Seal reuse system

Abstract

To provide a reuse system and a reuse method for a personal seal which is suitable for increasing reuse of personal seals.SOLUTION: Personal seal information related to a personal seal of a user is registered to and managed in a personal seal information management database of an order receiving device 2. On the order receiving device 2, when an order of a reproduced personal seal from a user who operates an order placement side device 1 is received, reproduced personal seal information related to a personal seal (a personal seal to be reused) to which processing for obtaining the reproduced personal seal is to be executed is identified from the personal seal information managed by the personal seal information management database. On the basis of this identified personal seal information, recommended print surface information for the reproduced personal seal is generated and output, and conditions for determining the possibility of reuse of the personal seal are set. This can improve the efficiency of operations for the reuse of the personal seal and furthermore, it is expected that it contributes spreading of reuse of personal seals.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and method for reusing a seal. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a reuse system in which used products are collected, repaired, refurbished, etc., and then sold to users as reused products (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Products that are treated as reused products are generally those that can be reused (reused), such as home appliances, clothing, and accessories. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-141244 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, personal seals, corporate seals, etc. have characters engraved on the surface that identify the owner of the seal. For this reason, it is not common to treat used seals as reused items as described above, and the reuse of seals has not yet become widespread.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a seal reuse system and method suitable for popularizing the reuse of seals. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following means.

[0007] Method 1, the seal reuse system, User Owned byThe seal is collected and the collected seal is The aforementioned A seal reuse system that provides a recycled seal obtained by processing a seal, The aforementioned User The above-mentioned owned by a management means for registering and managing seal information relating to the seal; The person who owns the seal A receiving means for receiving an order for the reproduced seal from a user; When the receiving means receives the order, the processing is performed. The aforementioned and a specifying means for specifying reproduced seal information relating to the seal from the seal information managed by the managing means. The gist of this is as follows.

[0008] According to this reuse system, users Owned by Seal information relating to the seal is registered and managed in the management means. Own the seal When an order for a recycled seal is received from a user, information about the seal to be processed to obtain the recycled seal (recycled seal information), i.e., information about the seal to be reused (reused), is identified from the seal information (also called "registered seal information") managed by the management means. This makes it possible to obtain information about the seal (recycled seal information) at the stage of ordering the recycled seal, before the seal to be processed (the seal to be reused) is actually collected. This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of the work related to seal reuse, and is expected to contribute to the spread of seal reuse.

[0009] The seal reuse system of Means 2 is the same as the seal reuse system of Means 1, The seal information managed by the management means is Owned by said user including specification information regarding the specifications of the seal; The reproduction seal information identified by the identification means includes information that can be identified from the specification information. The gist of this is as follows.

[0010] According to this reuse system, the recycled seal information (information about the seal to be reused) specified at the time of ordering the recycled seal includes the following: Owned by the userIt includes information that can be identified based on information about the specifications of the seal (specification information). Therefore, it is possible to understand the specifications of the seal to be processed (the seal to be reused) before the seal is actually collected. This makes it possible to further improve the efficiency of the work related to the reuse of seals.

[0011] The seal reuse system of means 3 is the seal reuse system of means 1 or 2, a generating means for generating recommended seal face information recommended as a seal face of the reproduced seal based on the reproduced seal information identified by the identifying means; and an output means for outputting the recommended stamp face information generated by the generation means. The gist of this is as follows.

[0012] According to this reuse system, when recycled seal information is specified at the stage of ordering a recycled seal, recommended seal face information recommended as the seal face of the recycled seal is generated based on the specified recycled seal information, and the generated recommended seal face information is output. Therefore, at the stage of ordering a recycled seal, it is possible for the orderer (user) to confirm the recommended seal face of the recycled seal in advance. This makes it possible to improve convenience when reusing seals.

[0013] The seal reuse system of Means 4 is the seal reuse system of Means 3, the management means manages the seal information in association with user information of the user; The reproduced seal information identified by the identification means includes first identification information that can be identified from the seal information and second identification information that can be identified from the user information, The generating means generates the recommended seal face information based on the first identification information and the second identification information. The gist of this is as follows.

[0014] According to this reuse system, seal information (registered seal information) regarding a user's seal managed by the management means is managed in association with the user information of that user. The recycled seal information (information regarding the seal to be reused) identified at the stage of ordering a recycled seal includes information identified based on the registered seal information (first identification information) and information identified based on the user information associated with that registered seal information (second identification information), and recommended seal face information is generated based on this information. This makes it possible to generate and output recommended seal face information that reflects the user's characteristics. This makes it possible to enrich the recommended seal face information.

[0015] The seal reuse system of means 5 is a seal reuse system of any one of means 1 to 4, The recovered The aforementioned A setting unit is provided for setting conditions for determining whether or not a seal can be reused based on the recycled seal information identified by the identifying unit. The gist of this is as follows.

[0016] According to this reuse system, the conditions for determining whether a collected seal can be reused (reuse eligibility determination conditions) are set based on the recycled seal information specified at the stage of ordering the recycled seal. Therefore, when the seal to be processed (the seal to be reused) is actually collected, it becomes possible to smoothly determine (inspect) whether the seal can be reused. This makes it possible to further improve the efficiency of the work related to the reuse of seals.

[0017] Method 6, the seal reuse system, User Owned by The seal is collected and the collected seal is The aforementioned A seal reuse system that provides a recycled seal obtained by processing a seal, The aforementioned User The above-mentioned owned by a management means for registering and managing seal information relating to the seal; The person who owns the seal A receiving means for receiving an order for the reproduced seal from a user; a generating means for generating recommended seal face information recommended as a seal face for the reproduced seal based on the seal information managed by the managing means when the receiving means receives the order; and an output means for outputting the recommended stamp face information generated by the generation means. The gist of this is as follows.

[0018] According to this reuse system, users Owned by Seal information relating to the seal is registered and managed in the management means. Own the seal When an order for a recycled seal is received from a user, recommended seal face information for the recycled seal is generated based on the seal information (registered seal information) managed by the management means, and the generated recommended seal face information is output. This makes it possible for the orderer (user) to check the recommended seal face for the recycled seal in advance when ordering the recycled seal. This improves the convenience of reusing seals, and is expected to contribute to the spread of seal reuse.

[0019] The seal reuse system of means 7 is the seal reuse system of means 6, the management means manages the seal information in association with user information of the user; The generating means generates the recommended seal face information based on the seal information and the user information. The gist of this is as follows.

[0020] According to this reuse system, the seal information (registered seal information) relating to a user's seal managed by the management means is managed in association with user information related to that user. Recommended seal face information is then generated based on the registered seal information and the user information. This makes it possible to generate and output recommended seal face information that reflects the characteristics of the user. This makes it possible to enrich the recommended seal face information.

