usage amount management method, and program

Abstract

To provide a paint usage management system, a paint usage management method and a program capable of accurately estimating the usage of paint.SOLUTION: The cloud server 1 includes a usage amount estimator 112 that estimates a usage amount of at least one type of paint using a paint usage amount estimation model from the painting method type information, the painting target portion area information, and the blending ratio information, a weight detector 4 that detects a weight of each paint storage container in which the paint is stored, an actual usage amount calculator 114 that calculates, as an actual usage amount of the paint, a differential weight corresponding to a difference between weights before and after the user takes out the paint necessary for painting the painting target portion from the paint storage container, and a model updater 115 that updates the paint usage amount estimation model using the past painting method type information, the painting target portion area information, the blending ratio information, and the actual usage amount information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a paint usage amount management system, a paint usage amount management method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] An ordering system has been proposed that includes a weighing scale configured to transmit weight data measured from the weight of an object to be measured to an external device, and an ordering device configured to acquire the weight data transmitted by the weighing scale, in which the ordering device performs processing related to ordering the object to be measured based on the weight data (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-7657 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, when painting an automobile body, the painting method and the amount of paint to be used for the painting of the area to be painted are predetermined, and the amount of each of at least one type of paint required for painting is generally estimated based on the area of ​​the area to be painted and its position within the entire object to be painted. However, the amount of paint used per unit area of ​​the area to be painted varies among multiple painting contractors, and even when painting areas of the same area using the same painting method, the amount of paint used by each painting contractor often varies. Therefore, when using an ordering system such as that described in Patent Document 1 to appropriately manage paint inventory based on weight data of cans filled with paint, it is necessary to set a weight standard for each painting contractor that accurately grasps the amount of paint used and serves as a basis for ordering.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a paint usage amount management system, a paint usage amount management method, and a program that can accurately estimate the amount of paint used. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the paint usage management system according to the present invention comprises: a usage amount estimation unit that estimates the usage amount of at least one type of paint using a paint usage amount estimation model for estimating the usage amount of at least one type of paint required to paint the area to be painted, based on painting method type information that indicates the type of painting method for the area to be painted, painting area area information that indicates the area of ​​the area to be painted in the painting area, and paint blending ratio information for the paint used to paint the area to be painted; a weight detection unit that detects the weight of each of a plurality of paint storage containers that store paint; an actual usage amount calculation unit that calculates a difference weight corresponding to a difference between weights detected by the weight detection unit of at least one paint storage container before and after the paint required to paint the area to be painted is taken out of at least one of the plurality of paint storage containers as an actual usage amount of paint; a model updating unit that updates the paint consumption amount estimation model using the painting method type information, the painting target area information, the blending ratio information, and the actual consumption amount information indicating the actual consumption amount when the painting target area was painted in the past; an unused paint amount acquisition unit that acquires unused paint amount information indicating the amount of unused paint remaining in the painting work among the prepared paints prepared from the paints taken out from the at least one paint storage container; and a correction amount calculation unit that calculates, based on the blending ratio of the prepared paint, the amount of each of at least one type of primary color paint contained in the unused paint from the amount of unused paint indicated by the unused paint amount information, as a correction amount for the actual usage amount calculated from the weight of the at least one paint storage container. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the usage amount estimation unit estimates the usage amount of at least one type of paint using a paint usage amount estimation model for estimating the usage amount of at least one type of paint required to paint the area to be painted based on painting method type information, area information to be painted, and blend ratio information. The model update unit updates the paint usage amount estimation model using painting method type information, area information to be painted, blend ratio information, and actual usage information from previous paintings of the area to be painted. This allows the paint usage amount estimation model, which is successively updated according to the user's paint usage history, to be used to estimate the usage amount of paint to be used to paint the area to be painted that the user is planning to paint, thereby enabling accurate estimation of paint usage for each user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a paint usage amount management system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a terminal device and a cloud server according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing functional configurations of a terminal device and a cloud server according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in a usage history storage unit according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a neural network used in a cloud server according to an embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the paint usage amount management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the paint usage amount management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a terminal control process executed by a terminal device according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a paint usage amount management process executed by the cloud server according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a paint usage amount management process executed by the cloud server according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A paint usage management system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The paint usage management system according to this embodiment includes a usage estimation unit, a weight detection unit, an actual usage calculation unit, and a model update unit. The usage estimation unit estimates the usage of at least one type of paint using a paint usage estimation model for estimating the usage of at least one type of paint required to paint the area to be painted, based on painting method type information indicating the type of painting method for the area to be painted, painting target area area information indicating the area of ​​the area to be painted, and paint blend ratio information for the paint used to paint the area to be painted. The weight detection unit detects the weight of each of multiple paint storage containers containing paint. The actual usage calculation unit calculates the actual usage of paint as a differential weight equivalent to the difference between the weight of at least one paint storage container before and after the paint required to paint the area to be painted is removed from at least one of the multiple paint storage containers. The model update unit updates the paint usage estimation model using information on the type of painting method used when painting the area to be painted in the past, information on the area to be painted, blending ratio information, and actual usage information indicating the actual usage amount.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, the paint storage management system according to this embodiment includes a weight detection unit 4 that detects the weight of each of a plurality of paint storage containers CA stored by the painting contractor, a terminal device 3 carried by the painting contractor, and a cloud server 1. The weight detection unit 4 is connected to a local network NW2 established at a storage location for the paint storage containers CA managed by the painting contractor, and is capable of communicating with the cloud server 1 via a router 8 connected to the local network NW2 and a wide area network NW1. The terminal device 3 and a terminal device 9 carried by the paint distributor are also capable of communicating with the cloud server 1 via the wide area network NW1. Here, the wide area network NW1 is, for example, the Internet. The local network NW2 is, for example, a wireless local area network (LAN). The terminal device 9 is, for example, a personal computer equipped with a display unit. When the terminal device 9 receives order information from the cloud server 1 indicating the contents of a paint order placed by the painting contractor (described below), it forms an order content notification image notifying the paint distributor of the order contents based on the received order information and displays the image on the display unit.

[0011] The terminal device 3 is, for example, a smartphone, and as shown in FIG. 2, includes a CPU 301, a main memory unit 302, an auxiliary memory unit 303, a display unit 304, an input unit 305, a communication unit 306, an imaging unit 307, and a bus 309 connecting these units to one another. The main memory unit 302 has a volatile memory such as RAM and is used as a work area for the CPU 301. The main memory unit 302 also has an image-only memory (not shown) that temporarily stores image information to be displayed on the display unit 304. The auxiliary memory unit 303 is a non-volatile memory such as a semiconductor flash memory and stores programs for the CPU 301 to execute various processes. The display unit 304 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The input unit 305 is, for example, a transparent touchpad placed on top of the display unit 304. The communication unit 306 is connected to the wide area network NW1 and transmits information transferred from the CPU 301 to the cloud server 1 via the wide area network NW1, and transfers various information obtained from the cloud server 1 via the wide area network NW1 to the CPU 301.

