Programs, production site systems, inspection methods, information processing systems

Abstract

To provide a technique for reducing variability of quality in an inspection.SOLUTION: A program causes an information processing system, which provides information on operations in production processes of an ordered product to an input / output device, to function as: a process management unit which manages the production processes using identification information of order information related to the product received from the input / output device; a job transmission unit which outputs an execution request for a print job associated with the identification information in a printing process which is one of the production processes; and a communication unit which transmits, to the input / output device, inspection items of the product associated with the identification information in an inspection process which is one of the production processes.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a program, a production base system, an inspection method, and an information processing system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a demand for reducing overproduction and mass waste due to prospective production in industrial products. For overproduction and waste reduction, order-based production (demand-driven production) in which a production base conducts production each time an order is received is effective. In order-based production, when an EC site (Electronic Commerce Site) or the like receives an order for a product such as an apparel product, the EC site places an order with the production base.

[0003] Whether the shipping standards are met to maintain the quality of the product is inspected in the inspection process, and reliability is required for the inspection of the product (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for performing inspection using an inspection device for an image forming apparatus.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional technology, there is a problem that quality variations due to inspection are likely to occur depending on the skill level of the operator. For example, there is a risk that the operator may forget or skip inspection items.

[0005] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a program for reducing quality variations due to inspection.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In view of the above problems, the present invention provides an information processing system that provides information regarding work in the production process of an ordered product to an input / output device, comprising: a process management unit that manages the production process based on identification information of the order information relating to the product received from the input / output device; a job transmission unit that outputs an execution request for a print job associated with the identification information in the printing process, which is one of the production processes; and a communication unit that transmits inspection items of the product associated with the identification information to the input / output device in the inspection process, which is one of the production processes. In the printing process, which is one of the production processes, the communication unit transmits to the input / output device the expected finished product drawing, platen size, or printing position of the printed image, which is associated with the identification information. We provide the program. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] We can provide technology that reduces quality variations caused by inspection. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This diagram illustrates the production process using DTG printing and the workflow performed by the workers. [Figure 2] This is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication system configuration. [Figure 3] This is an example of a computer hardware configuration diagram. [Figure 4] This is an example of a hardware configuration diagram for a DTG printer. [Figure 5] This is an example of a functional block diagram that shows the functions of terminal equipment, order systems, production management systems, and information processing systems in a block-like manner. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of order information. [Figure 7] This is an example of a diagram showing the configuration information stored in the configuration information storage unit. [Figure 8] This is an example of a diagram showing the basket information stored in the basket information storage unit. [Figure 9] This is an example of a diagram showing the management information stored in the management information storage unit. [Figure 10]This figure shows an example of a display information management table that explains the information displayed by the screen generation unit from the order information. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of an assignment information screen and a pop-up message. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of a print information screen. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of an inspection information screen and a pop-up message. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of a sort information screen and a pop-up message. [Figure 15] This figure shows an example of a packaging information screen and a pop-up message. [Figure 16] This figure shows an example of a process control screen. [Figure 17A] This is an example of a sequence diagram (Part 1) illustrating the process from order information creation to packaging. [Figure 17B] This is an example of a sequence diagram (part 2) illustrating the process from order information creation to packaging. [Figure 18] This is an example of a flowchart illustrating the process by which the inspection processing unit determines the inspection results. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following describes an example of an embodiment for carrying out the present invention: an information processing system and an inspection method performed by the information processing system.

[0010] <An example of the printing process for made-to-order products> As an example of made-to-order products, the production process for apparel using DTG (Direct To Garment) printing is described. As shown in Figure 1, the production process using DTG printing includes steps such as fabric allocation, pre-treatment, printing, drying, inspection, sorting, and packaging. Other steps may be included, or some steps may be omitted; the production process in Figure 1 is merely an example. The production process is controlled by an information processing system, which will be described later.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the flow of each production process by DTG printing and the work by an operator.

[0012] Order receiving process 200: The order receiving process 200 is to determine the orderer, the product to be produced, the delivery destination, etc., and at the production base, order information is received. In the order receiving process 200, order information is sent from an EC site or the like to the information processing system. The information processing system prints one barcode label for each product. In the present embodiment, for the sake of explanation, a T-shirt is used as an example of the product. Products such as T-shirts are called apparel products. The barcode label moves through the production process together with the fabric that is the source of the product, and by the operator in each process reading the barcode label, the information processing system 40 displays the necessary information according to the process. The operator checks the necessary information and performs the work, and also inputs the information to be input if there is any.

[0013] Allocation process 201: The allocation process 201 is to secure the materials necessary for the production of the product. The materials necessary for production are managed by SKU (Stock Keeping Unit). The SKU is the minimum management unit when placing and receiving orders and managing inventory. The SKU varies depending on the product, but in the case of a T-shirt, it is the fabric to be printed. In the present embodiment, the cutting and sewing have already been completed, and a plain T-shirt fabric is prepared. The operator reads the barcode label and causes the allocation information to be displayed on the input / output device described later. The operator checks the allocation information and prepares the fabric corresponding to the SKU of the product.

[0014] Pretreatment process 202: The pretreatment process 202 is a process of applying or infiltrating a pretreatment material to the fabric to improve coloring and color development. There may be no pretreatment. The operator reads the barcode label and causes the pretreatment information to be displayed on the input / output device. The operator checks the pretreatment information and performs pretreatment on the fabric of the product.

[0015] Printing Process 203: Printing process 203 is the process of printing the image ordered by the customer onto the fabric using the DTG printer 72. The operator reads the barcode label and displays the print information on the input / output device. The print job is sent to the DTG printer 72 by reading the barcode label. The operator confirms the print information, sets the fabric on the platen, and presses the start key to execute the print.

[0016] Drying process 207: Drying process 207 is a process in which heat is applied to the fabric to fix and set the image onto the fabric. Since it is an automated drying process, no human intervention is required.

[0017] Inspection Process 204: Inspection process 204 is the process of determining whether the product meets predetermined quality standards. Sensors may also be used for this determination. The sensor may be a camera, for example, which captures an image of the printed product and compares it to the original image data. The sensor assists the worker by highlighting areas that differ from the original image data.

[0018] The worker reads the barcode label and displays the inspection information on the input / output device. As an example of inspection information, Figure 1 shows fabric SKU 126, image (expected finished product) 121, image (printed image) 122, and description (inspection items) 123. The worker compares image 121 with the printed product according to these inspection items and checks the corresponding items.

[0019] Furthermore, when the check results are sent to the information processing system, the information processing system 40 determines whether the product is eligible for shipment and displays a pop-up message 125. Therefore, the worker will not make a mistake in determining whether the product is eligible for shipment.

[0020] Sorting Process 205: Sorting process 205 is the process of confirming that multiple products are present when an order contains multiple products with the same delivery destination. This is because in the next packing process 206, products ordered in multiple quantities at the same time need to be packed together and shipped. Multiple products with the same delivery destination are called bundled items. The worker reads the barcode label and displays the sorting information on the input / output device. The worker checks the sorting information and determines whether the bundled items are present.

[0021] Packing Process 206: Packing process 206 is the process of packing the products to be shipped together into cardboard boxes and preparing necessary documents such as delivery slips. The worker reads the barcode label and displays the packing information on the input / output device. In packing process 206, the worker reads the barcode labels of all products in the basket based on the packing information. This is the final confirmation that all products to be shipped together are present, and the worker then packs and ships the items. Once all the products to be shipped together are ready, the information processing system prints the necessary documents such as delivery slips and shipping labels using a printer.

[0022] Thus, in the communication system 100 of this embodiment, by displaying inspection items in the inspection process 204, efficient production process management becomes possible regardless of the worker's skill level. Furthermore, since the inspection results are displayed in the inspection process 204, inspection can be performed regardless of the worker's skill level.

[0023] <About Terminology> The medium on which the image is formed does not have to be fabric; any recording medium may be used. The recording medium may be textiles (cotton / silk / hemp / wool / cashmere / nylon / polyester, etc.), leather (genuine leather, synthetic leather), metals (tinplate / copper / aluminum / stainless steel / brass, etc.), glass materials (float glass / patterned glass / wired glass / tempered glass / vacuum glass, etc.), rubber materials, wood, stone, etc.

[0024] A product is a useful good (in economics, a good is something that has some kind of material or spiritual utility). Products are mainly physical objects, but services and ideas may also be included. In this embodiment, the term "product" is used for explanation. While apparel is used as an example of a product, any product that can be manufactured to order is acceptable, including information processing devices such as PCs and smartphones, home appliances such as televisions and refrigerators, and fixtures such as tableware and furniture. Cooked food may also be included.

[0025] An order refers to a request for production or delivery of goods, specifying the type, quantity, shape, dimensions, etc. An order is also called a custom order.

