Search system, program, search method and customer selection system

Abstract

To provide a search system, a program, a search method, and a customer selection system that can achieve matching that prioritizes requirements of users, a sense of security, and reliability.SOLUTION: The present invention is a search system for selecting a search target that matches requirements of a user, comprising: an input acceptance unit for accepting input data including the requirements; a first search target information display unit for using the input data accepted by the input acceptance unit as search conditions for a database of the search target on the search system, and displaying candidates for the search target that satisfy the search conditions as search target information; and a first additional information input unit for allowing input of first additional information including additional search conditions that vary depending on a selected candidate for the search target, based on first input information for one or more candidates for the search target displayed by the first search target information display unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a search system, a program, a search method, and a customer selection system. [Background technology]

[0002] When a business (an example of a user) is confident in its design and has original content, but lacks the resources to produce printed goods, or when the business is looking for merchandise that cannot be produced using its current printing equipment, the business will want to be matched with a print business (an example of a search target).Until now, there has been no ordering system that provides matching support that allows the business and print business to complement each other's strengths and weaknesses.

[0003] Furthermore, the equipment that can be installed in a company's own store is limited when considering space, investment, and labor costs for the necessary workers, creating hurdles to scaling the business, and there are many cases where companies turn to outsourcing to scale the business. However, because they want to avoid outsourcing to unreliable outsourcers (one example of a search target), when clients themselves select an outsourcer, the amount of work required to select an outsourcer increases depending on the outsourcer's reliability.

[0004] Patent Document 1 relates to a system that manages order data from customers using an easy-to-understand GUI when instructing and transmitting it to the production site, and discloses that the system matches the requests of the client and the client because the customer can include their requests (selection of functions they want to customize). Patent Document 2 discloses a system that registers and manages creator information, matching the needs of customers and creators. Patent Document 3 discloses that the system simplifies (improves efficiency of) the complicated work by providing a communication tool (form) for ordering and receiving work between designers and customers. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in Patent Document 1, the flow is such that customers mechanically select and order customized features or products from a pre-prepared menu, which is different from the original idea of ​​matching businesses. Furthermore, in Patent Document 2, the purpose is to encourage design competitions for creators' own works and to act as a system intermediary for the traditional process of customers requesting creators. However, it does not address the desire of customers (e.g., companies) to match creators with print businesses when producing or ordering the final print product they desire. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 does not mention the possibility of requesting a print business. Furthermore, Patent Document 3 does not match designs and print production between customers (e.g., companies) in a way that complements each other, and, like Patent Document 2, does not address the issues faced by customers (e.g., companies engaged in merchandise printing businesses).

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a search system, program, search method, and customer selection system that can achieve matching that prioritizes user requirements, a sense of security, and reliability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides a search system that selects search targets that match a user's requirements, comprising: an input accepting unit that accepts input data including the requirements; a first search target information display unit that uses the input data accepted by the input accepting unit as search conditions for a database of the search targets on the search system and displays, as search target information, candidates for the search targets that satisfy the search conditions; and a first additional information input unit that allows input of first additional information including additional search conditions that vary depending on the selected candidate for the search target, based on first input information for one or more candidates for the search targets displayed by the first search target information display unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve matching that prioritizes user requirements, a sense of security, and reliability. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a product production and sales system including a production management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of a computer. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram illustrating an example of a DTG printer. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functions of the product production and sales system. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a diagram showing an example of order information. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a diagram for explaining an example of the selection process of a manufacturer in the production management system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of the second stage of the matching flow in the production management system according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a table of profile information of a manufacturer. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table of device information. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows an example of the transition of the production management screen that can be viewed by the order requester. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating an example of a production request. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a functional block diagram showing an example of functions of a search system applied to an EC site. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of the product sales system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a product search process in the product sales system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a talent search process in the talent matching system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a talent search process in the talent matching system (a talent matching system in which a company searches for mid-career talent) according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a real estate search process in the real estate search system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15A] FIG. 15A is a diagram illustrating an example of a display process of product candidates performed by the first search process in the product sales system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15B] FIG. 15B is a diagram illustrating an example of a display process of product candidates performed by the first search process in the product sales system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15C] FIG. 15C is a diagram illustrating an example of a display process of product candidates performed by the first search process in the product sales system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a search process for product candidates by the second search process in the product sales system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17A] FIG. 17A is a diagram illustrating an example of a search process for product candidates by the second search process in the product sales system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17B] FIG. 17B is a diagram illustrating an example of a search processing screen for shoe candidates in the second search processing in the product sales system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17C] FIG. 17C is a diagram illustrating another example of a search processing screen for shoe candidates in the second search processing in the product sales system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17D] FIG. 17D is a diagram illustrating another example of a search processing screen for shoe candidates in the second search processing in the product sales system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a search process for product candidates by the third search process in the product sales system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a search process for product candidates by the third search process in the product sales system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 20A] FIG. 20A is a diagram illustrating an example of a search process for product candidates by the third search process in the product sales system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 20B] FIG. 20B is a diagram illustrating an example of a search process for product candidates by the third search process in the product sales system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 20C] FIG. 20C is a diagram illustrating an example of a search processing screen for shoe candidates in the third search processing in the product sales system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 20D] FIG. 20D is a diagram illustrating another example of a search processing screen for shoe candidates in the third search processing in the product sales system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 20E] FIG. 20E is a diagram illustrating another example of a search processing screen for shoe candidates in the third search processing in the product sales system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display process of real estate candidates by the first search process in the real estate search system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of the search process for real estate candidates by the second search process in the real estate search system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 23A] FIG. 23A is a diagram illustrating an example of a search process for real estate candidates by the second search process in the real estate search system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 23B] FIG. 23B is a diagram illustrating an example of a search processing screen for real estate candidates by the second search processing in the real estate search system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 23C]FIG. 23C is a diagram illustrating another example of the search processing screen for real estate candidates by the second search processing in the real estate search system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 23D] FIG. 23D is a diagram illustrating another example of the search processing screen for real estate candidates by the second search processing in the real estate search system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of the search process for real estate candidates by the third search process in the real estate search system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of the search process for real estate candidates by the third search process in the real estate search system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 26A] FIG. 26A is a diagram illustrating an example of a search process for real estate candidates by the third search process in the real estate search system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 26B] FIG. 26B is a diagram illustrating an example of the search process for real estate candidates by the third search process in the real estate search system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 26C] FIG. 26C is a diagram illustrating an example of a search processing screen for real estate candidates by the third search processing in the real estate search system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 26D] FIG. 26D is a diagram illustrating another example of the search processing screen for real estate candidates by the third search processing in the real estate search system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 26E] FIG. 26E is a diagram illustrating another example of a search processing screen for real estate candidates by the third search processing in the real estate search system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example of a search process for real estate candidates in the real estate search system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of a search process for real estate candidates in the real estate search system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 29]FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display process of employment candidates by the first search process in the talent matching service according to the first embodiment. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating an example of a search process for candidate employers by the second search process in the talent matching service according to the first embodiment. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating an example of a search process for candidate employers by the second search process in the talent matching service according to the first embodiment. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating an example of a search process for candidate employers by the third search process in the talent matching service according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, an embodiment of a product production and sales system to which a search system, a program, a search method, and a customer selection system are applied will be described in detail.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a merchandise production and sales system including a production management system according to an embodiment. The merchandise production and sales system according to this embodiment is an example of a search system that selects (searches for) a production company (an example of a search target) that matches the production work request (an example of a request) of an orderer (an example of a user). In this embodiment, an example in which a search system is applied to a merchandise production and sales system is described, but the search system can also be applied to a human resources matching site, an e-commerce site, etc. Alternatively, the merchandise production and sales system according to this embodiment may be an example of a customer selection system in which a product production or service provider (an example of a user) selects a customer (an example of a search target) that matches the content of their production or service provision (an example of a request). In other words, the merchandise production and sales system according to this embodiment may be an example of a customer selection system in which an order recipient selects a customer that matches the content of their order.

[0012] As shown in Fig. 1, the product production and sales system 100 of this embodiment has a configuration in which an order receiving system 10 that receives order information, a production management system 20, and an information processing system 40 arranged in each of production base systems 30 (30-A, 30-B, ... 30-N) provided at the production bases of multiple manufacturers are capable of communicating via a network N1. Generally speaking, order information from the order receiving system 10 is transmitted to the production base systems 30 of the manufacturers via the production management system 20. It should be noted that the manufacturers include, for example, creators who are responsible for designing and producing products.

[0013] The network N1 is a wide-area network such as the Internet. The network N1 may include Wide Area Ethernet (registered trademark) or a Virtual Private Network (VPN). The network N1 may be wired, wireless, or a combination of these. The network N1 may include wireless communications such as 3G, 4G, and 5G. In addition, a network N2 such as a LAN, Wi-Fi, or WAN is installed at the production site.

[0014] The terminal device 60 is an information processing terminal operated by an orderer in the order receiving system 10 and a production company that will be an order requester in the production management system 20. The terminal device 60 may be, for example, a desktop PC (personal computer), notebook PC, smartphone, tablet terminal, etc. that runs on a common OS such as Windows (registered trademark), MAC OS (registered trademark), Android (registered trademark), iOS (registered trademark), etc. Alternatively, the terminal device 60 may be any information processing terminal that runs a web browser or native app and can communicate with the order receiving system 10.

[0015] The order receiving system 10 is realized by one or more information processing devices. The order receiving system 10 is, for example, an e-commerce site. When an orderer accesses the e-commerce site using a terminal device 60, the order receiving system 10 provides the terminal device 60 with a screen displaying a list of products (e.g., apparel products). The order receiving system 10 receives order information for the apparel products selected by the orderer operating the terminal device 60. The sale of products via an e-commerce site is called e-commerce (electronic commerce). Note that there may be one or more order receiving systems 10.

[0016] Each order receiving system 10 places an order with the production management system 20 corresponding to the product. For convenience of explanation, the product in this embodiment is an apparel product such as a T-shirt, but it may also be bottoms, tops, underwear, shoes, hats, bags, etc., and is not limited to these. Furthermore, the order receiving system 10 may receive orders for products printed using a 3D printer as well as flat printing.

[0017] It is assumed that the production business operators who will be ordering clients using the production management system 20 of this embodiment do not have production factories, etc., or if they do, they only have small production factories. For this reason, the production management system 20 requests the production of apparel products, which are the products, from the production base systems 30 of other businesses.

[0018] The production management system 20 is one or more information processing devices that receive order information for apparel products and place orders with the production base system 30 (information processing system 40) at the production base owned by the production company. The production management system 20, which will be described in detail later, is configured to display profile information of the production company at the production base so that it can be viewed by the order requester, and to request production from the production base of the desired production company.

[0019] The profile information and equipment information of each manufacturer are updated and registered in the production management system 20 as appropriate.

[0020] A system including an information processing system 40 at a production base is called a production base system 30. The production base system 30 has one or more information processing systems 40 that receive order information from the production management system 20, and various production facilities. When the product is an apparel product, the production facilities include one or more DTG (Direct To Garment) printers 72, cutting machines, sewing machines, etc. FIG. 1 shows a DTG printer 72. The production base system 30 is not limited to this, as long as it has production facilities that correspond to the product. In this embodiment, in each production base system 30, one or more DTG printers 72 are connected to the information processing system 40.

[0021] The information processing system 40 may be a desktop PC (personal computer), notebook PC, smartphone, tablet terminal, etc. that runs on a common OS such as Windows (registered trademark), MAC OS (registered trademark), Android (registered trademark), iOS (registered trademark), etc. Alternatively, the information processing system 40 may be any information processing terminal that runs a web browser or native application and can communicate with the production management system 20.