[0012] The imaging unit 307 has a camera and a DMA (Direct Memory Access) controller, and after being started, the DMA controller transfers photographic image information obtained by capturing an image with the camera to an image-only memory. When control information corresponding to imaging command information (described later) is transferred from the CPU 301 to the imaging unit 307, the imaging unit 307 generates captured image information indicating the photograph captured at the timing when the control information was transferred and notifies the CPU 301 of the captured image information.

[0013] 3, the CPU 301 reads out the programs stored in the auxiliary storage unit 303 into the main storage unit 302 and executes them, thereby functioning as a reception unit 311, an image forming unit 312, a display control unit 313, an imaging control unit 314, a painting details information generation unit 315, a painting details information transmission unit 316, an estimated usage amount acquisition unit 317, a remaining amount status acquisition unit 318, an order request unit 319, and a registration notification unit 320. The image-only memory of the main storage unit 302 shown in FIG. 2 also includes a display image storage unit 321 that temporarily stores screen images to be displayed on the display unit 304.

[0014] The reception unit 311 receives operation details performed on the input unit 305 by the painting contractor who owns the terminal device 3, generates operation information corresponding to the received operation details, and notifies the imaging control unit 314, the painting content information generation unit 315, the order request unit 319, or the registration notification unit 320. Specifically, when the reception unit 311 receives a painting area input operation by the painting contractor to input the area of ​​the portion to be painted of the object to be painted on the input unit 305, the reception unit 311 generates operation information including information on the area of ​​the portion to be painted and notifies the painting content information generation unit 315. Note that, for example, when repairing a damaged portion of an automobile with paint, the area of ​​the portion to be painted is determined based on the area of ​​the portion that needs to be painted after the damaged portion is repaired. Furthermore, when the reception unit 311 receives an imaging preparation operation or an imaging operation by the painting contractor to image the identification code on the input unit 305, the reception unit 311 generates operation information including start-up command information instructing the imaging unit 307 to start or image-capture command information instructing the imaging unit 307 to perform an image capture operation, and notifies the imaging control unit 314. Here, the identification code is, for example, a QR code (registered trademark), a barcode, or the like printed on a painting work slip or the like, and is used to identify painting method information indicating the painting method for the paint to be applied to the area to be painted and blending ratio information indicating the blending ratio of the primary color paint. The painting method information also includes, for example, the dilution level of each primary color paint used to adjust the paint used for painting, solvent identification information identifying the type of solvent used for dilution, and the like. The painting method information may also include information on painting methods such as gradient painting and block painting. Furthermore, when the painting contractor uses the input unit 305 to register a painting completion registration operation to register that painting of the area to be painted on the painting target object has been completed or a paint refill completion registration operation to register that paint has been refilled into the paint storage container CA, the receiving unit 311 generates operation information corresponding to the received operation and notifies the registration notification unit 320. Furthermore, when the painting contractor uses the input unit 305 to request an order for the missing paint, the receiving unit 311 generates operation information indicating the order content corresponding to the order request operation and notifies the order request unit 319. Here, the painting completion registration operation includes an operation of inputting the amount of unused paint remaining after the painting work is completed by the painting contractor.For example, if 20 kg of paint is prepared before the start of painting work, but 5 kg of the prepared paint is left over, the amount of unused paint remaining, 5 kg, is entered.

[0015] Image forming unit 312 forms an estimated usage / estimated remaining amount notification image that notifies the painting contractor of the estimated usage and remaining amounts of paint, based on estimated usage information acquired by estimated usage amount acquisition unit 317, which indicates the estimated usage amount of paint that the painting contractor will use to paint the area to be painted, and estimated remaining amount information acquired by remaining amount status acquisition unit 318, which indicates the estimated remaining amount of paint after painting. Image forming unit 312 also forms an estimated usage / estimated remaining amount notification image that notifies the painting contractor of the estimated usage and remaining amounts of paint, based on the estimated usage information acquired by estimated usage amount acquisition unit 317 and order prompt information acquired by remaining amount status acquisition unit 318, which prompts the painting contractor to order paint before painting. Image forming unit 312 then stores the formed image in display image storage unit 321.

[0016] The display control unit 313 causes the display unit 304 to display various images indicated by the various image information stored in the display image storage unit 321. When the imaging control unit 314 receives operation information including activation command information from the reception unit 311, it activates the imaging unit 307. When the imaging control unit 314 receives operation information including imaging command information from the reception unit 311, it transfers control information for causing the imaging unit 307 to perform an imaging operation to the imaging unit 307. At this time, when the imaging unit 307 captures an image of, for example, the above-mentioned identification code, it generates captured image information indicating the captured image including the image of the identification code and transfers the captured image information to the painting content information generation unit 315.

[0017] When the captured image information is transferred from the imaging unit 307, the painting details information generation unit 315 determines whether the captured image information represents an image of an identification code. If the painting details information generation unit 315 determines that the captured image represents an identification code, the painting details information generation unit 315 executes a process to extract an identification code image from the captured image and then identifies information indicating the painting method and the blend ratio of primary color paint indicated by the identification code. The painting details information generation unit 315 then generates painting details information including the information indicating the area of ​​the portion to be painted notified by the reception unit 311 and information indicating the identified painting method and the blend ratio of primary color paint. The painting details information generation unit 315 notifies the generated painting details information to the painting details information transmission unit 316. The painting details information transmission unit 316 transmits the notified painting details information to the cloud server 1.

[0018] When the estimated usage amount acquiring unit 317 acquires the above-mentioned estimated usage amount information transmitted from the cloud server 1, it notifies the image forming unit 312 of the acquired estimated usage amount information. When the remaining amount status acquiring unit 318 acquires the above-mentioned estimated remaining amount information or order urging information transmitted from the cloud server 1, it notifies the image forming unit 312 of the acquired estimated remaining amount information or order urging information.