[0026] A production base refers to the personnel, location, or other resources that serve as the foundation for production activities.

[0027] The production process refers to the sequence of activities involved in manufacturing, from the processing of raw materials to the creation of a finished product. The specific production processes vary depending on the product.

[0028] <Example System Configuration> Referring to Figure 2, the configuration diagram of the communication system 100 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 2 is a configuration diagram of an example of the communication system 100. The communication system 100 shown in Figure 2 has a configuration in which the order system 10, the production management system 20, and the information processing system 40 located at the production site can communicate via the network N1. There may be more than one production site.

[0029] Network N1 is a wide-area network such as the Internet. Network N1 may include Wide Area Ethernet (registered trademark) and VPN (Virtual Private Network). Network N1 may be wired, wireless, or a combination of both. Regarding wireless networks, Network N1 may include mobile communication networks such as 3G, 4G, and 5G. In addition, Network N2, such as LAN, Wi-Fi, or WAN, is installed at the production site.

[0030] Terminal device 60 is an information processing terminal operated by the customer. Terminal device 60 may be a desktop PC (personal computer), notebook PC, smartphone, tablet terminal, etc., running a common OS such as Windows®, MAC OS®, Android®, or iOS®. In addition, terminal device 60 may be any information processing terminal that can run a web browser or native applications and communicate with the order system 10.

[0031] The order system 10 is implemented by one or more information processing devices. The order system 10 is, for example, an e-commerce site. When a customer accesses the e-commerce site using a terminal device 60, the order system 10 provides the terminal device 60 with a screen displaying a list of apparel products. The order system 10 receives order information for the apparel products selected by the customer using the terminal device 60. The sale of apparel products, etc., via an e-commerce site is called e-commerce (electronic commerce). Note that there may be one or more order systems 10.

[0032] Each order system 10 places an order with a production management system 20 that corresponds to the apparel product. For the sake of explanation, the apparel product in this embodiment is an apparel product such as a T-shirt, but it may also be, and is not limited to, bottoms, tops, underwear, shoes, hats, bags, etc. Furthermore, the order system 10 may accept orders for products produced using a 3D printer as well as flat printing. The order system 10 is operated, for example, by a brand owner. A brand owner is someone who has the right to use the brand of a product. A brand is a mark that embodies goodwill, such as a trademark, company name, or product name.

[0033] In this embodiment, the order system 10 is assumed to either not have a production factory, or only have a small-scale production factory. Therefore, the order system 10 places orders for apparel products with the production management system 20.

[0034] The production management system 20 is a single or more information processing unit that receives order information for apparel products and places orders with production sites (information processing system 40). The production management system 20 requests production from production sites with short lead times (time from order to product shipment) while minimizing environmental impact.

[0035] Production bases should be dispersed across various locations to allow production to take place near consumption areas. The production management system 20 selects a production system from among the production bases capable of producing the ordered goods, primarily to minimize the environmental impact during the production and transportation stages, and requests production from there. The production management system 20 also periodically updates and registers identification information of the goods that can be produced at each production base, as well as the availability of materials necessary for the production of those goods.

[0036] The system located at the production site is called the production site system 30. The production site system 30 has one or more information processing systems 40 that receive order information, input / output devices 80a to 80f placed at each process, and various production equipment. Input / output devices 80a to 80f are assigned to and correspond to pre-processing, printing, drying, inspection, sorting, and packaging, respectively. It is not necessary to have one input / output device 80a to 80f at each process; the same input / output device 80 may be used in multiple processes. If the product is apparel, the production equipment includes one or more DTG printers 72, cutting machines, and sewing machines, etc. Figure 2 shows the DTG printer 72. Label printers 71 and 73, which can also be considered production equipment, are also shown. The production site system 30 only needs to have production equipment corresponding to the product, and is not limited to these. The DTG printer 72 is connected to input / output device 80c, and the label printer 73 is connected to input / output device 80f. In addition, the label printer 71 is connected to the information processing system 40. The information processing system 40 operates predetermined software for managing the production of apparel products, displaying information for each process on input / output devices 80a to 80f in a fixed order for each apparel product, similar to a workflow. Workers perform their tasks according to the information for each process and input the necessary information into input / output devices 80a to 80f. As a result, for example, in the printing process 203, the DTG printer 72 executes a printing job. Other jobs include cutting jobs and sewing jobs, depending on the production equipment. In addition, multiple printing processes 203 may be executed for a single product.

[0037] The label printer 71 prints a barcode (an example of an identification information image) containing the order information onto a sticker-like sheet of paper. The sticker-like sheet is then attached to fabrics such as T-shirts. Workers read the barcode with a barcode reader at each stage of the process. The information processing system 40 manages the production process of the products using the order ID contained in the barcode and transmits the necessary information for each stage to the input / output devices 80a to 80f. This allows workers to perform the tasks required for each stage.

[0038] The label printer 73 prints delivery slips, shipping labels, etc., once the packing process 206 is complete. Label printers 71 and 73 may be the same.

[0039] Input / output devices 80a to 80f are connected to the information processing system 40, corresponding to each process. Input / output devices 80a to 80f are information processing terminals that communicate with the information processing system 40 via the network N2. Input / output devices 80 can be desktop PCs (personal computers), notebook PCs, smartphones, tablet terminals, etc., running on common operating systems such as Windows®, MAC OS®, Android®, iOS®, etc. In addition, input / output devices 80a to 80f can be any information processing terminal that can run a web browser or native applications and communicate with the information processing system 40. In the following, any input / output device 80a to 80f will be referred to as "input / output device 80".

[0040] The information processing system 40 and the input / output device 80 operate, for example, as a client-server system. In this case, the information processing system 40 has the functionality of a web server. A web server transmits various information, such as HTML documents, that reside within the web server, in accordance with HTTP, based on a URL instructed by a web browser, which is the client. Communication between the web browser and the web server enables the execution of a web application. A web application is an application that operates through the cooperation of a program written in a programming language (e.g., JavaScript®) that runs on the web browser and a program on the web server side. In contrast, an application that will not run unless it is installed on the input / output device 80 is called a native application. In this embodiment as well, the application executed on the input / output device 80 may be a native application.

[0041] When a barcode label is read by the barcode readers 9a-9f connected to the input / output device 80, the order ID and other information are transmitted to the information processing system 40. The information processing system 40 determines the current process and transmits the information necessary for the current process to the input / output device 80.

[0042] Furthermore, the input / output device 80 may simply be a console terminal. A console terminal can refer to a combination of a display device such as a monitor and an input device such as a keyboard used by the user, or it can refer to a communication terminal used by multiple users to operate remotely from a large computer via a Time Sharing System (TSS). In other words, in a console terminal, information processing is performed on the information processing system 40 side, and information input and output are performed on the console terminal.

[0043] The DTG printer 72 is an image forming device used to print designs onto apparel products, such as through screen printing or inkjet printing. The DTG printer 72 can print using any method that has the function of printing designs onto apparel products. The DTG printer 72 may also be a 3D printer.

[0044] The DTG printer 72 has different optimal inks, droplet sizes, temperatures, and ejection controls depending on the fabric of the apparel product. For example, multiple models of the DTG printer 72, such as those for cotton and polyester, are available at each production site. Even for DTG printers 72 printing on the same material, a DTG printer 72 optimized for the apparel product in terms of color and dpi (dots per inch) may be provided. In addition, multiple DTG printers 72 of the same model may be provided to enable parallel printing.

[0045] The information processing system 40 manages the operating status of production equipment (presence or absence of malfunctions and availability of consumables) and the production schedule (whether production equipment is available). The information processing system 40 provides the managed information to the production management system 20.

[0046] The production management system 20 may communicate with the delivery system and core information system in addition to being shown in the diagram. The delivery system is often the system of a transportation company. The delivery system delivers apparel products (collection and dispatch) based on the delivery destinations of apparel products entered from the information processing system 40. The core information system manages customers, orders, deliveries, payments, etc.

[0047] Furthermore, the order system 10 and the production management system 20 may reside on the cloud or on-premises. Also, although the information processing system 40 is located on-premises in Figure 2, the information processing system 40 is often located on the cloud. The order system 10 and the production management system 20 may be integrated. Alternatively, order information may be transmitted from the order system 10 to the production base system 30 without the production management system 20. Also, the production management system 20 may be absent, and the information processing system 40 and the order system 10 may be integrated. In addition, the information processing system 40 may be composed of multiple information processing devices with distributed functions, or multiple information processing systems 40 may exist.

