Collection system, recycle system, printing system and recycle method

Abstract

To improve collection efficiency of used work-pieces.SOLUTION: A collection system is a system for enabling recycle by collecting work-pieces W subjected to dyeing processing by using a dyeing material containing dyes to perform decoloring processing. The collection system includes a workpiece ID issue part 11 (identifier issue part), a printer 40 being one example of an identifier attachment part, and an information management part 13. The workpiece ID issue part 11 issues a workpiece ID 171 being one example an identifier of the workpiece W. The printer 40 attaches the workpiece ID 171 issued by the workpiece ID issue part 11 to the workpiece W. The information management part 13 manages workpiece management information 172 associated with the workpiece ID 171, and provides information for managing the workpiece W in the decoloring processing and coloring processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a collection system, a recycling system, a printing system, and a recycling method. [Background technology]

[0002] Dye sublimation transfer can be used to print various images on workpieces containing fibers such as polyester. Dye sublimation transfer printing allows for a wide range of color tones and does not require complicated processes, making it suitable for small-lot production. Works printed by dye sublimation transfer have a wide range of uses, and for example, a large number of works may be used in a short period of time, such as for store sales, events, and exhibitions. Disposing of a large number of used works can place a burden on the environment. For this reason, a technology has been proposed that bleaches the work after printing, making it reusable (for example, Patent Document 1). Reusing the work reduces the burden on the environment and also reduces the cost of the work. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-224128 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, since workpieces are used in various places and for different periods of time, it is difficult to collect used workpieces from various places and efficiently perform decolorization treatment. The decolorization process of workpieces requires capital investment, and the decolorization process itself places a burden on the environment. It is therefore desirable to improve the recovery efficiency of used workpieces so that the economic and environmental benefits of recycling workpieces outweigh the losses. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one embodiment of the present invention, the recovery system comprises: (1) A recovery system that recovers workpieces that have been dyed using dyeing materials containing dyes and performs a decolorization process to make them reusable, an identifier issuing unit that issues an identifier for the work; an identifier assigning unit that assigns the identifier issued by the identifier issuing unit to the work; and an information management unit that manages management information of the workpiece associated with the identifier and provides information for managing the workpiece in the bleaching process and the staining process.

[0006] (2) In the collection system of (1), the identifier assigning unit includes a first sensor that scans the workpiece to detect the identifier when performing a staining process on the workpiece; The identifier assigning unit requests the identifier issuing unit to issue the identifier when the first sensor does not detect the identifier from the workpiece.

[0007] (3) In the above (1) or (2), The identifier assigning unit assigns the identifier to the workpiece by treating it with a material containing a colorant that cannot be bleached by the bleaching treatment.

[0008] (4) In the recovery system of (1) or (2), The identifier is assigned using a medium that is different from the work and can be attached to the work.

[0009] (5) In the recovery system of (1) or (2), A collection system characterized in that the identifier is assigned using any one of a RFID, an IC chip, and an electronic tag.

[0010] (6) In any one of the recovery systems (1) to (5), the management information includes information on a customer who uses the work and information on a usage period set for the work; The collection system is characterized in that the information management unit transmits a message informing the customer of collection to the information terminal of the customer a predetermined number of days before the expiration of the usage period or when the usage period has expired.

[0011] (7) In any one of the recovery systems (1) to (6), a storage unit for storing the management information, the storage unit stores location information of a customer who uses the workpiece and location information of a bleaching base where the bleaching treatment can be performed; the information management unit presents a collection method for collecting the workpiece used by the customer at the bleaching station in response to a request from the customer's information terminal; The information management unit extracts the bleaching station that will collect the workpiece used by the customer, based on the collection method selected by the customer and location information of the customer and the bleaching station.

[0012] (8) In any one of the recovery systems (1) to (7), the storage unit stores information regarding specifications of the bleaching station; the information management unit presents a collection method for collecting the workpiece used by the customer at the bleaching station in response to a request from an information terminal of the customer who uses the workpiece; The information management unit extracts the bleaching bases that can collect the work used by the customer based on the collection method selected by the customer, management information for the work, and information regarding the specifications of the bleaching bases.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the recycling system comprises: (9) A recycling system that recovers workpieces that have been dyed using dyeing materials containing dyes, decolorizes them, and makes them reusable, a dyeing station that performs dyeing processing on the workpiece using the dyeing material; a decolorization station for performing a decolorization process on the workpiece dyed using the dyeing material; a management device that manages management information of the work; Including, The management device an identifier issuing unit that issues an identifier to the work; a storage unit that stores management information of the workpiece associated with the identifier; and an information management unit that updates the management information of the work associated with the identifier based on a message including the identifier received from the user's information terminal, or transmits the management information of the work to the user's information terminal.

[0014] (10) In the recycling system of (9), The work management information is dyeing information which is information regarding the dyeing process performed on the workpiece; Bleaching treatment information which is information regarding the bleaching treatment performed on the workpiece; Includes:

[0015] (11) In the recycling system of (9) or (10), the work management information includes information regarding a usage history of the work, The information management unit When the usage history of the workpiece reaches a predetermined number of times, reuse of the workpiece is stopped.

[0016] (12) In any one of the recycling systems (9) to (11), the management information of the work includes information of a customer who uses the work and information of a usage period set for the work; The information management unit transmits a message informing the customer of the possibility of collection of the work to the customer's information terminal a predetermined number of days before the expiration of the usage period or after the expiration of the usage period.

[0017] (13) In any one of the recycling systems (9) to (12), The storage unit records a collection history of the work for each customer who uses the work; an estimation unit that estimates the amount of CO2 emissions reduced by the customer based on the collection history; and a reward granting unit that grants a reward to the customer based on the estimation result of the estimation unit.

[0018] (14) In any one of the recycling systems (9) to (13), The bleaching station includes a bleaching device that performs a bleaching process on the workpiece, and a second sensor that scans the workpiece and detects the identifier when performing the bleaching process on the workpiece, and an information terminal at the bleaching station transmits a message including the identifier detected by the second sensor to the information management unit, In response to the message received from the information terminal of the bleaching center, the information management unit obtains management information of the work associated with the identifier from the memory unit and transmits the information to the information terminal of the bleaching center.

[0019] (15) In the recycling system of (14), the workpiece management information transmitted by the information management unit includes staining information recording information related to a staining process performed on the workpiece, The information terminal at the bleaching site controls the bleaching device based on the staining information received from the information management unit.

[0020] (16) In the recycling system of (14) or (15), The management information of the work includes dyeing information that records information about printing performed on the work, and bleaching treatment information that records information about bleaching treatment performed on the work, When the information management unit receives a message including the identifier from the information terminal of the bleaching center, the information management unit determines whether the workpiece can be reused based on at least one of the staining information and the bleaching treatment information; When the information management unit determines that the workpiece is reusable, the information management unit transmits management information of the workpiece to an information terminal at the bleaching site; When it is determined that the work cannot be reused, the reuse of the work is stopped.

[0021] In one aspect of the present invention, a printing system includes: (17) A printing system for a workpiece that is printed using a dyeing material containing a dye and can be reused by performing a decolorization process, a printing base that performs printing on the workpiece using the dyeing material; a management device that manages management information of the work; Including, The management device an identifier issuing unit that issues an identifier to the work; a storage unit that stores management information of the workpiece associated with the identifier; Equipped with.

[0022] (18) In the printing system according to (17), The printing base further includes an identifier assigning unit that assigns the identifier to the work, and the identifier assigning unit prints on the work with a dyeing material that includes a first coloring material that can be decolorized by the bleaching process, and assigns the identifier to the work with ink that is a coloring material different from the first coloring material and includes a second coloring material that cannot be decolorized by the bleaching process.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, the recycling method comprises: (19) A recycling method for decolorizing and reusing a workpiece that has been dyed using a dyeing material containing a dye, comprising: assigning an identifier to the work; The workpiece is managed in the bleaching process and the staining process based on the management information of the workpiece associated with the identifier. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to the present invention, the efficiency of collecting used workpieces can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a manner in which a workpiece is recycled through a recycling system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a recycling system. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an information processing device that constitutes a management device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a management device. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a work database. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a user database. [Figure 7] 10 is a sequence chart relating to printing of a workpiece in the recycling system. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing details of the process in step S01 in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 8 is a flowchart showing detailed processing of step S02 in FIG. 7. [Figure 10] 10 is a sequence chart relating to the collection of works in the recycling system. [Figure 11] 11 is a flowchart illustrating detailed processing in step S07 of FIG. 10. [Figure 12] 11 is a flowchart showing detailed processing of step S09 in FIG. 10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a mode in which a workpiece W is recycled through a recycling system 1 (collection system) according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the recycling system 1 according to this embodiment is a system that recovers workpieces W that have been dyed using dyeing materials containing dyes and performs a bleaching process to make them reusable. The recycling system 1 provides a mechanism for circulating the workpieces W between a printing base 3 (dyeing base), a customer 5 that uses the workpieces W, and a bleaching base 7.