[0019] When the order request unit 319 receives operation information indicating the order contents from the reception unit 311, it generates order request information indicating the order contents included in the operation information and requesting an order for paint from the paint distributor. The order request unit 319 then transmits the generated order request information to the cloud server 1. When the registration notification unit 320 receives operation information corresponding to the above-mentioned painting completion registration operation from the reception unit 311, it generates painting completion registration information based on the notified operation information and transmits it to the cloud server 1. Here, the painting completion registration information includes unused paint amount information indicating the amount of unused paint left over when the painting contractor performed the painting work. Furthermore, when the registration notification unit 320 receives operation information corresponding to the above-mentioned paint refill completion registration operation from the reception unit 311, it generates refill completion registration information based on the notified operation information and transmits it to the cloud server 1. Here, the refill completion registration information includes color identification information that identifies the paint refilled by the painting contractor.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the cloud server 1 includes a CPU 101, a main memory 102, an auxiliary memory 103, a communication unit 106, and a bus 109 interconnecting these components, and functions as a paint usage management device that manages the usage of paint used by a painting contractor to paint the aforementioned target areas. The CPU 101 is, for example, a multi-core processor. The main memory 102 has volatile memory and is used as a work area for the CPU 101. The auxiliary memory 103 is made up of a large-capacity non-volatile memory and stores programs for implementing various functions of the cloud server 1. The communication unit 106 is connected to a wide area network NW1.

[0021] By loading the programs stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103 into the main storage unit 102 and executing them, the CPU 101 functions as a paint content information acquisition unit 111, a usage amount estimation unit 112, a weight acquisition unit 113, a record usage amount calculation unit 114, a model update unit 115, an estimated usage amount notification unit 116, a remaining amount monitoring unit 117, a remaining amount estimation unit 118, a remaining amount determination unit 119, an ordering unit 120, a remaining amount status notification unit 121, an unused paint amount acquisition unit 122, and a correction amount calculation unit 123, as shown in Fig. 3. The auxiliary storage unit 103 shown in Fig. 2 also has a model storage unit 131, a usage history storage unit 132, and a remaining amount storage unit 133, as shown in Fig. 3. 4, the usage history storage unit 132 stores painting method type information indicating the type of painting method for the paint used by the painting contractor, painting target area information indicating the area of ​​the part to be painted, color identification information identifying at least one type of primary color paint contained in the paint used for painting, blending ratio information indicating the blending ratio of the paints, and actual usage amount information indicating the amount of each primary color paint actually used by the painting contractor, in association with usage date and time information indicating the date and time of use and user identification information identifying the painting contractor. In the example shown in FIG. 4, a painting contractor painted a part with an area of ​​1 m using painting method PM[0] on January 4, 2022. 2 This indicates that the areas to be painted were painted using paint containing Super Black.

[0022] Returning to FIG. 3 , the model storage unit 131 stores paint consumption estimation model information indicating a paint consumption estimation model for estimating the consumption amount of at least one type of paint required to paint a target area based on the painting method type information, the target area area information, and the blending ratio information. This paint consumption estimation model is, for example, a forward propagation neural network. In this case, the model storage unit 131 stores information indicating the neural network structure and information indicating weighting coefficients in the neural network. Here, the information indicating the neural network structure includes information indicating the number of nodes and layers of the neural network, as well as weighting coefficients and activation functions corresponding to each node. As shown in FIG. 5 , this neural network has an input layer L10, a hidden layer L20, and an output layer L30. The painting method type information, the target area area information, and the blending ratio information are input to the input layer L10.

[0023] The hidden layer L20 is composed of N (N is a positive integer) layers, each containing a preset number M[j] of nodes x[j,i] (1≦i≦M[j], M[j] is a positive integer). That is, the hidden layer L20 has a structure in which each node column is connected to another. Here, the output y[j,i] of each node x[j,i] is expressed by the relational expression (1) below.

number

[0024] Returning to FIG. 3, the remaining amount storage unit 133 stores remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount of each of a plurality of preset types of paint in association with color identification information that identifies each of the plurality of types of paint.

[0025] When the painting content information acquisition unit 111 acquires painting content information transmitted from the terminal device 3, it extracts painting method type information, painting target area information, and blending ratio information included in the acquired painting content information and notifies the usage amount estimation unit 112. The painting content information acquisition unit 111 also stores the extracted painting method type information, painting target area information, and blending ratio information in the usage history storage unit 132 in association with use date and time information and user identification information. Here, the painting content information acquisition unit 111 identifies the date and time when the painting content information was acquired from the terminal device 3 as the use date and time. Note that when the painting content information includes use date and time information, the painting content information acquisition unit 111 may extract the use date and time information and store it in the usage history storage unit 132.

[0026] The usage amount estimation unit 112 estimates the usage amount of each of the multiple types of paint using the aforementioned paint usage amount estimation model. Specifically, the usage amount estimation unit 112 uses the paint usage amount estimation model stored in the model storage unit 131 to calculate an expected value for the usage amount of each primary color paint used in painting, based on the painting method type information, painting target area information, and blend ratio information notified by the painting content information acquisition unit 111. The usage amount estimation unit 112 then notifies the estimated expected values ​​of the usage amounts as estimated usage amounts to the estimated usage amount notification unit 116 and the remaining amount estimation unit 118. The estimated usage amount notification unit 116 generates estimated usage amount information indicating the estimated usage amounts of each of the multiple types of paint estimated by the usage amount estimation unit 112, and transmits the information to the terminal device 3.

[0027] When the weight acquisition unit 113 acquires the aforementioned painting completion registration information or the aforementioned filling completion registration information transmitted from the terminal device 3, it transmits weight request information to the weight detection unit 4 requesting the weight detection unit 4 to transmit weight information indicating the weight of the paint storage container CA. As a result, the weight acquisition unit 113 acquires the weight information transmitted from the weight detection unit 4, extracts total container weight information indicating the total weight of the paint storage container CA included in the acquired weight information and color identification information of the paint stored in the paint storage container CA, and notifies the remaining amount monitoring unit 117.

[0028] The unused paint amount acquisition unit 122 acquires unused paint amount information indicating the amount of unused paint remaining in the painting work after preparation from paint taken out from at least one paint storage container CA. Specifically, when the unused paint amount acquisition unit 122 acquires the aforementioned painting completion registration information transmitted from the terminal device 3, it acquires the unused paint amount information by extracting the aforementioned unused paint amount information included in the acquired painting completion registration information. Then, the unused paint amount acquisition unit 122 notifies the correction amount calculation unit 123 of the acquired unused paint amount information.

[0029] The correction amount calculation unit 123 calculates, based on the blending ratio of the prepared paint, the amount of each of at least one type of primary color paint contained in the unused paint from the amount of unused paint indicated by the unused paint amount information, as a correction amount for the actual usage amount calculated from the weight of at least one paint storage container CA. Specifically, the correction amount calculation unit 123 refers to the blending ratio information stored in the usage history memory unit 132, and calculates, from the amount of unused paint indicated by the unused paint amount information notified by the unused paint amount acquisition unit 122, the amount of each of at least one type of primary color paint contained in the unused paint, as a correction amount for the actual usage amount calculated from the weight of the paint storage container CA. Then, the correction amount calculation unit 123 notifies the actual usage amount calculation unit 114 of the calculated correction amount.