[0048] <Hardware Configuration> <<Order system, production management system, information processing system, terminal equipment>> The order system 10, production management system 20, information processing system 40, and terminal device 60 are configured as a computer 500, as shown in Figure 3. Figure 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the computer 500. As shown in Figure 3, the computer 500 is built by a computer and includes a CPU 501, ROM 502, RAM 503, HD 504, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 505, display 506, external device connection I / F (Interface) 508, network I / F 509, bus line 510, keyboard 511, pointing device 512, optical drive 514, and media I / F 516.

[0049] Of these, the CPU 501 controls the operation of the order system 10, the production management system 20, the production base system 30, and the terminal device 60 as a whole. The ROM 502 stores programs used to drive the CPU 501, such as IPL. The RAM 503 is used as the work area for the CPU 501. The HD 504 stores various data such as programs. The HDD controller 505 controls the reading or writing of various data to the HD 504 according to the control of the CPU 501. The display 506 displays various information such as cursors, menus, windows, characters, or images. The external device connection I / F 508 is an interface for connecting various external devices. In this case, external devices include, for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory and various printers. The network I / F 509 is an interface for data communication using a communication network. The bus line 510 is an address bus, data bus, etc., for electrically connecting each component such as the CPU 501 shown in Figure 3.

[0050] The keyboard 511 is a type of input means equipped with multiple keys used for inputting characters, numbers, and various instructions. The pointing device 512 is a type of input means used for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting processing targets, and moving the cursor. The optical drive 514 controls the reading or writing of various data to the optical storage medium 513, which is an example of a removable recording medium. The optical storage medium 513 may be a CD, DVD, Blu-ray (registered trademark), etc. The media interface 516 controls the reading or writing (storage) of data to the recording medium 515, such as flash memory.

[0051] <<Printer>> Figure 4 is an example of a hardware configuration diagram of a DTG printer 72 (inkjet printer). As shown in Figure 4, the DTG printer 72 includes a CPU 301 (Central Processing Unit) 301, ROM (Read Only Memory) 302, RAM (Random Access Memory) 303, NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory) 304, an external device connection I / F 308, a network I / F 309, and a bus line 310. The DTG printer 72 also includes a paper transport unit 311, a sub-scanning driver 312, a main scanning driver 313, a carriage 320, and an operation panel 330. Furthermore, the carriage 320 includes a liquid ejection head 321 and a liquid ejection head driver 322.

[0052] Of these components, the CPU 301 controls the overall operation of the DTG printer. The ROM 302 stores programs used to drive the CPU 301, such as the IPL. The RAM 303 is used as the work area for the CPU 301. The NVRAM 304 stores various data, such as programs, and retains this data even when the DTG printer's power is turned off. The external device connection I / F 306 is connected to a PC (Personal Computer) via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable, etc., and communicates control signals and print data with the PC. The network I / F 309 is an interface for data communication using a communication network such as the Internet. The bus line 310 is an address bus, data bus, etc., for electrically connecting each component such as the CPU 301.

[0053] The paper transport unit 311 includes, for example, rollers and a motor that drives the rollers, and transports the printing paper in the sub-scanning direction along the transport path within the DTG printer 72. The sub-scanning driver 312 controls the movement of the paper transport unit 333 in the sub-scanning direction. The main scanning driver 313 controls the movement of the carriage 320 in the main scanning direction.

[0054] The liquid ejection head 321 of the carriage 320 has multiple nozzles for ejecting liquids such as ink, and is mounted on the carriage 320 so that its ejection surface (nozzle surface) faces the printing paper. The liquid ejection head 321 moves in the main scanning direction and ejects liquid onto the printing paper, which is intermittently transported in the sub-scanning direction, thereby ejecting liquid to predetermined positions on the printing paper and forming an image. The liquid ejection head driver 322 is a driver for controlling the drive of the liquid ejection head 321.

[0055] The control panel 332 consists of a touch panel and alarm lamps that display current settings and selection screens, and accept input from the operator.

[0056] The liquid ejection head driver 322 may not be mounted on the carriage 320, but may be configured to be connected to the bus line outside the carriage 320. Furthermore, the main scan driver 313, the sub-scan driver 312, and the liquid ejection head driver 322 may each be functions implemented by instructions from the CPU 301 according to a program.

[0057] <About the features> Figure 5 is an example of a functional block diagram showing the functions of the terminal device 60, order system 10, production management system 20, and information processing system 40 in a block-like manner.

[0058] <<Terminal device>> The terminal device 60 includes a first communication unit 61, a display control unit 62, and an operation reception unit 63. Each of these functions of the terminal device 60 is a function or means realized by any of the components shown in Figure 3 operating according to instructions from the CPU 501 in accordance with a program (Web browser or native application) deployed from the HD 504 onto the RAM 503.

[0059] The first communication unit 61 communicates with the order system 10 to receive screen information for the terminal device 60 to display the EC site screen. The first communication unit 61 also transmits the order information entered by the customer on each screen to the order system 10.

[0060] The display control unit 62 analyzes the screen information received from the order system 10 and displays it on the display 506. The operation reception unit 63 accepts the customer's operations on the terminal device 60 (for example, inputting order information on each screen).

[0061] <<Order System>> The order receiving system 10 includes an order receiving unit 11 and a second communication unit 12. Each of these functions of the order receiving system 10 is a function or means realized by any of the components shown in Figure 3 operating according to instructions from the CPU 501 in accordance with a program deployed from HD 504 onto RAM 503.

[0062] The order reception unit 11 provides an e-commerce site and receives order information for apparel products purchased by customers via a web browser running on a terminal device 60 operated by the customer. The order system 10 receives information from each production base system 30 regarding the feasibility of ordering each product, based on the inventory of fabrics, buttons, and other materials necessary for the production of the apparel products.

[0063] An e-commerce site accepts orders through a web application implemented through the collaboration of a web server and a program running in a web browser. The order acceptance unit 11 creates the screen information for the screen displayed by the web browser. The screen information is a program written in HTML, XML, scripting languages, and CSS (cascading style sheet), etc., with HTML primarily specifying the structure of the web page, the scripting language defining the behavior of the web page, and CSS specifying the style of the web page.

[0064] Order information is explained in Figure 6. The order information created by the order receiving system 10 and the order information created by the information processing system 40 are not exactly the same, but the order information created by the information processing system 40 is created based on the order information created by the order receiving system 10. For this reason, they are referred to simply as order information.

[0065] Terminal device 60 may run a native application for purchasing apparel products instead of a web application. In this case, the native application has the screen configuration, and the content to be displayed is sent from the order system 10 to terminal device 60 in XML or the like.

[0066] The second communication unit 12 transmits order information to the production management system 20 each time an order is received. Therefore, the second communication unit 12 can transmit order information for received apparel products to the production management system 20 immediately after the order is received.

[0067] <<Production Management System>> The production management system 20 includes a third communication unit 21 and an order sorting unit 22. Each of these functions of the production management system 20 is a function or means realized by any of the components shown in Figure 3 operating according to instructions from the CPU 501 in accordance with a program deployed from the HD 504 onto the RAM 503.

[0068] The third communication unit 21 receives order information from the order system 10. The order sorting unit 22 selects a supplier from among multiple production bases, either for each order or for multiple order information items combined. Generally, the types of apparel products that can be produced differ from production base to production base due to differences in the functions of the production equipment in the production base system 30.

[0069] The order sorting unit 22 selects production bases according to apparel products, for example, in a way that minimizes the overall environmental impact of the production and transportation stages. In short, the order sorting unit 22 selects production bases to avoid fabric waste during the production stage and to minimize the distance or transportation costs between the delivery destination and the production base. The order sorting unit 22 then sends order information to the production bases selected by the order sorting unit 22 to request the production of apparel products.

[0070] <<Information Processing System>> The information processing system 40 includes a fourth communication unit 41, an order processing unit 42, a code generation unit 43, a process control unit 44, a print image acquisition unit 45, a fifth communication unit 47, a screen generation unit 48, an identification information printing unit 49, a job transmission unit 50, and an inspection processing unit 51. These functions of the information processing system 40 are realized by any of the components shown in Figure 3 operating according to instructions from the CPU 501 based on a program deployed from the HD 504 onto the RAM 503. The information processing system 40 also has a storage unit 4000 constructed from the RAM 503 and HD 504 shown in Figure 3. The storage unit 4000 includes a setting information storage unit 4001, a basket information storage unit 4002, and a management information storage unit 4003.

[0071] The fourth communication unit 41 receives order information from the production management system 20 and sends it to the order receiving unit 42. The order receiving unit 42 creates order information to be managed within the information processing system 40 based on the received order information. The order receiving unit 42 generates a print job using the order information and sends the order information to the code generation unit 43 and the process control unit 44.

[0072] The code generation unit 43 encodes at least a portion of the order information into a barcode or two-dimensional code. The encoded information includes at least the order ID and job ID. The order ID and job ID may also be simply numbers or letters without encoding. In this case, the order ID and job ID are read by an OCR (Optical Character Reader). The barcode may also be an IC chip.