[0027] The workpiece W includes fibers that can be dyed with a dyeing material containing a dye. The fibers are, for example, polyester fibers or nylon fibers. The workpiece W may include, for example, a knit or fabric formed from polyester yarn, nylon yarn, polyester blended yarn, or nylon blended yarn. Fibers that can be blended with polyester or nylon include cotton, polyurethane, rayon, linen, etc., and also include blends of polyester and nylon. The blend ratio of polyester or nylon to other blended yarns (polyester or nylon:other blended yarn) may be 50:50 or more, 60:40 or more, 65:35 or more, 70:30 or more, 75:25 or more, 80:20 or more, 85:15 or more, or 90:10 or more. The work W can be any article that uses the above-mentioned fibers at least in part. For example, the work W can be clothing such as a T-shirt, cloth accessories such as a bag or a scarf, a decorative panel, an advertising banner, a tapestry, etc. The dyeing material is not limited to a specific type as long as it contains a dye (first coloring material) that can be decolorized by a bleaching solution. As an example, a dyeing material containing a disperse dye can be used. The disperse dye is not limited to a specific type as long as it can be absorbed into the gaps in the molecular chains of the polyester or nylon fibers described above and thereby dye the fibers.

[0028] The method of dyeing the workpiece can include various modes, including a mode in which the workpiece is directly dyed with a dyeing material and a mode in which the workpiece is dyed by transfer. Methods for directly dyeing a workpiece with a dyeing material include, for example, dip dyeing, in which the workpiece is immersed in the dyeing material, inkjet printing, textile printing (screen printing), etc. In addition, as a mode for dyeing a workpiece by transfer, transfer printing, in which transfer paper printed with the dyeing material is pressed onto the workpiece, can be used. Furthermore, the workpiece may be dyed manually without using a machine, for example, by hand. In the embodiment, the printing base 3 is exemplified as an example of a dyeing base that dyes a workpiece using a dyeing material. At the printing base 3, an image Im is printed on a work W in response to a request from a customer 5. The image Im can be composed of, for example, figures, pictures, characters, colors, and combinations thereof. At the printing base 3, printing can be performed by dyeing the fibers of the work W using a dyeing material. The dyeing method for the work W is not limited to the above, but for example, printing methods using a dyeing material containing a disperse dye can include sublimation transfer, direct sublimation printing, exhaust dyeing, thermosol dyeing, etc. For example, in sublimation transfer, transfer paper with an image Im printed with disperse dye is placed on top of the workpiece W, which is then heated and pressed. The heat causes the disperse dye to evaporate, loosening the bonds between the molecular chains of the fibers and creating gaps. The disperse dye penetrates into the gaps between the fibers, and as the temperature of the workpiece W drops, the gaps narrow and the disperse dye is fixed to the fibers. In this way, the image Im is printed on the workpiece W.

[0029] The customer 5 who uses the work W printed at the printing base 3 may be, for example, a store owner, a facility manager, or an event or exhibition organizer. The customer 5 may use, for example, flags, panels, tapestries, banners, and decorative panels to advertise products or events. The customer 5 may also use T-shirts or small fabric items printed with images Im such as logos of products, events, or exhibitions as staff uniforms or distribute them to visitors.

[0030] At the decolorization site 7, the work W used by the customer 5 is collected and subjected to a decolorization treatment using a decolorization solution. The decolorizing solution may be, for example, one containing an organic solvent as its main component. Examples of the organic solvent include dimethyl succinate, dimethyl glutarate, dimethyl adipate, dihexyl ethyl acetate, 3-methoxy-N,N-dimethylpropanamide, benzyl benzoate, diethylene glycol, trichloroethane, dimethyl sulfoxide, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, and propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate. The organic solvent may be diluted with water or another organic solvent.

[0031] When a decolorization process is performed on a workpiece that has been dyed with a dyeing material containing a disperse dye, the decolorization process can include, for example, the following steps. (a) Decolorization process The bleaching solution contained in the treatment tank is heated, and the workpiece W is placed in the treatment tank and stirred. As described above, after printing, the workpiece W has disperse dyes trapped in the gaps between the fiber molecular chains. By stirring the workpiece W in the heated bleaching solution, the fiber molecular chains contained in the workpiece W loosen, widening the gaps where the disperse dyes have trapped. The disperse dyes that escape from the gaps move into the bleaching solution, and the workpiece W is decolorized. (b) Rinse process After the decolorization process, the workpiece W is placed in another treatment tank containing a decolorization solution and stirred. By stirring the workpiece W in the decolorization solution, the disperse dye that escaped through the gaps in the workpiece W and adhered to the surface of the workpiece W is transferred to the decolorization solution. In the rinsing process, a decolorization solution with a lower temperature than that used in the decolorization process is used. This narrows the gaps in the molecular chains of the workpiece W that were loosened in the decolorization process again, preventing the disperse dye that has transferred to the decolorization solution from re-entering the gaps in the workpiece W. (c) Drying process The workpiece W is removed from the treatment tank in the rinsing process, and the liquid is removed using a centrifugal or compression type liquid removal device, and then the workpiece W is dried by press drying, hot air drying, or the like. The bleaching process described here is merely an example, and other bleaching methods can be used as appropriate.

[0032] The bleaching base 7 may be provided, for example, in the same facility as the printing base 3. In this case, the workpiece W that has been bleached can be reused and printed at the printing base 3 in the same facility. The bleaching base 7 may alternatively be set up in a facility independent of the printing base 3. In this case, the work W bleached at the bleaching base 7 can be carried into the printing base 3, and the work W bleached at the printing base 3 can be reused for printing. The printing stations 3 and bleaching stations 7 can be provided, for example, at multiple locations.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the recycling system 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the recycling system 1 includes a management device 10. The management device 10 is a device that provides information in response to requests from users of the recycling system 1, and also registers information input by users. Users of the recycling system 1 include, for example, the customer 5 shown in FIG. 1, the manager of the printing base 3, and the manager of the bleaching base 7. Other users may also include businesses that supply the work W and bleaching solution used in the recycling system 1 to the printing base 3 and the bleaching base 7, and collection companies that collect the work used in the recycling system 1. The management device 10 and the printing base 3 can form a printing system.

[0034] Each user communicates with the management device 10 via an information terminal that the user owns. The information terminal may be, for example, a personal computer (PC), a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like. As shown in FIG. 2, for example, the information terminal 30 at the printing base 3, the information terminal 50 at the customer 5, and the information terminal 70 at the bleaching base 7 send and receive information to and from the management device 10 by accessing a website provided by the management device 10 via the network NW. The information terminal 30 at the printing base 3 can be, for example, a control device for a printing device 40 that prints on the workpiece W. The information terminal 70 at the bleaching station 7 can be, for example, a control device for a bleaching device 80 that performs bleaching processing on the workpiece W.

[0035] Each work W used in the recycle system 1 is assigned a work ID 171 (identifier). By reading the work ID 171 assigned to the work W, the user can smoothly send and receive information to and from the management device 10. The work ID 171 can be assigned to the work W by an identifier assignment unit. The work ID 171 can be assigned to the work W, for example, when the work W is first used in the recycle system 1. The work ID 171 can be assigned, for example, at the printing base 3 when printing is performed on a new work W. In this case, an identifier assignment unit can be provided at the printing base 3. For example, the printing device 40 that prints on the work W may be the identifier assignment unit, or a device other than the printing device 40 may be the identifier assignment unit. The work ID 171 may also be assigned by handwriting, etc. Each user may be provided with a sensor capable of reading the work ID 171. The work ID 171 may be attached to the work W in the form of, for example, a barcode or a QR code (registered trademark). The sensor may be, for example, a barcode reader, a camera, or the like. For example, a camera provided in the user's information terminal (such as a smartphone) may be used as the sensor. Alternatively, the sensor may be provided separately from the user's information terminal and connected to the information terminal so as to be able to communicate with it.