[0021] Method 8: How to reuse a seal User Owned by The seal is collected and the collected seal is The aforementioned A method for reusing a seal, which provides a recycled seal obtained by processing the seal, The aforementioned User The above-mentioned owned by a management step of registering and managing seal information relating to the seal in a management means; The person who owns the seal a receiving step of receiving an order for the reproduced seal from a user; When the order is received in the receiving step, the processing is performed. The aforementioned an identifying step of identifying reproduced seal information relating to the seal from the seal information managed by the managing means; The recovered The aforementioned a setting step of setting conditions for determining whether or not the seal can be reused based on the recycled seal information identified in the identification step; Based on the conditions set in the setting step, The aforementioned a determination step of determining whether the seal can be reused; When it is determined that the product can be reused in the determination step, The aforementioned A manufacturing process for manufacturing a reproduced seal by processing the seal. The gist of this is as follows.

[0022] According to this reuse method, the user Owned by Seal information relating to the seal is registered and managed in the management means. Own the sealWhen a user places an order for a recycled seal, information about the seal to be processed to obtain the recycled seal (recycled seal information), i.e., information about the seal to be reused (reused), is identified from the seal information (registered seal information) managed by the management means, and conditions for determining whether the seal can be reused (reusable / unreusable determination conditions) are set based on this identified recycled seal information. After this, when the seal to be processed (the seal to be reused) is actually collected, a determination (inspection) of whether the seal can be reused is made based on the reuse eligibility determination conditions set in the setting process. If it is determined to be reusable, the collected seal is processed to produce a recycled seal. This makes it possible to streamline the process from ordering a recycled seal to manufacturing it. This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of the work related to seal reuse, which is expected to contribute to the spread of seal reuse.

[0023] The seal reuse method of Means 9 is the same as the seal reuse method of Means 8, a generating step of generating recommended seal face information recommended as a seal face of the reproduced seal based on the reproduced seal information identified in the identifying step; an output step of outputting the recommended stamp face information generated in the generation step. The gist of this is as follows.

[0024] According to this reuse method, once the recycled seal information is identified in the aforementioned identification process, recommended seal face information recommended as the seal face of the recycled seal is generated based on the identified recycled seal information, and the generated recommended seal face information is output. Therefore, when ordering a recycled seal, it is possible for the orderer (user) to confirm the recommended seal face of the recycled seal in advance. This makes it possible to improve convenience when reusing seals.

[0025] Method 10: Reusing a seal User Owned by The seal is collected and the collected seal is The aforementioned A method for reusing a seal, which provides a recycled seal obtained by processing the seal, The aforementioned User The above-mentioned owned by a management step of registering and managing seal information relating to the seal in a management means; The person who owns the seal a receiving step of receiving an order for the reproduced seal from a user; When the order is received in the receiving step, the processing is performed. The aforementioned an identifying step of identifying reproduced seal information relating to the seal from the seal information managed by the managing means; a generating step of generating recommended seal face information recommended as a seal face of the reproduced seal based on the reproduced seal information identified in the identifying step; an output step of outputting the recommended stamp face information generated in the generation step. The gist of this is as follows.

[0026] According to this reuse method, the user Owned by Seal information relating to the seal is registered and managed in the management means. Own the seal When an order for a recycled seal is received from a user, recommended seal face information for the recycled seal is generated based on the seal information (registered seal information) managed by the management means, and the generated recommended seal face information is output. This makes it possible for the orderer (user) to check the recommended seal face for the recycled seal in advance when ordering the recycled seal. This improves the convenience of reusing seals, and is expected to contribute to the spread of seal reuse. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a seal reuse system and a seal reuse method that are suitable for popularizing the reuse of seals. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ordering side device. [Figure 3]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an order-receiving side device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a manufacturing device. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart of a reproduction seal order processing. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart of a reproduction seal order processing. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart of a manufacturing management process. [Figure 8] (A) is a diagram showing an example of a user information management table, (B) is a diagram showing an example of a seal information management table, (C) is a diagram showing an example of reproduced seal information, and (D) is a diagram showing an example of recommended seal face information. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of order information (order confirmation information). [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of the reuse of a seal using a system according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] The following describes the embodiments of the present invention based on examples. The following examples describe the reuse of a seal (hard seal) made of a hard seal material such as ivory, buffalo horn, wood, ceramic, or plastic. [Example]

[0030] [Overall system configuration] The system according to this embodiment (also referred to as "this system") is an example in which the present invention is applied to a system in which an ordering device 1, an order receiving device 2, and a manufacturing device 3 are connected via a network 4 such as the Internet as a communication line, as shown in FIG. 1. This system represents one aspect of the "seal reuse system" of the present invention. Furthermore, a method of reusing a seal using this system represents one aspect of the "seal reuse method" of the present invention.

[0031] The ordering device 1 is composed of a terminal device such as a personal computer (PC), smartphone, or tablet that is used by a user to order (purchase) products or receive services. The products referred to here include recycled seals obtained by processing used seals (seals collected from users), and the services include the provision of various information related to recycled seals. In other words, the ordering device 1 is a device installed on the side ordering recycled seals. The ordering device 1 is also referred to as a "user device" or a "user terminal."

[0032] The order-receiving device 2 is a device such as a computer managed by a business operator (also called a "product provider") that sells products over the Internet (online sales) or in physical stores and provides various services associated with the sale of those products, and has server functions for operating websites and providing various services. The order-receiving device 2 is also called a "provider server."

[0033] In this embodiment, the services provided by the product provider include a service of re-engraving (re-carving) the face of a seal collected from a user to create a new face and providing it as a recycled seal. In other words, the product provider is the party that receives (takes orders for) recycled seals from users, and order-receiving device 2 is a device provided on the side that receives orders for recycled seals.

[0034] The manufacturing device 3 is a computer or other device managed by a business (also called a "manufacturer") that manufactures products (e.g., recycled seals) provided (sold, etc.) by a product provider, and has a server function that manages manufacturing requests (requests for manufacturing recycled seals in this embodiment) from the product provider (order-receiver device 2) and information about manufactured products (recycled seals in this embodiment). The manufacturing device 3 is also called a "manufacturer server."

[0035] In this embodiment, the manufacturer is an entity that produces recycled seals by re-engraving or otherwise processing seals collected from users via product providers, and the manufacturing device 3 is an apparatus installed on the side that manufactures the recycled seals.

[0036] The ordering device 1 can be configured with one or more terminal devices, and the order receiving device 2 and the manufacturing device 3 can be configured with one or more computers or other devices, respectively.

[0037] Furthermore, the product provider (the recipient of the recycled seal) and the manufacturer (the manufacturer of the recycled seal) may be the same or different entities, and if the product provider and the manufacturer are the same entity, the order-receiving device 2 and the manufacturing device 3 may be placed under the control of the same entity, or the order-receiving device 2 and the manufacturing device 3 may be configured as a single device.

[0038] Furthermore, the order-receiving device 2 or the manufacturing device 3 may include an inspection device that performs inspections such as determining whether the seal can be reused, as will be described later.

[0039] [Configuration of ordering side equipment] Next, the configuration of the ordering device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 2, the ordering device 1 includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 11, a display unit 12, an operation unit 13, a communication unit 14, and the like.

[0040] The control unit 10 executes various processes for controlling the operation of the ordering side device 1, and is configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like.