[0073] The process control unit 44 manages the inventory status of fabrics, the operating status of production equipment (presence or absence of malfunctions and availability of consumables), and the production schedule (whether production equipment is available and the timetable for future production). Production equipment necessary for production, such as the DTG printer 72, is connected to the process control unit 44, and the status of each production piece of equipment is transmitted to the process control unit 44. The process control unit 44 assigns print jobs to the DTG printer 72 based on the production schedule. In short, the process control unit 44 assigns print jobs for apparel products whose barcode labels have been read in the printing process 203 to the DTG printer 72. The process control unit 44 may also control the printing order by the DTG printer 72 according to the priority of the print jobs.

[0074] Furthermore, the process control unit 44 manages the progress of the process for ordered apparel products based on the management information storage unit 4003, which will be described later. Specifically, the process control unit 44 detects the progress of the process using barcode information (mainly order ID and job ID) obtained by reading barcode labels with each input / output device 80, information entered by workers, and notifications from the DTG printer 72, etc., and registers it in the management information storage unit 4003.

[0075] The print image acquisition unit 45 acquires a print image that will be printed on the apparel product based on the order ID. The print image is stored on the network in a file or other format. Alternatively, the user may design the print image, in which case the print image is sent from the production management system 20 along with the order information.

[0076] The fifth communication unit 47 transmits and receives various types of information with the input / output device 80. The fifth communication unit 47 receives barcode information from the input / output device 80 and transmits screen information appropriate for each process to the input / output device 80.

[0077] The screen generation unit 48 generates various screen information to be displayed by the input / output device 80 for each production process. Based on the order information described later, the screen generation unit 48 generates the screens to be displayed in each process. When the input / output device 80 runs a web application, the screen information is created using HTML, XML, CSS (Cascade Style Sheet), and JavaScript (registered trademark), etc. When the input / output device 80 runs a native application, the screen information is held by the input / output device 80, and the information to be displayed is transmitted in XML, etc.

[0078] The identification information printing unit 49 prints the barcode label generated by the code generation unit 43 using the label printer 71.

[0079] The job transmission unit 50 transmits to the input / output device 80c of the printing process, via the fifth communication unit 47, a request to execute a print job corresponding to the order ID and job ID contained in the barcode label during the printing process.

[0080] The inspection processing unit 51 determines whether or not the product can be shipped (is ready for shipment) based on the items checked by the worker against the inspection items.

[0081] (Order Information) Figure 6 shows an example of order information. Order information refers to information related to the order of apparel products. Of the order information, the delivery address, SKU, and print location are determined by the customer and are therefore sent from the order system 10. For the print image, either only the identification information is sent from the order system 10, or the print image itself is sent from the order system 10.

[0082] The Order ID is identification information used to uniquely identify an order. ID is an abbreviation of Identification and means identifier or identification information. An ID is a name, code, string, number, or a combination of one or more of these used to uniquely distinguish a particular object from multiple objects. The Order Processing Unit 42 assigns an Order ID. If multiple apparel items are ordered in one order and the delivery address is the same, these will be shipped together. In this case, there is one Order ID, but a Job ID is assigned to each apparel item.

[0083] • A job ID is the identification information for a print job. A job ID is assigned for each print run required to produce one apparel item. If an apparel item is completed in one print run, one job ID is assigned to one apparel item (e.g., a T-shirt). The order processing unit 42 assigns the job ID.

[0084] The order date and time is the date and time when the information processing system 40 received the order information.

[0085] The Orderer ID is the identification information of the customer who purchased apparel products. Past customers are recorded, and the same customer is assigned to the same customer. For first-time customers, the Order Processing Unit 42 assigns the Orderer ID.

[0086] • The delivery address is the delivery address for the apparel product.

[0087] A SKU is a fabric identification number (identifying one type from various series, colors, and sizes). In other words, it is the identification information for the fabric on which the printed image will be printed. SKUs allow fabrics that are the same product but differ in color, size, packaging, etc., to be treated as different products.

[0088] • The printed image is the image that will be printed on the fabric.

[0089] • The print position indicates which part of the fabric the image will be printed on (Front, Back, Chest, Arms, etc.).

[0090] The platen size is the size of the platen used in a print job. The platen size is determined by the combination of SKU and print position based on the configuration information described later.

[0091] The projected completion image is obtained by overlaying a printed image onto the material images described later.

[0092] (Setting information storage unit 4001) Figure 7 shows the configuration information stored in the configuration information storage unit 4001. Figure 7(a) shows the configuration information. The configuration information is information that is displayed during the process and is registered in advance by the administrator or other relevant personnel. The configuration information is managed for each SKU.

[0093] • The SKU is the same as the order information.

[0094] • The material image is an image of the fabric before printing. Therefore, the material image represents the SKU image.

[0095] The shelf number is an identifier for the shelf where the fabric is stored.

[0096] The print position is the location on the fabric where the DTG printer 72 can print the image for that SKU.

[0097] • The platen size is the optimal platen size for the given SKU.

[0098] The check items are those for inspection process 204 for the relevant SKU (apparel product).

[0099] Figure 7(b) shows the check item information. The check item information is the check items displayed by the input / output device 80 in the inspection process 204. The check items may differ for each SKU, or they may be common regardless of the SKU.

[0100] (Basket information storage unit 4002) Figure 8 shows the basket information stored in the basket information storage unit 4002. The basket information refers to the container in which apparel products are temporarily stored as they are passed through each process. In the case of an order with bundled items, the information processing system 40 specifies the basket.

[0101] • The basket ID is the identification information for each basket. All basket IDs present at the production site are registered. Not all baskets are necessarily used.

[0102] • The status refers to the status of each basket. If the status is not "empty," the order ID to which the basket is assigned is registered.

[0103] (Management information storage unit 4003) Figure 9 shows the management information stored in the management information storage unit 4003. The management information is information that manages how far a print job has progressed in each process. "Completed" is registered for completed processes. Process progress is mainly detected by reading barcode labels. In addition, each print job has an "NG" item. For example, if it is judged as NG in the inspection process 204, the number of "NG" items increases by one. In addition, the "Hold" item records that the hold button was pressed in the packing process 206. When the hold button is pressed, all jobs with the same order ID are put on hold. After a certain amount of time has elapsed since the hold button was pressed, the process management unit 44 displays on the input / output device 80f that there is a basket on hold and prompts the packing of apparel products in the basket.

[0104] <<Input / Output Devices>> Let's return to Figure 5 for explanation. The input / output device 80 includes a sixth communication unit 81, a display control unit 82, an operation reception unit 83, a code reading unit 84, a RIP processing unit 85, and a print execution unit 86. These functions of the input / output device 80 are functions or means realized by any of the components shown in Figure 3 operating according to instructions from the CPU 501 in accordance with a program deployed from HD 504 onto RAM 503.

[0105] The sixth communication unit 81 (an example of the second communication unit) sends and receives various types of information with the information processing system 40. The sixth communication unit 81 transmits barcode information to the information processing system 40 and receives screen information and print jobs suitable for each process from the information processing system 40.

[0106] The display control unit 82 analyzes screen information and displays information for each process. The operation reception unit 83 receives operator operations for the input / output device 80.

[0107] The code reading unit 84 controls the barcode reader to decode the information contained in the barcode (order ID and job ID).

[0108] The RIP processing unit 85 creates RIP data compatible with the DTG printer 72. RIP stands for Raster Image Processor, and it refers to the process of converting digital data, such as print images created by various applications, into a format suitable for printing, such as a bitmap.

[0109] Furthermore, different DTG printers 72 may use different inks depending on the model (for example, YMCK or YMCK+W), the amount of each color ink applied may differ depending on the color to be reproduced, and the data format that the printer can recognize may also differ. For this reason, the RIP processing unit 85 creates appropriate RIP data for the DTG printer 72.

[0110] The print execution unit 86 prints the RIP-processed print image using the DTG printer 72. The print execution unit 86 also prints delivery slips, shipping labels, etc., using the label printer 73.

[0111] <Information displayed by the screen generation unit> Next, referring to Figure 10, the information that the screen generation unit 48 displays to the input / output device 80 in each process will be explained. Figure 10 is a display information management table that explains the information that the screen generation unit 48 displays from the order information. The items in the display information management table are the same as those in the order information and indicate the information displayed in each process. The symbols in each cell in Figure 10 have the following meanings. • ○ indicates an item to be displayed on the screen for the corresponding process. *The "×" indicates an item that will not be displayed on the corresponding process screen. *The ★ symbol is information that is automatically generated when an order is placed. * indicates information that is not displayed on the process management screen 150 described later, but is displayed on the order details screen. * ** indicates information used on shipping labels and delivery slips printed during packing process 206. Items marked with ** are not displayed on the packing screen.