[0022] The information processing system 40 and the production management system 20 operate as, for example, a client-server system. In this case, the production management system 20 has the functionality of a web server. A web server transmits various types of information, such as HTML documents stored in the web server, in accordance with HTTP, based on a URL specified by a client web browser. A web application can be executed through communication between the web browser and the web server. A web application is an application that operates through cooperation between a program written in a programming language (e.g., JavaScript (registered trademark)) that runs on the web browser and a program on the web server. In contrast, an application that cannot be executed unless it is installed on the information processing system 40 is called a native application. In this embodiment, the application executed on the information processing system 40 may also be a native application.

[0023] The DTG printer 72 is an image forming device used to print designs on apparel products, which are products, using methods such as screen printing or inkjet printing. The DTG printer 72 may use any printing method as long as it has the function of printing designs on apparel products. The DTG printer 72 may also be a 3D printer.

[0024] DTG printers 72 have different optimal inks, droplet sizes, temperatures, discharge controls, etc. depending on the fabric of the apparel products being produced, and multiple models of DTG printers 72, for example, for cotton, polyester, etc., are prepared at each production site. Even DTG printers 72 that print on the same material may be prepared with a DTG printer 72 that is optimal for the apparel product in terms of color, dpi (dots per inch), etc., and multiple DTG printers 72 of the same model may be prepared to enable parallel printing.

[0025] When the DTG Printer 72 is a 3D printer, the optimal modeling material, modeling method, machine size, and specifications vary depending on the purpose and shape of the product being produced. For example, some 3D printers have only one extruder, a mechanism that melts and feeds the resin material used during 3D printing, while others have multiple. If you want to create an object with partially different materials or properties, a 3D printer with multiple extruders is ideal.

[0026] Note that 3D printers are not limited to extruder-type printers; inkjet-type printers can also be used. Materials used in 3D printers include, for example, liquid materials such as photocurable resins, liquid metals, powder materials such as plaster and sand, biomaterials, and plastics. Materials other than those listed above can also be used as long as they are compatible with 3D printers. There are suitable 3D printers depending on the size of the object, and the appropriate 3D printer also varies depending on the precision of the finished object.

[0027] As mentioned above, 3D printers with various specifications are prepared at each production site. Multiple 3D printers of the same model may be prepared to enable parallel modeling. Also, 3D printers with various specifications may be prepared at a single production site.

[0028] The terminal device 60 registers in the production management system 20 the profile information of each production company that manages the production base and is responsible for producing the product.

[0029] Meanwhile, the information processing system 40 provides the equipment information it manages to the production management system 20. For example, the information processing system 40 collects information on the operating status of the DTG printer 72 used by the production company using an equipment monitoring system 32 (see FIG. 4), which will be described later, and reflects this information in the equipment information.

[0030] The production management system 20 may be able to communicate with a delivery system and a core information system other than those shown in the figure. The delivery system is often a shipping company's system. The delivery system delivers (collects and ships) apparel products based on the delivery destination of the apparel products input from the information processing system 40. The core information system manages orderers, orders, deliveries, receipts, payments, etc.

[0031] Furthermore, the order receiving system 10 and production management system 20 may exist on the cloud or on-premise. Furthermore, in FIG. 1, the information processing system 40 is located on-premise, but the information processing system 40 is often located on the cloud. Furthermore, the order receiving system 10 and the production management system 20 may be integrated. Furthermore, the production management system 20 may be made up of multiple information processing devices in which the functions of the production management system 20 are distributed, or multiple production management systems 20 may exist.

[0032] (Hardware configuration) (Order systems, production management systems, information processing systems, terminal devices) The order receiving system 10, production management system 20, information processing system 40, and terminal device 60 are configured as a computer 500, as shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the computer 500. As shown in Fig. 2, the computer 500 is constructed by a computer, and includes a CPU 501, a ROM 502, a RAM 503, an HD 504, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 505, a display 506, an external device connection I / F (Interface) 508, a network I / F 509, a bus line 510, a keyboard 511, a pointing device 512, an optical drive 514, and a media I / F 516.

[0033] Of these, the CPU 501 controls the overall operation of the order receiving system 10, the production management system 20, the information processing system 40, and the terminal device 60. The ROM 502 stores programs used to drive the CPU 501, such as an IPL. The RAM 503 is used as a work area for the CPU 501. The HD 504 stores various data, such as programs. The HDD controller 505 controls the reading and writing of various data from and to the HD 504 under the control of the CPU 501. The display 506 displays various information, such as a cursor, menus, windows, characters, or images. The external device connection I / F 508 is an interface for connecting various external devices. In this case, external devices include, for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory and various printers. The network I / F 509 is an interface for data communication using a communication network. The bus line 510 is an address bus, a data bus, or the like, for electrically connecting the components, such as the CPU 501, shown in FIG. 2.

[0034] The keyboard 511 is a type of input means having multiple keys used to input characters, numbers, various instructions, etc. The pointing device 512 is a type of input means for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting a processing target, moving a cursor, etc. The optical drive 514 controls reading and writing of various data from an optical storage medium 513, which is an example of a removable storage medium. The optical storage medium 513 may be a CD, a DVD, Blu-Ray (registered trademark), etc. The media I / F 516 controls reading and writing (storing) of data from a storage medium 515, such as a flash memory.

[0035] (printer) Fig. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a DTG printer 72 (inkjet printer). As shown in Fig. 3, the DTG printer 72 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 302, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 303, an NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory) 304, an external device connection I / F 308, a network I / F 309, and a bus line 310. The DTG printer 72 also includes a media transport unit 311, a sub-scanning driver 312, a main-scanning driver 313, a carriage 320, and an operation panel 330. The carriage 320 also includes a liquid ejection head 321 and a liquid ejection head driver 322.

[0036] Of these, the CPU 301 controls the overall operation of the DTG printer 72. The ROM 302 stores programs such as the IPL used to drive the CPU 301. The RAM 303 is used as a work area for the CPU 301. The NVRAM 304 stores various data such as programs, and retains these data even when the power to the DTG printer 72 is cut off. The external device connection I / F 308 is connected to a PC (Personal Computer) via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable or the like, and communicates control signals and data to be printed with the PC. The network I / F 309 is an interface for data communication using a communication network such as the Internet. The bus line 310 is an address bus, data bus, or the like that electrically connects the CPU 301 and other components.

[0037] The media transport unit 311 is, for example, a roller and a motor that drives the roller, and transports the output media in the sub-scanning direction along a transport path within the DTG printer 72. A sub-scanning driver 312 controls the movement of the media transport unit 311 in the sub-scanning direction. A main scanning driver 313 controls the movement of the carriage 320 in the main scanning direction.

[0038] The liquid ejection head 321 of the carriage 320 has a plurality of nozzles for ejecting liquid such as ink, and is mounted on the carriage 320 with its ejection surface (nozzle surface) facing the output medium. The liquid ejection head 321 ejects liquid onto the output medium, which is transported intermittently in the sub-scanning direction, while moving in the main scanning direction, thereby ejecting liquid at predetermined positions on the output medium and forming an image. The liquid ejection head driver 322 is a driver for controlling the driving of the liquid ejection head 321.

[0039] The operation panel 330 displays the current setting values, a selection screen, etc., and is configured with a touch panel that receives input from the operator, an alarm lamp, etc.

[0040] The liquid ejection head driver 322 may be configured not to be mounted on the carriage 320 but to be connected to a bus line outside the carriage 320. Furthermore, the main scanning driver 313, the sub-scanning driver 312, and the liquid ejection head driver 322 may each be a function realized by an instruction from the CPU 301 according to a program.

[0041] <About the function> FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functions of the product production and sales system 100.

[0042] (Terminal Device) The terminal device 60 has a fifth communication unit 61, a display control unit 62, and an operation reception unit 63. Each of these functions of the terminal device 60 is a function or means realized when any of the components shown in Fig. 2 operates in response to an instruction from the CPU 501 in accordance with a program (web browser or native application) loaded from the HD 504 onto the RAM 503.

[0043] The fifth communication unit 61 communicates with the order receiving system 10 and receives screen information for displaying the screen of the EC site on the terminal device 60. In addition, the fifth communication unit 61 transmits to the order receiving system 10 the order information that the orderer inputs on each screen.

[0044] The fifth communication unit 61 also communicates with the production management system 20 to receive a screen on which the order requester requests to order a product as screen information to be displayed on the terminal device 60.

[0045] The display control unit 62 analyzes the screen information of the screen received from the order receiving system 10 or the screen information of the screen received from the production management system 20, and displays it on the display 506. The operation reception unit 63 receives operations of the orderer on the terminal device 60 (for example, input of order information on each screen) or operations of the order requester (for example, input of supplier selection information on each screen).

[0046] (Order system) The order receiving system 10 has an order receiving unit 11 and a first communication unit 12. Each of these functions of the order receiving system 10 is a function or means realized when any of the components shown in Fig. 2 operates in response to an instruction from the CPU 501 in accordance with a program loaded from the HD 504 onto the RAM 503.

[0047] The order receiving unit 11 provides an EC site and receives order information for apparel products purchased by an orderer via a web browser running on a terminal device 60 operated by the orderer.

[0048] An e-commerce site accepts orders through a web application implemented by a web server and a program executed by a web browser working together. The order acceptance unit 11 creates screen information for the screen displayed by the web browser. The screen information is a program written in HTML, XML, a scripting language, CSS (Cascading Style Sheet), etc. The structure of the web page is mainly specified by HTML, the behavior of the web page is defined by the scripting language, and the style of the web page is specified by CSS.

[0049] A native application for purchasing apparel products, which are products, may run on the terminal device 60 instead of a web application. In this case, the screen configuration is held by the native application, and the content to be displayed is transmitted from the order receiving system 10 to the terminal device 60 in XML or the like.

[0050] The first communication unit 12 transmits order information to the external server 70 each time an order is received. Therefore, the first communication unit 12 can transmit order information for an apparel product, which is the ordered product, to the external server 70 immediately after receiving the order.

[0051] The external server 70 accumulates the order information transmitted from the order receiving system 10 in an order accumulation DB 74 via an API (Application Programming Interface) 71. The external server 70 also transmits the order information accumulated in the order accumulation DB 74 to the production management system 20 via the API 71.

[0052] In this embodiment, the order receiving system 10 stores the order information in the external server 70, but this is not limited to this, and the order information may be stored in the HD 504 provided in the order receiving system 10, etc.

[0053] (Ordering Information) Here, the order information will be described.

[0054] FIG. 5A is a diagram showing an example of order information. Order information is information relating to an order for apparel products, which are products. As shown in FIG. 5A, the order information includes, for example, an order ID, a job ID, an order date and time, an orderer ID, a delivery address, an SKU, a print image, a print position, and a rendering of the finished product. Of the order information, the delivery address, SKU, and print position are determined by the orderer and are therefore transmitted from the order receiving system 10. With regard to the print image, there are cases where only the identification information is transmitted from the order receiving system 10, and cases where the print image itself is transmitted from the order receiving system 10.

[0055] The order ID is identification information that uniquely identifies an order. ID is an abbreviation for Identification and means identifier or identification information. An ID is a name, code, character string, number, or a combination of one or more of these that is used to uniquely distinguish a specific object from multiple objects. The order receiving unit 11 assigns the order ID. When multiple apparel items are ordered in one order and the delivery address is the same, these are bundled items. In this case, there is only one order ID, but a job ID is assigned to each apparel item that is the product.

[0056] The job ID is identification information for a print job. A print job is assigned for each print run required to produce one apparel item. When an apparel item is completed with one print run, one job ID is assigned to one apparel item (e.g., a T-shirt). The order receiving unit 42 assigns the job ID.