[0041] The memory unit 11 stores the OS (Operating System) that operates the ordering device 1, various application programs that can be executed by the ordering device 1, and various other data necessary for the operation of the ordering device 1, and is composed of a non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory), a volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), and a type of auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or solid state drive (SSD).

[0042] The application programs (application software) stored in the memory unit 11 include programs such as web applications (also called "web apps") that connect to the order-receiving device 2 (provider server) and enable browsing, operation, etc. of websites (web pages).

[0043] The display unit 12 displays various images, screens, characters, etc., and is configured, for example, by a liquid crystal display.

[0044] The operation unit 13 is operated to input various data and instructions, and is composed of a keyboard, a mouse, etc. If the display unit 12 has a touch panel function, the buttons, icons, keyboard, etc. displayed on the display unit 12 are also included in the operation unit 13. Signals (operation signals, instruction signals) based on instruction input by the operation unit 13 are input to the control unit 10.

[0045] The communication unit 14 performs data communication with other devices via the network 4, for example, performing wireless communication in accordance with the IEEE802.11 standard. The other devices include the order-receiving device 2. In this embodiment, the order-receiving device 1 does not communicate (connect) with the manufacturing device 3, but is configured to be able to communicate (connect) with the order-receiving device 2 (see FIG. 1).

[0046] A user can order (place an order for) a reproduced seal by operating the ordering side device 1 to connect to the order receiving side device 2.

[0047] [Configuration of order-receiving equipment] Next, the configuration of the order-receiving side device 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. As shown in the figure, the order-receiving side device 2 includes a control unit 20, a storage unit 21, a display unit 22, an operation unit 23, a communication unit 24, etc.

[0048] The control unit 20 is configured with a CPU and the like, similar to the control unit 10 of the ordering side device 1, and executes various processes for controlling the operation of the order-receiving side device 2 (provider server).

[0049] The memory unit 21 stores the OS (Operating System) that runs the order-receiving device 2, various application programs, and various other data necessary for the operation of the order-receiving device 2, and is composed of a non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory), a volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), and a type of auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or solid state drive (SSD).

[0050] The data stored in the storage unit 21 includes data necessary for operating websites and providing various services. Specifically, this data includes programs for operating various websites such as a website (also referred to as a "seal ordering website") that accepts orders for new seals (hereinafter simply referred to as "seals"), a website (also referred to as a "recycled seal ordering website") that accepts orders for recycled seals (reused seals), and a website for registered members (also referred to as a "membership website"), as well as programs for providing services through these websites.

[0051] The storage unit 21 also stores a user information management database DB1, a seal information management database DB2, and an order management database DB3.

[0052] The user information management database DB1 is a database that manages (stores) information (also referred to as "user information") about users such as those who have received products, services, etc. from product providers, and those who have registered as users (members) of member sites operated by product providers.

[0053] In the user information management database DB1, user information is managed by, for example, a user information management table shown in Fig. 8(A). As shown in the figure, the user information includes a user ID (also called "user identification information") for identifying a user, and information indicating the user's name, address, contact information (telephone number, email address, etc.), age, gender, etc. The user ID is assigned when user information is registered in the user information management database DB1 (user information management table), and is different for each user.

[0054] Registration of user information in the user information management database DB1 (user information management table) can be performed, for example, when a user operates the ordering device 1 to connect to the order-receiving device 2 via the network 4 and places an order for a seal at a seal ordering site operated by a product provider. Specifically, for example, when a user orders a seal at the seal ordering site, the user inputs information (also referred to as "personal information") such as the orderer's (i.e., the user's) name, address, contact information (telephone number, email address, etc.), age, and gender into a predetermined input form (not shown) displayed on the display unit 12 of the ordering device 1 and confirms the order. Then, user information in which a user ID is added to the input personal information is generated by the order-receiving device 2 (control unit 20), and the generated user information is registered and managed in the user information management database DB1.

[0055] Furthermore, registration of user information in the user information management database DB1 (user information management table) can be performed, for example, in conjunction with membership registration for a membership site operated by a provider of merchandise, etc. Specifically, for example, when a user operates the ordering device 1 to access the order-receiving device 2 via the network 4 and registers as a member of a membership site operated by a provider of merchandise, etc., the user can be configured to input personal information of the person registering as a member (i.e., the user) into a predetermined input form (not shown) displayed on the display unit 12 of the ordering device 1, whereby user information in which a user ID is added to the input personal information is generated by the order-receiving device 2 (control unit 20), and the generated user information is registered in the user information management database DB1 and managed.

[0056] In this embodiment, a user (a user having a user ID) whose user information is managed in the user information management database DB1 can order a recycled seal.

[0057] The seal information management database DB2 is a database that manages (stores) information (also referred to as "seal information") about seals owned by users that are managed in the user information management database DB1. Seals owned by users are, for example, seals sold by product providers (seals purchased from product providers). Seals sold by parties other than product providers (seals purchased from parties other than product providers) can also be included in the seals owned by users. The seal information management database DB2 corresponds to an example of the "management means" of the present invention.

[0058] In the seal information management database DB2, seal information is managed, for example, by the seal information management table shown in Fig. 8(B). The seal information includes a seal ID (also called "seal identification information") for identifying the seal owned by the user, and information indicating the specifications of the seal owned by the user. The seal information is managed in association with (linked to) the user ID managed in the user information management database DB1.

[0059] Here, "seal specifications" refers to the structure and contents (components) of a seal, such as the material (seal material) and quality of the seal, the size of the seal, the characters on the seal, the typeface, the shape of the seal frame (frame shape), and the color of the seal itself. Note that the seal size is the diameter or length and width of the seal, and the characters on the seal are the characters carved on the seal. The typeface may be, for example, the Kissō style, Tensho style, Koin style, Clerical script style, etc., and the frame shape may be, for example, a round frame, a log frame, a square frame, a thick square frame, etc.

[0060] The registration of seal information in the seal information management database DB2 (seal information management table) can be performed, for example, when a user orders a seal on the above-mentioned seal ordering site. Specifically, for example, when a user orders a seal on the seal ordering site, seal information for the ordered seal is generated by the order receiving device 2 (control unit 20) based on the order details, or a person in charge of the product provider operates the order receiving device 2 to input the seal information for the ordered seal, and the generated or input seal information is registered in the seal information management database DB2 and managed.

[0061] Furthermore, the registration of seal information in the seal information management database DB2 (seal information management table) can be performed, for example, in conjunction with the member registration of the member site described above. Specifically, for example, when a person who has purchased a seal sold by a product provider registers as a member of the member site, the purchaser (i.e., the user) inputs information about the seal he or she has purchased (seal information) into a predetermined input form (not shown) displayed on the display unit 12 of the ordering device 1, and the input seal information is registered and managed in the seal information management database DB2.

[0062] Furthermore, when a person who has purchased a seal sold by a party other than a product provider registers as a member of the member site, the person registering as a member (i.e., the user) can enter information about the seal he or she owns (seal information) into a specified input form (not shown) displayed on the display unit 12 of the ordering device 1, so that the entered seal information can be registered and managed in the seal information management database DB2.

[0063] In this way, registering and managing the user's seal information in the seal information management database DB2 corresponds to an example of the "management step" of the present invention.