[0036] Figure 2 shows an example in which a camera 41 (first sensor) installed on the printing device 40 at the printing base 3, a camera 51 equipped on the information terminal 50 of the customer 5, and a camera 81 (second sensor) installed on the bleaching device 80 at the bleaching base 7 each function as a sensor.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information processing device 9 that constitutes the management device 10. As shown in FIG. The information terminals 70 at the customer 5, printing base 3, and bleaching base 7 can also have the same hardware configuration. 3, the information processing device 9 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 901, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 902, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 903, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 904, a display 905, an input device 906, a communication I / F 907, and a media I / F 908. Each component is interconnected by a bus.

[0038] The CPU 901 controls the operation of the information processing device 9. The CPU 901 can load the OS, various programs, etc. stored in the ROM 902 or the HDD 904 into the RAM 903 and execute them. Alternatively, the CPU 901 can load a program stored in a storage medium RM into the RAM 903 via the media I / F 908 and execute it. The storage medium RM can be an optical storage medium, a magneto-optical storage medium, a magnetic storage medium, a conductive memory tape medium, a semiconductor memory, etc. The information processing device 9 may include a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and the like in addition to the CPU 901 as a processor. The CPU 901 performs processing in response to user operations via the input device 906, and displays the processing results on the display 905. The input device 906 can be, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchpad, or the like.

[0039] The HDD 904 stores programs executed by the CPU 901, data used by the programs, etc. The communication I / F 907 outputs data received from a user's information terminal to the CPU 901 via a network NW such as the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network). The communication I / F 907 also transmits data generated by the CPU 901 to the user's information terminal. The CPU 901 may load necessary programs onto the RAM 903 from an external device via the network NW.

[0040] In this embodiment, the CPU 901 of the information processing device 9 executes an application program loaded onto the RAM 903 to realize the functional configuration of the management device 10 shown in FIG.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the management device 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the management device 10 has, as its functional configuration, a work ID issuing unit 11 (identifier issuing unit), a user ID issuing unit 12, an information management unit 13, an estimation unit 14, and a privilege point granting unit 15 (privilege granting unit). The storage unit 16 is composed of memories such as the ROM 902, RAM 903, and HDD 904 shown in FIG. Each functional unit transmits and receives information to and from the user's information terminal via the communication I / F 907 (see FIG. 3). Each functional unit also obtains data necessary for processing from the storage unit 16, and stores the processing results in the storage unit 16 as necessary. The storage unit 16 stores, for example, information for managing the workpiece W in a bleaching process and a dyeing process such as printing. The storage unit 16 stores, for example, a work database 170 and a user database 180.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the work database 170. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the work database 170 is a database that combines a work ID 171 (identifier) ​​assigned to each work W and work management information 172 associated with the work ID 171. The work management information 172 may include, for example, the following information: Dyeing information, which is information about the dyeing applied to the workpiece Bleaching treatment information, which is information about the bleaching treatment performed on the workpiece. Work usage history

[0043] FIG. 5 shows an example in which workpiece management information 172 is recorded for each item such as "type," "status," "print history," "bleaching history," and "usage information." In "Type," information that can identify the type of work W, such as "Banner: S size," "T-shirt: M size," or "Panel: L size," is recorded. The "status" records information about the state of the work W. The "status" can record information such as "printing in progress," "shipped," "in use," "expired use period," "collected," "reusable," and "unreusable." In other words, the "status" can be used to determine whether the work W is in a collectable state or a reusable state.

[0044] The "printing history" records, as dyeing information, information about printing that has been performed in the past on the workpiece W. The printing history can record information such as the date the workpiece W was printed, the user ID of the printing base 3 that performed the printing, the printing method (sublimation transfer, direct sublimation printing, etc.), and printing conditions (printing quality, finishing, etc.). In the example of FIG. 5, the user IDs of the printing location 3, the bleaching location 7, and the customer 5 are simply described as "ID."

[0045] The "bleaching history" records bleaching process information, which is information about bleaching processes previously performed on the work W. The bleaching history can record information such as the user ID of the bleaching site 7 that performed the bleaching process on the work W, the bleaching method, and the bleaching conditions.

[0046] "Usage information" records information about the use of Work W as a usage history. The usage information records, for example, the user ID of a customer 5 who is currently using Work W or who has used Work W in the past, and the period of use. For a customer 5 who is currently using Work W, if a period of use for Work W has been set in advance, the period of use is recorded. The work management information 172 is not limited to the items shown in the figure, and other items can also be recorded as appropriate.

[0047] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the user database 180. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the user database 180 is a database that combines a user ID 181 (identifier) ​​assigned to a user who uses the recycle system 1 and user management information 182 associated with the user ID 181. User management information 182 is composed of a combination of items such as "type," "name," "contact information," "location information," "base information," "usage history," "recovery history," "CO2 reduction amount," and "number of bonus points." The type of user is recorded in "Type." For example, "Customer," "Printing base," "Bleaching base," etc. are recorded as "Type." "Name" records the user's company name or personal name. "Contact information" records the user's contact information such as a telephone number or email address. "Location information" records the user's address or whereabouts. "Location information" is recorded when "type" is the printing location 3 or the bleaching location 7. The location information, for example, records information related to the specifications of the printing location 3 or the bleaching location 7. In the case of the printing location 3, the location information may record information such as the type and number of printable works W, the model and performance of the printing device 40 installed at the printing location 3, and the date on which the printed work W can be shipped. In the case of the bleaching base 7, the base information may include, for example, the type and number of acceptable works W, the model and performance of the bleaching device 80 installed at the printing base 3, and the days on which acceptance is possible.

[0048] "Usage history" is recorded when "Type" is Customer 5. "Usage history" records information about Customer 5's past use of work W. The usage history can record information such as the number of times Customer 5 requested printing of work W, the type and number of work W requested to be printed, etc. "Collection history" is recorded when "Type" is Customer 5. "Collection history" records information regarding past collection of work W by Customer 5. The collection history can record information such as the number of times work W has been collected, the type and number of work W collected, etc. "CO2 reduction amount" is recorded when "type" is customer 5. "CO2 reduction amount" records the amount of CO2 emissions reduced by customer 5 by using the recycling system 1. The CO2 reduction amount is estimated by the estimation unit 14 and recorded in the user database 180. "Number of privilege points" is recorded when the type is Customer 5. "Number of privilege points" records the number of privilege points awarded to Customer 5. The privilege points are awarded by the privilege point awarding unit 15 and recorded in the user database 180. The privilege points are awarded, for example, according to the number of times Customer 5 makes a printing request or collection request, or the amount of CO2 reduction achieved.

[0049] The work ID issuing unit 11 (see FIG. 4) of the management device 10 issues a work ID 171 in response to a request sent by the information terminal 30 (see FIG. 2) at the printing base 3 when printing a new work W. The work ID 171 can be configured, for example, by combining numbers and symbols. The work ID issuing unit 11 sends the issued work ID 171 to the information terminal 30 at the printing base 3 and also registers it in the work database 170.

[0050] In response to a request sent from the information terminal of a new user, the user ID issuing unit 12 (see FIG. 4) issues a user ID 181. For example, the user accesses a website provided by the management device 10 via the information terminal and inputs necessary information, whereby a request to issue the user ID 181 is sent from the information terminal to the management device 10. The user ID 181 can be configured by combining, for example, numbers and symbols. The user ID issuing unit 12 transmits the issued user ID 181 to the information terminal of the user and also registers it in the user database 180.

[0051] The information management unit 13 manages various types of information including work management information 172 stored in the storage unit 16, and provides the user with various types of information for managing the work W in bleaching treatments and dyeing treatments such as printing. When the user inputs information that can be registered as work management information 172 or user management information 182, the information management unit 13 records the information in the work database 170 and the user database 180. In response to a request from the user, the information management unit 13 also provides the information recorded in the work database 170 and the user database 180 within the scope of the access rights granted to the user.

[0052] The estimation unit 14 estimates the amount of CO2 reduction based on the collection history of the customer 5 recorded in the user database 180. The bonus point granting unit 15 grants bonus points to the user based on the CO2 reduction amount estimated by the estimation unit 14.

