A system for managing and processing orders to print images on products.

Abstract

We will provide a system that allows customers to order and receive image printing and processing services online, in addition to ordering and receiving the products themselves when purchasing goods online. [Solution] An order processing system for receiving and placing orders for image printing on products, comprising: an order screen generation means 104 for generating an order screen; an order input means 105 for inputting order information through the order screen; and an order determination means 106 for determining whether the order information satisfies the conditions for receiving and placing orders. If the order determination means 106 determines that the order information satisfies the conditions for receiving and placing orders, the system enables the order processing; otherwise, it does not enable the order processing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an order processing system for receiving and placing orders for image printing simultaneously with the receipt and placement of orders for products to be printed when printing images on products sold on the WEB. The present invention also relates to an order processing system for receiving and placing orders for image printing that can display an estimate of the amount in real time when printing images on products sold on the WEB.

Background Art

[0002] Among products, there are those that are received and ordered as finished products or semi-finished products, and are then delivered after being processed on the finished products or semi-finished products. For example, there are cases where a code for reading such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code, or a logo mark of the delivery destination, etc. is printed on the product for which a sales contract has been concluded and then delivered. In such transactions, additional fees are often imposed on the processing.

[0003] In such transactions, it is preferable if the receipt and placement of orders for products and the receipt and placement of orders for processing can be carried out simultaneously. In conventional order processing systems, the receipt and placement of orders for the products themselves can be carried out on the order processing system, but the processing of the purchased products is not available in the order menu, and individual inquiries may be required in some cases. In a system that requires individual inquiries, the purchasing side cannot quickly conduct deliberations considering the price, and there is an inconvenience that it takes a long time from the start of deliberations to delivery. On the other hand, on the supply side, there is an inconvenience that it requires a workload to respond to inquiries, and there are cases where the credit deteriorates if the response is delayed, or cases where orders are missed.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for customizing a notebook computer cover, which includes the steps of receiving an image from a user, printing the image onto a predetermined fiber, wrapping the predetermined fiber around the notebook computer cover, and heating the notebook computer cover to vaporize the image from the predetermined fiber into the transparent layer of the notebook computer cover. However, while this method involves printing an image onto a product for customization, it does not streamline order processing or provide price information. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2009-545821 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] In online trading systems for buying and selling goods, the inability to combine orders for processing the purchased goods with other orders meant that individual inquiries were required, which was inconvenient. Furthermore, it was not possible to obtain price estimates immediately. In other words, buyers could not make quick decisions, delivery took longer, and suppliers faced increased workload and the risk of damage to their reputation.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a system that enables online ordering and receiving of image printing services in addition to ordering and receiving the products themselves when purchasing goods online. Furthermore, it aims to provide a system that enables the display of price estimates for the above-mentioned image printing services in real time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, An order processing system for receiving and processing orders for image printing on products, An order screen generation means for generating an order screen, An order entry method for entering order information through the order screen, Includes an order determination means for determining whether the order information meets the conditions for order acceptance, If the order determination means determines that the order information meets the conditions for order acceptance, the order acceptance process is enabled. In other cases, we provide an order processing system that does not enable order processing.

[0009] In further embodiments of the present invention, An order processing system for receiving and processing orders for image printing on products, An order screen generation means for generating an order screen, An order entry method for entering order information through the order screen, An order determination means for determining whether the order information meets the conditions for order acceptance, Includes a price calculation means for calculating the price corresponding to the order information, If the order determination means determines that the order information meets the conditions for order acceptance, the price calculated by the price calculation means is output to the order screen, and the order acceptance process is enabled. In other cases, order processing will not be enabled. We provide an order processing system. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, by automating responses from the supplier side regarding order placement and receipt of image printing and the estimation of its price, the time and workload required for inquiries can be reduced, and transactions can be made more efficient. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the order processing system of the present invention. [Figure 2]It is a block diagram showing an exemplary hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus used in the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing the process of transmission, reception, and processing of information in the order processing system of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an order screen in the order processing system of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing the process of transmission, reception, and processing of information in the order processing system of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] The present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is defined by the claims, and the embodiments described in this specification are not intended to unduly limit the present invention.

[0013] <System Configuration> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the electronic document issuing system of the present invention. The information providing database 101 can store information for configuring an online store, information about products sold in the store, and information about commercial transactions by the store.

[0014] The information providing database 101 is connected to the information providing server 102 and can transmit and receive information. The connection method may be wired or wireless communication such as the Internet or an intranet, or the information providing server 102 may have a database function and incorporate all or part of the information providing database 101.