[0057] The order date and time is the date and time when the order receiving unit 11 receives the order information.

[0058] The orderer ID is identification information of the orderer who has purchased the apparel product. Past orderers are recorded, and the same orderer ID is assigned to the same orderer. For first-time orderers, the order receiving unit 11 assigns the orderer ID.

[0059] The delivery address is the destination for the apparel products.

[0060] SKU is a fabric identification number (identifying one type from various series, colors, and sizes). In other words, it is the identification information of the fabric on which the print image is printed. SKU allows fabrics of the same product with different colors, sizes, packaging, etc. to be treated as different items.

[0061] · A print image is an image that is printed onto fabric.

[0062] The print position indicates which part of the fabric the image will be printed on (front, back, chest, arm, etc.).

[0063] The completed rendering is an image obtained by overlaying a printed image onto an image of the materials.

[0064] (Production Management System) The production management system 20 has a second communication unit 21, an order sorting unit 22, a third communication unit 23, a production base management unit 25, and a memory unit 29. Each of these functions of the production management system 20 is a function or means realized when any of the components shown in Figure 2 operates in response to an instruction from the CPU 501 in accordance with a program loaded from the HD 504 onto the RAM 503. The production management system 20 also has a memory unit 29 constructed by the RAM 503 and HD 504 shown in Figure 2. A production base information DB 26, an equipment information DB 27, and an order information DB 28 are constructed in the memory unit 29.

[0065] The second communication unit 21 receives order information from the external server 70. The order sorting unit 22 selects an order request destination from among a plurality of production bases for each piece of order information or for a plurality of pieces of order information together.

[0066] The second communication unit 21 also transmits and receives information to and from the terminal device 60.

[0067] Furthermore, the second communication unit 21 transmits and receives information to and from a manager terminal 73 used by a manager who manages the production management system 20.

[0068] When selecting a production base according to the apparel product, the order sorting unit 22, for example, displays profile information of the production company at the production base so that it can be viewed by the orderer (order requester), and selects the production base of the desired production company. The order sorting unit 22 transmits order information requesting the production of the apparel product to the production base selected by the order sorting unit 22.

[0069] The order sorting unit 22 provides a supplier selection site and receives supplier selection information for apparel products selected by the order requester via a web browser running on a terminal device 60 operated by the order requester.

[0070] The supplier selection site accepts orders for apparel products using a web application implemented by a web server and a program executed by a web browser working together. The order sorting unit 22 creates screen information for the screen displayed by the web browser. The screen information is a program written in HTML, XML, a scripting language, CSS (Cascading Style Sheet), etc. The structure of the web page is mainly specified by HTML, the behavior of the web page is defined by the scripting language, and the style of the web page is specified by CSS.

[0071] A native application for selecting a supplier may run on the terminal device 60 instead of a web application. In this case, the screen configuration is held by the native application, and the content to be displayed is sent from the production management system 20 to the terminal device 60 in XML or the like.

[0072] Here, we will explain an example of a functional configuration that realizes the selection process of a production company (production base) in the order sorting unit 22. As shown in Fig. 4, the order sorting unit 22 has a first relevance calculation unit 22a, a first producer information display unit 22b, a first additional information input unit 22c, a second relevance calculation unit 22d, a second producer information display unit 22e, a second additional information input unit 22f, a third relevance calculation unit 22g, a third producer information display unit 22h, a fourth producer information display unit 22i, a producer selection unit 22j, a communication unit 22k, a request content input reception unit 22l, a search end input reception unit 22m, and the like.

[0073] The request content input receiving unit 22l functions as an example of an input receiving unit that receives order information received by the order receiving unit 11. Here, the order information is an example of input data including the orderer's requests, such as the orderer's requested work and the requirements of the production company related to the requested work. When the product production and sales system according to this embodiment functions as a customer selection system, the request content input receiving unit 221 functions as an example of an order content input receiving unit that receives input data including the orderee's requests, such as the orderee's requirements for the order content (for example, requirements for the production and provision content of the orderee, such as the production of a product or a service provider). Here, the provision of a service may be, for example, an order for a service such as a network system or a private tutor.

[0074] The first relevance calculation unit 22a is an example of a first relevance calculation unit that uses the order information received by the request content input reception unit 22l as a search condition in a database of production companies (for example, the production base information DB 26) on the production management system 20 and extracts candidate production companies that satisfy the search condition. When the product production and sales system according to this embodiment functions as a customer selection system, the first relevance calculation unit 22a functions as an example of a first relevance calculation unit that uses the input data received by the request content input reception unit 221 (order content input reception unit) as a search condition in a database of customers on the customer selection system and extracts candidate customers that satisfy the search condition.

[0075] The first producer information display unit 22b is an example of a first search target information display unit that uses input data received by the request content input receiving unit 221 as search conditions for a customer database on the customer selection system and displays candidate production companies that satisfy the search conditions as producer information (an example of search target information). In this embodiment, the first producer information display unit 22b may display all candidate production companies as producer information. Alternatively, in this embodiment, when the number of candidate production companies is greater than a predetermined number, the first producer information display unit 22b displays a smaller number of candidate production companies (e.g., candidate production companies with high relevance) as producer information. Also, in this embodiment, when the number of candidate production companies is less than a predetermined number, the first producer information display unit 22b displays all candidate production companies as producer information. In this embodiment, the first producer information display unit 22b extracts several candidate producers, the number of which is smaller than the number of producers, from the candidate producers extracted by the first relevance calculation unit 22a, and displays them as producer information on the terminal device 60 (for example, on a screen displayed by the web browser of the terminal device 60). Specifically, the first producer information display unit 22b displays, as producer information, candidate producers that have at least some of the conditions different from those held by the candidate producers. The first producer information display unit 22b may also display multiple candidate producers that have low relevance from the candidate producers extracted by the first relevance calculation unit 22a. This makes it easier for the user to arrive at the conditions they desire with fewer attempts. When the product production and sales system according to this embodiment functions as a customer selection system, the first producer information display unit 22b functions as an example of a first customer information display unit that uses the input data received by the request content input receiving unit 221 as search conditions for the customer database on the customer selection system and displays, as customer information, customer candidates that satisfy the search conditions but are fewer in number than the number of customers.

[0076] The first additional information input unit 22c is an example of a first additional information input unit that can input first additional information including additional search criteria that vary depending on the selected candidate producer, based on first input information for one or more candidate producers displayed by the first producer information display unit 22b. For example, the first additional information input unit 22c may automatically input the first additional information based on the first input information, or may input the first additional information in accordance with instructions from the orderer.

[0077] Here, the first input information may include a selection result of a production business candidate from among the production business candidate candidates extracted by the first relevance calculation unit 22a, and a ranking of the production business candidate candidates extracted by the first relevance calculation unit 22a. Also, here, the selection result of a production business candidate may be one production business candidate selected from the production business candidate candidates extracted by the first relevance calculation unit 22a.

[0078] Technology has been developed to match creators (those who place orders) with clients (production companies). Matching between businesses and print companies (for example, using AI) is also being carried out. Conventional matching involves mechanically assigning print companies that can handle large orders for a certain amount of work (for example, 100 sheets per lot) based on pre-registered business profiles, with the print production capacity, short delivery time, and low cost.

[0079] In recent years, as demand for small-lot, wide-variety prints has expanded, there is no system using a matching algorithm that emphasizes quality, peace of mind, and reliability, which are expected by businesses that use outsourcing. Therefore, the dissatisfaction of businesses that use outsourcing has not been resolved. In other words, clients are unable to match themselves with print businesses. In other words, matching that combines print businesses and creators has not been realized.

[0080] In contrast, in this embodiment, the order information received by the request content input reception unit 22l is used as a search condition for the database of manufacturers on the production management system 20, and candidate manufacturers that meet the search conditions are displayed as manufacturer information on the terminal device 60. The displayed manufacturer information is selected, and first additional information including additional search conditions based on the selection results is entered. This narrows down the candidate manufacturers in accordance with the orderer's wishes, thereby achieving a match with a manufacturer that places importance on quality, which is what orderers who use outsourcing expect, and realizing a sense of security and reliability.

[0081] When the product production and sales system according to this embodiment functions as a customer selection system, the first additional information input unit 22c functions as an example of a first additional information input unit that can input first additional information including additional search criteria that vary depending on the selected customer candidate, based on the first input information for one or more customer candidates displayed by the first producer information display unit 22b (first customer information display unit). For example, a user (customer) registers their desired product or job, and this information is converted into data and saved. This enables a job matching flow to be realized, allowing the seller (recipient) to promote the products they can manufacture or the services they can provide to customers. Furthermore, the seller can search for the specifications and information of the services and products they can provide and obtain matching customer information. Furthermore, the seller can contact and consult with customers who appear to meet their requirements.

[0082] The second relevance calculation unit 22d is an example of a second relevance calculation unit that extracts candidates for production companies that satisfy the first additional information received by the first additional information input unit 22c.

[0083] The second producer information display unit 22e is an example of a second search target information display unit that displays highly relevant production business candidate candidates from among the production business candidate candidates extracted by the second relevance calculation unit 22d on the terminal device 60 (for example, on a screen displayed by a web browser on the terminal device 60). For example, the second producer information display unit 22e may display all highly relevant production business candidate candidates from among the production business candidate candidates extracted by the second relevance calculation unit 22d.

[0084] The second additional information input unit 22f is an example of a second additional information input unit that inputs second additional information including additional search criteria based on second input information for the candidate producers displayed by the second producer information display unit 22e. For example, the second additional information input unit 22f may input the second additional information automatically based on the second input information, or may input the second additional information in accordance with instructions from the orderer. Here, the second input information may include a selection result of a candidate producer from the candidate producers extracted by the second relevance calculation unit 22d, and a ranking of the candidate producers extracted by the second relevance calculation unit 22d.

[0085] The third relevance calculation unit 22g is an example of a third relevance calculation unit that extracts candidates for production companies that satisfy the second additional information received by the second additional information input unit 22f.

[0086] The third producer information display unit 22h is an example of a third search target information display unit that displays highly relevant production business candidate candidates from among the production business candidate candidates extracted by the third relevance calculation unit 22g on the terminal device 60 (for example, on a screen displayed by a web browser of the terminal device 60). For example, the third producer information display unit 22h may display all highly relevant production business candidate candidates from among the production business candidate candidates extracted by the third relevance calculation unit 22g.

[0087] The fourth producer information display unit 22i is an example of a fourth search target information display unit that displays additional information (e.g., past performance of productions, video messages) of each registered producer for highly relevant producer candidates among the candidate producers extracted by the third relevance calculation unit 22g on the terminal device 60 (e.g., a screen displayed by the web browser of the terminal device 60). Here, the additional information displayed by the fourth producer information display unit 22i may include content related to the order information accepted by the request content input acceptance unit 22l.

[0088] The producer selection unit 22j is an example of a search target selection unit that selects a producer from the candidate producers displayed by the third producer information display unit 22h. The communication unit 22k is an example of a communication unit that allows a requester to directly contact a producer selected by the producer selection unit 22j. The communication unit 22k also notifies the producer selected by the producer selection unit 22j of the requester's decision to accept the order. The producer can notify the requester (orderer) of its willingness to accept the order, and the production transaction may be carried out through communication between the two parties. The search end input receiving unit 22m is an example of a search end input receiving unit that receives a producer's selection to end the search. For example, the search end input receiving unit 22m may receive a producer's selection to end the search when a matching end button is pressed on a screen displayed by the web browser of the terminal device 60.