[0064] The order management database DB3 is a database that manages (stores) information about a confirmed order when an order for a recycled seal from the ordering device 1 (user) is confirmed.

[0065] In addition, if the order-receiving device 2 is configured to include two or more (multiple) computers (servers), the various data exemplified as being stored in the memory unit 21 may be distributed and managed (stored) across multiple computers.

[0066] The display unit 22 displays various images, screens, characters, etc., and is configured by a liquid crystal display or the like.

[0067] The operation unit 23 is operated to input various data and instructions, and is composed of a keyboard, a mouse, and the like.

[0068] The communication unit 24, like the communication unit 14 of the ordering device 1, performs data communication with other devices via the network 4. The other devices include the ordering device 1 and the manufacturing device 3.

[0069] [Configuration of manufacturing equipment] Next, the configuration of the production side device 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. As shown in the figure, the production side device 3 includes a control unit 30, a storage unit 31, a display unit 32, an operation unit 33, a communication unit 34, etc.

[0070] The control unit 30, storage unit 31, display unit 32, operation unit 33, and communication unit 34 are basically configured in the same manner as the control unit 20, storage unit 21, display unit 22, operation unit 23, and communication unit 24 of the order-receiving side device 2. Therefore, detailed explanation of the configurations that are the same as those of the order-receiving side device 2 will be omitted.

[0071] The storage unit 31 stores various data necessary for the operation of the manufacturing device 3 as well as a recycled seal manufacturing management database DB4.

[0072] As described below, the recycled seal manufacturing management database DB4 is a database that manages (stores) information regarding the recycled seal (manufactured product) when order confirmation information indicating the order details of the recycled seal is sent from the order receiving device 2 to the manufacturing device 3, and the manufacturing device 3 receives the order confirmation information and accepts a request to manufacture the recycled seal.

[0073] [Recycled Seal Order Processing] Next, the reproduction seal order processing (S100) executed by the control unit 20 of the order-receiving device 2 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in Figures 5 and 6. In this specification, "S" ("S" in the flowcharts) such as S100 means a step.

[0074] The recycled seal order processing (S100) is executed based on instructions from the ordering device 1 via the site when the user operates the ordering device 1 to connect to the receiving device 2 and access the recycled seal order site operated by the receiving device 2.

[0075] As shown in Figure 5, in the recycled seal order processing (S100), first, it is determined whether or not an order request for a recycled seal has been made on the ordering device 1 (S101). A request for an order for a recycled seal is made, for example, by operating (clicking, tapping, etc.) an order start button (not shown) on the site screen of the recycled seal ordering site displayed on the display unit 12 of the ordering device 1. In S101, it is determined whether or not a signal (operation signal) indicating that the order start button has been operated has been received.

[0076] If it is determined in S101 that a request for an order for a recycled seal has not been made (NO in S101), the recycled seal order processing (S100) is terminated without performing the processing from S103 onwards. On the other hand, if it is determined that a request for an order for a recycled seal has been made (YES in S101), the user ID of the user who made the order request is obtained (S103).

[0077] As mentioned above, in this embodiment, users (users with user IDs) whose user information is managed in the user information management database DB1 can order recycled seals. The user information management database DB1 also manages user information for users who have purchased seals sold by product providers (users with a trading history) and users who have registered as members of the member site. For this reason, in this embodiment, when a user operates the ordering device 1 to access the recycled seal ordering site, the user is asked to enter a user ID. In S103, the user ID entered by the user is obtained.

[0078] In addition, when a user requests an order for a recycled seal from the ordering device 1 (when the order start button is operated) (YES in S101), a user ID input screen (not shown) may be output (displayed) on the display unit 12 of the ordering device 1 to prompt the user to enter a user ID.

[0079] Next, in S105, based on the user ID acquired in S103, the seal information (registered seal information) managed in the seal information management database DB2 is searched for, and the seal information corresponding to the user ID is read out (S105).

[0080] Next, in S107, reproduced seal information is identified from the seal information read out in S105 (S107). The process of S107 corresponds to an example of the "identifying means" of the present invention, and also corresponds to an example of the "identifying step" of the present invention.

[0081] The seal information read in S105 is information corresponding to the seal of the user who made the order request for a recycled seal (S101), in other words, the seal to be collected from the user and processed (the seal to be reused), and the seal information includes information regarding the specifications of the user's seal (also referred to as "specification information"). In S107, information that can be identified from the seal information (also referred to as "first identification information") is identified as information regarding the seal to be reused, i.e., recycled seal information.

[0082] The recycled seal information is information that is desirable to identify in advance when reusing a collected seal. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 8(C), information indicating the seal material (seal material), seal face size, seal face characters, font, and frame shape is identified as the recycled seal information from the seal information (specification information).

[0083] For example, if the user ID acquired in S103 is "A00001" in the table shown in Figure 8(A), and the seal information read out in S105 is the seal information (seal ID, seal material, seal size, seal characters, font, frame shape, and body color) of the record corresponding to user ID "A00001" in the table shown in Figure 8(B), the following information is identified from the seal information as the reproduced seal information: seal material "titanium," seal size "15mm," seal characters "Sato," font "seal script," and frame shape "round frame."

[0084] In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 8(C), information that can be identified from the user information managed in the user information management database DB1 (also referred to as "second identification information") is included in the reproduced seal information and identified.

[0085] Specifically, for example, if the user ID acquired in S103 is the aforementioned "A00001," the name "Sato Ichiro," age "42," and gender "male" are included in the reproduced seal information and identified from the user information managed in the user information management database DB1 (user information management table) that corresponds to the user ID "A00001" (see Figure 8(A)).

[0086] The information identified as reproduced seal information is not limited to that in this embodiment, and the number (type) of information identified from the seal information can be determined arbitrarily, for example, the seal material only, the seal material and seal face size, the seal material and seal face characters, or the seal material, seal face size and seal face characters.

[0087] In addition, in this embodiment, information that can be identified from user information is included in the reproduced seal information, but it does not necessarily have to be included, and if it is included, the number (type) of information to be identified from the user information can be determined arbitrarily.

[0088] Next, in S109, information indicating the contents of the seal face (recommended seal face) recommended as the seal face of the reproduced seal (also referred to as "recommended seal face information") is generated based on the reproduced seal information identified in S107 (S109). The recommended seal face information in this embodiment includes the seal impression image (seal impression image) of the reproduced seal. The processing of S109 corresponds to an example of the "generation means" of the present invention, and also corresponds to an example of the "generation process" of the present invention.

[0089] For example, among the reproduced seal information identified in S107, the information identified from the seal information (first identification information) is the seal material "Titanium," the seal size "15 mm," the seal character "Sato," the font "Seal Script," and the frame shape "Round Frame," as described above, and the information identified from the user information (second identification information) is the name "Sato Ichiro," the age "42," and the gender "Male" as described above (see FIG. 8(C)). In this case, the recommended seal face information generated based on each of these pieces of information can be information consisting of the seal character "Sato Ichiro," the font "Kissho-tai," the frame shape "Round Frame," and the seal impression image (seal impression image), as shown in FIG. 8(D), for example. This example shows a case in which recommended seal face information is generated for a seal to be reused (the seal of the user who has requested an order for a recycled seal), in particular, when the seal material (seal material) is "titanium," the seal face size is "15mm," the seal face characters are "Sato" (last name only), and the user of the seal is a "man in his 40s," and therefore a seal face that will produce an impression that is more masculine and imposing is recommended as the seal face for the recycled seal.