[0053] As described above, the printing base 3 (see FIG. 1) prints the work W based on a request from the customer 5. At the printing base 3, for example, when a customer 5 wishes to have a workpiece W collected after use, the customer 5 can use the recycling system 1 to print the workpiece W. For example, a customer 5 may use a large quantity of printed work W for only a short period of time, such as for a sale, an event, or an exhibition. If the work W is used for a short period of time, the work W will not wear out much, and if the work W is bleached after use, the work W will become reusable. Disposing of large amounts of work W can be costly. In addition, incinerating the work for disposal emits CO2. By using the recycling system 1, customer 5 can reduce the cost of disposing of work W. Furthermore, if customer 5 has set a target for reducing CO2 emissions as a company, it can also contribute to achieving that target. By using the recycling system 1, the printing base 3 can also reuse the work W for printing, thereby reducing the cost of procuring new work W. Furthermore, if the printing base 3 and the bleaching base 7 are located in the same facility, the bleached work W can be immediately reused. Here, the workpieces W are used in various places such as stores, event or exhibition venues, and the like, and the periods of use vary. The recycling system 1 of this embodiment provides a mechanism for efficiently collecting the workpieces W used in various places.

[0054] For example, when a customer 5 requests printing of a work W at the printing base 3, if the customer 5 wishes to have the work W collected after use, the customer 5 can set a usage period for the work W in advance. Also, if the customer 5 is a new customer, the customer 5 can access the website of the management device 10 via the information terminal 50 of the customer 5 and register as a user of the recycling system 1.

[0055] 2, the printing base 3 prints an image Im specified by a customer 5 on a work W, and also prints a work ID 171. As described above, the management device 10 stores work management information 172 associated with the work ID 171 in the work database 170. Furthermore, the work management information 172 also includes information on users involved in the work W in the recycling system 1 (the printing base 3, the bleaching base 7, and the customer 5). That is, by using the work ID 171 printed on the work W, the user can obtain various information linked to the work ID 171. This allows the user to smoothly collect and reuse the work W.

[0056] 7 is a sequence chart relating to printing of a work W in the recycle system 1. Note that FIG. 7 shows an example in which the printing device 40 at the printing base 3 functions as an identifier assigning unit and assigns a work ID 171 to a new work W. As shown in FIG. 7, when printing on a workpiece W at the printing base 3, a camera 41 provided on the printing device 40 (see FIG. 2) photographs the workpiece W, and a process of detecting the workpiece ID 171 is performed (step S01).

[0057] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing details of the process in step S01 of FIG. 8, the information terminal 30 at the printing base 3 photographs the workpiece W set in the printing device 40 with the camera 41 (step S101). The information terminal 30 at the printing base 3 performs an analysis process on the image of the workpiece W to detect the workpiece ID 171 (step S102). At this time, the information terminal 30 at the printing base 3 may identify the type of workpiece W, etc., through the image analysis process. If the work ID 171 is not detected from the image of the work W (step S102: No), the work W is a new work W that has not been reused in the recycle system 1. In this case, the information terminal 30 of the printing base 3 creates a request R1a to issue a new work ID 171 to the work W (step S103). If the work ID 171 is detected from the image of the work W (step S102: Yes), the work W is a work W that has been reused in the recycle system 1. In this case, the information terminal 30 of the printing base 3 creates a request R1b in the message M1 to send the work management information 172 associated with the detected work ID 171 (step S104). The information terminal 30 at the printing base 3 creates a message M1 including the request R1a or R1b and sends it to the management device 10 (step S105). The message M1 includes the user ID 181 of the printing base 3. The information terminal 30 at the printing base 3 can also include in the message M1 information that can be registered as work management information 172. For example, if the type of work W is identified from the image of the camera 41 in step S102, that information can be included. Alternatively, the administrator at the printing base 3 can manually enter information such as the type of work W and printing conditions via a website.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 7, when the management device 10 receives the message M1 from the information terminal 30 at the printing base 3, it performs processing to create a reply to the message M1 (step S02). FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the detailed process of step S02 in FIG. 9, the management device 10 receives a message M1 from the information terminal 30 of the printing base 3 (step S201). If the message M1 includes a request R1a for issuing a work ID 171, the work ID issuing unit 11 of the management device 10 generates a new work ID 171 (step S202). The work ID issuing unit 11 registers the generated work ID 171 in the work database 170 of the storage unit 16 (step S204). If the message M1 received in step S201 includes a request R1b for transmitting work management information 172 associated with the work ID 171, the information management unit 13 acquires the work ID 171 included in the request R1b and searches the work database 170. The information management unit 13 acquires the work management information 172 associated with the work ID 171 (step S203). Note that the information management unit 13 acquires only the work management information 172 for which the printing base 3 has been granted access rights, from the work management information 172 recorded in the work database 170.

[0059] If the message M1 contains information that can be registered as work management information 172, the information management unit 13 registers the information in the work database 170 in association with the work ID 171 (step S204). For example, if the message M1 includes information such as the "type" and "printing conditions" of the work W, the information management unit 13 can register these in the respective items of the work management information 172. The information management unit 13 can also register the user ID 181 of the printing base 3 included in the message M1 in the "print history" field of the work database 170. The information management unit 13 can also record "print processing in progress" in the "status" item of the work database 170.

[0060] The management device 10 transmits a message M2, which is a reply to the message M1, to the information terminal 30 at the printing base 3 (step S205). If the management device 10 has performed the process of step S202, the message M2 includes the issued work ID 171. If the management device 10 has performed the process of step S203, the message M2 includes the work management information 172.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 7, when the information terminal 30 at the printing base 3 receives the message M2 from the management device 10, it controls the printing device 40 to print the image Im on the work W (step S03). If the message M2 includes the work ID 171, the information terminal 30 at the printing base 3 causes the printing device 40 to print the work ID 171 together with the image Im. If the message M2 does not include the work ID 171, the printing device 40 only prints the image Im. As described above, the printing device 40 prints the image Im using a dye material containing a dye (first coloring material) that can be decolorized with a bleaching solution. The printing device 40 can print the work ID 171 using, for example, an ink (material) containing a coloring material (second coloring material) that cannot be decolorized with a bleaching solution. The coloring material may be a dye or a pigment. Alternatively, the printing device 40 may print the work ID 171 using invisible ink that is not visible to the naked eye but can be detected with an infrared camera or the like. The printing device 40 can print the work ID 171, for example, in a location that is separate from the image Im and less noticeable. For example, if the work W is a banner, after printing the work W, the edge of the work W may be sewn into a bag shape so that a pole can be inserted. The printing device can print the work ID 171, for example, in a location that will be located on the inside of the bag after sewing. The work ID 171 is not limited to being directly attached to the work W, but may be attached using a medium different from the work W that can be attached to the work W. For example, the medium may be a tag made of paper, resin, or the like. The work ID 171 may be printed on the tag or written by hand. Alternatively, the work ID 171 may be recorded on a medium such as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag, an IC chip, or an electronic tag. These media may be attached to the work W, for example, by sewing, adhesive, or binding.

[0062] The printing device 40 can also control the printing to be performed appropriately based on the workpiece management information 172 acquired from the management device 10. The printing device 40 may, for example, refer to the bleaching conditions of the last bleaching process recorded in the bleaching history of the workpiece W, and perform printing appropriate for the bleached workpiece W.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 7, when the printing base 3 dispatches the printed work W to the customer 5, it transmits a message M3 indicating the completion of dispatch to the management device 10 via the information terminal 30. The message M3 can include information such as the work ID 171 of the sent work W, the user ID 181 of the customer 5 to whom the work W is sent, and the period of use of the work W, for example. When the management device 10 receives the message M3, the information management unit 13 performs an update process on the work database 170 and the user database 180 (step S04). For example, the information management unit 13 can update the "status" of work W in the work management information 172 of the work database 170 to "shipped," and register the user ID 181 of customer 5 and the period of use of the work in the "usage information." The information management unit 13 also updates information such as the number of print requests and the number of works W in the "usage history" of the user management information 182 of customer 5 in the user database 180. Furthermore, when the use period registered in the work database 170 starts, the information management unit 13 updates the "status" of the work W to "in use period" (step S05).

[0064] FIG. 10 is a sequence chart regarding collection of the works W in the recycle system 1. As shown in FIG. 10, when the usage period registered in the work database 170 has elapsed, the information management unit 13 of the management device 10 updates the "status" of the work W to "usage period has elapsed" (step S06). The information management unit 13 sends a message M4 including a collection guide by email, push notification, or the like to the information terminal 50 of the customer 5 using the work W. The message M4 includes a URL for accessing a collection guide website provided by the management device 10. Customer 5 can access the collection information website using the URL included in message M4 or by reading work ID 171 printed on work W. Although FIG. 10 shows an example in which the information management unit 13 transmits the message M4 after the usage period has elapsed, the message M4 may be transmitted a predetermined number of days before the usage period has elapsed.