[0089] FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating an example of a production operator selection process in the production management system according to the present embodiment. First, an example of the first-stage matching flow will be described. First, in the first-stage matching flow, a first search process is executed. In the first search process, the request content input receiving unit 22l selects an order request for a job such as prints on screens G1 and G2, and receives input data (order information) such as the request content of the job such as prints and the requirements of the desired producer. The first relevance calculation unit 22a then searches for (extracts) candidate production operators based on the input information (order information). For example, in the first search process, the first relevance calculation unit 22a searches for candidate production operators by a concept search using keyword or sentence input, or a search based on a photo of the output image (product, etc.). Also, for example, in the first search process, the first producer information display unit 22b may search for and display three candidate production operators from the searched candidate production operators on screen G3. This allows the production management system 20 to automatically search for candidate manufacturers and select the candidate manufacturer that most closely matches the customer's expectations. The purpose of the first search process may be to search for a legend with a large level of accuracy in order to narrow down the general scope of manufacturers.

[0090] Next, in the first-stage matching flow, a second search process is executed. In the second search process, the first additional information input unit 22c uses screens G2 and G3 to select at least one candidate production company from the candidates for production companies searched in the first search process and inputs first additional information based on the selection result. In the second search process, the second relevance calculation unit 22d searches for (extracts) candidate production companies based on the selected candidate production company and the first additional information. Here, the first additional information may include more detailed request details such as the job delivery date and total budget in addition to the order information entered in the same manner as in the first search process. In the second search process, the second producer information display unit 22e displays all search results of candidate production companies. The purpose of the second search process may be to narrow down the search results of producers in detail to converge them.

[0091] Next, in the first stage of the matching flow, a third search process is executed. In the third search process, the second additional information input unit 22f uses screens G2 and G3 to select three candidate producers from the candidate producers found in the second search process and input second additional information. That is, by repeatedly selecting a candidate producer and inputting additional information on screens G2 and G3, the accuracy of selecting candidate producers that are closest to the orderer's expectations is improved, thereby narrowing down the candidate producers that match the orderer. In the third search process, the third relevance calculation unit 22g searches for (extracts) producers based on the selected candidate producers and the second additional information. Here, the second additional information may be information entered into the method, as in the first search process and the second search process. In the third search process, the third producer information display unit 22h displays 10 candidate producers from the searched candidate producers. The purpose of the third search process may be to automatically narrow down the candidate producers to a final decision on a producer. This completes the first stage of the matching flow, which involves searching for and narrowing down potential production companies.

[0092] The request details accepted as input in the first search process may include, for example, the target medium for the desired print (an example of work), the production base for the desired print, the final product, image files, sample images, etc., as shown in Table 1 below. Also, the first and second additional information accepted as input in the second and third search processes may include more detailed request details than the order information, such as the desired delivery date, the requested price for the print, the unit price and total requested price, and whether or not the target medium for the print will be provided, as shown in Table 1 below. [Table 1]

[0093] Next, an example of the second-stage matching flow will be described. The second-stage matching flow may be the matching process with the final client. In the second-stage matching flow, matching is performed through mutual communication, including online face-to-face meetings and DM replies, etc., and the final client (manufacturer) can be narrowed down and the client can be decided. In addition, in the second-stage matching flow, both parties can reply to DMs and send video messages during their free time. Therefore, according to the second-stage matching flow, no additional time is spent on matching due to schedule adjustments for communication between both parties or the inability to contact them when they are absent, and efficient matching can be achieved.

[0094] In the second stage of the matching flow, the first task is first executed. In the first task, the fourth producer information display unit 22i displays and makes available for viewing the past performance (e.g., products) and video messages of candidate producers (e.g., 10 producers) searched for by the third search process, and selects candidate producers (e.g., 3 producers) to whom the direct mail will be sent. Here, the products, which are an example of past performance displayed in the first task, may be related to the output image (e.g., products) and request content of the purchaser (requester) entered in the first search process. In addition, the video messages displayed in the first task may be those that have been registered in advance on the platform.

[0095] In the first task, the communication unit 22k uses the screen G4 to send direct mail to selected candidate producers (e.g., three producers) and receives replies from the candidate producers. The candidate producers to whom the direct mail is sent can view all of the information entered in the first to third search processes (e.g., order information, first and second additional information) and respond as to whether they can accept the job. At that time, the candidate producers can add a reply via video message.

[0096] Next, in the second stage of the matching flow, the second task is carried out. In the second task, the client (requester) sends a video message based on the results of the first task to coordinate the details and narrow down the final list of manufacturers. Here, the video message may be a response to the manufacturer regarding the results of the first task. At this point, the client (requester) can also contact the manufacturer directly by phone, etc.

[0097] In the second step, the production company receives a reply or direct contact from the client (requester), and if the job is OK, the production company replies to the requester that it is OK. The client (requester) is notified of the result (the reply from the production company) from the platform and decides on the final matching partner (production company).

[0098] Next, in the second stage of the matching flow, the third task is executed. In the third task, the producer selection unit 22j determines (selects) the client (manufacturer) as the final match using the screen G5. Then, in the third task, the communication unit 22k notifies the client of the decision to request the work. The client's production company receives and accepts the decision to request the work. In other words, the second stage of the matching flow is a phase in which the orderer and the client (candidate production company) communicate with each other after mechanically narrowing down the candidate production companies. Therefore, the orderer's communication with the client and the reconciliation of requirements are completed on the production management system 20.

[0099] This completes the matching process between the client (requester) and the manufacturer.

[0100] FIG. 5C is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of the second-stage matching flow in the production management system according to this embodiment. The flow up to the end of the matching work between the requester and the candidate production companies (candidates) in the second-stage matching flow may be performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 5C. When candidate production companies are searched for by the third search process (step S501), the third producer information display unit 22h displays 10 candidate production companies from the searched candidate production companies (step S502). Next, the requester selects a candidate production company (candidate production company) to whom the job in the production management system 20 is to be entrusted from the displayed candidate production companies as the recipient of the direct mail (step S503).

[0101] Next, when the candidate sends the requester an indication of whether they will accept the job and an additional message, etc. (step S504), the communication unit 22k checks the details of the additional message, etc. received from the candidate, adds a video message, a text message, etc. to the additional message, etc. (step S505), and notifies (contacts) the requester (step S506). Next, the producer selection unit 22j determines the production company to which the job will be entrusted as the final match (step S507). Then, the communication unit 22k notifies the requester of the decision to entrust the job (step S508).

[0102] In other words, the first-stage matching flow automatically narrows down the candidates to determine the final candidate. In contrast, the second-stage matching flow aims to perform detailed matching for the candidates automatically narrowed down in the first-stage matching flow. The second-stage matching flow is characterized by its aim to prevent mismatches between requesters and producers before they occur by not only automatically narrowing down the candidates on the system side but also by communicating through direct message exchanges.

[0103] Returning to FIG. 4, the third communication unit 23 transmits the order information to the information processing system 40 of any one of the production base systems 30 selected by the order sorting unit 22.

[0104] The production base management unit 25 manages various information managed in the production base information DB 26. The production base management unit 25 allows the profile information of the production companies registered in the production base information DB 26 to be viewed by the production companies that are to request orders. The production companies that are to request orders can make a production request (order) to the desired production company based on the viewed information. The profile information registered in the production base information DB 26 can be viewed by all registered production companies.

[0105] The production base information DB 26 manages the profile information of each production company registered by the information processing system 40 of the production base system 30 .

[0106] Here, Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example table of profile information of a production company. As shown in Fig. 6, the production base information DB 26 manages various profile information along with a production company ID that identifies the production company. The profile information of a production company shown in Fig. 6 includes, for example, the following contents: Location (production base) Owned production equipment ·Specialty products (business introduction) ·Products that can be ordered (business introduction) Production capacity (per day, per week) · Strengths and thoughts about the business (business introduction) ·SDGs activities -Profile of the producer (self-introduction)

[0107] By managing the profile information of producers in this way, when outsourcing, the producers can see the producers' faces, so the producers who place orders can place orders with peace of mind after confirming the producers' backgrounds. In particular, the information on past products and production performance is useful as a basis for making decisions about ordering, and by updating production performance information, producers themselves can appeal to acquire new work.

[0108] In particular, the production base information DB 26 includes information on products that can be produced by the production equipment as profile information of the production company. This provides an advantage to the production company receiving the order, allowing them to receive orders mainly from media that the production company is familiar with producing in its normal business. On the other hand, an advantage to the production company placing the order is that they can request products that each production company is familiar with, which gives them peace of mind regarding quality. In addition, the production management system 20 allows them to refer to the products that each production company can produce, allowing them to select the products they need as needed.

[0109] The device information DB 27 manages the operating status of the DTG printers 72 used by each manufacturer registered by the information processing system 40 as device information.

[0110] Here, Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a device information table. As shown in Fig. 7, the device information DB 27 manages various types of device information along with device IDs that identify the DTG printers 72 used by each manufacturer. The device information shown in Fig. 7 includes, for example, the following items: Network information Output Media ·Applications - Equipment operation status information

[0111] The content of the network information is, for example, an IP address, a MAC address, etc. The content of the output medium is, for example, a garment. The content of the use is, for example, a T-shirt.

[0112] The device operation status information includes, for example, the following: Total production volume Equipment maintenance history (including repair history) Equipment operation frequency

[0113] As described above, the device operating status is reflected by collecting the operating status of the DTG printer 72 used by the manufacturer through the device monitoring system 32 (see FIG. 4) of the information processing system 40.

[0114] In particular, the equipment information DB 27 includes information on the operation status of production equipment, which allows the user to refer to the delivery time for responding to an order, the frequency of use of a single production equipment, and the status of the production equipment from the error history based on the operation status of the production equipment, and to make requests to other production companies at an appropriate time.

[0115] By using the equipment information managed in this equipment information DB27, the manufacturer requesting the order can check the operation history and usage status of other manufacturers, which can be useful in determining the order to be made to the manufacturer.

[0116] By using the profile information of the producers managed in the production base information DB26 and the equipment information managed in the equipment information DB27, the producers who will be placing the orders can select (match) the producers themselves in accordance with the requirements of the producers who will be placing the orders, rather than through mechanical matching.

[0117] The order information DB 28 manages order information for other manufacturers.

[0118] It should be noted that the various items of profile information and device information shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 are merely examples, and may be arbitrarily determined by the production company using the production management system 20.

[0119] (Information Processing System) The information processing system 40 has a fourth communication unit 31, a device monitoring system 32, and a print execution unit 33. These functions of the information processing system 40 are functions or means realized when any of the components shown in Fig. 2 operates in response to an instruction from the CPU 501 in accordance with a program loaded from the HD 504 onto the RAM 503.

[0120] The fourth communication unit 31 receives order information from the production management system 20, generates a print job, and sends the print job to the DTG printer 72. In other words, the production company can receive an order by receiving a production request notification as a result of the order requester viewing the production company's profile information from the production management system 20.

[0121] When the print execution unit 33 receives the order information, it creates RIP data compatible with the DTG printer 72 based on the order information. RIP stands for Raster Image Processor, and refers to converting print images, which are digital data created by various applications, into formats such as bitmaps that are suitable for printing.

[0122] Note that the DTG printer 72 may use different inks (for example, YMCK or YMCK+W) depending on the model, the amount of ink applied for each color may differ depending on the color to be reproduced, the data format that the printer can recognize may differ, etc. For this reason, the print execution unit 33 creates appropriate RIP data for the DTG printer 72.

[0123] The print execution unit 33 prints the RIP-processed print image with the DTG printer 72.