[0090] In this way, in S109, the program generates recommended seal face information that is deemed suitable for the user who has requested an order for a recycled seal, by referring to the seal material, seal face size, number of characters on the seal face, font, user age, gender, etc. (i.e., information contained in the recycled seal information).

[0091] In this embodiment, the recommended seal surface information includes the seal impression image (seal impression image) of the reproduced seal, but it may not include the seal impression image. Also, in this embodiment, the content of the recommended seal surface (recommended seal surface information) of the reproduced seal is made different from the seal surface of the seal to be reused (original seal surface), but it may be the same content as the original seal surface without being different.

[0092] Next, in S111, the recommended stamp face information generated in S109 is output (transmitted) to the ordering device 1 (S111). The processing of S111 corresponds to an example of the "output means" of the present invention, and also corresponds to an example of the "output process" of the present invention.

[0093] The recommended seal face information output to the ordering device 1 in S111 is displayed on the display unit 12 of the ordering device 1, for example, as a seal face confirmation screen (not shown) for confirming the contents (specifications) of the seal face of the recycled seal. A user who has made an order request for a recycled seal (a user who operates the ordering device 1) can confirm (visually confirm) the contents of the recommended seal face of the recycled seal (including the seal impression image in this embodiment) through the seal face confirmation screen displayed on the display unit 12.

[0094] The recommended stamp face information output to the ordering device 1 in S111 can be configured to be displayed on the display unit 12 of the ordering device 1, or to be printed by a printer connected to the ordering device 1. In other words, in addition to display output, paper output is also possible.

[0095] Next, in S113, it is determined whether or not an instruction to edit the seal face has been input in the ordering device 1 (S113). An instruction to edit the seal face is input, for example, by operating (clicking, tapping, etc.) an edit button (not shown) provided on the above-mentioned seal face confirmation screen displayed on the display unit 12 of the ordering device 1. In S113, it is determined whether or not a signal (operation signal) indicating that the edit button has been operated has been received.

[0096] If it is determined in S113 that instructions for editing the seal have not been entered (NO in S113), the process proceeds to S119 described below, and if it is determined that instructions for editing the seal have been entered (YES in S113), the seal editing screen is output (displayed) on the display unit 12 of the ordering device 1 (S115).

[0097] The seal face editing screen is a screen that allows input to change (modify) part or all of the content of the recommended seal face of the reproduced seal displayed on the aforementioned seal face confirmation screen, i.e., the recommended seal face information generated in S109. The seal face editing screen displays the content of the recommended seal face based on the recommended seal face information, and the user can edit the seal face of the reproduced seal by, for example, changing the typeface of the seal face characters, changing the arrangement (layout) of the seal face characters, or changing (increasing or decreasing) the number of seal face characters (editing means, editing process).

[0098] The seal impression editing screen can be configured to display the seal impression image included in the recommended seal impression information (the seal impression image of the recommended seal impression) and the edited seal impression image. This makes it possible to clearly communicate the contents of the recycled seal impression to the user, making it easier for the user to understand the seal impression obtained from the recycled seal.

[0099] Next, in S117, it is determined whether or not an instruction to complete the stamp face editing has been input in the ordering device 1 (S117). The instruction to complete the stamp face editing is input, for example, by operating (clicking, tapping, etc.) a complete button (not shown) provided on the above-mentioned stamp face editing screen displayed on the display unit 12 of the ordering device 1. In S117, it is determined whether or not a signal (operation signal) indicating that the complete button has been operated has been received.

[0100] If it is determined in S117 that the instruction to complete the seal face editing has not been input (NO in S117), the process waits until the instruction to complete the seal face editing is input. On the other hand, if it is determined that the instruction to complete the seal face editing has been input (YES in S117), the process proceeds to S119 in FIG.

[0101] In S119, information indicating the order details of the recycled seal (also referred to as "order information") is generated (S119). The order information is generated based on the user information corresponding to the user ID acquired in S103 (user information of the user who made the order request for the recycled seal), the recycled seal information identified in S107, and the recommended seal face information generated in S109 or the recommended seal face information after editing (changes) using the seal face editing screen (S115).

[0102] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 9, order information is generated (S119) that includes "user ID," "name," "address," "telephone number," and "email address" based on the user information, "seal material" and "seal size" based on the reproduced seal information, and "seal characters," "font," "frame shape," and "seal impression image" based on the recommended seal information. The user information is obtained from the user information management database DB1.

[0103] Next, in S121, the order information generated in S119 is output (transmitted) to the ordering device 1 (S121). The order information output to the ordering device 1 is displayed on the display unit 12 of the ordering device 1, for example, as an order confirmation screen (not shown) for confirming the order details of the recycled seal. The user who has made an order request for the recycled seal (the user operating the ordering device 1) can confirm (visibly confirm) the order details (the specifications of the recycled seal, delivery destination, etc.) through the order confirmation screen displayed on the display unit 12.

[0104] Next, in S123, it is determined whether or not an instruction to confirm the order has been input in the ordering device 1 (S123). The instruction to confirm the order is input, for example, by operating (clicking, tapping, etc.) an order button (not shown) provided on the above-mentioned order confirmation screen displayed on the display unit 12 of the ordering device 1. In S123, it is determined whether or not a signal (operation signal) indicating that the order button has been operated has been received.

[0105] If it is determined in S123 that an instruction to confirm the order has not been entered (NO in S123), the process waits until an instruction to confirm the order is entered. On the other hand, if it is determined that an instruction to confirm the order has been entered (YES in S123), the process performs an order confirmation process to confirm the order for the recycled seal based on the order information generated in S119 (the order information displayed on the order confirmation screen) (S125), and ends the recycled seal order processing (S100).

[0106] In the order confirmation process (S125), the order information generated in S119 (see FIG. 9) is sent to the manufacturing device 3 as confirmed order information. In addition, in the order confirmation process (S125), the confirmed order information is registered in the order management database DB3. The confirmed order information includes information indicating the content of the confirmed seal face of the recycled seal. The process of S125 corresponds to an example of the "receiving means" of the present invention, and also corresponds to an example of the "receiving process" of the present invention.

[0107] The above has described the recycled seal order processing (S100) executed by the control unit 20 of the order-receiving device 2 based on instructions from the ordering device 1 (user). After a user ordering a recycled seal confirms the order (YES in S123 → S125), the user sends the seal to be reused along with a piece of paper or the like bearing the user ID to the operator (product provider) of the recycled seal ordering site by mail or the like. After that, the user's seal, once received by the operator (product provider), is sent (collected) together with the user ID to the recycled seal manufacturer. The user ID makes it possible to link (associate) the collected seal (seal to be reused) with the user. The user may also send the seal to be reused directly to the manufacturer.