[0065] The information management unit 13 of the management device 10 provides the customer 5 with collection instructions on the website (step S07). FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the detailed processing of step S07 in FIG. 11, the information management unit 13 displays a query on the website asking whether the work can be collected (step S701). If the customer 5 replies that the work can be collected (step S701: Yes), the information management unit 13 displays options for how to collect the work W (step S702). If the customer 5 replies that the work cannot be collected (step S701: No), the information management unit 13 updates the "status" of the work management information 172 to "uncollectible" (step S706) and terminates the process.

[0066] FIG. 11 shows an example in which the information management unit 13 presents the following options for the collection method of the work W. (a) Customer 5 delivers work W directly to bleaching site 7 (b) Customer 5 mails workpiece W to bleaching center 7.

[0067] The information management unit 13 further provides guidance on the collection method according to the selection made by the customer 5. If the customer 5 selects (a), the information management unit 13 creates a list of bleaching bases 7 that are candidates for the customer 5 to bring in the workpiece W, and presents the list on the website (step S703). The information management unit 13 can create, for example, a list of bleaching stations 7 that can accept the workpieces W. The information management unit 13 extracts bleaching locations 7 that can accept the work W, for example, by referring to the type of work W and printing history recorded in the work database 170 and the location information of the bleaching locations 7 recorded in the user database 180.

[0068] The information management unit 13 can, for example, create a list of bleaching stations 7 that are close to the customer 5 . The information management unit 13 refers to the location information of the customer 5 and the location information of the bleaching station 7 recorded in the user database 180, for example, and extracts the bleaching station 7 located within a certain range from the customer 5. The information management unit 13 may create a list of bleaching stations 7 that meet multiple conditions. For example, the information management unit 13 can create the list by extracting bleaching stations 7 that can accept the work W, and then narrowing down the bleaching stations 7 to those located within a certain range from the customer 5.

[0069] In addition, if there is a bleaching base 7 within the same facility as the printing base 3 where the work W was printed, the information management unit 13 may create a list so that the bleaching base 7 within the same facility as the printing base 3 appears at the top of the candidate list. When the customer 5 selects a bleaching station 7 from the candidate list, the information management unit 13 displays detailed information about the selected bleaching station 7 on the website (step S704). The detailed information about the bleaching station 7 may include, for example, the location information of the bleaching station 7, contact information, a map, and the time when the work W can be delivered.

[0070] If the customer 5 selects (b), the information management unit 13 creates a list of bleaching locations 7 to which the customer 5 can mail the work W, and presents the list on the website (step S705). The information management unit 13 can, for example, extract bleaching stations 7 that can accept the work W and are close to the customer 5, and create a list. The information management unit 13 can extract bleaching stations 7 that can accept the work W in the same manner as in the case of (a) and narrow down the bleaching stations 7 to those that are close to the customer 5. However, when narrowing down the bleaching stations 7 to those that are close to the customer 5, the information management unit 13 can set a wider range than in the case of (a). As in the case of (a), if there is a bleaching center 7 in the same facility as the printing center 3 where the work W was printed, the information management unit 13 can create a list so that the bleaching center 7 in the same facility as the printing center 3 comes to the top of the candidate list.

[0071] When the customer 5 selects a bleaching facility 7 from the candidate list, the information management unit 13 displays detailed information about the shipping method on the website (step S706). The detailed information about the shipping method may be, for example, the address of the bleaching facility 7, a packing method for the work W, a form of a slip that the customer 5 can print, etc. In addition, if customer 5 specifies that work W be collected by mail when requesting printing, printing base 3 may enclose a special bag or case for packing work W when shipping work W to customer 5.

[0072] Although a detailed explanation will be omitted, the method of collecting the workpiece W illustrated in FIG. 11 is merely one example, and the collection of the workpiece W can be carried out in various ways. For example, the manager of the bleaching base 7 or a specialized collection company may visit the customer 5 and collect the workpiece W. Alternatively, the manager of the printing base 3 that shipped the workpiece W to the customer 5 may collect the workpiece W and bring it to the bleaching base 7. Collection may be carried out periodically, or may be carried out in response to a request from the customer 5. The information management unit 13 can present these various collection methods on the collection guidance website and provide guidance according to the selected collection method. For example, if the bleaching base 7, the printing base 3, or a specialized collection company collects the work W, the information management unit 13 may allow the collection of the work W to be reserved on the collection guidance website.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 10, the customer 5 delivers or mails the workpiece W to the bleaching site 7, and the workpiece W is collected at the bleaching site 7. At the bleaching station 7, when bleaching the workpiece W, the workpiece W is photographed by a camera 81 provided in the bleaching device 80. If the workpiece ID 171 is printed at a sewn location on the workpiece W, the workpiece W is unstitched in advance. The information terminal 70 at the bleaching station 7 performs an analysis process on the image of the workpiece W to detect the workpiece ID 171 (step S08). At this time, the information terminal 70 at the bleaching station 7 may identify the state of the workpiece W, such as wear, by the image analysis process. The information terminal 70 at the bleaching station 7 transmits a message M5 including a request R2 to transmit management information 172 of the workpiece associated with the detected workpiece ID 171 to the management device 10. The message M5 includes the user ID 181 of the bleaching station 7. Furthermore, if the information terminal 70 at the bleaching station 7 has identified the state of the workpiece W in step S08, it can include that information in the message M5.

[0074] When the management device 10 receives the message M5 from the information terminal 70 of the bleaching station 7, it creates a reply to the message M5 (step S09). FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the detailed process of step S09 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, when the management device 10 receives a message M5 from the information terminal 70 of the bleaching site 7 (step S901), the information management unit 13 acquires the work ID 171 included in the message M5, searches the work database 170, and updates the work management information 172 associated with the work ID 171 (step S902). For example, the information management unit 13 adds the user ID 181 of the bleaching site 7 to the "recovery history" of the work management information 172, and changes the "status" to "recovered."

[0075] The information management unit 13 obtains the user ID 181 of customer 5 recorded in the "usage information" of the work management information 172, searches the user database 180, and updates the user management information 182 for customer 5 (step S903). The information management unit 13 can update, for example, information such as the number of times the workpieces W have been collected, the type and number of works W collected, etc., in the "collection history" of the management information 182 of the user.

[0076] The estimation unit 14 estimates the amount of CO2 reduction based on the "collection history" in the management information 182 of the user (step S904). The estimation unit 14 can perform the estimation using a preset algorithm based on machine learning, for example. The estimation unit 14 records the estimated CO2 reduction amount in the user database 180. The bonus point granting unit 15 calculates the number of bonus points to be granted to the customer 5 based on the CO2 reduction amount estimated by the estimation unit 14 (step S905). The bonus point granting unit 15 records the calculated number of bonus points in the user management information 182.

[0077] The customer 5 can view the amount of CO2 reduction and the number of bonus points by, for example, accessing the website of the management device 10. The manner in which the bonus points can be used is not limited to a specific manner. For example, the next time the customer 5 requests printing of the work W, the printing fee can be discounted according to the bonus points. Alternatively, a predetermined number of bonus points may be exchanged for a predetermined item.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 12, the information management unit 13 refers to the "use information" (use history) of the work management information 172 to determine whether the work W is reusable (step S906). When the workpiece W is repeatedly reused in the recycling system 1, it becomes worn and may become unsuitable for reuse even after being subjected to a decolorization treatment. In such cases, it is desirable not to bleach the workpiece W, but to discard or upcycle it (see Figure 1). The information management unit 13 can, for example, count the number of times the work W has been used from the "usage information" in the work database 170, and if the number of times reaches a predetermined number, determine that the work W is not reusable. The information management unit 13 may determine whether the workpiece W can be reused from at least one of the information "printing history" and "bleaching history." For example, the information management unit 13 counts the number of times the workpiece W has been printed or bleached from the "printing history" or "bleaching history," and can determine that the workpiece W cannot be reused if the number of times the workpiece W has been printed or bleached reaches a predetermined number. Alternatively, if the message M5 received from the information terminal 70 of the bleaching station 7 includes information about the state of the workpiece W, the information management unit 13 may make a determination based on that information.