[0112] <Screen transition> Next, referring to Figures 11 to 15, the screen transitions displayed by the input / output device 80 in each process will be explained. Figure 11(a) is an example of the allocation information screen 110 displayed by the input / output device 80 in the allocation process 201. The allocation information is information that allows the worker to secure the fabric (allocate fabric to the order). The contents displayed on the allocation information screen 110 will be explained.

[0113] • Item 101 is the order ID and job ID for the ordered apparel product.

[0114] • Item 102 is an SKU.

[0115] • The number 103 indicates the shelf number where the SKU is located. This eliminates the need for workers to memorize the numerous shelf numbers for each SKU, allowing them to smoothly obtain the necessary fabric regardless of their skill level.

[0116] • Item 104 describes the work instructions given to the worker. Figure 11 shows, "Attach the barcode label to the fabric and scan the barcode again."

[0117] Image 105 shows the placement of barcode labels on fabric. Therefore, workers do not need to memorize different placement rules for each apparel item, and can proceed with the work regardless of their skill level.

[0118] Image 106 is a rendering of the completed apparel product that was ordered.

[0119] Figure 11(b) shows the pop-up message 107 displayed on the assignment information screen 110 after the barcode label is read again. This pop-up message appears when the worker reads the barcode label again. The pop-up message 107 indicates the next process to which the fabric assigned by the worker should be sent. In Figure 11(b), it indicates that the worker should proceed to the pre-processing step 202. The next step varies depending on the apparel product. For example, the presence or absence of pre-processing is determined by the color of the fabric. Traditionally, workers had to memorize the combinations of fabric and pre-processing.

[0120] In this embodiment, the process control unit 44 determines the next process and displays it as shown in Figure 11(b), so that workers do not need to memorize them, and a certain level of work efficiency can be maintained regardless of the worker's skill level. In addition, the next process is displayed in a pop-up format, making it easy for workers to notice and understand.

[0121] As will be described later, when this pop-up message 107 is displayed, the process control unit 44 updates the status of the assigned process 201 in the management information storage unit 4003 to "completed".

[0122] Figure 12 shows an example of the print information screen 119 displayed by the input / output device 80 in the printing process 203. Note that in Figure 12, only the differences from those explained in Figure 11 may be explained. Print information is information that assists the worker in printing the design onto the fabric. The contents displayed on the print information screen 119 are explained below. In the printing process 203, when the worker reads the barcode label, the print information screen 119 shown in Figure 12 is displayed. The information processing system 40 also rips the print image and automatically sends the print job to the DTG printer 72.

[0123] • Description 111 refers to the size of the platen and the printing position of the design. A platen is a stand or jig positioned opposite the print head that moves the fabric in the sub-scanning direction during printing. Different apparel products use different platens, and even for the same apparel product, the printing position of the design may differ depending on the order. The printing information screen 119 displays these clearly using icons, eliminating the need for operators to memorize the combination of apparel product and platen, making confirmation easier and leading to smoother work.

[0124] • Item 112 describes the work instructions given to the worker. Figure 12 shows "Load the fabric into the printer and start printing."

[0125] The worker checks items 111 and 112, sets the fabric on the platen, and presses the start key on the DTG printer 72. Therefore, specialized tasks such as color adjustment are unnecessary, and production efficiency does not depend on the worker. When the print job is sent to the input / output device 80c, the process control unit 44 updates the status of the print process 203 in the management information storage unit 4003 to "completed".

[0126] Image 113 is a rendering of the completed apparel product ordered. The rendering shows what the print image will look like when printed on the fabric. When a preview is displayed on the operation panel of the DTG printer 72, the operator can compare the printed image with Image 113 to reduce printing errors.

[0127] • The label 114 indicates the fabric's SKU. By comparing the label 114 with the actual fabric (with the barcode label attached), workers can more easily notice any errors. By enabling workers to detect errors early in the production process, cost increases due to rework and wasted materials can be suppressed.

[0128] Figure 13(a) shows an example of the inspection information screen 120 displayed by the input / output device 80 in the inspection process 204. The inspection information is information used by the worker to inspect apparel products. In the inspection process 204, when the worker reads the barcode label, the inspection information screen 120 shown in Figure 13(a) is displayed. The contents displayed on the inspection information screen 120 will be explained below.

[0129] Image 121 is a rendering of the finished product, and Image 122 is a magnified view of the printed image. The worker will use Images 121 and 122 as the standard to verify the condition of the apparel product with the printed design.

[0130] • Section 123 is a list of inspection items that workers should check during inspection. The production manager has set the inspection items for each apparel product in advance (Figure 7(b)). Workers compare images 121 and 122 with the apparel product on which the design is printed, according to the items to be checked, and check only if there are any matching items. Depending on the condition, there may be no checks or multiple checks.

[0131] The input button 124 is a registration button for the worker to register the check results in the information processing system 40. The worker compares images 121 and 122 with the apparel product on which the design is printed, and presses the registration button after checking the inspection items. In this way, there is only one button to operate, so the worker does not need to memorize an operation flow that varies depending on the condition of the product. This allows for a consistent production efficiency to be maintained regardless of the worker's experience level or ability.

[0132] Figure 13(b) shows the pop-up message 125 displayed by the input / output device 80 when the registration button is pressed. Figure 13(b) shows the case where the inspection result is OK. The pop-up message 125 displays the inspection result and the process to which the apparel product should be sent. The information processing system 40 determines the inspection result (whether it can be shipped or not) based on the items checked in description 123. If the product can be collected, the process to which the apparel product should be sent is also displayed, so the worker does not need to remember the destination of the product based on the inspection result, and the workload is reduced.

[0133] When this pop-up message 125 is displayed, the process control unit 44 updates the status of the inspection process 204 in the management information storage unit 4003 to "completed".

[0134] Figure 13(c) shows the case where the inspection result is NG. In this case, the pop-up message 127 displays that the inspection result is NG and that the process should be restarted from the assigned process 201. Therefore, the identification information printing unit 49 prints the barcode label again. The order ID and job ID can remain the same. The process management unit 44 deletes the "completed" status for all processes in the management information storage unit 4003.

[0135] Figure 14(a) shows an example of the sort information screen 130 displayed by the input / output device 80 in the sorting process 205. The sort information is information that allows the worker to store the apparel products until all the bundled items are ready. In the sorting process 205, when the worker reads the barcode label, the sort information screen 130 shown in Figure 14(a) is displayed. The process control unit 44 updates the status of the sorting process 205 in the management information storage unit 4003 to "completed".

[0136] When multiple apparel items are ordered together, workers need to pack and ship them together. Therefore, the process control unit 44 checks the management information storage unit 4003 in the sorting process 205 to see if there are any items that were ordered together (= bundled items). Bundled items are apparel items with the same order ID. If there are bundled items, they are stored in this process until all production is complete. The contents displayed on the sort information screen 130 will now be explained.

[0137] • Item 131 indicates the basket ID. Item 131 displays the identification information of the basket to be temporarily stored if there are bundled items whose production is not yet complete. The process control unit 44 refers to the basket information storage unit 4002 to determine which basket is available. The process control unit 44 assigns the same basket to apparel products with the same order ID. Since workers do not need to remember or determine which baskets are available and which baskets are storing which orders of apparel products, it is possible to maintain production efficiency regardless of the worker.

[0138] • Item 132 indicates the storage status. Item 132 shows how many apparel items with the same order ID are available. If there is a discrepancy between the number of items listed in Item 132 and the number of apparel items in the shopping cart, it indicates a sorting error somewhere, allowing for early detection of the error.

[0139] Figure 14(b) shows the pop-up message 133 that is displayed when all the items in the package are ready. The pop-up message 133 displays the order ID along with the fact that all the items in the package are ready. When the barcode label of the last apparel item with the same order ID is read, the input / output device 80 displays the pop-up message 133 indicating that all the items in the package are ready and instructs the basket to proceed to the next process.

[0140] Figure 15(a) shows an example of the packing information screen 140 displayed by the input / output device 80 in the packing process 206. The packing information is the information that workers use to pack all the apparel items to be included. In the packing process 206, when a worker reads the barcode label of any apparel item in the basket, the packing information screen 140 shown in Figure 15(a) is displayed. In the packing process 206, workers perform a final check of the apparel items to be included before packing and shipping. Necessary documents such as delivery slips and shipping labels are also printed during packing. The contents displayed on the packing information screen 140 will now be explained.

[0141] Images 141-143 are a list of apparel items with the same order ID. When an operator scans the barcode label of an apparel item in the basket, a check mark 147 appears in images 141-143. If there are any discrepancies when scanning the barcode labels of all apparel items in the basket, the error in sorting process 205 can be detected at that stage. Also, if the barcode label of an apparel item that does not belong to the same order ID is scanned, an error message will pop up. In addition, the print information screen 119 displays the number of items 145 (number of jobs) included in one order.