[0015] The information providing server 102 stores and updates information in the information providing database 101, and retrieves information from the information providing database 101. The information providing server 102 further processes information to be transmitted to the user terminal 103 regarding online store information, product information, and business transaction information, etc., processes information to be received from the user terminal 103, and processes the information received from the user terminal 103. The information providing server 102 performs these information processes through a computer program. Specifically, this program constructs an order screen generation means 104, an order input means 105, and an order discrimination means 106. This program may further construct a price calculation means 107.

[0016] The user terminal 103 refers to a communication device owned by an individual or a corporation who can be a purchaser, such as a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, a tablet, etc. The information providing server 102 and the user terminal 103 can transmit and receive information via the Internet as needed.

[0017] The order screen generation means 104 is a means that retrieves information for generating an order screen displayed on the user terminal 103 from the information providing database 101, performs necessary processing, and outputs it to the user terminal 103. The order input means 105 is a means that serves as an interface for inputting information related to e-commerce transactions displayed on the user terminal 103. The order discrimination means 106 is a means that discriminates whether the information input through the order input means 105 is appropriate for establishing an order.

[0018] The price calculation means 107 is a means that calculates how much the price based on the information input through the order input means 105 is, based on a predetermined processing process.

[0019] Figure 2 shows an exemplary hardware configuration of an information processing device that can be used as an information provision server 102 or a user terminal 103. The information processing device comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, an input device 202, a main memory device 203, an output device 204, an auxiliary memory device 205, a clock device 206, and a communication device 209.

[0020] The CPU 201, also known as the central processing unit, comprises a control unit 207 that sends instructions to each device in the system and controls their operation, and an arithmetic unit 208 that performs calculations on digital data.

[0021] The CPU 201 functions as one of the means of the present invention in cooperation with the program stored in the main memory 203 or the auxiliary memory 205. Furthermore, the CPU 201 functions as a storage means for storing information in the main memory 203 or the auxiliary memory 205, and as an update means for updating the information stored therein.

[0022] The control device 207 reads data input from the input device 202 or pre-programmed procedures (e.g., programs or software) from the main memory 203 according to the timing of the clock generated by the clock device 206. The input data and read contents are transmitted to internal devices such as the main memory 203, output device 204, and auxiliary memory 205, as well as to external devices, based on the control of the arithmetic unit 208.

[0023] The input device 202 is a device for inputting various types of data, and examples include a keyboard, mouse, pointing device, touch panel, mousepad, CCD camera, and reading devices for various storage media.

[0024] The main memory 203 is a device commonly referred to as memory, and in the processing unit and internal memory, it refers to an addressable memory space used to execute instructions. The main memory 203 is mainly composed of semiconductor memory elements and stores and holds input programs and data. It also reads this stored data into, for example, registers, according to instructions from the control unit 207. Examples of semiconductor memory elements that make up the main memory 203 include RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory).

[0025] The output device 204 is a device for outputting the calculation results of the arithmetic unit 208, and examples include a PC display device, a display screen on a smartphone or tablet, a printing device such as a printer, and an audio output device.

[0026] The auxiliary storage device 205 is a device that supplements the storage capacity of the main memory 203, and includes, for example, floppy disks, hard disks, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, MOs, etc., which are manufactured using magnetic disk drives, optical disk drives, semiconductor disk drives, etc. The auxiliary storage device 205 functions as a storage means for storing data for constructing various databases.

[0027] The communication device 209 is a device for communicating with external devices and performs data transmission and reception, digital-to-analog conversion, etc., as appropriate depending on the connected network. Here, each of the above devices is interconnected by an address bus or a data bus.

[0028] <Print Image> Products relating to the present invention include, but are not limited to, packaging materials, exterior parts, protective materials, and storage products. The shape of the products may include, but are not limited to, film, bag, or three-dimensional forms. The materials of the products may include, but are not limited to, plastics such as OPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene) and CPP (unoriented polypropylene), paper, and cloth.

[0029] For image printing according to the present invention, for example, thermal printing can be used. Thermal printing is a printing method in which heat is applied to an ink ribbon by a print head that generates heat, and the ink is transferred to the printing surface. With thermal printing, there is no need to create a printing plate, and printing can be done economically even in small quantities.

[0030] It should be noted that "image printing" simply refers to the fact that the printed content can be treated as an image, and does not limit the content itself. Examples of content include, but are not limited to, text, illustrations, symbols, readable codes, and combinations thereof.

[0031] <Information processing process related to order placement and receipt of image printing> Figure 3 shows an example of the information transmission, reception, and processing process in the order processing system of the present invention. In Figure 3, the information provision server 102 and the information provision database 101, and the information provision server 102 and the user terminal 103 are depicted as directly sending and receiving information, but other servers or the like may be interposed between them. In addition, other steps may be performed between each step.