[0079] 12, if the information management unit 13 determines that the work W is reusable (step S906: Yes), the process proceeds to step S908. If the information management unit 13 determines that the work W is not reusable (step S906: No), the process stops the reuse of the work W. Specifically, the information management unit 13 creates a notification of the determination result that the work W is not reusable (step S907), and then proceeds to step S908. In addition, the information management unit 13 updates the "status" of the work management information 172 to "not reusable." In step S908, the information management unit 13 acquires, from the work database 170, the work management information 172 to be transmitted to the information terminal 70 of the bleaching station 7 (step S907). Here, the information management unit 13 acquires only the work management information 172 for which the bleaching station 7 has been granted access authority (for example, the "print history" of the work) from among the work management information 172 stored in the work database 170.

[0080] The management device 10 transmits a message M6, which is a reply to the message M5, to the information terminal 70 at the bleaching site 7 (step S909). When the management device 10 performs the process of step S907, the message M6 includes a notification of the determination result that the work W cannot be reused.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 10, when the information terminal 70 at the bleaching station 7 receives the message M6 from the management device 10, it controls the bleaching device 80 to perform the bleaching process on the workpiece W (step S10). The information terminal 70 at the bleaching station 7 can change the bleaching processing conditions as appropriate based on the work management information 172 included in the message M6. For example, it can select the optimal bleaching processing conditions (type, concentration, heating temperature, etc. of bleaching solution) based on the printing conditions in the print history.

[0082] If the message M6 received from the management device 10 includes a notification of the determination result that the work W cannot be reused, the bleaching site 7 performs bleaching processing on the work W and then discards or upcycles the work W. In addition, if the workpiece W cannot be reused at the decolorizing station 7, the workpiece W may be discarded or upcycled without being subjected to the decolorizing treatment. The decolorizing device 80 may be provided with a mechanism for separating reusable workpieces W from non-reusable workpieces before or after the decolorizing process.

[0083] 10, when the bleaching process of the work W is completed, the information terminal 70 at the bleaching site 7 transmits a message M7 notifying the management device 10 of the completion of the bleaching process. The message M7 includes a work ID 171 and a user ID 181 at the bleaching site 7. When the management device 10 receives the message M7, the information management unit 13 performs an update process on the work database 170 and the user database 180 (step S11). For example, the information management unit 13 updates the "status" of the work W in the work database 170 to "reusable" and records the user ID 181 of the bleaching site 7, the bleaching method, the bleaching conditions, etc. in the "bleaching history."

[0084] When the bleaching station 7 and the printing station 3 are installed in the same facility, the workpiece W that has become reusable after the bleaching process may be printed at the printing station 3 as is. When the bleaching station 7 is provided independently of the printing station 3, the work W may be transported from the bleaching station 7 to the printing station 3.

[0085] As described above, the recycling system 1 described in the embodiment includes, for example, the following aspects of a collection system, a recycling system, a printing system, and a recycling method. (1) The recovery system is a system that recovers workpieces W that have been dyed using dyeing materials containing dyes and performs a decolorization process on them, making them reusable. The collection system includes a work ID issuing unit 11 (identifier issuing unit), a printing device 40 which is an example of an identifier assigning unit, and an information management unit 13. The work ID issuing unit 11 issues a work ID 171, which is an example of an identifier for the work W. The printing device 40 assigns the work ID 171 issued by the work ID issuing unit 11 to the work W. The information management unit 13 manages workpiece management information 172 associated with the workpiece ID 171, and provides information for managing the workpiece W in the bleaching process and the dyeing process.

[0086] (9) The recycling system is a system that recovers workpieces W that have been dyed using dyeing materials containing dyes and performs a decolorizing process to make them reusable. The recycling system 1 includes a printing base 3 (dyeing base) that performs printing (dyeing process) on the work W using dyeing material, a bleaching base 7 that performs bleaching process on the work W, and a management device 10 that manages management information 172 for the work W. The management device 10 includes a work ID issuing unit 11 (identifier issuing unit) and an information management unit 13. The work ID issuing unit 11 issues a work ID 171, which is an example of an identifier, to the work W. The information management unit 13 updates the work management information 172 associated with the work ID 171 based on a message including the work ID 171 received from the user's information terminal 30, 50, 70, or transmits the work management information 172 to the user's information terminal 30, 50, 70.

[0087] (17) The printing system is a printing system for a work W that is printed using a dyeing material containing a dye and that can be reused by performing a decolorization process. The printing system includes a printing base 3 that prints on a work using a dyeing material, and a management device 10 that manages management information 172 of the work W. The management device 10 includes a work ID issuing unit 11 (identifier issuing unit) and a storage unit 16. The work ID issuing unit 11 issues a work ID 171, which is an example of an identifier, to the work W. The storage unit 16 stores work management information 172 associated with a work ID 171.

[0088] (19) The recycling method involves bleaching the workpiece W that has been dyed using a dyeing material containing a dye and then reusing it. In the recycling method, a work ID 171, which is an example of an identifier, is assigned to the work W, Based on the workpiece management information 172 associated with the workpiece ID 171, the workpiece can be managed in the bleaching process and the staining process.

[0089] In this embodiment, the efficiency of collecting used workpieces W can be improved. Dyeing methods such as sublimation transfer printing using disperse dyes are simple processes that allow for high-quality printing. Therefore, large quantities of workpieces W printed with disperse dyes are often used for short periods of time, such as in store sales, events, and exhibitions. Disposal of large quantities of workpieces W is costly and raises concerns about the environmental impact. The workpiece W printed with disperse dyes can be reused by decolorizing it using a decolorizing solution. However, the workpiece W is used in various places and has a different period of use. The decolorization process of workpiece W requires capital investment, and the decolorization process itself places a burden on the environment. In order to maximize the economic and environmental benefits gained from recycling workpiece W, it is necessary to efficiently collect used workpiece W. In the recycle system 1 of this embodiment, the work ID issuing unit 11 of the management device 10 issues a work ID 171 for each work W, and the storage unit 16 stores work management information 172 associated with the work ID 171. The work ID 171 is directly assigned to the work W. This allows the user to easily obtain the work management information 172 stored in the management device 10 and update the management information 172 by reading the work ID 171 assigned to the work W. This makes it possible to easily grasp the usage status of the workpieces W in the recycling system 1, and allows the workpieces W to be collected and recycled efficiently.

[0090] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the work ID 171 is assigned to the work W in the form of a barcode or QR code (registered trademark), but the form of the work ID 171 is not limited as long as it can be read by a reading device. For example, the numbers, letters, symbols, or at least a partial combination of these that make up the work ID 171 may be assigned directly to the work W. In this case, the work ID 171 may be read by a reading device such as a camera, or the work ID may be directly entered on a website provided by the management device 10. Furthermore, the workpiece ID 171 may be assigned at a location other than the printing base 3. For example, the business operator that operates the recycle system 1 may supply the printing base 3 with the workpiece W to which the workpiece ID 171 has been assigned in advance.

[0091] (2) The identifier assigning unit can be provided, for example, in the printing base 3 that prints (dyes) the work W. The identifier assigning unit can be configured, for example, from an information terminal 30 of the printing base 3 and a printing device 40 provided in the printing base 3. The work ID 171 can be assigned using ink or material that cannot be erased by bleaching. It can also be assigned using invisible ink or material that cannot be seen with the naked eye but can be detected by infrared rays or the like. The printing device 40 includes a camera 41 (first sensor) that photographs the workpiece W and detects the workpiece ID 171 when performing printing, which is an example of a dyeing process for the workpiece W. If the camera 41 does not detect the work ID 171 from the work W, the information terminal 30 at the printing base 3 sends a message M1 including a request R1a for issuing the work ID 171 to the work ID issuing unit 11 of the management device 10.

[0092] When using the recycling system 1, the printing base 3 prints both new work W and reused work W that has already been assigned a work ID 171. By providing a camera 41 in the printing device 40 and detecting the work ID 171, a request R1a to issue a work ID 171 can be sent to the management device 10 for new work W for which the work ID 171 is not detected. This eliminates the need for the printing base 3 to sort and print new work W and reused work W, improving printing efficiency. Furthermore, since the work ID 171 can be assigned in the printing process, which is the first stage of the use of the work W in the recycling system 1, it becomes easy to provide and update the work management information 172 using the work ID 171 in the subsequent stages (use of the work W, bleaching process). This also allows for efficient collection of the work W.

[0093] (3, 18) The identifier assigning unit can assign the work ID 171 to the work W by processing it with a material containing a colorant that cannot be bleached by bleaching. For example, the printing device 40, which is an example of an identifier assigning unit, can print on the work W with a dyeing material that contains a first colorant that can be bleached by bleaching, and can also print the work ID 171 on the work W with ink that is a colorant different from the first colorant and contains a second dye colorant that cannot be bleached by bleaching.