[0142] Input button 144 is a hold button for putting the packing process 206 on hold. If there is a shortage or excess of apparel items in the basket, the worker puts the packing process 206 on hold. This allows the worker to proceed with other orders. The packed basket will resume packing process 206 once the shortage or excess of apparel items in the basket is resolved. This prevents a decrease in production efficiency by allowing workers to work on other orders when there is a shortage or excess of apparel items in the basket.

[0143] Figure 15(b) shows the pop-up message 146 displayed by the input / output device 80 when the worker has scanned all the barcode labels of the apparel items in the basket and the information processing system 40 has confirmed that all the apparel items with the same order ID are available. The pop-up message 146 displays the message, "All items are available. Invoice & Shipping Label will be printed. Please pack the items," along with a reprint button 148.

[0144] When the pop-up message 146 is displayed, the process control unit 44 updates the status of the packing process 206 in the management information storage unit 4003 to "completed" for all apparel products with the same order ID.

[0145] Furthermore, the input / output device 80 automatically prints necessary documents such as delivery slips and shipping labels at the same time, allowing workers to pack the products and produce efficiently.

[0146] The reprint button 148 is used when printing required documents fails due to an error with the label printer 73 or other reasons. The operator can then press the reprint button to reprint the documents.

[0147] Figure 15(c) shows the pop-up message 149 displayed by the input / output device 80 when the order IDs of all apparel items read by the worker from a single basket are not the same. The pop-up message 149 displays the message, "There are apparel items in the basket that are not included in the set. Press the hold button to check the basket." This helps the worker avoid packing mistakes.

[0148] <Process management screen> Figure 16 shows an example of a process control screen 150 displayed by an arbitrary input / output device 80. The process control screen 150 visually displays the current management information stored in the management information storage unit 4003. Specifically, the process control screen 150 shows the progress to the current stage, corresponding to the order ID and job ID. Progress means that the stage is marked as "completed" in the management information storage unit 4003.

[0149] Furthermore, the process management screen 150 displays the number of sorted items (151), the number of jobs (152), the number of shipped items (153), the number of orders (154), and the rejection rate (155). The number of sorted items (151) is the number of jobs for which sorting process 205 is "completed," the number of jobs (152) is the total number of jobs, the number of shipped items (153) is the number of shipped orders, and the number of orders (154) is the total number of orders. The rejection rate (155) is the ratio of the total number of rejections to the total number of jobs.

[0150] Therefore, administrators can track the progress of each print job for each order.

[0151] <Process flow for each step> Next, with reference to Figures 17A and 17B, the overall processing flow performed by the production base system 30 will be explained. Figures 17A and 17B are examples of sequence diagrams illustrating the processing flow from order information creation to packaging. In Figures 17A and 17B, it is assumed that an input / output device 80 is assigned to each process, but multiple processes may be assigned to a single input / output device 80. The worker moves each apparel item, each basket, or several apparel items or baskets together to the next process.

[0152] S1: The fourth communication unit 41 of the information processing system 40 receives order information from the production management system 20. The order receiving unit 42 uses the order information to create order information (see Figure 6) to be used within the production management system 20. The code generation unit 43 generates a barcode including the order ID and job ID, and the identification information printing unit 49 prints a barcode label. The process control unit 44 also assigns the order ID to the basket ID in the basket information storage unit 4002 if there are bundled items. Basket assignment may also be performed in the sorting process 205. The process control unit 44 also registers the order ID and job ID in the management information storage unit 4003.

[0153] S2: When the worker reads the barcode label using the input / output device 80a of assigned process 201, the code reading unit 84 decodes the order ID and job ID.

[0154] S3: The sixth communications unit 81 transmits the order ID and job ID to the information processing system 40.

[0155] S4: The fifth communication unit 47 of the information processing system 40 receives the order ID and job ID, and the process management unit 44 obtains the current status from the management information storage unit 4003 based on the order ID and job ID. The screen generation unit 48 refers to the display information management table (Figure 10) and determines the assignment information required for the assignment process 201. The screen generation unit 48 creates the assignment information screen 110 using the assignment information, and the fifth communication unit 47 transmits the screen information of the assignment information screen 110 to the input / output device 80a.

[0156] S5: The sixth communication unit 81 of the input / output device 80a receives screen information from the assignment information screen 110, and the display control unit 82 displays the assignment information screen 110. The worker takes the dough from the shelf and attaches the barcode label to the dough. When the worker reads the barcode label again using the input / output device 80a of the assignment process 201, the code reading unit 84 decodes the order ID and job ID.

[0157] S6: The sixth communications unit 81 transmits the order ID and job ID to the information processing system 40.

[0158] S7: The fifth communication unit 47 of the information processing system 40 receives the order ID and job ID, and the process management unit 44 retrieves the current status from the management information storage unit 4003 based on the order ID and job ID. The process management unit 44 decides to display a pop-up message instructing the next process if it receives the order ID and job ID for the second time in the assigned process 201. The screen generation unit 48 creates this pop-up message, and the fifth communication unit 47 transmits the pop-up message to the input / output device 80a. The process management unit 44 updates the status of the assigned process 201 in the management information storage unit 4003 to "completed".

[0159] S8: The sixth communication unit 81 of the input / output device 80a receives a pop-up message, and the display control unit 82 displays the pop-up message on the assignment information screen 110.

[0160] S9: Next, when the worker reads the barcode label using the input / output device 80b in the preprocessing step 202, the code reading unit 84 decodes the order ID and job ID.

[0161] S10: The sixth communications unit 81 transmits the order ID and job ID to the information processing system 40.

[0162] S11: The fifth communication unit 47 of the information processing system 40 receives the order ID and job ID, and the process management unit 44 obtains the current status from the management information storage unit 4003 based on the order ID and job ID. The process management unit 44 decides to display the information of the pre-processing step 202 when it has received the order ID and job ID after the assigned step 201 has finished. The screen generation unit 48 refers to the display information management table (Figure 10) and creates a screen using the information to be displayed in the pre-processing step 202, and the fifth communication unit 47 transmits the screen information of the pre-processing step 202 to the input / output device 80b. The process management unit 44 updates the status of the pre-processing step 202 in the management information storage unit 4003 to "completed".

[0163] S12: The sixth communication unit 81 of the input / output device 80b receives screen information for the preprocessing step 202, and the display control unit 82 displays the screen for the preprocessing step 202. The operator performs the preprocessing according to the screen.

[0164] S13: Next, when the operator reads the barcode label using the input / output device 80c in the printing process 203, the code reading unit 84 decodes the order ID and job ID.

[0165] S14: The Sixth Communications Unit 81 transmits the Order ID and Job ID to the Information Processing System 40.

[0166] S15: The fifth communication unit 47 of the information processing system 40 receives the order ID and job ID, and the process management unit 44 obtains the current status from the management information storage unit 4003 based on the order ID and job ID. The process management unit 44 decides to display the information for the printing process 203 when it has received the order ID and job ID after the preprocessing process 202 has finished. The screen generation unit 48 refers to the display information management table (Figure 10) and creates a screen using the information to be displayed in the printing process 203, and the fifth communication unit 47 transmits the screen information of the printing information screen 119 to the input / output device 80c.

[0167] S16: The sixth communication unit 81 of the input / output device 80c receives screen information from the print information screen 119, and the display control unit 82 displays the print information screen 119.

[0168] S17-1: The job transmission unit 50 also transmits an execution request for a print job identified by the job ID to the input / output device 80c via the fifth communication unit 47. The process management unit 44 updates the status of the print process 203 in the management information storage unit 4003 to "completed".

[0169] S17-2: The sixth communication unit 81 receives a print job, and the RIP processing unit 85 performs RIP processing on the print image.

[0170] S18: When the operator presses the start key of the DTG printer 72 according to the instructions on the screen, the print execution unit 86 prints the image onto the fabric using the DTG printer 72.

[0171] S19: Next, when the worker reads the barcode label using the input / output device 80d in the inspection process 204, the code reading unit 84 decodes the order ID and job ID.

[0172] S20: The sixth communications unit 81 transmits the order ID and job ID to the information processing system 40.

[0173] S21: The fifth communication unit 47 of the information processing system 40 receives the order ID and job ID, and the process control unit 44 obtains the current status from the management information storage unit 4003 based on the order ID and job ID. When the printing process 203 is completed and the order ID and job ID are received, the process control unit 44 decides to display the information of the inspection process 204. The screen generation unit 48 refers to the display information management table (Figure 10) and creates a screen using the information to be displayed in the inspection process 204, and the fifth communication unit 47 transmits the screen information of the inspection information screen 120 to the input / output device 80d.