[0032] In step 301, user terminal 103 accesses a specific product page in the online store. In this example, the specific product refers to an additional order for printing an image on another product. Upon access by user terminal 103, a request is sent from user terminal 103 to information provision server 102 for the generation of an order screen corresponding to that product.

[0033] In step 302, the information provision server 102 requests information regarding the order screen for the product from the information provision database 101. The information regarding the product order screen includes, for example, an image to be displayed on the user terminal 103, text information describing the product's performance and specifications, program code to display an interface for the user to input information, images, text information, and program code to appropriately place and display the interface on the user terminal 103, as well as a definition of the conditions under which orders can be placed and received.

[0034] In step 303, the information provision database 101 responds to the request by sending information regarding the order screen for the product to the information provision server 102.

[0035] In step 304, the information server 102 generates an order screen corresponding to the product by performing the necessary processing and sends it to the user terminal 103. As a result, the order screen corresponding to the product is displayed on the user terminal 103.

[0036] An example of an order screen is shown in Figure 4. The order screen displays images and text information to identify products and help users decide whether to purchase them, as well as an interface for the user to enter order information. Order information includes specifications such as print color, maximum dimensions of the printed content, and purchase quantity. The interface can use, for example, a pull-down menu and a text input field.

[0037] A pull-down menu is an input method that allows users to select one of several options by clicking with a mouse or tapping on a touch panel. It is not possible to select multiple options simultaneously. Using a pull-down menu allows users to perform error-free input with fewer actions.

[0038] A text input field is an input format that allows users to enter information via a keyboard or other means. For example, if a user selects a text input field and enters "100," the numerical value "100" will be specified. It is also possible to configure the system to disable non-numeric inputs. Furthermore, if a number outside a specified range is entered, the system may be configured to overwrite it with the closest upper or lower limit. Using a text input field makes it easy for users to specify a fixed value for their input.

[0039] In addition, a button for confirming specifications, such as "Add to Cart," is displayed. Through the user's action via this button, the specified color, quantity, and other order information for the product are saved as a set of related information to the user terminal 103 or the information provision server 102.

[0040] The user sequentially specifies order information, i.e., one of the product specifications or the quantity, through one of the interfaces described above. Once the order information is entered, in step 305, the information providing server 102 retrieves the entered order information.

[0041] In step 306, the information server 102 determines, according to its definition, whether the acquired order information satisfies predetermined order acceptance conditions. Order acceptance conditions are defined as, for example, that the print color, the maximum dimensions of the content to be printed, and the purchase quantity are all selected.

[0042] In one embodiment, the initial state is configured so that the order processing system does not allow the user terminal 103 to place or receive orders for the product. In this configuration, clicking or tapping the specification confirmation button will not result in an order being placed. Furthermore, a message prompting the user to enter order information, such as "Please select the product specifications," may be displayed.Optionally, a more detailed message may be displayed based on the reason why the order acceptance conditions are not met.For example, if the print color has not been selected, a message prompting the user to enter the missing item, such as "Please select the print color," may be displayed.

[0043] In step 306, if it is determined that the order information meets the order acceptance conditions, the information provision server 102 changes (or maintains) the settings in step 307 so that the user terminal 103 can process the order for purchasing the product. In this case, the user can perform the order acceptance procedure by taking action through the specification confirmation button.

[0044] Alternatively, if the user terminal 103 is configured to allow purchase of the product, and the order information is changed in step 305, and the conditions for order placement and acceptance are no longer met, the information provision server 102 will change (or maintain) the settings in step 307 so that the user terminal 103 is not allowed to perform the order placement and acceptance process to purchase the product.

[0045] <Another information processing process related to order placement and receipt of image printing> Figure 5 shows another example of the information transmission, reception, and processing process in the order processing system of the present invention. In Figure 5, the information provision server 102 and the information provision database 101, and the information provision server 102 and the user terminal 103 are depicted as directly transmitting and receiving information, but other servers or the like may be interposed between them. In addition, other steps may be performed between each step.

[0046] In step 501, user terminal 103 accesses a specific product page in the online store. In this example, the specific product refers to an additional order for printing an image on another product. Upon access by user terminal 103, a request is sent from user terminal 103 to the information provision server 102 to generate an order screen corresponding to that product.

[0047] In step 502, the information provision server 102 requests information regarding the order screen for the product from the information provision database 101. The information regarding the product order screen includes, for example, an image to be displayed on the user terminal 103, text information describing the product's performance and specifications, program code to display an interface for the user to input information, images, text information, and program code to appropriately place and display the interface on the user terminal 103, as well as a definition of the conditions under which orders can be placed or received.