[0094] By printing the work ID 171 together with the image Im using the printing device 40, the work ID 171 can be easily assigned to the work W. Furthermore, by printing the work ID 171 with a dye that is not bleached by bleaching, the same work ID 171 can be used when reusing the work W after bleaching, and there is no need to reassign the work ID 171.

[0095] (4) The work ID 171 can be assigned using a medium that is different from the work W and can be attached to the work W, for example.

[0096] The medium can be, for example, a tag made of paper or resin on which the work ID 171 is printed. The work ID 171 may be written by hand. The medium can be attached to the work W by sewing, adhesive, binding, or the like. In this case, during the bleaching process, the medium can be removed from the workpiece W. This prevents the workpiece ID 171 from being bleached by the bleaching process, even if the workpiece ID 171 is printed with a dye material containing the same first color material as the image Im.

[0097] (5) The work ID 171 can be assigned using any one of the following media: RFID, IC chip, and electronic tag.

[0098] In this case, for example, an RFID reader / writer can be used as the reading device. The reader / writer can not only read the work ID 171 but also write various information, thereby improving the convenience for users of the recycling system 1. Furthermore, these media can be attached to the work W by sewing, adhesive, binding tools, etc. This allows the media to be removed from the work W during the decolorization process.

[0099] (6, 12) The work management information 172 stored in the work database 170 of the memory unit 16 can include information about the customer 5 who uses the work W and the user ID 181 and usage period recorded in the “Usage Information” section as information about the usage period set for the work W. The information management unit 13 can send a message M4 informing the customer 5 of the collection of the work W to the information terminal 50 of the customer 5 a predetermined number of days before the expiration of the usage period recorded in the work database 170, or after the expiration of the usage period. The information management unit 13 can also inquire of the customer 5 about whether or not the work W can be collected.

[0100] The message M4 sent by the information management unit 13 makes it easier for the customer 5 to notice the lapse of the usage period and also makes it easier for the customer 5 to access the collection guidance information provided by the management device 10. This makes it possible to improve the collection efficiency of the work W.

[0101] (7) The management device 10 includes a memory unit 16 that stores work management information 172. The memory unit 16 stores, in a user database 180, location information of a customer 5 who uses the work W and location information of a bleaching station 7 as user management information 182. In response to a request from the information terminal 50 of the customer 5, the information management unit 13 presents a collection method for collecting the workpiece W used by the customer 5 to the bleaching station 7. The information management unit 13 extracts the bleaching station 7 that will collect the workpiece W used by the customer 5 based on the collection method selected by the customer 5 and the location information of the customer 5 and the bleaching station 7.

[0102] For example, if the customer 5 selects a collection method in which the work W is directly transported to the bleaching station 7, the information management unit 13 can extract bleaching stations 7 that are located within a certain range close to the customer 5. For example, if the customer 5 selects to mail the work W, the information management unit 13 can extract bleaching stations 7 that are located within a wider range than direct transport. This allows the customer 5 to know the decolorization station 7 that is suitable for the selected recovery method, thereby increasing convenience for the customer 5 and improving the recovery efficiency of the work W.

[0103] (8) The storage unit 16 of the management device 10 stores the base information (information about the specifications of the bleaching base 7) in the user database 180. In response to a request from the information terminal 50 of the customer 5, the information management unit 13 presents a collection method for collecting the workpiece W used by the customer 5 to the bleaching station 7. The information management unit 13 extracts a bleaching station 7 that can collect the workpiece W used by the customer 5 based on the collection method selected by the customer 5, the workpiece management information 172, and the site information.

[0104] When there are multiple bleaching stations 7, the types and numbers of workpieces W that can be accepted at each station may differ. The information management unit 13 can extract bleaching stations 7 that can accept the workpieces W to be collected by referring to the types of workpieces W and printing history in the work database 170 and the station information of the bleaching stations 7. This increases convenience for the customer 5 and improves the efficiency of collecting the workpieces W.

[0105] (10) Work management information 172 is Print history (dyeing information) which is information about the printing (dyeing process) performed on the work W; Bleaching history (bleaching treatment information) which is information about the bleaching treatment performed on the work W; may include:

[0106] This makes it possible to improve the convenience of users of the recycling system 1. For example, at the printing base 3, by referring to the bleaching history of the work W, it is possible to select a printing method suitable for the bleached work W. Also, at the bleaching base 7, by referring to the printing history of the work W, it is possible to select a bleaching method suitable for the printed work W.

[0107] (11) The work management information 172 may include information about the use history of the work W. The information management unit 13 stops the reuse of the work W when the usage history of the work W reaches a predetermined number of times.

[0108] As the workpiece W is repeatedly reused in the recycling system 1, it may become worn and become unsuitable for reuse even after bleaching treatment. In such cases, it is desirable to discard or upcycle the workpiece W without bleaching treatment. By having the management device 10 determine whether the workpiece W is reusable, it is possible to reduce the personnel costs required for inspection work at the printing base 3 or bleaching base 7. It is also possible to contribute to maintaining the quality of the workpiece W circulating through the recycling system 1.

[0109] (13) The storage unit 16 of the management device 10 records the collection history of the work W for each customer 5. The management device 10 includes an estimation unit 14 that estimates the amount of CO2 emissions reduced by the customer 5 based on the collection history; The system further includes a privilege point granting unit 15 (privilege granting unit) that grants privilege points (privileges) to the customer 5 based on the estimation result of the estimation unit 14.

[0110] By specifically showing the amount of CO2 emissions reduced by collecting Work W, Customer 5 can easily understand the benefits of Recycling System 1. Furthermore, if Customer 5's company has set a target for CO2 reduction, this can contribute to achieving that target. Furthermore, by offering Customer 5 a reward according to the amount of CO2 reduction achieved, Customer 5 can be given an incentive to use Recycling System 1.

[0111] (14) The bleaching site 7 includes a bleaching device 80 that performs bleaching processing on the workpiece W, and a camera 81 (second sensor) that photographs the workpiece W and detects the workpiece ID 171 when bleaching processing on the workpiece W is performed. The information terminal 70 at the bleaching site 7 transmits a message M5 including the workpiece ID 171 detected by the camera 81 to the information management unit 13. In response to message M5 received from the information terminal 70 of the bleaching site 7, the information management unit 13 obtains work management information 172 associated with the work ID 171 from the memory unit 16 and transmits it to the information terminal 70 of the bleaching site 7.

[0112] The optimal processing conditions for the bleaching process may vary depending on the state of the workpiece W. When performing the bleaching process, the optimal bleaching process can be performed by reading the workpiece ID 171 assigned to the workpiece W and acquiring the workpiece management information 172 from the management device 10.

[0113] (15) The work management information 172 received by the information terminal 70 at the bleaching station 7 includes a printing history (staining information) that records information about printing performed on the work W. The information terminal 70 at the bleaching station 7 controls the bleaching device 80 based on the printing history received from the information management unit 13.

[0114] The optimal conditions for the decolorization process may vary depending on the type of disperse dye used to print the workpiece W, the printing conditions, etc. At the decolorization station 7, the optimal conditions for the decolorization process for the workpiece W can be determined by acquiring the printing history from the management device 10.

[0115] (16) The workpiece management information 172 stored in the workpiece database 170 of the storage unit 16 includes a bleaching history (bleaching treatment information) that records information about the bleaching treatment performed on the workpiece W. When the information management unit 13 receives a message M5 including the workpiece ID 171 from the information terminal 70 of the bleaching station 7, it determines whether the workpiece W can be reused based on at least one of the printing history and the bleaching history. When the information management unit 13 determines that the work W is reusable, it transmits the work management information 172 to the information terminal 70 of the bleaching station 7 . When it is determined that the work W cannot be reused, the reuse of the work W is stopped.

[0116] As the workpiece W is repeatedly reused in the recycling system 1, it may become worn and become unsuitable for reuse even after bleaching treatment. In such cases, it is desirable to discard or upcycle the workpiece W without bleaching treatment. By having the management device 10 determine whether the workpiece W is reusable, it is possible to reduce the personnel costs required for inspection work at the printing base 3 or bleaching base 7. It is also possible to contribute to maintaining the quality of the workpiece W circulating through the recycling system 1.