[0174] S22: The sixth communication unit 81 of the input / output device 80d receives screen information from the inspection information screen 120, and the display control unit 82 displays the inspection information screen 120. The worker checks the check items according to the screen and presses the registration button. The operation reception unit 83 receives the check results for the check items.

[0175] S23: The Sixth Communications Unit 81 transmits the check results to the Information Processing System 40.

[0176] S24: The fifth communication unit 47 of the information processing system 40 receives the check result, and the inspection processing unit 51 performs the processing described later to determine the inspection result (OK, NG). An inspection result of OK means that the product can be shipped, and an inspection process NG means that the product cannot be shipped. Details are explained in Figure 18. If the inspection result is OK, the process management unit 44 updates the status of the inspection process 204 in the management information storage unit 4003 to "completed". If the inspection result is NG, the process management unit 44 deletes "completed" for all processes in the management information storage unit 4003 and increases the number of NGs in the management information storage unit 4003 by one. The fifth communication unit 47 sends a pop-up message to the input / output device 80d indicating whether the inspection result is OK or NG.

[0177] S25: The sixth communication unit 81 of the input / output device 80d receives a pop-up message, and the display control unit 82 displays the pop-up message on the inspection information screen 120. Here, we will explain assuming that the inspection result was OK.

[0178] S26: Next, when the worker reads the barcode label using the input / output device 80e in the sorting process 205, the code reading unit 84 decodes the order ID and job ID.

[0179] S27: The Sixth Communications Unit 81 transmits the Order ID and Job ID to the Information Processing System 40.

[0180] S28: The fifth communication unit 47 of the information processing system 40 receives the order ID and job ID, and the process control unit 44 obtains the current status from the management information storage unit 4003 based on the order ID and job ID. The process control unit 44 decides to display the information for the sorting process 205 when it has received the order ID and job ID after the inspection process 204 has finished. The process control unit 44 updates the status of the sorting process 205 in the management information storage unit 4003 to "completed". The process control unit 44 also identifies the basket ID associated with the same order ID from the basket information storage unit 4002. The process control unit 44 also identifies the number of print jobs with the same order ID and the number of print jobs whose sorting process 205 status is "completed" by referring to the management information storage unit 4003. The screen generation unit 48 identifies the information to be displayed in the printing process 203 by referring to the display information management table (Figure 10). In other words, the screen generation unit 48 creates a screen using the basket ID, the number of print jobs with the same order ID, and the number of sorted print jobs, and the fifth communication unit 47 transmits the screen information of the sort information screen 130 to the input / output device 80e. If the number of print jobs with the same order ID (an example of the number of products) and the number of sorted print jobs are different, only the sort information screen 130 is displayed. If the number of print jobs with the same order ID and the number of sorted print jobs match, the sort information screen 130 and a pop-up message are displayed. The sort information screen 130 and the pop-up message may be displayed simultaneously, or the pop-up message may be displayed after the sort information screen 130.

[0181] S29: The sixth communication unit 81 of the input / output device 80e receives screen information from the sort information screen, and the display control unit 82 displays the sort information screen 130.

[0182] S30: Next, when the worker reads the barcode label of any apparel item in the basket using the input / output device 80f in the packing process 206, the code reading unit 84 decodes the order ID and job ID.

[0183] S31: The Sixth Communications Unit 81 transmits the Order ID and Job ID to the Information Processing System 40.

[0184] S32: The fifth communication unit 47 of the information processing system 40 receives the order ID and job ID, and the process control unit 44 obtains the current status from the management information storage unit 4003 based on the order ID and job ID. The process control unit 44 decides to display the information for the packing process 206 if it has received the order ID and job ID after the sorting process 205 is completed. The screen generation unit 48 refers to the display information management table (Figure 10) to identify the information to be displayed in the packing process 206. That is, the process control unit 44 obtains all expected finished drawings for the same order ID from the order information. The screen generation unit 48 creates a screen using the expected finished drawings, and the fifth communication unit 47 transmits the screen information of the packing information screen 140 to the input / output device 80f. If there are no included items, or if the order ID and job ID have been received for all print jobs with the same order ID at this point, step S35 is executed.

[0185] S33: The sixth communication unit 81 of the input / output device 80f receives screen information from the packaging information screen, and the display control unit 82 displays the packaging information screen 140. Next, when the worker reads the barcode labels of the remaining apparel items in the basket, the code reading unit 84 decodes the order ID and job ID.

[0186] S34: The Sixth Communications Unit 81 transmits the Order ID and Job ID to the Information Processing System 40.

[0187] S35: The fifth communication unit 47 of the information processing system 40 receives the order ID and job ID, and the process control unit 44 determines whether or not it has received the order ID and job ID for all print jobs with the same order ID. If it has received the order ID and job ID for all print jobs with the same order ID, the process control unit 44 updates the status of the packing process 206 in the management information storage unit 4003 to "completed" for all print jobs with the same order ID. The fifth communication unit 47 sends a pop-up message to the input / output device 80f indicating that packing is complete. Also, at the request of the information processing system 40, the print execution unit 86 prints the delivery slip, shipping label, etc. using the label printer 73.

[0188] If a job ID that is not the same as the order ID read in step S32 is transmitted from the input / output device 80f, it means that one basket contains apparel products from different orders. Therefore, if the process control unit 44 detects this, the screen generation unit 48 includes an error message in the pop-up message indicating that apparel products from different orders are included.

[0189] S36: The sixth communication unit 81 of the input / output device 80f receives a pop-up message, and the display control unit 82 displays the pop-up message on the packaging information screen 140.

[0190] In this way, workers can perform the necessary tasks by scanning barcode labels at the designated steps, and they do not need to memorize the order of the steps.

[0191] In Figures 17A and 17B, the order ID and job ID are transmitted from the input / output device 80 to the information processing system 40 upon reading the barcode label. However, the information processing system 40 may also transmit information about which process the input / output device 80 belongs to, along with the order ID and job ID. The information processing system 40 can then determine whether the barcode label was read by the correct input / output device 80 for the process.

[0192] <<Inspection Process>> Figure 18 is a flowchart illustrating the process by which the inspection processing unit 51 determines the inspection results. The process in Figure 18 is explained starting from the inspection process 204, where the worker reads the barcode label.

[0193] As described above, in inspection step 204, the worker removes the apparel product with the printed image from the basket (S101).

[0194] Next, the worker scans the barcode label attached to the apparel item with a barcode reader (S102).

[0195] The order ID and job ID contained in the barcode label are transmitted to the information processing system 40, and the display control unit 82 of the input / output device 80d displays the inspection information screen 120 transmitted from the information processing system 40 (S103).

[0196] The worker checks the apparel products based on the inspection items (S104). The worker may also use a camera or the like, and the information processing system 40 may perform the inspection through image processing.

[0197] If there are inspection items to be checked (Yes in S105), the worker checks the inspection items on the inspection information screen 120 (S106). The operation reception unit 83 receives the check for the inspection items.

[0198] The operator presses the registration button (S107). The operation reception unit 83 receives the press. The sixth communication unit 81 transmits the check result to the information processing system 40.

[0199] The inspection processing unit 51 of the information processing system 40 determines whether or not one or more items have been checked (S108). Note that determining "NG" if one or more items have been checked is just one example; the system may also assign weights to each inspection item and make a decision based on the sum of the weighted values ​​of the checked items.

[0200] If the decision in step S108 is No, the inspection processing unit 51 determines that the inspection result is OK (S109). If the decision in step S108 is Yes, the inspection processing unit 51 determines that the inspection result is NG (S110). If the decision in step S108 is Yes, the process control unit 44 deletes "completed" for all processes in the management information storage unit 4003, and the identification information printing unit 49 prints a barcode label. The process control unit 44 increases the number of NGs in the management information storage unit 4003 by one.

[0201] Next, the screen generation unit 48 sends a pop-up message to the input / output device 80d indicating whether the inspection result is OK or NG, and the display control unit 82 of the input / output device 80d displays the pop-up message (S111).

[0202] The worker moves the apparel product to the next process according to the pop-up message (S112).

[0203] <Main effects> As described above, the communication system 100 of this embodiment enables efficient production process management regardless of the worker's skill level by displaying inspection items in the inspection process 204. Furthermore, since the inspection results are displayed in the inspection process 204, inspection can be performed regardless of the worker's skill level.

[0204] <Other application examples> Although the best mode for carrying out the present invention has been described above using examples, the present invention is not limited in any way to these examples, and various modifications and substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0205] For example, although this embodiment describes the production of apparel products, it can be applied to products in which images are printed on materials on demand to create finished products.