[0030] The actual usage amount calculation unit 114 calculates the actual usage amount of paint as a differential weight equivalent to the difference between the weight of at least one of the paint storage containers CA before and after the paint contractor removes the paint required to paint the aforementioned target area from at least one of the paint storage containers CA. Specifically, when the actual usage amount calculation unit 114 receives total container weight information from the weight acquisition unit 113, it subtracts the weight of the paint storage container CA from the weight indicated by the total container weight information to calculate the weight of the paint itself after the paint contractor has used it. Next, the actual usage amount calculation unit 114 calculates the amount of each primary color paint removed from the paint storage container CA by subtracting the calculated weight of the paint itself from the remaining amount of paint before the update stored in the remaining amount storage unit 133. The actual usage amount calculation unit 114 then calculates the aforementioned actual usage amount by subtracting the correction amount notified by the correction amount calculation unit 123 from the calculated removal amount, and stores actual usage amount information indicating the calculated actual usage amount in the usage history storage unit 132. In addition, when the actual usage amount calculation unit 114 stores new actual usage amount information in the usage history storage unit 132, it notifies the remaining amount monitoring unit 117 of update permission notification information that permits updating of the remaining amount information stored in the remaining amount storage unit 133.

[0031] The remaining amount monitoring unit 117 monitors the remaining amount of paint filled in each of the multiple paint storage containers CA based on the weight of each of the multiple paint storage containers CA. Specifically, when the remaining amount monitoring unit 117 is notified of total container weight information from the weight acquisition unit 113 and the above-mentioned update permission notification information from the actual usage amount calculation unit 114, it calculates the weight of only the paint after the paint contractor has used the paint by subtracting the preset weight of the paint storage container CA from the weight indicated by the notified total container weight information. Then, the remaining amount monitoring unit 117 updates the information indicating the remaining amount of paint stored in the remaining amount memory unit 133 with information indicating the calculated weight of the paint.

[0032] The model update unit 115 generates a new paint consumption estimation model using painting method type information, painting target area area information, blending ratio information, and actual usage amount information indicating actual zXC usage amounts used by the painting contractor when painting the target area in the past, all of which are stored in the usage history storage unit 132. The model update unit 115 then updates the paint consumption estimation model information stored in the model storage unit 131 using paint consumption estimation model information indicating the newly generated paint consumption estimation model. The model update unit 115 updates the paint consumption estimation model information stored in the model storage unit 131 every time actual usage amount information stored in the usage history storage unit 132 is added. Here, the model update unit 115 first calculates expected values ​​for the usage amounts of each of multiple types of paint from the painting method type information, painting target area area information, and blending ratio information used when painting the target area in the past, using a neural network such as that shown in FIG. 5 stored in the model storage unit 131. Next, the model update unit 115 calculates the error between the actual usage amount indicated by the actual usage amount information for each of the multiple types of paint stored in the usage history storage unit 132 and the expected value of the usage amount calculated using the neural network.The model update unit 115 then determines weighting coefficients for the neural network by backpropagation based on the calculated error, and stores information indicating the determined weighting coefficients in the model storage unit 131.

[0033] The remaining amount estimation unit 118 calculates the estimated remaining amount of each of the multiple types of paint by subtracting the estimated usage amount indicated by the estimated usage amount information notified by the usage amount estimation unit 112 from the remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information for each of the multiple types of paint stored in the remaining amount storage unit 133. The remaining amount estimation unit 118 then notifies the remaining amount determination unit 119 and the remaining amount status notification unit 121 of information indicating the calculated estimated remaining amounts.

[0034] The remaining amount determination unit 119 determines whether the remaining amount of paint after use, obtained by subtracting the estimated amount of paint used from the remaining amount of at least one paint estimated to be used by the painting contractor, is less than a predetermined safe remaining amount. Specifically, the remaining amount determination unit 119 determines whether the estimated remaining amount indicated by the information notified from the remaining amount estimation unit 118 is less than a predetermined safe remaining amount. Then, the remaining amount determination unit 119 notifies the remaining amount status notification unit 121 of information indicating the determination result.

[0035] When the remaining amount determination unit 119 determines that the estimated remaining amount is equal to or greater than the aforementioned safe remaining amount, the remaining amount status notification unit 121 generates estimated remaining amount information including information indicating the estimated remaining amount notified by the remaining amount estimation unit 118 and transmits it to the terminal device 3. In addition, when the remaining amount determination unit 119 determines that the estimated remaining amount is less than the aforementioned safe remaining amount, the remaining amount status notification unit 121 generates the aforementioned order urging information including information indicating the estimated remaining amount notified by the remaining amount estimation unit 118 and transmits it to the terminal device 3.

[0036] When the ordering unit 120 determines that the amount of paint remaining after use after painting the part to be painted by the painting contractor is less than the aforementioned safe amount, it generates order information for ordering paint from the paint distributor so that the amount of paint remaining after use will be less than the safe amount in response to an order request for paint from the paint distributor. When the ordering unit 120 acquires the aforementioned order request information transmitted from the terminal device 3, it generates order information indicating the order content for paint to the paint distributor and transmits the generated order information to the terminal device 9 possessed by the paint distributor.

[0037] Next, the operation of the paint storage management system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. First, as shown in FIG. 6, when the painting contractor performs the aforementioned operation to input the area of ​​the area to be painted on the input unit 305 of the terminal device 3, the terminal device 3 receives the aforementioned area information of the area to be painted (step S1). Next, the painting contractor performs an image capture preparation operation to activate the image capture unit 307 of the terminal device 3, and then performs an image capture operation to capture an image of the identification code listed on the work slip or the like for the painting work. The terminal device 3 then captures the image of the identification code listed on the work slip or the like (step S2). Next, the terminal device 3 executes a process to extract an identification code image from the captured image, identifies information indicating the painting method and the blend ratio of primary color paint indicated by the identification code, and generates painting details information including the aforementioned area information of the area to be painted and information indicating the identified painting method and blend ratio of primary color paint (step S3). The generated painting details information is then transmitted from the terminal device 3 to the cloud server 1 (step S4).