[0048] In step 503, the information provision database 101 responds to the request by sending information regarding the order screen for the product to the information provision server 102.

[0049] In step 504, the information server 102 generates an order screen corresponding to the product by performing the necessary processing and sends it to the user terminal 103. As a result, the order screen corresponding to the product is displayed on the user terminal 103.

[0050] The order screen displays images and text information to identify products and help users decide whether to purchase them, as well as an interface for entering order information. This order information includes specifications such as print color, maximum dimensions of the printed content, and the purchase quantity. The interface can utilize, for example, pull-down menus and text input fields.

[0051] In addition, a button for confirming specifications, such as "Add to Cart," is displayed. Through the user's action via this button, the specified color, quantity, and other order information for the product are saved as a set of related information to the user terminal 103 or the information provision server 102.

[0052] The user sequentially specifies order information, i.e., one of the product specifications or the quantity, through one of the interfaces described above. Once the order information is entered, in step 505, the information providing server 102 retrieves the entered order information.

[0053] In step 506, the information server 102 determines, according to its definition, whether the acquired order information meets the predetermined order acceptance conditions. The order acceptance conditions are defined as, for example, that the print color, the maximum dimensions of the content to be printed, and the purchase quantity are all selected.

[0054] In one embodiment, the initial state is configured so that the order processing system does not allow the user terminal 103 to place or receive orders for the product. In this configuration, clicking or tapping the specification confirmation button will not result in an order being placed. Furthermore, a message prompting the user to enter order information, such as "Please select the product specifications," may be displayed.Optionally, a more detailed message may be displayed based on the reason why the order acceptance conditions are not met.For example, if the print color has not been selected, a message prompting the user to enter the missing item, such as "Please select the print color," may be displayed.

[0055] In step 506, if it is determined that the order information meets the conditions for order placement and acceptance, the information provision server 102 changes (or maintains) the settings in step 507 so that the user terminal 103 can process the order for purchase of the product. In this case, the user can perform the order placement and acceptance procedure by taking action through the specification confirmation button.

[0056] In step 508, in addition to changing the settings, the information server 102 calculates the price of the product and displays the calculated price on the order screen of the user terminal 103. This calculation is performed, for example, by multiplying the number of processing steps by the processing fee corresponding to the maximum dimensions of the content and the quantity purchased.

[0057] Alternatively, if the user terminal 103 is configured to allow purchase of the product, and the order information is changed in step 505, and the conditions for order placement and acceptance are no longer met, the information provision server 102 will change (or maintain) the settings in step 507 so that the user terminal 103 is not allowed to perform the order placement and acceptance process to purchase the product.

[0058] <Other Embodiments> It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by supplying a storage medium (or recording medium) containing program code for software that realizes the functions of the embodiments described above to a system or device, and by having the computer (or CPU or MPU) of that system or device read the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code read from the storage medium itself realizes the functions of the embodiments described above, and the storage medium that stores the program code constitutes the present invention. It also goes without saying that the computer not only executes the functions of the embodiments described above by executing the program code it has read, but also includes cases where an operating system (OS) or the like running on the computer performs some or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program code, and the functions of the embodiments described above are realized by that processing.

[0059] Furthermore, it goes without saying that this also includes cases where program code read from a storage medium is written to the memory of a function expansion card inserted into a computer or a function expansion unit connected to a computer, and then, based on the instructions of that program code, the CPU or other components of the function expansion card or function expansion unit perform some or all of the actual processing, thereby realizing the functions of the embodiments described above.

[0060] When the present invention is applied to the above-mentioned storage medium, the storage medium will store program code that executes the process shown in Figure 3 or Figure 5 described earlier.

[0061] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible based on the spirit of the invention, and these modifications are not excluded from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An order processing system for receiving and processing orders for image printing on products, An order screen generation means for generating an order screen, An order input means for entering order information through the aforementioned order screen, Includes an order determination means for determining whether the order information satisfies the conditions for order acceptance, If the order determination means determines that the order information satisfies the conditions for order acceptance, the order acceptance process is enabled. In other cases, order processing will not be enabled. Order processing system.

2. An order processing system for receiving and processing orders for image printing on products, An order screen generation means for generating an order screen, An order input means for entering order information through the aforementioned order screen, An order determination means for determining whether the aforementioned order information meets the conditions for order acceptance, Includes a price calculation means for calculating the price corresponding to the order information, If the order determination means determines that the order information satisfies the conditions for order acceptance, the price calculated by the price calculation means is output to the order screen, and order acceptance processing is enabled. In other cases, order processing will not be enabled. Order processing system.

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