[0124] The device monitoring system 32 uses a communication protocol such as SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) to monitor the device operating status of the DTG printer 72. More specifically, the device monitoring system 32 acquires the status of the DTG printer 72 and enables remote monitoring. The device monitoring system 32 collects the device operating status of the DTG printer 72, for example, as shown below. Total production volume Equipment maintenance history (including repair history) Equipment operation frequency

[0125] The equipment monitoring system 32 may work in conjunction with dedicated software that accompanies each DTG printer 72, or the DTG printer 72 may be directly linked to the WFS that constitutes the production management system 20. The equipment monitoring system 32 may also be integrated on the production management system 20 side based on API linkage or an SDK made public on the DTG printer 72 side.

[0126] The fourth communication unit 31 transmits the device operation status of the DTG printer 72 collected by the device monitoring system 32 to the production management system 20, and reflects it in the device information managed in the device information DB 27. It is preferable that the production management system 20 periodically receives information about the device operation status of the DTG printer 72 from the cloud and automatically updates it.

[0127] (Screen operation example) Next, an example of screen transitions by the order sorting unit 22 when a production company acting as an order requester in the production management system 20 requests a print order from another production company will be described.

[0128] 8 shows an example of the transition of the production management screen that can be viewed by the order requester. Here, an example of an apparel product with a desired image printed on it will be explained.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 8, the order sorting unit 22 first displays a service selection screen D1 as a production management screen. The service selection screen D1 allows the selection of three services: print order request, profile registration, and profile viewing. A production business operator who is an order requester selects one of three items (print order request a, profile registration b, profile viewing c) from the service selection screen D1 and proceeds to use the desired service. Note that a production business operator who is an order requester who is registering for the first time must register a profile from the service selection screen D1.

[0130] Here, a case where a print order request a is selected from the service selection screen D1 will be described. When the print order request a is selected from the service selection screen D1, the order sorting unit 22 transitions the display screen to a print order request content selection screen D2.

[0131] When an ordering client who is a producer and has already registered a profile places a print order, the ordering client first enters the print request details (selection of the product to be printed d, basic order information (desired delivery date e, delivery address f)) on the print order request details selection screen D2, and then selects the image data registration method g. In the print request product selection d, product information such as the type, size, color, and quantity of the apparel product is selected. In the image data registration method g, the client selects either an image they own or an image owned by the ordering client using a radio button, and then selects or registers the image data.

[0132] When the production company requesting the order inputs the print request details and selects the image data registration method g, the order sorting unit 22 transitions the display screen to a candidate list screen D3 of other production companies.

[0133] The production company requesting the order can obtain a list of candidates for which production companies to request work from the candidate production company list screen D3. Candidate production companies are automatically listed based on the registered profile information of each company and the requested items (product information, basic order information) of the order requester. The candidate production company list screen D3 displays a profile summary h of each candidate in the list of candidates listed here on the top screen. It is possible to view the profile information and equipment information of any candidate (print request destination) in detail from the candidate list. To view the profile details of any candidate, you can move to the next screen by clicking "View Profile" i for each candidate, then clicking "Basic Information" j or "Equipment Information" k.

[0134] For example, when a production company requesting an order selects "Equipment Information" k on the candidate listing screen D3 for other production companies, the order sorting unit 22 transitions the display screen to an equipment information viewing screen D4, which displays detailed information about the equipment information.

[0135] The device information m displayed on the device information viewing screen D4 is visualized as both graphed information and listed text information according to the viewing item. The device information m includes the print production ratio, the operation frequency of the DTG printer 72, the time elapsed since the last maintenance of the DTG printer 72, the maintenance history of the DTG printer 72, etc. The production company requesting the order can view the device information and select a party to request the order from. Note that the visualization of the device information m (graphing, etc.) may be achieved by incorporating a general-purpose BI (Business Intelligence) tool.

[0136] Also, for example, when a production company requesting an order selects "View Profile" i on the candidate list screen D3 of other production companies, the order sorting unit 22 transitions the display screen to a profile screen D5 where detailed information on the profile information (such as the name of the production company and an introductory video of the production company) n can be viewed.

[0137] This allows the ordering manufacturer to view an introductory video of the print requester on the profile screen D5, and as a result, decide whether to place the order with this manufacturer or another manufacturer. What is important here is that the face and features of the print requester are confirmed in the production management system 20 before deciding to place the print order.

[0138] In addition, information that constitutes the producer's own profile (self-introduction) (the producer's name, the producer's introductory video) is registered in the production base management DB 26 by the producer registered in the production management system 20 at the same time as the profile registration or at a later date.

[0139] In addition, if it is unavoidable that information that is the producer's own profile (self-introduction) (the name of the producer, the producer's introductory video) cannot be disclosed, the profile screen D5 will display "No information."

[0140] The producer requesting the order selects either "Request to another producer" o, "Confirm request to this producer" p, or "Contact this producer, confirm details and then confirm request" q on the profile screen D5.

[0141] When the production company that is the order requester selects "Request to another production company" o, the order sorting unit 22 transitions the display screen to a production company candidate listing screen D3.

[0142] When the manufacturer who is the order requester selects "Confirm the order to this manufacturer" p, the order sorting unit 22 confirms the manufacturer to which the order is to be placed.

[0143] When the manufacturer who is the order requester selects "Contact this manufacturer, confirm the details and then confirm the order" q, the order sorting unit 22 transitions the display screen to a detailed matching screen D6.

[0144] The details reconciliation screen D6 displays the options of "phone" r, "text chat" s, and "video call" t as means of contacting the potential manufacturer. To ensure all details are coordinated, the ordering party can directly contact the potential manufacturer based on the profile registration information (phone, text chat, video call). After reconciling the details, the ordering party can confirm the order by clicking "Confirm" u.

[0145] However, not all order request information can be confirmed online in all cases. In particular, in B2B ordering between corporations, it is expected that detailed coordination matters (such as the placement of image data and split delivery dates) will arise. Even in such cases, coordination can be achieved through direct negotiations between the production companies that are users of the production management system 20. Communication can be made smoother by optionally utilizing tools used between each production company, such as telephone, online video calls, and online chat message tools.

[0146] Next, a detailed explanation will be given of an example in which a production company A in a product production and sales system 100 using the production management system 20 acts as an order requester and makes a production request to a production company B via the production management system 20.

[0147] 9A is a diagram showing an example of a production request. As shown in FIG. 9A, a production company A receives an order for merchandise such as T-shirts, catalogs, and novelties from a company via an order receiving system 10 (step S1).

[0148] Production company A makes a request to production company B (which is selected after viewing the profile information in advance and determining that it is the most suitable production supplier) via the production management system 20 (step S2). When making the request, production company A registers the necessary information in the production management system 20. The necessary information includes, for example, the production request details (product selection to be produced, basic order information (desired delivery date, etc.)), image data, etc., on the print order request details selection screen D2 (see FIG. 8).

[0149] The types of requests may vary depending on what is provided by production company A, what utilizes resources and content from production company B, and the content requested, but the production management system 20 of this embodiment does not specify these in detail, and users of the production management system 20 may arbitrarily specify these.

[0150] In this way, the production management system 20 of this embodiment is used by businesses that produce and sell products such as goods as a means of outsourcing. When outsourcing a product via the production management system 20, the production business that requests the order can check information (profile information, equipment information) of the production business that will be producing the product and information (profile information, equipment information) of the creator that will be designing and creating the product from the production management system 20, and then order the product in the combination of their choice. In other words, the production business that requests the order can choose other production businesses (including creators).

[0151] For example, if a production company is a creator, confident in their design and has original content, but lacks the resources to produce printed goods, or is looking for merchandise that cannot be produced using their current production equipment, they can be matched with other production companies.

[0152] For example, if a production company does not have original content and is not confident in its design, but has a wide range of equipment that can output to various print media (materials and media), it can match with a creative production company in order to grow its new goods business and acquire work (demand).

[0153] Thus, according to this embodiment, whereas conventionally, manufacturers are automatically matched based on order request information and mechanically determined by AI or the like, the system allows the ordering manufacturer to select (match) other manufacturers themselves in accordance with their requirements, rather than relying on mechanical matching. In other words, this embodiment can provide matching support between manufacturers that complement each other's strengths and weaknesses.

[0154] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the order information received by the request content input receiving unit 22l is used as a search condition for the database of producers on the production management system 20 to extract candidate producers that satisfy the search conditions, and from the extracted candidate producers, several highly relevant candidate producers are selected and displayed as producer information on the terminal device 60. The displayed producer information is selected, and first additional information including additional search conditions based on the selection results is entered. This narrows down the candidate producers in accordance with the orderer's wishes, thereby achieving matching with a producer that emphasizes the quality expected by orderers who use outsourcing, as well as a sense of security and reliability.

[0155] <Other application examples> The best mode for carrying out the present invention has been described above using examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples in any way, and various modifications and substitutions can be made within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention.

[0156] For example, although the present embodiment has been described with respect to the production of apparel products, the present invention can also be applied to products in which images are printed on materials on demand to complete the products.

[0157] Furthermore, the configuration examples in Figure 4 and the like are divided according to main functions to facilitate understanding of the processing by the order receiving system 10, production management system 20, and production base system 30. The method of dividing the processing units and their names do not limit the present invention. The processing by the order receiving system 10, production management system 20, and production base system 30 can be divided into even more processing units depending on the processing content. Furthermore, one processing unit can be divided so that it includes even more processes.

[0158] Furthermore, the devices described in the embodiments represent only one of multiple computing environments for implementing the embodiments disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the production control system 20 includes multiple computing devices, such as a server cluster. The multiple computing devices are configured to communicate with each other via any type of communication link, including a network, shared memory, etc., and perform the processes disclosed herein.

[0159] Each function of the above-described embodiments can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the term "processing circuit" in this specification includes a processor programmed to perform each function by software, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, as well as devices such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and conventional circuit modules designed to perform each of the above-described functions.

[0160] 9B is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functions of a search system applied to an e-commerce site. When the search system is applied to an e-commerce site, as shown in FIG. 9B, the production base management unit 25 is replaced with a product inventory management unit 901 that manages product inventory, the production base information DB 26 is replaced with a product inventory base DB 902 that is a product inventory DB, the device information DB 27 is deleted, the order information DB continues to function as is, print business operator A becomes inventory storage company A, the print execution unit 33 becomes an inventory allocation execution unit 903 that allocates product inventory, the device monitoring system 32 is replaced with an inventory management system 904, and the DTG printer 72 may be replaced with an inventory product retrieval device 905.

[0161] There may be multiple companies holding inventory of the same product, or it may be a single company. Also, there may be multiple warehouses holding inventory of the product, or it may be a single company. The warehouse where the product is stored may be automated, and product inventory may be managed by a monitoring system. It is assumed that product inventory is automatically retrieved by a machine dedicated to product pickup (inventory retrieval device 95), but inventory may also be secured manually based on information obtained from the fourth communication unit 31.

[0162] Example 1 This embodiment is an example in which a search system is applied to an EC site, etc. In the following description, a description of the same configuration as in the above-described embodiment will be omitted.

[0163] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a product sales system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, a product production and sales system 1000 according to this embodiment has a configuration in which an order receiving system 10 that receives order information, an order management system 1001 that manages orders, and information processing systems 40 that are respectively installed in a plurality of warehouses, etc. 1002, are capable of communicating with each other via a network N1. Schematically, order information from the order receiving system 10 is transmitted to the warehouse 1002 via the order management system 1001. For example, in the warehouse 1002, an automatic robot or the like searches for inventory in the warehouse and delivers the product to the orderer. Note that the task of searching for inventory in the warehouse may be performed manually.

[0164] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a product search process in the product sales system according to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, in the first search process, when the request content input receiving unit 221 receives input data (order information) such as a product name, the first relevance calculation unit 22a searches for product candidates based on the input order information (request content 1). In this embodiment, in the second search process, the first relevance calculation unit 22a searches for product candidates based on detailed product conditions (price, size, weight, function, etc.) input as first additional information (request content 2). Note that the first relevance calculation unit 22a may search for product candidates by incorporating multiple detailed conditions of request content 2 into request content 1.