[0108] [Manufacturing control processing] Next, the manufacturing management process (S200) executed by the control unit 30 of the manufacturing device 3 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0109] As shown in Fig. 7, in the manufacturing management process (S200), first, it is determined (S201) whether or not order confirmation information transmitted from the order-receiving device 2 in the above-mentioned order confirmation process (S125) has been received. As a result, if order confirmation information has not been received (NO in S201), the manufacturing management process (S200) ends without performing the processes from S203 onwards. On the other hand, if order confirmation information has been received (YES in S201), recycled seal management information is registered (saved) in the recycled seal manufacturing management database DB4 (see Fig. 4) (S203).

[0110] The recycled seal management information is information constructed by adding a predetermined recycled seal ID (also called "recycled seal identification information") to the received order confirmation information. As mentioned above, the order confirmation information is essentially the order information generated in the above-mentioned S119 (see Figure 9), so the recycled seal management information is information in which the recycled seal ID is added to (associated with) that order information (order confirmation information). Note that the recycled seal management information includes information indicating the contents of the seal face of the recycled seal.

[0111] Next, in S205, inspection conditions (also called "reusability determination conditions") for inspecting (determining) whether or not a seal sent from a user who has ordered a recycled seal by operating the ordering device 1 (a seal collected from a user) can be reused are determined and set (S205). The processing of S205 corresponds to an example of the "setting means" of the present invention, and also corresponds to an example of the "setting process" of the present invention.

[0112] The setting of the inspection conditions in S205 is performed by determining the inspection conditions based on the information based on the above-mentioned recycled seal information (see Figure 9) from the order confirmation information that constitutes the recycled seal management information registered in S203 (i.e., based on the recycled seal information), and then storing (memorizing) the determined inspection conditions in the recycled seal manufacturing management database DB4 in association with the recycled seal management information registered in S203. In this embodiment, the inspection conditions are determined based on the "seal material" and "seal size" from the order confirmation information that constitutes the recycled seal management information.

[0113] Here, the recycled seal manufacturing management database DB4 has an inspection condition table (not shown) that stores inspection conditions for each seal material (seal material), and in S205, the inspection conditions are determined (set) by referring to the inspection condition table.

[0114] The inspection condition table stores multiple pieces of data (inspection conditions), such as the frequency of the electromagnetic waves to be irradiated when irradiating the seal with electromagnetic waves to inspect for defects, and inspection threshold values ​​for inspecting whether the seal has the strength and rigidity to withstand processing related to reuse (for example, re-engraving the seal surface), depending on the material and size (seal surface size) of the seal.

[0115] For this reason, for example, if the material of the seal according to the order confirmation information constituting the recycled seal management information (i.e., the material of the seal to be reused) is "titanium" and its seal face size is "15 mm," the inspection conditions corresponding to the seal material "titanium" and seal face size "15 mm" are obtained from the inspection condition table and set (S205). Also, for example, if the material of the seal to be reused is "boxwood" and its seal face size is "12 mm," the inspection conditions corresponding to the seal material "boxwood" and seal face size "12 mm" are obtained from the inspection condition table and set (S205).

[0116] Please note that the inspection conditions shown in this embodiment are merely examples, and inspection conditions can be determined depending on the type of seal to be reused, and the equipment, devices, and methods involved in the production of recycled seals (such as processing the seals to be reused).

[0117] Once the conditions (inspection conditions) for determining whether or not the seal can be reused are set as described above (S205), the recycled seal order processing (S100) is completed.

[0118] The above describes the manufacturing management process (S200) executed by the control unit 30 of the manufacturing device 3 upon receiving order confirmation information from the order-receiving device 2. When a manufacturer of recycled seals receives (collects) a seal to be reused from a user, the manufacturer operates the manufacturing device 3 to obtain recycled seal management information corresponding to the user ID from the recycled seal manufacturing management database DB4 based on the user ID sent along with the seal. The manufacturer then obtains the inspection conditions stored in the recycled seal manufacturing management database DB4 in association with the recycled seal management information, and inspects the collected seal from the user based on the inspection conditions to determine whether it can be reused. This seal inspection (determination of whether it can be reused) corresponds to an example of the "determination process" of the present invention. The seal inspection can be performed using a specified inspection device (determination device) (inspection means, determination means).

[0119] If the inspection results in a failure (if the seal is determined to be unreusable), the manufacturer returns the collected seal to the user without processing it.

[0120] On the other hand, if the inspection results are successful (determined to be reusable), the manufacturer will manufacture a recycled seal based on the recycled seal management information corresponding to the user ID linked to the collected seal. That is, based on the information indicating the contents of the recycled seal's face (seal face characters, font, frame shape, seal impression image) from the order confirmation information that constitutes the recycled seal management information (see Figure 9), the manufacturer will manufacture a recycled seal by re-engraving or other processing the collected seal. This manufacturing of a recycled seal corresponds to an example of the "manufacturing process" of the present invention.

[0121] Here, we will explain the overall picture of seal reuse using this system with reference to Figure 10. The numbers (1), (2), etc. in Figure 10 indicate the flow of the seal to be reused, and the following explanation will follow this flow.

[0122] (1) The user operates the ordering device 1 to connect to the receiving device 2 via the network 4, places an order for a recycled seal on the system (see S101 to S125), and then ships the seal to be reused together with a form on which the necessary information for ordering a recycled seal (user ID, etc.) is written to a product provider (operator of a recycled seal ordering site). The shipped seal is then treated as linked to the user ID. (2) When the shipped seal arrives at the product provider, the product provider will send it to a manufacturer of recycled seals, which will then collect it. (3) The manufacturer inspects the collected seals (determines whether they can be reused) based on the inspection conditions (see S205) set when the order for the recycled seal was confirmed (when the order was received). (4) If the inspection results in a failure (if the seal is determined to be unreusable), the manufacturer will return the collected seal to the user as is. (5) If the inspection results are acceptable (if the seal is deemed reusable), the manufacturer will process the collected seal by re-engraving the seal surface or other means to produce a recycled seal. (6) Once the recycled seal is completed, the manufacturer delivers the completed recycled seal to the user.

[0123] [Effects of the Example] According to the system (seal reuse system) of the embodiment described above, seal information about a user's seal is registered and managed in the seal information management database DB2 (management means) of the order-receiving device 2. When an order for a recycled seal is received from a user operating the ordering device 1, the order-receiving device 2 identifies information about the seal to be processed (re-engraved, etc.) to obtain the recycled seal, i.e., recycled seal information, which is information about the seal to be reused, from the seal information (registered seal information) managed in the seal information management database DB2 (S107). Therefore, at the stage of ordering the recycled seal, before the seal to be processed (the seal to be reused) is actually collected, it becomes possible for at least the order-receiving device 2 to grasp information about the seal (recycled seal information). This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of the work related to seal reuse, which is expected to contribute to the spread of seal reuse.

[0124] Furthermore, according to the system of the above embodiment, the recycled seal information identified at the stage of ordering a recycled seal (S107) includes information identified based on information about the seal's specifications (specification information) (see FIG. 8(C)). Therefore, the specifications of the seal to be reused can be ascertained at least by the order-receiving device 2 before the seal is actually collected. This makes it possible to further improve the efficiency of the work related to the reuse of seals.