[0038] Meanwhile, when the cloud server 1 acquires the painting details information from the terminal device 3, it extracts painting method type information, painting target area information, and blend ratio information from the acquired painting details information, and stores the extracted information in the usage history storage unit 132 in association with the use date and time information and user identification information (step S5). Next, the cloud server 1 estimates the amount of paint used for each of the multiple types of paint using the aforementioned paint usage estimation model (step S6). Next, the cloud server 1 calculates the estimated remaining amount of each of the multiple types of paint by subtracting the estimated usage amount indicated by the estimated usage amount information notified by the usage amount estimation unit 112 from the remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information for each of the multiple types of paint stored in the remaining amount storage unit 133 (step S7). Here, it is assumed that the cloud server 1 determines that the calculated estimated remaining amount of each of the multiple types of paint is equal to or greater than a predetermined safe remaining amount (step S8). In this case, the cloud server 1 generates estimated usage amount information indicating the estimated usage amount and estimated remaining amount information indicating the estimated remaining amount of the paint after use (step S9). Thereafter, the generated estimated usage amount information and estimated remaining amount information are transmitted from the cloud server 1 to the terminal device 3 (step S10). Meanwhile, upon acquiring the estimated usage amount information and estimated remaining amount information, the terminal device forms the aforementioned estimated usage amount / estimated remaining amount notification image based on the acquired estimated usage amount information and estimated remaining amount information, and displays it on the display unit 304 (step S11).

[0039] Then, after the painter completes painting of the area to be painted, he or she performs the aforementioned painting completion registration operation on the input unit 305 of the terminal device 3. The terminal device 3 accepts this operation and generates the aforementioned painting completion registration information (step S12). Next, the generated painting completion registration information is transmitted from the terminal device 3 to the cloud server 1 (step S13). Meanwhile, upon receiving the aforementioned painting completion registration information transmitted from the terminal device 3, the cloud server 1 extracts the aforementioned unused paint amount information included in the obtained painting completion registration information (step S14). Next, the cloud server 1 refers to the blending ratio information stored in the usage history storage unit 132, and calculates, from the amount of unused paint indicated by the extracted unused paint amount information, the paint amount of each of the at least one type of primary color paint included in the unused paint as a correction amount for the actually used amount calculated from the weight of the paint storage container CA (step S15).

[0040] Thereafter, the weight request information is transmitted from the cloud server 1 to the weight detection unit 4 (step S16). Meanwhile, upon receiving the weight request information transmitted from the cloud server 1, the weight detection unit 4 generates weight information indicating the detected weight of the paint storage container CA in response to the information (step S17). Subsequently, the generated weight information is transmitted from the weight detection unit 4 to the cloud server 1 (step S18).

[0041] On the other hand, when the cloud server 1 acquires the weight information, as shown in FIG. 7, it calculates the weight of the paint itself after the paint has been used by the paint contractor by subtracting the weight of the paint storage container CA from the weight indicated by the total container weight information included in the weight information, and calculates the amount of each primary color paint removed from the paint storage container CA by subtracting the calculated weight of the paint itself from the remaining amount of paint before the update stored in the remaining amount memory unit 133. Then, the cloud server 1 calculates the aforementioned actual usage amount by subtracting the correction amount notified by the correction amount calculation unit 123 from the calculated removal amount. Then, the cloud server 1 stores actual usage amount information indicating the calculated actual usage amount in the usage history memory unit 132 (step S19). Thereafter, the cloud server 1 updates the information indicating the remaining amount of paint stored in the remaining amount memory unit 133 using information indicating the weight of only the paint after the paint has been used by the paint contractor (step S20). Next, the cloud server 1 generates new paint consumption estimation model information indicating a paint consumption estimation model, using the painting method type information used when the painting contractor previously painted the area to be painted, the area information of the area to be painted, the blending ratio information, and the actual usage amount information indicating the actual usage amount, which are stored in the usage history storage unit 132. Then, the model update unit 115 uses the newly generated paint consumption estimation model information to update the paint consumption estimation model information stored in the model storage unit 131 (step S21).

[0042] Furthermore, suppose that after executing the process of step S7 described above, the cloud server 1 determines that the calculated estimated remaining amounts of each of the multiple types of paint are less than the aforementioned safe remaining amounts (step S22). In this case, the cloud server 1 generates estimated usage amount information indicating the estimated usage amounts and order prompt information prompting the ordering of the paint (step S23). The generated estimated usage amount information and order prompt information are then transmitted from the cloud server 1 to the terminal device 3 (step S24). Meanwhile, upon acquiring the estimated usage amount information and the order prompt information, the terminal device forms the aforementioned order prompt image based on the acquired estimated usage amount information and order prompt information and displays it on the display unit 304 (step S25).

[0043] Then, suppose that the painting contractor checks the order prompt image displayed on the display unit 304 of the terminal device 3 and performs an order request operation on the input unit 305 to order the missing paint. In this case, the terminal device 3 generates the above-mentioned order request information indicating the order contents corresponding to the order request operation (step S26). Next, the generated order request information is transmitted from the terminal device 3 to the cloud server 1 (step S27). Meanwhile, upon receiving the above-mentioned order request information transmitted from the terminal device 3, the cloud server 1 generates order information indicating the order contents for the paint to the paint distributor (step S28). Next, the generated order information is transmitted from the cloud server 1 to the terminal device 9 possessed by the paint distributor (step S29).

[0044] Suppose that the paint ordered by the painting contractor arrives at the painting contractor, and the painting contractor fills the paint storage container CA with the received paint, and then performs the aforementioned paint refill completion operation on the input unit 305 of the terminal device 3. In this case, the terminal device 3 accepts this operation and generates the aforementioned paint refill completion registration information (step S30). Next, the generated paint refill completion registration information is transmitted from the terminal device 3 to the cloud server 1 (step S31). Meanwhile, when the cloud server 1 acquires the paint refill completion registration information, the aforementioned weight request information is transmitted from the cloud server 1 to the weight detection unit 4 in response (step S32). Meanwhile, when the weight detection unit 4 acquires the weight request information transmitted from the cloud server 1, it generates weight information indicating the detected weight of the paint storage container CA in response (step S33). Next, the generated weight information is transmitted from the weight detection unit 4 to the cloud server 1 (step S34). Meanwhile, when the cloud server 1 acquires the weight information, it calculates the weight of the paint itself after the painting contractor has used it by subtracting the weight of the aforementioned paint storage container CA from the weight indicated by the total container weight information included in the weight information, and updates the information indicating the remaining amount of paint stored in the remaining amount memory unit 133 using the calculated information indicating the weight of the paint alone (step S35).