[0165] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a talent search process in the talent matching system according to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, in the first search process, when the request content input receiving unit 221 receives input data such as the job title and working style, the first relevance calculation unit 22a searches for talent candidates based on the input order information (request content 1). In this embodiment, in the second search process, talent candidates are searched for based on detailed conditions of the desired work (annual salary, monthly salary, number of holidays per year, rate of paid leave acquisition, etc.) input as first additional information (request content 2). Note that the first relevance calculation unit 22a may search for product candidates by incorporating multiple detailed conditions of request content 2 into request content 1.

[0166] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a talent search process in the talent matching system (a talent matching system in which a company searches for mid-career hires) according to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, in the first search process, when the request content input receiving unit 221 receives input data such as the job title and working style, the first relevance calculation unit 22a searches for talent candidates based on the input order information (request content 1). In this embodiment, in the second search process, the first relevance calculation unit 22a searches for talent candidates based on detailed conditions of the desired talent (career history, qualifications, strengths, skills, the person's desired job type, etc.) input as first additional information (request content 2). Note that the first relevance calculation unit 22a may search for product candidates by incorporating multiple detailed conditions of request content 2 into request content 1.

[0167] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a real estate search process in the real estate search system according to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, in the first search process, when the request content input receiving unit 221 receives input data such as an apartment building or a detached house, the first relevance calculation unit 22a searches for real estate candidates based on the input order information (request content 1). In this embodiment, in the second search process, the first relevance calculation unit 22a searches for real estate candidates based on detailed conditions (information such as area, nearest station, age of building, etc.) of the desired property input as first additional information (request content 2). Note that the first relevance calculation unit 22a may search for product candidates by incorporating multiple detailed conditions of request content 2 into request content 1.

[0168] 15A to 15C are diagrams illustrating an example of a display process of product candidates by the first search process in the product sales system according to Example 1. In the first search process, when input data such as shoe size is received by the request content input receiving unit 221, the first producer information display unit 22b displays shoe candidates (for example, shoes A to D) that meet the input shoe size.

[0169] In this case, the shoe candidates displayed by the first producer information display unit 22b may be all shoe candidates that satisfy the input data received by the request content input receiving unit 221, or a predetermined number of shoe candidates. When displaying a predetermined number of shoe candidates, if the number of shoe candidates that satisfy the input data received by the request content input receiving unit 221 is greater than the predetermined number, the first producer information display unit 22b preferably displays the predetermined number of shoe candidates. This configuration enables the user to intuitively select shoe candidates without having to check a large number of search results. Furthermore, if the number of shoe candidates that satisfy the input data received by the request content input receiving unit 221 is less than the predetermined number, the first producer information display unit 22b preferably displays all shoe candidates that satisfy the input data received by the request content input receiving unit 221.

[0170] The user can select at least one of the shoe candidates displayed by the first producer information display unit 22b. When the user selects a shoe candidate, first input information is input to the first additional information input unit 22c. The user may select one or more of the shoe candidates displayed by the first producer information display unit 22b. In this embodiment, the user selects one of the shoe candidates displayed by the first producer information display unit 22b, but this is not limiting and multiple shoe candidates can also be selected.

[0171] In the first search process, when input data such as shoe size is received by the request content input receiving unit 221, the first producer information display unit 22b may display shoe candidates searched for by a search engine on the same website that received the input data, as shown in Fig. 15B. In this case, the first producer information display unit 22b may display the shoe candidates either in the same tab or in a different tab within the search engine that received the input data.

[0172] Furthermore, in the first search process, when input data such as shoe size is accepted by the request content input accepting unit 221, the first producer information display unit 22b may display shoe candidates searched for by a search engine different from the search engine of the website that accepted the input data or by the website of another company that is equipped with the matching system of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 15C.

[0173] 16 and 17A are diagrams illustrating an example of a search process for product candidates by a second search process in the product sales system according to the first embodiment. In the second search process, the first additional information input unit 22c selects at least one shoe candidate (e.g., shoe D) from the shoe candidates searched for in the first search process, as shown in FIG. 16, and inputs first additional information (e.g., category, price, size, weight, color, etc.) based on the selection result. In the second search process, the second relevance calculation unit 22d searches for shoe candidates based on the selected shoe candidate and the first additional information. At this time, when the search end input accepting unit 22m determines that shoe D is the best and the matching end button is pressed, it accepts the selection of shoe search end. If the matching end button is not pressed, in the second search process, the second producer information display unit 22e displays the selected shoe candidate and shoe candidates (e.g., shoes D to G) searched for based on the first additional information, as shown in FIG. 17A. In this embodiment, at least one shoe candidate (e.g., shoe D) selected from the shoe candidates retrieved in the first search process may be displayed together with the shoe candidates selected in the second search process and the shoe candidates retrieved based on the first additional information (e.g., shoes D-G). By allowing the candidate selected in the previous search process to be displayed and selected in the next search process, the user can compare the shoe candidates obtained from the first additional information with the candidate selected previously as the standard. This embodiment is configured as described above from the perspective of displaying criteria and comparison targets when the user selects shoe candidates, but the presence or absence of this configuration can be selected as needed.

[0174] 17B and 17C are diagrams showing an example of a search processing screen for shoe candidates by the second search processing in the product sales system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17B, the first additional information input unit 22c displays the classification of detailed information (e.g., classification, price, size, weight, color, material, etc.) possessed by the shoe candidate selected by the user. At this time, not only the classification of the detailed information but also information on the product itself linked to the classification of the detailed information is displayed. The displayed information may be editable by the user, or may be displayed in a manner that allows the user to select an acceptable range using check boxes or the like, as shown in FIG. 17C.

[0175] By configuring the first additional information input unit 22c so that the user can add or modify the first additional information received, the user can more easily find the shoe candidates he or she desires with fewer attempts. Also, by using a display format that allows the user to select an acceptable range using check boxes or the like, the search scope can be broadened to the user's acceptable range, making it easier for the user to find more desirable shoe candidates that he or she may not have noticed.

[0176] FIG. 17D is a diagram showing another example of a search processing screen for shoe candidates in the second search processing in the product sales system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17D, the first additional information input unit 22c displays the classification of detailed information possessed by the shoe candidate selected by the user. For example, when the user checks a checkbox displayed by the first additional information input unit 22c, information on the product itself associated with the classification of detailed information possessed by the shoe candidate selected by the user is also displayed. Here, the action of the user checking the checkbox is also considered as input of the first additional information. As shown in FIG. 17D, by displaying only the classification of detailed information, the amount of information displayed on the screen by the first additional information input unit 22c is reduced, which not only reduces the sense of information pressure on the user but also saves the user the trouble of deleting previously entered information when adding or correcting the description of the first additional information.

[0177] 18 to 20B are diagrams illustrating an example of a search process for product candidates by a third search process in the product sales system according to the first embodiment. In the third search process, the second additional information input unit 22f selects a shoe candidate (e.g., shoe E) from the shoe candidates searched for in the second search process, and inputs second additional information (e.g., category, size, color, material, etc.) as shown in FIG. 18. Note that the second additional information input unit 22f may be configured to automatically input the content input in the first additional information input unit 22c as shown in FIG. 18. This configuration eliminates the need for the user to re-input the information input in the first additional information input unit 22c. Some users may want to retain the information input in the first additional information input unit 22c, while others may want to perform the third search process under conditions different from the information input in the first additional information input unit 22c. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a button that allows the user to input all the additional information used in the previous search at once. At this time, when shoe E is determined to be the best and the matching end button is pressed, search end input receiving unit 22m receives the selection of shoe search end.

[0178] If the matching end button is not pressed, in the third search process, the third relevance calculation unit 22g searches for shoe candidates (e.g., shoes E to J) based on the selected shoe candidate and the second additional information. Also, in the third search process, the third producer information display unit 22h displays the searched shoe candidates as shown in FIG. 19. Then, the producer selection unit 22j selects a shoe (e.g., shoe I) from the shoe candidates displayed by the third producer information display unit 22h as shown in FIG. 20A. Then, when shoe I is determined to be the best and the matching end button is pressed, the search end input receiving unit 22m receives a selection to end the shoe search. After the matching end button is pressed and the selection to end the search is received, the user may be directed to a page where the selected shoe candidate can be purchased. This configuration makes it possible to associate the matching operation with the product purchasing operation. In this embodiment, the user selects one shoe candidate from the shoe candidates, but multiple shoe candidates may be selected.

[0179] 20B to 20D are diagrams showing an example of a search processing screen for shoe candidates by the third search processing in the product sales system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 20B, the second additional information input unit 22f displays the classification of detailed information (e.g., classification, price, size, weight, color, material, etc.) possessed by the shoe candidate selected by the user. At this time, not only the classification of the detailed information but also information on the product itself linked to the classification of the detailed information is displayed. The displayed information may be editable by the user, or may be displayed in a form that allows the user to select an acceptable range using check boxes or the like, as shown in FIG. 20C.

[0180] By configuring the second additional information input unit 22f so that the user can add or modify the second additional information received, the user can more easily find the shoe candidates they are looking for with fewer attempts. Furthermore, by using a display format that allows the user to select an acceptable range using check boxes or the like, the search scope can be broadened to the user's acceptable range, making it easier for the user to find more desirable shoe candidates that they may not have noticed. In this case, the second additional information input unit 22f may be configured to automatically input the content input in the first additional information input unit 22c, as shown in FIG. 20D.

[0181] FIG. 20E is a diagram showing another example of a search processing screen for shoe candidates by the third search processing in the product sales system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 20E, the second additional information input unit 22f displays the classification of detailed information possessed by the shoe candidate selected by the user. For example, when the user checks a checkbox displayed by the second additional information input unit 22f, information on the product itself associated with the classification of detailed information possessed by the shoe candidate selected by the user is also displayed. Here, the action of the user checking the checkbox is also considered as input of second additional information. By displaying only the classification of detailed information, the amount of information on the screen displayed by the second additional information input unit 22f is reduced, which reduces the sense of information pressure on the user. In addition, it is possible to save the user the trouble of deleting information that has already been input when adding or correcting the description of the second additional information.

[0182] 21 is a diagram for explaining an example of a display process of real estate candidates by the first search process in the real estate search system according to Example 1. In the first search process, when the request content input receiving unit 221 receives input data (for example, Tokyo, apartment building, condominium, rental), the first producer information display unit 22b displays real estate candidates (for example, apartment buildings A to D) that satisfy the input data.

[0183] In this case, the real estate candidates displayed by the first producer information display unit 22b may be all real estate candidates that satisfy the input data received by the request content input receiving unit 221, or a predetermined number of real estate candidates. When displaying a predetermined number of real estate candidates, if the number of real estate candidates that satisfy the input data received by the request content input receiving unit 221 is greater than the predetermined number, the first producer information display unit 22b preferably displays the predetermined number of real estate candidates. This configuration enables the user to intuitively select real estate candidates without having to check a large number of search results. Furthermore, if the number of real estate candidates that satisfy the input data received by the request content input receiving unit 221 is less than the predetermined number, the first producer information display unit 22b preferably displays all real estate candidates that satisfy the input data received by the request content input receiving unit 221.

[0184] The user can select at least one of the real estate candidates displayed by the first producer information display unit 22b. When the user selects a real estate candidate, first input information is input to the first additional information input unit 22c. The user may select one or more of the real estate candidates displayed by the first producer information display unit 22b. In this embodiment, the user selects one of the real estate candidates displayed by the first producer information display unit 22b, but this is not limited to this, and it is also possible to select multiple real estate candidates.