[0125] Furthermore, according to the system of the above embodiment, when the recycled seal information is identified at the stage of ordering the recycled seal (S107), recommended seal face information recommended as the seal face of the recycled seal is generated based on the identified recycled seal information (S109), and the generated recommended seal face information is output (display output) to the display unit 12 of the ordering device 1 (S111). Therefore, at the stage of ordering the recycled seal, it is possible for the orderer (user) to confirm the recommended seal face of the recycled seal in advance. This makes it possible to improve convenience when reusing seals. In particular, in this embodiment, the recommended seal face information output to the display unit 12 of the ordering device 1 includes an impression image of the recommended seal face, making it possible to clearly convey the contents of the seal face of the recycled seal to the orderer (user), resulting in greater convenience.

[0126] Furthermore, according to the system of the above embodiment, the seal information (registered seal information) relating to the user's seal managed in the seal information management database DB2 of the order-receiving device 2 is managed in association with the user's user ID (user information) (see FIG. 8(B)). The reproduced seal information identified at the stage of ordering a reproduced seal includes information identified based on the registered seal information (first identification information) and information identified based on the user information associated with the registered seal information (second identification information) (see FIG. 8(C)), and recommended seal face information is generated based on this information (S109). This makes it possible to generate and output recommended seal face information that reflects the user's characteristics. This makes it possible to enrich the recommended seal face information.

[0127] Furthermore, according to the system of the above embodiment, once an order for a recycled seal from the ordering device 1 (user) is confirmed, order confirmation information (see FIG. 9 ) indicating the order details, etc., is sent from the order-receiving device 2 to the manufacturing device 3 (S125, S201). The manufacturing device 3 then sets inspection conditions (reusability determination conditions) for inspecting the seal collected from the user (the seal to be reused) (determining whether the collected seal can be reused) based on the recycled seal information (information on "seal material" and "seal face size" in this embodiment) included in the order confirmation information, i.e., the recycled seal information identified at the recycled seal ordering stage (S107) (S205). Therefore, when the user's reused seal is actually collected, the seal can be inspected smoothly (see (3) in FIG. 10 ). This allows for further efficiency improvements in the process of reusing seals.

[0128] Furthermore, according to the method for reusing a seal using the system according to the above embodiment, seal information about a user's seal is registered and managed (management step) in the seal information management database DB2 (management means) of the order-receiving device 2. Then, when an order for a recycled seal is received from a user operating the ordering device 1 (receiving step), the order-receiving device 2 identifies information (recycled seal information) about the seal to be processed (re-engraved, etc.) to obtain the recycled seal, that is, the recycled seal information, which is information about the seal to be reused, from the seal information (registered seal information) managed in the seal information management database DB2 (identification step: S107), and based on this identified recycled seal information, sets inspection conditions (reuse eligibility determination conditions) for determining whether the seal can be reused (setting step: S205). After this, as shown in Figure 10, when the seal to be reused is actually collected, it is inspected (determined whether it can be reused) based on the previously set inspection conditions (reuse eligibility determination conditions) (determination process), and if it passes the inspection (determined to be reusable), it is processed (re-engraved, etc.) to produce a recycled seal (manufacturing process). This makes it possible to streamline the process from ordering a recycled seal to manufacturing it. This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of the work involved in reusing seals, and is expected to contribute to the spread of seal reuse.

[0129] Furthermore, according to the method for reusing a seal using the system of the above embodiment, when the order-receiving device 2 identifies recycled seal information (identification step: S107), recommended seal face information recommended as the seal face of the recycled seal is generated based on the identified recycled seal information (generation step: S109), and the generated recommended seal face information is output to the display unit 12 of the ordering device 1 (output step: S111). Therefore, at the stage of ordering a recycled seal, it is possible for the orderer (user) to confirm the recommended seal face of the recycled seal in advance. This makes it possible to improve convenience when reusing seals.

[0130] Although the examples have been described above as embodiments of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to these, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0131] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the manufacturing device 3 sets the inspection conditions based on the recycled seal information included in the recycled seal management information (confirmed order information) (S201-S205). However, the order-receiving device 2 may set these inspection conditions. In this case, for example, in the recycled seal order processing (S100), the inspection conditions are determined based on the recycled seal information included in the confirmed order information registered in the order management database DB3 in the confirmed order processing (S125). The determined inspection conditions are associated with the confirmed order information and stored in a memory area or database within the memory unit 21, allowing the order-receiving device 2 to set the inspection conditions. Then, seals collected from users (seals to be reused) can be inspected based on the inspection conditions stored in the memory unit 21. Note that the inspection in this case can be performed by a product provider or a manufacturer. If the inspection is performed by a manufacturer, the manufacturing device 3 can be connected to the order-receiving device 2 via the network 4 and the relevant inspection conditions stored in the memory unit 21 (database, etc.) can be obtained.

[0132] In this way, by setting the inspection conditions on the order-receiving device 2, it becomes possible to centrally manage various data related to the reuse of seals, such as user information, seal information, recycled seal information, order confirmation information, and inspection conditions, on the order-receiving device 2 (product provider) side. This makes it possible to further improve the efficiency of work related to the reuse of seals.

[0133] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, it was assumed that a seal (hard seal) made of hard printing material was to be reused, but it is also possible to reuse seals other than hard seals, such as ink-impregnated seals in which ink is impregnated into a printing body made of porous rubber, or rubber stamps with a printing body made of non-porous rubber.

[0134] When ink-penetrating stamps are to be reused, for example, information on the seal (print body) such as the characters on the seal, typeface, seal (print body) size, frame shape, etc., as well as information appropriate for the ink-penetrating stamp (seal), such as the type of ink-penetrating stamp (name stamp, address stamp, etc.), the type of ink (pigment-based, dye-based, etc.), and the color of the main body (holder), can be used as specification information for the ink-penetrating stamp (seal), and such information can be included in the seal information and recycled seal information.Similarly, for rubber stamps, information appropriate for the rubber stamp can be used as specification information for the rubber stamp (seal).

[0135] Furthermore, when reusing an ink-penetrating stamp to make a recycled seal, for example, among the various parts that make up the ink-penetrating stamp, such as the printing body, ink-impregnated body, slide, spring, and holder, the printing body can be replaced with a new printing body on which the printing surface of the recycled seal is formed, and the other parts can be reused to make a recycled seal (reused seal). In this case, the judgment (inspection) of whether the ink-penetrating stamp can be reused can be carried out, for example, using the degree of deterioration of the components that make up the ink-penetrating stamp, such as the ink-impregnated body, slide, spring, and holder, as a judgment criterion (inspection condition). A similar approach can be taken for rubber stamps, taking into account the components that make up the rubber stamp.

[0136] In addition, in the above-mentioned example, re-engraving (re-carving) the seal surface was shown as a processing step to be performed on seals collected from users, i.e., to obtain a recycled seal. However, the processing steps for reuse are not limited to re-engraving the seal surface, and can be any processing step that will result in a recycled seal, such as repainting the color of the seal body or changing the shape (design) of the handle part of the seal.