[0045] Next, the terminal control process executed by the terminal device 3 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8. The terminal control process is initiated when a program for executing the terminal control process is launched in the terminal device 3 after the terminal device 3 is powered on. First, the reception unit 311 determines whether or not the aforementioned operation for inputting the area of ​​the area to be painted has been received (step S201). If the reception unit 311 determines that the operation for inputting the area of ​​the area to be painted has not been received (step S201: No), the process of step S206, which will be described later, is executed. On the other hand, if the reception unit 311 determines that the operation for inputting the area of ​​the area to be painted has been received (step S201: Yes), the reception unit 311 generates operation information including information on the area of ​​the area to be painted in response to the operation and notifies the painting details information generation unit 315. Next, the reception unit 311 determines whether or not the aforementioned image capture preparation operation and image capture operation for capturing the identification code have been received (step S202). If the receiving unit 311 determines that it has not received the image capture preparation operation or the image capture operation painting (step S202: No), it executes the processing of step S206, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the receiving unit 311 determines that it has received the image capture preparation operation or the image capture operation painting (step S202: Yes), it generates operation information including the activation command information and the image capture command information and notifies the image capture control unit 314. In response to this, the image capture control unit 314 activates the image capture unit 307 and transfers control information for causing the image capture unit 307 to capture an image of the identification code to the image capture unit 307 (step S203). At this time, the image capture unit 307 generates captured image information indicating the captured image including the image of the identification code and transfers the captured image information to the painting content information generation unit 315. Next, the painting content information generation unit 315 executes a process of extracting an identification code image from the captured image transferred from the image capture unit 307 and then identifies information indicating the painting method and the blending ratio of primary color paints indicated by the identification code (step S204). Thereafter, the painting content information generation unit 315 generates painting content information including the information indicating the area of ​​the part to be painted notified by the reception unit 311 and the information indicating the identified painting method and the mixing ratio of the primary color paint, and notifies the generated painting content information to the painting content information transmission unit 316.Then, the painting details information transmitting unit 316 transmits the notified painting details information to the cloud server 1 (step S205).

[0046] Next, the estimated usage amount acquiring unit 317 and the remaining amount status acquiring unit 318 determine whether or not they have acquired the estimated usage amount information and estimated remaining amount information transmitted from the cloud server 1 (step S206). If the estimated usage amount acquiring unit 317 and the remaining amount status acquiring unit 318 determine that they have not acquired the estimated usage amount information and estimated remaining amount information (step S206: No), the process of step S208, which will be described later, is executed. On the other hand, if the estimated usage amount acquiring unit 317 and the remaining amount status acquiring unit 318 determine that they have acquired the estimated usage amount information and estimated remaining amount information (step S206: Yes), they notify the image forming unit 12 of the acquired estimated usage amount information and estimated remaining amount information. Then, the image forming unit 312 forms the estimated usage amount / estimated remaining amount notification image based on the notified estimated usage amount information and estimated remaining amount information, and the display control unit 313 causes the formed estimated usage amount / estimated remaining amount notification image to be displayed on the display unit 304 (step S207).

[0047] Next, the receiving unit 311 determines whether the aforementioned painting completion registration operation has been received (step S208). This painting completion registration operation includes an operation in which the painting contractor inputs the amount of unused paint remaining after the painting work. If the receiving unit 311 determines that the painting completion registration operation has not been received (step S208: No), the processing of step S210, which will be described later, is executed. On the other hand, if the receiving unit 311 determines that the painting completion registration operation has been received (step S208: Yes), the receiving unit 311 generates operation information according to the content of the received painting completion registration operation and notifies the registration notification unit 320. Then, the registration notification unit 320 generates painting completion registration information based on the notified operation information and transmits it to the cloud server 1 (step S209).

[0048] Thereafter, the estimated usage acquisition unit 317 and the remaining amount status acquisition unit 318 respectively determine whether or not they have acquired the estimated usage information and the order urging information transmitted from the cloud server 1 (step S210). If the estimated usage acquisition unit 317 and the remaining amount status acquisition unit 318 determine that they have not acquired the estimated usage information and the order urging information (step S210: No), the process of step S212, which will be described later, is executed. On the other hand, if the estimated usage acquisition unit 317 and the remaining amount status acquisition unit 318 determine that they have acquired the estimated usage information and the order urging information (step S210: Yes), they notify the image formation unit 312 of the acquired estimated usage information and the order urging information. Then, the image formation unit 312 forms the order urging image based on the notified estimated usage information and the order urging information, and the display control unit 313 causes the formed order urging image to be displayed on the display unit 304 (step S211).

[0049] Next, the receiving unit 311 determines whether or not the above-mentioned order request operation has been received (step S212). If the receiving unit 311 determines that the order operation has not been received (step S212: No), the processing of step S214, which will be described later, is executed. On the other hand, if the receiving unit 311 determines that the order operation has been received (step S212: Yes), the receiving unit 311 generates operation information indicating the order content according to the received order request operation and notifies the order request unit 319. Then, the order request unit 319 generates order request information indicating the order content included in the notified operation information, and transmits the generated order request information to the cloud server 1 (step S213).

[0050] Next, the reception unit 311 determines whether or not the above-mentioned paint refill completion registration operation has been received (step S214). If the reception unit 311 determines that the paint refill completion registration operation has not been received (step S214: No), the processing of step S201 is executed again. On the other hand, if the reception unit 311 determines that the above-mentioned paint refill completion registration operation has been received, the reception unit 311 generates operation information according to the content of the received paint refill completion registration operation and notifies the registration notification unit 320. Then, the registration notification unit 320 generates refill completion registration information based on the notified operation information and transmits it to the cloud server 1 (step S215). Thereafter, the processing of step S201 is executed again.

[0051] Next, the paint usage amount management process executed by the cloud server 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 9 . The paint usage amount management process is initiated when a program for executing the paint usage amount management process is launched in the cloud server 1. First, the painting details information acquisition unit 111 determines whether the aforementioned painting details information transmitted from the terminal device 3 has been acquired (step S101). If the painting details information acquisition unit 111 determines that the painting details information has not been acquired (step S101: No), the process of step S113, which will be described later, is executed. On the other hand, if the painting details information acquisition unit 111 determines that the painting details information has been acquired (step S101: Yes), the painting details information acquisition unit 111 extracts painting method type information, painted area information, and blending ratio information included in the acquired painting details information, and stores them in the usage history storage unit 132 in association with the use date and time information and the user identification information (step S102). The painting details information acquisition unit 111 also notifies the usage amount estimation unit 112 of the extracted painting method type information, painted area information, and blending ratio information.

[0052] Next, the usage amount estimation unit 112 estimates the usage amount of each of the multiple types of paint from the notified painting method type information, painting target area information, and blend ratio information using the above-mentioned paint usage amount estimation model (step S103). Here, the usage amount estimation unit 112 notifies the estimated usage amount information indicating the estimated usage amounts to the estimated usage amount notification unit 116 and the remaining amount estimation unit 118.