[0185] 22 and 23A are diagrams illustrating an example of a search process for real estate candidates by a second search process in the real estate search system according to the first embodiment. In the second search process, the first additional information input unit 22c selects at least one real estate candidate (e.g., apartment complex C) from the real estate candidates searched for in the first search process and inputs first additional information (e.g., classification, rent, management fee, floor plan, nearest station, and age) based on the selection result. In addition, in the second search process, the second relevance calculation unit 22d searches for real estate candidates based on the selected real estate candidate and the first additional information. At this time, when the matching end button is pressed after determining that apartment complex C is the best, the search end input accepting unit 22m accepts selection of real estate search end. If the matching end button is not pressed, in the second search process, the second producer information display unit 22e displays the selected real estate candidate and real estate candidates (e.g., apartment complexes C to G) searched for based on the first additional information. In this embodiment, at least one real estate candidate (e.g., apartment complex C) selected from the real estate candidates searched in the first search process may be displayed together with the real estate candidates selected in the second search process and the real estate candidates searched based on the first additional information (e.g., apartment complexes E to G). By allowing the candidate selected in the previous search process to be displayed and selected in the next search process, it becomes possible for the user to compare the real estate candidates obtained based on the first additional information with the candidate selected previously as the standard. This embodiment is configured as described above from the perspective of displaying criteria and comparison targets when the user selects a real estate candidate, but the presence or absence of this configuration can be selected as needed.

[0186] 23B and 23C are diagrams showing examples of a search processing screen for real estate candidates by the second search processing in the real estate search system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 23B, the first additional information input unit 22c displays the classification of detailed information (e.g., classification, rent, management fee, floor plan, nearest station, age of building, etc.) possessed by the real estate candidate selected by the user. At this time, not only the classification of the detailed information but also information on the product itself linked to the classification of the detailed information is displayed. The displayed information may be editable by the user, or may be displayed in a form that allows the user to select an acceptable range using check boxes or the like, as shown in FIG. 23C.

[0187] By configuring the first additional information input unit 22c so that the user can add or modify the first additional information received, the user can more easily find the real estate candidate they are looking for with fewer attempts. Also, by using a display format that allows the user to select an acceptable range using check boxes or the like, the search scope can be broadened to the user's acceptable range, making it easier for the user to find a more desirable real estate candidate that they were not aware of.

[0188] FIG. 23D is a diagram showing another example of a search processing screen for real estate candidates by the second search processing in the real estate search system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 23D, the first additional information input unit 22c displays the classification of detailed information possessed by the real estate candidate selected by the user. For example, when the user checks a checkbox displayed by the first additional information input unit 22c, information on the product itself associated with the classification of detailed information possessed by the real estate candidate selected by the user is also displayed. Here, the action of the user checking the checkbox is also considered as input of the first additional information. As shown in FIG. 23D, by displaying only the classification of detailed information, the amount of information displayed on the screen by the first additional information input unit 22c is reduced, which not only reduces the sense of information pressure on the user but also saves the user the trouble of deleting previously entered information when adding or modifying the description of the first additional information.

[0189] 24 to 26B are diagrams illustrating an example of a search process for real estate candidates by a third search process in the real estate search system according to the first embodiment. In the third search process, as shown in FIG. 24, the second additional information input unit 22f selects a real estate candidate (e.g., apartment building G) from the real estate candidates searched for in the second search process, and inputs second additional information (e.g., category, rent, management fee, floor plan, nearest station, age of building, walking distance from station, and facilities). The second additional information input unit 22f may be configured to automatically input the information input in the first additional information input unit 22c. This configuration eliminates the need for the user to re-input the information input in the first additional information input unit 22c. Some users may want to retain the information input in the first additional information input unit 22c, while others may want to perform the third search process under conditions different from the information input in the first additional information input unit 22c. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a button that allows the user to input all the additional information used in the previous search at once. In this case, when the user determines that Apartment G is the best and presses the matching end button, the search end input accepting unit 22m accepts the selection to end the real estate search. In FIG. 25, the same real estate candidate selected in FIG. 23A is selected. In this embodiment, the same real estate candidate selected in the previous operation can be selected, and additional conditions different from those in the previous operation can also be entered. This configuration allows the user to perform a search process with different additional conditions, starting from the same real estate candidate selected in the previous operation, without returning to the previous page. This operation makes it possible to display real estate candidates different from those displayed in the previous operation.

[0190] If the matching end button is not pressed, in the third search process, the third relevance calculation unit 22g searches for real estate candidates (e.g., apartment complexes G to J) based on the selected real estate candidate and the second additional information. Also, in the third search process, the third producer information display unit 22h displays the searched real estate candidates, as shown in FIG. 25. Then, the producer selection unit 22j selects real estate (e.g., apartment complex G) from the real estate candidates displayed by the third producer information display unit 22h, as shown in FIG. 26A. At this time, the second additional information input unit 22f may be configured to automatically input the content input in the first additional information input unit 22c, as shown in FIG. 26B. Then, when the matching end button is pressed after determining that apartment complex G is the best, the search end input receiving unit 22m receives the selection to end the real estate search. After the matching end button is pressed and the selection to end the search is received, the user may be guided to a page where the selected real estate candidate can be contracted. This configuration makes it possible to associate the matching operation with the real estate contract operation. In this embodiment, the user selects one real estate candidate from among the real estate candidates, but a plurality of real estate candidates may be selected.

[0191] 26C to 26E are diagrams showing an example of a search processing screen for real estate candidates by the third search processing in the real estate search system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 26C, the second additional information input unit 22f displays the classification of detailed information possessed by the real estate candidate selected by the user (for example, classification, rent, management fee, floor plan, nearest station, age of building, walking distance from station, facilities, etc.). At this time, not only the classification of detailed information but also information on the real estate itself linked to the classification of detailed information is displayed. The displayed information may be able to be added or amended by the user, or may be displayed in a form that allows the user to select an acceptable range using check boxes or the like, as shown in FIG. 26D.

[0192] By configuring the second additional information input unit 22f so that the user can add or modify the second additional information received, the user can more easily find the real estate candidate they are looking for with fewer attempts. Also, as shown in Fig. 26D, by using a display format that allows the user to select an acceptable range using check boxes or the like, the search scope can be broadened to the user's acceptable range, making it easier for the user to find a more desirable real estate candidate that they were not aware of.

[0193] FIG. 26E is a diagram showing another example of a search processing screen for real estate candidates by the third search processing in the real estate search system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 26E, the second additional information input unit 22f displays the classification of detailed information possessed by the real estate candidate selected by the user. For example, when the user checks a checkbox displayed by the second additional information input unit 22f, information about the real estate itself associated with the classification of detailed information possessed by the real estate candidate selected by the user is also displayed. Here, the action of the user checking the checkbox is also considered as inputting second additional information. As shown in FIG. 26E, by displaying only the classification of detailed information, the amount of information displayed on the screen by the second additional information input unit 22f is reduced, which not only reduces the sense of information pressure on the user but also saves the user the trouble of deleting previously entered information when adding or correcting the description of the second additional information.

[0194] 27 and 28 are diagrams for explaining an example of a search process for real estate candidates in the real estate search system according to the first embodiment. The fourth producer information display unit 22i selects a real estate candidate (e.g., apartment complex M) from the real estate candidates (apartment complexes G, K, L, and M) searched for in the third search process, and inputs additional information (e.g., category, rent, management fee, floor plan, nearest station, age of building, walking distance from station, and facilities). At this time, the search termination input accepting unit 22m accepts the selection of real estate search termination when the matching termination button is pressed after determining that apartment complex M is the best.

[0195] If the matching end button is not pressed, the fourth producer information display unit 22i searches for real estate candidates based on the selected real estate candidate and additional information. The fourth producer information display unit 22i also displays the searched real estate candidates. The producer selection unit 22j then selects real estate (e.g., apartment complex M) from the real estate candidates displayed by the fourth producer information display unit 22i. Then, when the matching end button is pressed after determining that apartment complex M is the best, the search end input receiving unit 22m receives the selection to end the real estate search. After the matching end button is pressed and the selection to end the search is received, the user may be directed to a page where they can contact the real estate company that has listed the selected real estate candidate. This configuration makes it possible to associate matching operations with communication operations.

[0196] 29 is a diagram for explaining an example of a display process of potential employers by the first search process in the talent matching service according to Example 1. In the first search process, when the request content input receiving unit 221 receives input data (for example, full-time, permanent employee), the first producer information display unit 22b displays potential employers (for example, companies A to D) that satisfy the input data.

[0197] In this case, the candidate employers displayed by the first producer information display unit 22b may be all of the candidate employers that satisfy the input data received by the request content input receiving unit 221, or a predetermined number of candidate employers. When displaying a predetermined number of candidate employers, if the number of candidate employers that satisfy the input data received by the request content input receiving unit 221 is greater than the predetermined number, the first producer information display unit 22b preferably displays the predetermined number of candidate employers. This configuration enables the user to intuitively select candidate employers without having to check a large number of search results. Furthermore, if the number of candidate employers that satisfy the input data received by the request content input receiving unit 221 is less than the predetermined number, the first producer information display unit 22b preferably displays all of the candidate employers that satisfy the input data received by the request content input receiving unit 221.

[0198] The user can select at least one of the candidate employers displayed by the first producer information display unit 22b. When the user selects a candidate employer, first input information is entered into the first additional information input unit 22c. The user may select one or more of the candidate employers displayed by the first producer information display unit 22b. In this embodiment, the user selects one of the candidate employers displayed by the first producer information display unit 22b, but this is not limited to this, and it is also possible to select multiple candidate employers.

[0199] FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating an example of a search process for potential employers by a second search process in the human resources matching service according to the first embodiment. In the second search process, the first additional information input unit 22c selects at least one potential employer (e.g., Company A) from the potential employers searched in the first search process, and inputs first additional information (e.g., industry classification, company industry, employment type, working hours, working style, annual salary, etc.) based on the selection result. In addition, in the second search process, the second relevance calculation unit 22d searches for potential employers based on the selected potential employers and the first additional information. At this time, when the search end input accepting unit 22m determines that Company A is the best and the matching end button is pressed, it accepts the selection of ending the search for employers. If the matching end button is not pressed, in the second search process, the second producer information display unit 22e displays the selected potential employers and the potential employers (e.g., Companies E to G) searched based on the first additional information. In this embodiment, at least one potential employer (e.g., Company A) selected from the potential employers searched in the first search process may be displayed together with the potential employers selected in the second search process and the potential employers (e.g., Companies E to G) searched based on the first additional information. By allowing the candidate selected in the previous search process to be displayed and selected as a candidate in the next search process, it becomes possible for the user to compare the potential employers obtained from the first additional information with the candidate selected previously as a standard. This embodiment is configured as described above from the perspective of displaying criteria and comparison targets when the user selects a potential employer, but the presence or absence of this configuration can be selected as needed.

[0200] FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating an example of a search process for candidate employers by a second search process in the talent matching service according to the first embodiment. In the second search process, as shown in FIG. 31, the first additional information input unit 22c selects at least one candidate employer (e.g., Company G) from the candidate employers searched in the first search process, and inputs first additional information (e.g., industry classification, company industry, employment type, working hours, working style, annual salary, and whether company housing is available) based on the selection result. In addition, in the second search process, the second relevance calculation unit 22d searches for candidate employers based on the selected candidate employers and the first additional information. At this time, the search termination input accepting unit 22m accepts the selection of ending the search for employers when the candidate employer G is determined to be the best and the matching termination button is pressed.

[0201] Fig. 32 is a diagram for explaining an example of a search process for potential employers by the third search process in the talent matching service according to Example 1. In the third search process, the second additional information input unit 22f selects a potential employer (e.g., Company G) from the potential employers searched for in the second search process, and inputs second additional information (e.g., industry classification, company industry, employment type, working hours, working type, annual salary, and company housing available) as shown in Fig. 32.