[0137] In the above-described embodiment, a user (a user with a user ID) whose user information is managed in the user information management database DB1 can order a recycled seal, and the recycled seal information is identified from the user's seal information managed in the seal information management database DB2. However, it is also possible to allow users whose user information is not managed (registered) in the user information management database DB1 (for example, users who are not registered as members) or users whose seal information is not managed (registered) in the seal information management database DB2 to order recycled seals, and to make the seals of such users (also called "unregistered users") eligible for reuse.

[0138] In this case, because the system cannot identify the recycled seal information at the time of ordering, it may be impossible to set the inspection conditions for inspecting the reused seal in advance. Therefore, a table for identifying the seal material (seal material) among the seal specifications (also referred to as a "material identification table") is provided in a database stored in the memory unit 21 of the order-receiving device 2 or the memory unit 31 of the manufacturing device 3. After actually collecting a seal from an unregistered user, the material (seal material) of the collected seal can be identified based on the material identification table, and the inspection conditions for the identified material can be obtained and set from the inspection condition table. Here, the material identification table (not shown) can be a table that stores physical properties such as hardness and specific gravity for each seal material (seal material), such as boxwood, titanium, alumina, and zirconia.

[0139] When a product provider or manufacturer receives (collects) a seal from an unregistered user, they measure the seal's physical properties using a specified measuring device and identify the material of the seal by comparing the measurement results with the physical properties in the material identification table. By obtaining the inspection conditions for this identified material from the inspection condition table, it becomes possible to determine (inspect) whether the seal from an unregistered user can be reused, and if it can be reused, they can provide a recycled seal.

[0140] Furthermore, it is also possible to link the system according to the above-described embodiment with an external device such as an external server that manages information related to seals (also referred to as an "external device"), thereby improving the efficiency of information management on the external device side. Specifically, for example, with regard to the seals of users who use the system according to the above-described embodiment, in addition to the seal information managed in the seal information management database DB2 of the order-receiving device 2, there is also seal information managed in a database of an external device (not shown) (also referred to as "external seal information"). The external seal information is assumed to include the same content as the seal information managed in the seal information management database DB2 (see FIG. 8(B)).

[0141] Under these assumptions, in the system according to the above-described embodiment, when a user (order-ordering device 1) places an order for a recycled seal, the order confirmation information is registered in the order management database DB3 of the order-receiving device 2 (S125), and recycled seal management information including the order confirmation information is registered in the recycled seal manufacturing management database DB4 of the manufacturing device 3 (S203). This registration (i.e., the manufacturing of the recycled seal) triggers a communication connection between the order-receiving device 2 or the manufacturing device 3 and an external device via the network 4, and the external seal information for the same user (the user who ordered the recycled seal) in the external device's database is rewritten to information indicating the seal face content of the user's recycled seal based on the information registered in the order management database DB3 or the recycled seal manufacturing management database DB4. The external seal information in the external device's database to be rewritten can be identified, for example, by comparing the seal information for the user (the user who ordered the recycled seal) managed in the seal information management database DB2 of the order-receiving device 2 with the external seal information managed in the external device's database.

[0142] According to such a configuration, it is possible to improve the efficiency of information management on the external device side in cooperation with the system according to the above-mentioned embodiment. The external device can be, for example, a device provided by a government office that handles seal registration (registered seal registration), and in this case, it is possible to improve the efficiency of seal registration work by the government office.

[0143] Other inventions related to the present invention will be disclosed below as reference inventions.

[0144] (Reference invention 1) A seal reuse system that collects seals from users and provides recycled seals obtained by processing the collected seals, An order-receiving device is configured to be able to communicate with a user device via a network and is provided on a side that receives an order for the reproduced seal; The order-receiving side device a management means for registering and managing seal information relating to a user's seal; A receiving means for receiving an order for the reproduced seal from a user; and an identification means for identifying, when the receiving means receives the order, reproduction seal information relating to the seal to be processed from the seal information managed by the management means. A seal reuse system characterized by the following.

[0145] (Reference invention 2) A seal reuse system that collects seals from users and provides recycled seals obtained by processing the collected seals, An order-receiving device is configured to be able to communicate with a user device via a network and is provided on a side that receives an order for the reproduced seal; The order-receiving side device a management means for registering and managing seal information relating to a user's seal; A receiving means for receiving an order for the reproduced seal from a user; a generating means for generating recommended seal face information recommended as a seal face for the reproduced seal based on the seal information managed by the managing means when the receiving means receives the order; and an output unit that outputs the recommended print face information generated by the generation unit to the user device. A seal reuse system characterized by the following. [Explanation of symbols]

[0146] 1 ordering device, 2 order receiving device, 3 manufacturing device, 4 network, 10 control unit, 11 memory unit, 12 display unit, 13 operation unit, 14 communication unit, 20 control unit, 21 memory unit, 22 display unit, 23 operation unit, 24 communication unit, 30 control unit, 31 memory unit, 32 display unit, 33 operation unit, 34 communication unit, DB1 user information management database, DB2 seal information management database, DB3 order management database, DB4 recycled seal manufacturing management database.

Claims

1. A seal reuse system that collects seals owned by users and provides recycled seals obtained by processing the collected seals, a management means for registering and managing seal information relating to the seal owned by the user; A receiving means for receiving an order for the reproduced seal from the user who owns the seal; and an identification means for identifying, when the receiving means receives the order, reproduction seal information relating to the seal to be processed from the seal information managed by the management means. A seal reuse system characterized by the following.

2. The seal information managed by the management means includes specification information regarding the specifications of the seal owned by the user, The reproduction seal information identified by the identification means includes information that can be identified from the specification information.

2. The seal reuse system according to claim 1, wherein:

3. a generating means for generating recommended seal face information recommended as a seal face of the reproduced seal based on the reproduced seal information identified by the identifying means; and an output means for outputting the recommended stamp face information generated by the generation means.

3. A seal reuse system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the management means manages the seal information in association with user information of the user; The reproduced seal information identified by the identification means includes first identification information that can be identified from the seal information and second identification information that can be identified from the user information, The generating means generates the recommended seal face information based on the first identification information and the second identification information.

4. The seal reuse system according to claim 3.

5. A setting unit sets conditions for determining whether the collected seal can be reused based on the recycled seal information identified by the identifying unit.

5. A seal reuse system according to claim 1, wherein the seal reuse system is a seal reuse system.

6. A seal reuse system that collects seals owned by users and provides recycled seals obtained by processing the collected seals, a management means for registering and managing seal information relating to the seal owned by the user; A receiving means for receiving an order for the reproduced seal from the user who owns the seal; a generating means for generating recommended seal face information recommended as a seal face for the reproduced seal based on the seal information managed by the managing means when the receiving means receives the order; and an output means for outputting the recommended stamp face information generated by the generation means. A seal reuse system characterized by the following.

7. the management means manages the seal information in association with user information of the user; The generating means generates the recommended seal face information based on the seal information and the user information.

7. The seal reuse system according to claim 6.

Images