[0053] Next, remaining amount estimation unit 118 calculates the estimated remaining amount of each of the plurality of types of paint by subtracting the estimated usage amount indicated by the estimated usage amount information notified by usage amount estimation unit 112 from the remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information for each of the plurality of types of paint stored in remaining amount storage unit 133 (step S104). Here, remaining amount estimation unit 118 notifies remaining amount determination unit 119 of information indicating the calculated estimated remaining amount.

[0054] Thereafter, the remaining amount determination unit 119 determines whether the estimated remaining amount calculated by the remaining amount estimation unit 118 is equal to or greater than a predetermined safe remaining amount (step S105). Here, it is assumed that the remaining amount determination unit 119 determines that the aforementioned estimated remaining amount is equal to or greater than the safe remaining amount (step S105: Yes). In this case, the estimated usage amount notification unit 116 generates estimated usage amount information indicating the estimated usage amount of each of the multiple types of paint estimated by the usage amount estimation unit 112 and transmits it to the terminal device 3, and the remaining amount status notification unit 121 generates estimated remaining amount information including information indicating the aforementioned estimated remaining amount and transmits it to the terminal device 3 (step S106). Next, the processing of step S108, which will be described later, is executed.

[0055] On the other hand, suppose that the remaining amount determination unit 119 determines that the estimated remaining amount is equal to or greater than the safe remaining amount (step S105: No). In this case, the estimated usage amount notification unit 116 generates estimated usage amount information indicating the estimated usage amount of each of the multiple types of paint estimated by the usage amount estimation unit 112 and transmits it to the terminal device 3. The remaining amount status notification unit 121 generates the order urging information based on the information indicating the estimated remaining amount and transmits it to the terminal device 3 (step S107).

[0056] Next, the weight acquisition unit 113 and the unused paint amount acquisition unit 122 determine whether or not they have acquired the aforementioned painting completion registration information transmitted from the terminal device 3 (step S108). If the weight acquisition unit 113 and the unused paint amount acquisition unit 122 determine that they have not acquired the painting completion registration information (step S108: No), the process of step S116, which will be described later, is executed. On the other hand, if the weight acquisition unit 113 and the unused paint amount acquisition unit 122 determine that they have acquired the painting completion registration information (step S108: Yes), the unused paint amount acquisition unit 122 extracts the aforementioned unused paint amount information included in the acquired painting completion registration information (step S109). The unused paint amount acquisition unit 122 then notifies the correction amount calculation unit 123 of the acquired unused paint amount information.

[0057] Thereafter, the correction amount calculation unit 123 refers to the blending ratio information stored in the usage history storage unit 132, and calculates, from the amount of unused paint indicated by the unused paint amount information notified by the unused paint amount acquisition unit 122, the paint amount of each of the at least one type of primary color paint contained in the unused paint as a correction amount for the actual usage amount calculated from the weight of the paint storage container CA (step S110). Here, the correction amount calculation unit 123 notifies the calculated correction amount to the actual usage amount calculation unit 114.

[0058] Next, the weight acquisition unit 113 transmits the weight request information to the weight detection unit 4 (step S111). As a result, the weight acquisition unit 113 acquires the weight information transmitted from the weight detection unit 4 (step S112). Here, the weight acquisition unit 113 extracts the total container weight information and color identification information included in the acquired weight information and notifies the remaining amount monitoring unit 117. Thereafter, the actual usage amount calculation unit 114 calculates the weight of the paint itself after it has been used by the paint contractor by subtracting the weight of the paint storage container CA from the weight indicated by the total container weight information notified by the weight acquisition unit 113. Then, the actual usage amount calculation unit 114 calculates the amount of each primary color paint removed from the paint storage container CA by subtracting the calculated weight of the paint itself from the remaining amount of paint before the update stored in the remaining amount memory unit 133. Then, the actual usage amount calculation unit 114 calculates the aforementioned actual usage amount by subtracting the correction amount notified by the correction amount calculation unit 123 from the calculated withdrawal amount, and stores actual usage amount information indicating the calculated actual usage amount in the usage history memory unit 132 (step S113).

[0059] Next, the remaining amount monitoring unit 117 calculates the weight of only the paint after the paint has been used by the painting contractor by subtracting the weight of the paint storage container CA from the weight indicated by the total container weight information notified by the weight acquisition unit 113. Then, the remaining amount monitoring unit 117 updates the remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount of paint stored in the remaining amount storage unit 133 with information indicating the calculated weight of the paint (step S114).

[0060] Next, the model update unit 115 generates paint consumption estimation model information that indicates a new paint consumption estimation model, using painting method type information used when the painting contractor previously painted the area to be painted, painting area information, blending ratio information, and actual usage amount information that indicates the actual usage amount, which are stored in the usage history storage unit 132. Then, the model update unit 115 uses the generated paint consumption estimation model information to update the paint consumption estimation model information stored in the model storage unit 131 (step S115).

[0061] 10, the ordering unit 120 determines whether or not the ordering request information transmitted from the terminal device 3 has been acquired (step S116). If the ordering unit 120 determines that the ordering request information has not been acquired (step S116: No), the processing of step S118, which will be described later, is executed. On the other hand, if the ordering unit 120 determines that the ordering request information has been acquired (step S116: Yes), the ordering unit 120 generates the ordering information and transmits the generated ordering information to the terminal device 9 possessed by the paint distributor (step S117).

[0062] Next, the weight acquisition unit 113 determines whether or not the aforementioned filling completion registration information transmitted from the terminal device 3 has been acquired (step S118). If the weight acquisition unit 113 determines that the filling completion registration information has not been acquired (step S118: No), the process of step S101 is executed again. On the other hand, if the weight acquisition unit 113 determines that the filling completion registration information has been acquired (step S118: Yes), the weight acquisition unit 113 transmits the aforementioned weight request information to the weight detection unit 4 (step S119). As a result, the weight acquisition unit 113 acquires the weight information transmitted from the weight detection unit 4 (step S120). Here, the weight acquisition unit 113 extracts the aforementioned total container weight information and color identification information included in the acquired weight information and notifies the remaining amount monitoring unit 117. Next, the remaining amount monitoring unit 117 calculates the weight of only the paint after the paint has been used by the paint contractor by subtracting the weight of the aforementioned paint storage container CA from the weight indicated by the total container weight information notified from the weight acquisition unit 113. Then, the remaining amount monitoring unit 117 updates the remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount of paint stored in the remaining amount storage unit 133 with information indicating the calculated weight of paint (step S121). After that, the process of step S101 is executed again.