[0202] If the matching end button is not pressed, in the third search process, the third relevance calculation unit 22g searches for potential employers based on the selected potential employer and the second additional information. The producer selection unit 22j then selects an employer from the potential employers displayed by the third producer information display unit 22h. Then, when the selected employer is determined to be the best and the matching end button is pressed, the search end input receiving unit 22m receives the selection to end the employer search. After the matching end button is pressed and the selection to end the search is received, the user may be directed to a page where a message can be sent to the selected potential employer. This configuration makes it possible to associate the matching operation with the message sending operation. In this embodiment, the user selects one potential employer from the potential employers, but multiple potential employers may also be selected.

[0203] For example, aspects of the present invention are as follows. <1> A search system for selecting a contractor that meets a user's requirements, an input receiving unit that receives input data including the request; a first search target information display unit that displays, as search target information, the search target candidates that satisfy the search conditions, using the input data received by the input receiving unit as search conditions for the database of the search target on the search system; and a first additional information input unit that allows input of first additional information including additional search criteria that vary depending on the selected search target candidate based on first input information for one or more of the search target candidates displayed by the first search target information display unit; A search system comprising: <2> a first relevance calculation unit that extracts candidates for the search target that satisfy the search conditions; the first search target information display unit displays, as the search target information, from the search target candidates extracted by the first relevance calculation unit, a smaller number of search target candidates than the number of the search targets; <1> A search system according to the present invention. <3> the first search target information display unit displays all of the search target candidates as the search target information; <1> or <2> A search system according to the present invention. <4> When the number of the search target candidates is greater than a predetermined number, the first search target information display unit displays, as the search target information, a smaller number of the search target candidates than the number of the search target candidates. <1> or <2> A search system according to the present invention. <5> When the number of the search target candidates is less than a predetermined number, the first search target information display unit displays all of the search target candidates as the search target information. <4> A search system according to the present invention. <6> the first search target information display unit displays, as the search target information, a search target candidate that has at least some conditions different from those held by the search target candidate, among the search target candidates; <1> , <2> , <4> , and <5> 10. The search system according to claim 9, wherein: <7> the first search target information display unit displays a plurality of search target candidates having low relevance among the search target candidates extracted by the first relevance calculation unit; <2> A search system according to the present invention. <8> the first input information includes a selection result of the search target candidate from the search target candidates extracted by the first relevance calculation unit, and a ranking of the search target candidates extracted by the first relevance calculation unit; <2> A search system according to the present invention. <9> the selection result is one search target candidate selected from the search target candidates extracted by the first relevance calculation unit; <8> A search system according to the present invention. <10> a second relevance calculation unit that extracts candidates for the search target that satisfy the first additional information received by the first additional information input unit; a second search target information display unit that displays highly relevant search target candidates from the search target candidates extracted by the second relevance calculation unit; a second additional information input unit for inputting second additional information including additional search criteria or feature words based on second input information for the search target candidates displayed by the second search target information display unit; a third relevance calculation unit that extracts candidates for the search target that satisfy the second additional information input by the second additional information input unit; a third search target information display unit that displays highly relevant search target candidates from the search target candidates extracted by the third relevance calculation unit; Equipped with <1> from <9> 10. The search system according to claim 9, wherein: <11> the second search target information display unit displays at least one of the search target candidates displayed by the first search target information display unit. <10> A search system according to the present invention. <12> In addition to the first additional information input unit and the second additional information input unit, a search end input receiving unit is provided to receive a selection to end the search of the search target. <10> or <11> A search system according to the present invention. <13> the second input information includes a selection result of the search target candidate from the search target candidates extracted by the second relevance calculation unit, and a ranking of the search target candidates extracted by the second relevance calculation unit; <10> from <12> 10. The search system according to claim 9, wherein: <14> the second search target information display unit displays all highly relevant search target candidates from the search target candidates extracted by the second relevance calculation unit; <10> from <12> 10. The search system according to claim 9, wherein: <15> the third search target information display unit displays all highly relevant search target candidates from among the search target candidates extracted by the third relevance calculation unit; <10> from <14> 10. The search system according to claim 9, wherein: <16> a fourth search target information display unit that displays additional information of each registered search target for all highly relevant search target candidates among the search target candidates extracted by the third relevance calculation unit; the additional information displayed by the fourth search target information display unit includes content related to the input data accepted by the request content input acceptance unit; <11> from <15> 10. The search system according to claim 9, wherein: <17> a search target selection unit for selecting the search target from the search target candidates displayed by the third search target information display unit; a contact unit for the user to contact the search target selected by the search target selection unit; Equipped with <10> from <16> 10. The search system according to claim 9, wherein: <18> The search target is a contractor, The request includes the user's requested work and the contractor's requirements related to the requested work, The communication unit communicates the user's intention to decide on the request to the contractor selected by the search target selection unit. <17> A search system according to the present invention. <19> A computer included in a search system that selects search targets that match user requirements, an input receiving unit that receives input data including the request; a first search target information display unit that displays, as search target information, the search target candidates that satisfy the search conditions, using the input data received by the input receiving unit as search conditions for the database of the search target on the search system; and a first additional information input unit that allows input of first additional information including additional search criteria that vary depending on the selected search target candidate based on first input information for one or more of the search target candidates displayed by the first search target information display unit; A program to function as a <20> A search method executed in a search system that selects search targets that match user requirements, accepting input data including the request; a step of using the received input data as search conditions for the database of the search target on the search system, and displaying candidates of the search target that satisfy the search conditions as search target information; inputting first additional information including additional search criteria that vary depending on the selected search target candidate based on first input information for one or more of the displayed search target candidates; Search methods including. <21> A customer selection system in which a contractor selects a customer that matches the content of his or her order, an order content input receiving unit that receives input data including requirements for the order content; a first customer information display unit that uses the input data received by the order content input receiving unit as search conditions for the customer database on the customer selection system and displays candidate customers that satisfy the search conditions as customer information; a first additional information input unit that allows input of first additional information including additional search criteria that vary depending on the selected customer candidate based on first input information for one or more of the customer candidates displayed by the first customer information display unit; A customer selection system comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0204] 20 Production Management System 22 Order Sorting Department 22a First relevance calculation unit 22b First producer information display section 22c First additional information input section 22d Second relevance calculation section 22e Second producer information display section 22f Second additional information input section 22g Third Relevance Calculation Section 22h Third producer information display section 22i Fourth producer information display section 22j Producer Selection Department 22k Contact Department 22m Search end input reception section 22l Request Content Input Reception Section 501 CPU 502 ROM 503 RAM [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0205] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-265348 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-150033 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-196249

Claims

1. A search system that selects search targets that match user requirements, an input receiving unit that receives input data including the request; a first search target information display unit that displays, as search target information, the search target candidates that satisfy the search conditions, using the input data received by the input receiving unit as search conditions for the database of the search target on the search system; and a first additional information input unit that allows input of first additional information including additional search criteria that vary depending on the selected search target candidate based on first input information for one or more of the search target candidates displayed by the first search target information display unit; and A search system comprising:

2. a first relevance calculation unit that extracts candidates for the search target that satisfy the search conditions; The search system according to claim 1, wherein the first search target information display unit displays, as the search target information, a number of search target candidates extracted by the first relevance calculation unit that is less than the number of the search targets.

3. The search system according to claim 1 , wherein the first search target information display unit displays all of the search target candidates as the search target information.

4. The search system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first search target information display unit displays, as the search target information, a number of search target candidates that is less than the number of search target candidates when the number of search target candidates is greater than a predetermined number.

5. The search system according to claim 4 , wherein the first search target information display unit displays all of the search target candidates as the search target information when the number of the search target candidates is less than a predetermined number.

6. The search system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first search target information display unit displays, as the search target information, candidates for the search target that have at least some conditions different from those held by the candidates for the search target.

7. The search system according to claim 2 , wherein the first search target information display unit displays a plurality of search target candidates that are less relevant among the search target candidates extracted by the first relevance calculation unit.

8. 3. The search system according to claim 2, wherein the first input information includes a selection result of the search target candidate from the search target candidates extracted by the first relevance calculation unit, and a ranking of the search target candidates extracted by the first relevance calculation unit.

9. The search system according to claim 8 , wherein the selection result is one search target candidate selected from the search target candidates extracted by the first relevance calculation unit.

10. a second relevance calculation unit that extracts candidates for the search target that satisfy the first additional information received by the first additional information input unit; a second search target information display unit that displays highly relevant search target candidates from the search target candidates extracted by the second relevance calculation unit; a second additional information input unit for inputting second additional information including additional search criteria or feature words based on second input information for the search target candidates displayed by the second search target information display unit; a third relevance calculation unit that extracts candidates for the search target that satisfy the second additional information input by the second additional information input unit; a third search target information display unit that displays highly relevant search target candidates from the search target candidates extracted by the third relevance calculation unit; The search system according to claim 1 , comprising:

11. The search system according to claim 10 , wherein the second search target information display unit displays at least one of the search target candidates displayed by the first search target information display unit.

12. The search system according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising, in addition to the first additional information input unit and the second additional information input unit, a search end input accepting unit that accepts a selection to end a search of the search target.

13. The search system according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the second input information includes a selection result of the search target candidate from the search target candidates extracted by the second relevance calculation unit, and a ranking of the search target candidates extracted by the second relevance calculation unit.

14. The search system according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the second search target information display unit displays all highly relevant search target candidates from the search target candidates extracted by the second relevance calculation unit.

15. 12. The search system according to claim 10, wherein the third search target information display unit displays all highly relevant search target candidates from the search target candidates extracted by the third relevance calculation unit.

16. a fourth search target information display unit that displays additional information of each registered search target for all highly relevant search target candidates among the search target candidates extracted by the third relevance calculation unit; The search system according to claim 10 , wherein the additional information displayed by the fourth search target information display unit includes content related to the input data received by the input receiving unit.

17. a search target selection unit for selecting the search target from the search target candidates displayed by the third search target information display unit; a contact unit for the user to contact the search target selected by the search target selection unit; The search system according to claim 10 or 11, comprising:

18. The search target is a contractor, The request includes the user's requested work and the contractor's requirements related to the requested work, The search system according to claim 17, wherein the communication unit communicates the user's intention to decide on a request to the contractor selected by the search target selection unit.

19. A computer included in a search system that selects search targets that match user requirements, an input receiving unit that receives input data including the request; a first search target information display unit that displays, as search target information, the search target candidates that satisfy the search conditions, using the input data received by the input receiving unit as search conditions for the database of the search target on the search system; and a first additional information input unit that allows input of first additional information including additional search criteria that vary depending on the selected search target candidate, based on first input information for one or more of the search target candidates displayed by the first search target information display unit; and A program to function as a

20. A search method executed in a search system that selects search targets that match user requirements, accepting input data including the request; a step of using the received input data as search conditions for the database of the search target on the search system, and displaying candidates of the search target that satisfy the search conditions as search target information; inputting first additional information including additional search criteria that vary depending on the selected search target candidate based on first input information for one or more of the displayed search target candidates; Search methods including.

21. A customer selection system in which a contractor selects a customer that matches the content of his or her order, an order content input receiving unit that receives input data including requirements for the order content; a first customer information display unit that uses the input data received by the order content input receiving unit as search conditions for the customer database on the customer selection system and displays candidate customers that satisfy the search conditions as customer information; a first additional information input unit that allows input of first additional information including additional search criteria that vary depending on the selected customer candidate based on first input information for one or more of the customer candidates displayed by the first customer information display unit; A customer selection system comprising:

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