[0117] <Modification> In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the workpiece W is reused in the recycle system 1 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the recycle system 1 may incorporate a mechanism for recycling the decolorizing solution used in the decolorizing treatment of the workpiece W. As described above, the decolorization process is carried out by transferring the disperse dyes adhering to the workpiece W into the decolorization solution. After use, the decolorization solution can be reused by separating the disperse dyes through processes such as distillation or filtration.

[0118] For example, a bleaching solution recycling station can be provided that collects used bleaching solution from the bleaching station 7 and performs a process to separate the disperse dye. In this case, the recycling base can also be registered as a user in the user database 180. The management device 10 can record information about the specifications of the recycling base as "base information" of the recycling base. The base information can be, for example, information about the type and amount of bleaching solution that can be accepted. Furthermore, the management device 10 can record the stored amount or used amount of bleaching solution as "site information" of the bleaching site 7. The bleaching site 7 can be provided with a liquid level sensor in each of the stockers that stores the bleaching solution before use and the bleaching solution after use. The management device 10 can record the stored amount or used amount of bleaching solution in the user database 180 by periodically obtaining the detection results of the liquid level sensor via the information terminal 70 of the bleaching site 7.

[0119] When the amount of used bleaching liquid stored at the bleaching station 7 reaches or exceeds a certain amount, the management device 10 can transmit a notification to the bleaching station 7 informing it of the need to collect the bleaching liquid. The manager of the bleaching station 7 can access a collection information website provided by the management device 10 to obtain information on recycling stations where the bleaching solution can be collected.

[0120] Furthermore, when the stored amount of pre-use bleaching liquid falls below a certain amount, the management device 10 can transmit a notification to the bleaching station 7 requesting the provision of bleaching liquid. The administrator of the bleaching station 7 can access the supply guide website provided by the management device 10 to obtain information on recycling stations that can provide the bleaching solution. The management device 10 may also provide a system for making reservations for collection and provision of the bleaching solution between the bleaching station 7 and the recycling station.

[0121] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and modified examples, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Furthermore, the modified examples may not only be applied to the embodiment, but at least a portion of the content of each modified example may also be applied to other modified examples. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 1. Recycling system (collection system) 3. Printing base 5 customers 7. Bleaching Base 10 Management device 11 Work ID Issuance Department 12 User ID Issuance Department 13 Information Management Department 14 Estimation part 15. Bonus point granting section (bonus granting section) 16 Memory section 30 Information terminal at printing base 41 Camera (first sensor) 50 Customer information terminal 70 Information terminal at bleaching center 81 Camera (second sensor) 170 Work Database 171 Work ID 172 Work Management Information 180 User Database 181 User ID 182 User management information double work

Claims

1. A recovery system that recovers and decolorizes workpieces that have been dyed using dyeing materials containing dyes, making them reusable. an identifier issuing unit that issues an identifier for the work; an identifier assigning unit that assigns the identifier issued by the identifier issuing unit to the work; A recovery system characterized by comprising an information management unit that manages management information of the work associated with the identifier and provides information for managing the work in the bleaching process and the staining process.

2. In claim 1, the identifier assigning unit includes a first sensor that scans the workpiece to detect the identifier during the dyeing process of the workpiece; The collection system is characterized in that the identifier assignment unit requests the identifier issuing unit to issue the identifier when the identifier is not detected from the work by the first sensor.

3. In claim 1 or 2, The recovery system is characterized in that the identifier assigning unit assigns the identifier to the work by treating it with a material containing a colorant that cannot be bleached by the bleaching treatment.

4. In claim 1 or 2, A collection system characterized in that the identifier is assigned using a medium that is different from the work and can be attached to the work.

5. In claim 1 or 2, A collection system characterized in that the identifier is assigned using any one of a medium such as an RFID, an IC chip, or an electronic tag.

6. In claim 1, the management information includes information on a customer who uses the work and information on a usage period set for the work; The collection system is characterized in that the information management unit transmits a message informing the customer of collection to the information terminal of the customer a predetermined number of days before the expiration of the usage period or when the usage period has expired.

7. In claim 1, a storage unit for storing the management information; the storage unit stores location information of a customer who uses the workpiece and location information of a bleaching base where the bleaching treatment can be performed; the information management unit presents a collection method for collecting the workpiece used by the customer at the bleaching station in response to a request from the customer's information terminal; A recovery system characterized in that the information management unit extracts the bleaching center that will recover the work used by the customer based on the recovery method selected by the customer and location information of the customer and the bleaching center.

8. In claim 7, the storage unit stores information regarding specifications of the bleaching station; the information management unit presents a collection method for collecting the workpiece used by the customer at the bleaching station in response to a request from an information terminal of the customer who uses the workpiece; The information management unit extracts the bleaching bases that can collect the work used by the customer based on the collection method selected by the customer, management information for the work, and information regarding the specifications of the bleaching bases.

9. A recycling system that recovers dyed workpieces using dyeing materials containing dyes and performs decolorization processing on them so that they can be reused. a dyeing station that performs dyeing processing on the workpiece using the dyeing material; a decolorization station for performing a decolorization process on the workpiece dyed using the dyeing material; a management device that manages management information of the work; Including, The management device an identifier issuing unit that issues an identifier to the work; a storage unit that stores management information of the workpiece associated with the identifier; A recycling system characterized by comprising an information management unit that updates management information of the work associated with the identifier based on a message including the identifier received from the user's information terminal, or transmits management information of the work to the user's information terminal.

10. In claim 9, The work management information is dyeing information which is information regarding the dyeing process performed on the workpiece; Bleaching treatment information which is information regarding the bleaching treatment performed on the workpiece; A recycling system comprising:

11. In claim 9, the work management information includes information regarding a usage history of the work, The information management unit A recycling system characterized in that reuse of the workpiece is stopped when the usage history of the workpiece reaches a predetermined number of times.

12. In claim 9, the management information of the work includes information of a customer who uses the work and information of a usage period set for the work; The recycling system is characterized in that the information management unit sends a message informing the customer of the possibility of collection of the work to the customer's information terminal a predetermined number of days before the expiration of the usage period or after the expiration of the usage period, and inquires whether the work can be collected.

13. In claim 9, The storage unit records a collection history of the work for each customer who uses the work; Based on the recovery history, the CO 2 an estimation unit that estimates the amount of emission of A recycling system comprising: a reward granting unit that grants a reward to the customer based on the estimation result of the estimation unit.

14. In claim 9, The bleaching station includes a bleaching device that performs a bleaching process on the workpiece, and a second sensor that scans the workpiece and detects the identifier when performing the bleaching process on the workpiece, and an information terminal at the bleaching station transmits a message including the identifier detected by the second sensor to the information management unit, A recycling system characterized in that the information management unit obtains management information of the work associated with the identifier from the memory unit in response to the message received from the information terminal of the bleaching center, and transmits the information to the information terminal of the bleaching center.

15. In claim 14, the workpiece management information transmitted by the information management unit includes staining information recording information related to a staining process performed on the workpiece, A recycling system characterized in that the information terminal at the bleaching station controls the bleaching device based on the staining information received from the information management unit.

16. In claim 14, The management information of the work includes dyeing information that records information about printing performed on the work, and bleaching treatment information that records information about bleaching treatment performed on the work, When the information management unit receives a message including the identifier from the information terminal of the bleaching center, the information management unit determines whether the workpiece can be reused based on at least one of the staining information and the bleaching treatment information; The recycling system is characterized in that the information management unit stops the reuse of the workpiece when it is determined that the workpiece cannot be reused.

17. A printing system for a workpiece that is printed using a dyeing material containing a dye and becomes reusable by performing a decolorization process, a printing base that performs printing on the workpiece using the dyeing material; a management device that manages management information of the work; Including, The management device an identifier issuing unit that issues an identifier to the work; a storage unit that stores management information of the workpiece associated with the identifier; A printing system comprising:

18. In claim 17, The printing base further includes an identifier assigning unit that assigns the identifier to the work, A printing system characterized in that the identifier assignment unit prints on the work using a dyeing material containing a first colorant that can be decolorized by the decolorization process, and assigns the identifier to the work using ink that is a colorant different from the first colorant and contains a second colorant that cannot be decolorized by the decolorization process.

19. A recycling method for decolorizing and reusing a workpiece that has been dyed using a dyeing material containing a dye, comprising: assigning an identifier to the work; A recycling method characterized in that the workpieces are managed in the bleaching treatment and the dyeing treatment based on management information of the workpieces associated with the identifiers.

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