[0063] For example, when painting an automobile body, the painting method and the amount of paint color to be used for the area to be painted are predetermined. The amount of paint required for painting is typically estimated based on the area of ​​the area to be painted and its location within the entire object. For example, if the object to be painted is an automobile fender, the painting method is different near the center of the fender than near the edge, and the amount of paint to be used must be estimated taking these differences into account. The painting method may be determined by the painting contractor. For example, when repairing a damaged area of ​​an automobile, the painting method may be blending, block painting, or the like, depending on the area or location of the area that needs painting after the damage is repaired. However, the amount of paint used per unit area of ​​the area to be painted varies among painting contractors, and often varies depending on the painting contractor, even when painting areas of the same area using the same painting method.

[0064] As described above, according to the cloud server 1 of this embodiment, the usage amount estimation unit 112 estimates the usage amount of at least one type of paint using a paint usage amount estimation model for estimating the usage amount of at least one type of paint required to paint the area to be painted, based on painting method type information, area information of the area to be painted, and blending ratio information. Furthermore, the model update unit 115 updates the paint usage amount estimation model using painting method type information, area information of the area to be painted, blending ratio information, and actual usage information from previous paintings of the area to be painted. This allows the usage amount of paint to be used to paint the area to be painted by the painting contractor to be painted to be estimated using a paint usage amount estimation model that is successively updated in accordance with the paint usage history of the painting contractor (the user), thereby enabling accurate estimation of paint usage for each painting contractor.

[0065] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, the paint usage estimation model may estimate the amount of paint usage from information indicating the amount of paint discharged per unit time from the spray gun used for painting, the average distance between the paint target area and the spray gun during painting, the air pressure of the spray gun, the temperature and humidity of the place where the painting work is performed, in addition to the painting method information, the area information of the area to be painted, and the blend ratio information.

[0066] In an embodiment, the paint usage amount estimation model may be represented by a convolution neural network (CNN).

[0067] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which, when a painting contractor captures an image of an identification code printed on a painting work slip or the like using the imaging unit 306 of the terminal device 3, the terminal device 3 acquires painting method information indicating the painting method of the paint to be applied to the area to be painted, and painting content information including the acquired painting method information is transmitted from the terminal device 3 to the cloud server 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When a painting contractor inputs painting method information via the input unit 305 of the terminal device 3, the terminal device 2 may acquire painting method information indicating the painting method of the area to be painted. Here, when the painting contractor inputs painting method information indicating a painting method such as ombre painting or block painting via the input unit 305, the terminal device 3 may acquire the input painting method information.

[0068] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which, when the cloud server 1 determines that the calculated estimated remaining amount of each of the multiple types of paint is less than the aforementioned safe remaining amount, it generates order prompt information and transmits it to the terminal device 3, and when the terminal device 3 acquires the order prompt information, it forms an order prompt image and displays it on the display unit 304. That is, an example has been described in which a series of processes from steps S23 to S27 is executed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the cloud server 1 may immediately generate the aforementioned order information and transmit it to the terminal device 9 when it determines that the calculated estimated remaining amount of each of the multiple types of paint is less than the aforementioned safe remaining amount.

[0069] Furthermore, the various functions of the cloud server 1 and terminal device 3 according to the present invention can be realized using a normal computer system, rather than a dedicated system. For example, a program for executing the above operations may be stored on a non-transitory recording medium (such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory)) that can be read by the computer system and distributed to a computer connected to a network, and the program may be installed in the computer system to configure the cloud server 1 and terminal device 3 that execute the above-described processes.

[0070] The method of providing the program to the computer is arbitrary. For example, the program may be uploaded to a bulletin board system (BBS) on a communication line and distributed to the computer via the communication line. The computer then launches the program and executes it under the control of an operating system (OS) in the same way as other applications. This allows the computer to function as the cloud server 1 and terminal device 3 that execute the above-mentioned processes.

[0071] Although the embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these. The present invention includes appropriate combinations of the embodiments and modifications, and appropriate modifications thereto. [Industrial Applicability]

[0072] The present invention is suitable as a system for managing the amount of paint used by painting contractors themselves. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1: Cloud server, 3, 9: Terminal device, 4: Weight detection unit, 8: Router, 101, 301: CPU, 102, 302: Main memory unit, 103, 303: Auxiliary memory unit, 106, 306: Communication unit, 109, 309: Bus, 111: Paint content information acquisition unit, 112: Usage estimation unit, 113: Weight acquisition unit, 114: Actual usage calculation unit, 115: Model update unit, 116: Estimated usage notification unit, 117: Remaining amount monitoring unit, 118: Remaining amount estimation unit, 119: Remaining amount determination unit, 120: Ordering unit, 121: Remaining amount status notification unit, 131: Model memory unit, 132: Usage record memory unit, 133: Remaining amount memory unit, 304: Display unit, 305: Input unit, 307: Imaging unit, 311: Reception unit, 312: Image formation unit, 313: Display control unit, 314: Imaging control unit, 315: Paint content information generation unit, 316: Paint content information transmission unit, 317: Estimated usage amount acquisition unit, 318: Remaining amount status acquisition unit, 319: Order request unit, 320: Registration notification unit, 321: Display image memory unit, CA: Paint storage container, L10: Input layer, L20: Hidden layer, L30: Output layer, NW1: Wide area network, NW2: Local network

Claims

[Claim 1] a usage amount estimation unit that estimates the usage amount of at least one type of paint using a paint usage amount estimation model for estimating the usage amount of at least one type of paint required to paint the area to be painted, based on painting method type information that indicates the type of painting method for the area to be painted, painting area area information that indicates the area of ​​the area to be painted in the painting area, and paint blending ratio information for the paint used to paint the area to be painted; a weight detection unit that detects the weight of each of a plurality of paint storage containers that store paint; an actual usage amount calculation unit that calculates a difference weight corresponding to a difference between weights detected by the weight detection unit of at least one paint storage container before and after the paint required to paint the area to be painted is taken out from at least one of the plurality of paint storage containers as an actual usage amount of paint; a model updating unit that updates the paint consumption amount estimation model using the painting method type information, the painting target area information, the blending ratio information, and the actual consumption amount information indicating the actual consumption amount when the painting target area was painted in the past; an unused paint amount acquiring unit that acquires unused paint amount information indicating the amount of unused paint remaining in the painting work among the prepared paints prepared from the paints taken out from the at least one paint storage container; and a correction amount calculation unit that calculates, based on the blending ratio of the prepared paint, from the amount of the unused paint indicated by the unused paint amount information, the amount of each of at least one type of primary color paint contained in the unused paint as a correction amount for the actual usage amount calculated from the weight of the at least one paint storage container. Paint usage management system.

Images