[0206] Furthermore, in the system configuration shown in Figure 2, the DTG printer 72 is connected to the input / output device 80c, but it may also be connected to the information processing system 40. Similarly, the label printers 71 and 73 may be connected to either the information processing system 40 or the input / output device 80. In addition, the label printers 71 and 73 and the DTG printer 72 may be connected to a network.

[0207] Furthermore, the configuration examples shown in Figure 5 and other figures are divided according to their main functions to facilitate understanding of the processing performed by the order system 10, the information processing system 40, and the production base system 30. The present invention is not limited by the way the processing units are divided or the names of those units. The processing of the order system 10, the information processing system 40, and the production base system 30 can be further divided into more processing units depending on the processing content. Alternatively, a single processing unit can be divided to include even more processing.

[0208] Furthermore, the apparatus described in the examples represents only one of several computing environments for carrying out the embodiments disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the information processing system 40 includes multiple computing devices, such as a server cluster. The multiple computing devices are configured to communicate with each other via any type of communication link, including networks and shared memory, and perform the processing disclosed herein.

[0209] Each of the functions of the embodiments described above can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Hereinafter, "processing circuit" as used herein includes processors programmed to execute each function by software, such as processors implemented by electronic circuits, as well as devices such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), and conventional circuit modules designed to execute each of the functions described above.

[0210] <Additional Claims> [Claim 1] An information processing system that provides input / output devices with information regarding the work involved in the production process of ordered products. Based on the identification information of the order information relating to the product received from the input / output device, a process control unit manages the production process, In the printing process, which is one of the production processes, a job transmission unit outputs an execution request for a print job associated with the identification information, In the inspection process, which is one of the production processes, a communication unit transmits the inspection items of the product associated with the identification information to the input / output device. A program designed to function as such. [Claim 2] The aforementioned information processing system It functions as an identification information printing unit that prints an identification information image of order information related to the aforementioned product, The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the communication unit receives the identification information contained in the identification information image read by the input / output device from the input / output device. [Claim 3] The communication unit receives the check results for the inspection items and functions as an inspection processing unit that determines the inspection results. The program according to claim 2, wherein the communication unit transmits the inspection results to the input / output device. [Claim 4] In the recording medium allocation process, which is one of the aforementioned production processes, The program according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the communication unit transmits a projected completion drawing of the product, associated with the identification information, to the input / output device. [Claim 5] In the printing process, which is one of the aforementioned production processes, The program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the communication unit transmits to the input / output device the expected finished product drawing, platen size, or print position of the printed image of the product, which is associated with the identification information. [Claim 6] In the sorting process, which is one of the aforementioned production processes, if an order contains multiple products with the same delivery destination, The program according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the communication unit transmits to the input / output device the basket information assigned to the order, the total number of products associated with the identification information, and the number of products determined to be ready for shipment through inspection. [Claim 7] In the sorting process, if the number of products with the same delivery destination included in one order and the number of products that have been determined to be ready for shipment through inspection are the same, The program according to claim 6, wherein the communication unit transmits a message to the input / output device indicating that the packaging process should be initiated. [Claim 8] In the packaging process, which is one of the production processes, if the identification information of the order information relating to any of the products is received, and one order includes multiple products with the same delivery destination, The program according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the communication unit transmits the expected completed drawings of all products associated with the identification information to the input / output device. [Claim 9] If, in the packing process, the identification information of the order information relating to all the products included in one order is received, The program according to claim 8, wherein the communication unit transmits to the input / output device that it is possible to pack all products included in one order. [Claim 10] The program according to claim 9, which functions as an identification information printing unit for printing a shipping label for the product in the packaging process. [Claim 11] The program according to claim 1, wherein in the inspection process, the communication unit transmits to the input / output device a rendering of the completed product and a print image to be printed on the product, along with the inspection items of the product associated with the identification information. [Claim 12] If the inspection and processing unit determines that the product cannot be shipped after inspection, The program according to claim 3, wherein the identification information printing unit prints the identification information image again. [Explanation of symbols]

[0211] 10. Order System 20 Production Management Systems 30 Production site systems 40 Information Processing Systems 72 DTG Printers 100 Communication Systems [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0212] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-111230

Claims

1. An information processing system that provides input / output devices with information regarding the work involved in the production process of ordered products. Based on the identification information of the order information relating to the product received from the input / output device, a process control unit manages the production process, In the printing process, which is one of the production processes, a job transmission unit outputs an execution request for a print job associated with the identification information, In the inspection process, which is one of the production processes, it functions as a communication unit that transmits the inspection items of the product, which are associated with the identification information, to the input / output device. In the printing process, which is one of the aforementioned production processes, The communication unit is a program that transmits to the input / output device the expected finished product drawing, platen size, or print position of the printed image of the product, which is associated with the identification information.

2. The aforementioned information processing system, It functions as an identification information printing unit that prints an identification information image of order information related to the aforementioned product, The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the communication unit receives the identification information contained in the identification information image read by the input / output device from the input / output device.

3. The communication unit receives the check results for the inspection items and functions as an inspection processing unit that determines the inspection results. The program according to claim 2, wherein the communication unit transmits the inspection results to the input / output device.

4. In the recording medium allocation process, which is one of the aforementioned production processes, The program according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the communication unit transmits a projected completion drawing of the product, associated with the identification information, to the input / output device.

5. An information processing system that provides input / output devices with information regarding the work involved in the production process of ordered products. Based on the identification information of the order information relating to the product received from the input / output device, a process control unit manages the production process, In the printing process, which is one of the production processes, a job transmission unit outputs an execution request for a print job associated with the identification information, In the inspection process, which is one of the production processes, it functions as a communication unit that transmits the inspection items of the product, which are associated with the identification information, to the input / output device. In the sorting process, which is one of the aforementioned production processes, if an order contains multiple products with the same delivery destination, The communication unit is a program that transmits to the input / output device the basket information assigned to the order, the total number of products associated with the identification information, and the number of products determined to be ready for shipment through inspection.

6. In the sorting process, if the number of products with the same delivery destination included in one order and the number of products that have been determined to be ready for shipment through inspection are the same, The program according to claim 5, wherein the communication unit transmits a message to the input / output device indicating that the packaging process should be initiated.

7. An information processing system that provides input / output devices with information regarding the work involved in the production process of ordered products. Based on the identification information of the order information relating to the product received from the input / output device, a process control unit manages the production process, In the printing process, which is one of the production processes, a job transmission unit outputs an execution request for a print job associated with the identification information, In the inspection process, which is one of the production processes, it functions as a communication unit that transmits the inspection items of the product, which are associated with the identification information, to the input / output device. In the packaging process, which is one of the production processes, if the identification information of the order information relating to any of the products is received, and one order includes multiple products with the same delivery destination, The communication unit transmits the completed product renderings of all products associated with the identification information to the input / output device. If, in the packing process, the identification information of the order information relating to all the products included in one order is received, The communication unit transmits to the input / output device that it is possible to pack all products included in one order. A program that further causes the information processing system to function as an identification information printing unit for printing delivery labels for the products in the packaging process.

8. An information processing system that provides input / output devices with information regarding the work involved in the production process of ordered products. Based on the identification information of the order information relating to the product received from the input / output device, a process control unit manages the production process, In the printing process, which is one of the production processes, a job transmission unit outputs an execution request for a print job associated with the identification information, In the inspection process, which is one of the production processes, it functions as a communication unit that transmits the inspection items of the product, which are associated with the identification information, to the input / output device. In the inspection process, the communication unit transmits a program to the input / output device a rendering of the completed product and a print image to be printed on the product, along with the inspection items of the product associated with the identification information.

9. An information processing system that provides input / output devices with information regarding the work involved in the production process of ordered products. Based on the identification information of the order information relating to the product received from the input / output device, a process control unit manages the production process, In the printing process, which is one of the production processes, a job transmission unit outputs an execution request for a print job associated with the identification information, In the inspection process, which is one of the production processes, a communication unit transmits the inspection items of the product associated with the identification information to the input / output device, An identification information printing unit that prints an identification information image of order information relating to the aforementioned product, The communication unit receives the check results for the inspection items and functions as an inspection processing unit that determines the inspection results. The communication unit receives the identification information contained in the identification information image read by the input / output device from the input / output device, If the inspection and processing unit determines that the product cannot be shipped after inspection, The aforementioned identification information printing unit is a program that prints the identification information image again.

10. A production base system comprising an information processing system that provides information regarding operations in the production process of ordered products to an input / output device, and one or more of the input / output devices, The aforementioned information processing system is Based on the identification information of the order information relating to the product received from the input / output device, a process control unit manages the production process, In the printing process, which is one of the production processes, a job transmission unit outputs an execution request for a print job associated with the identification information, The production process includes an inspection process, which is one of the production processes, and a communication unit that transmits the inspection items of the product associated with the identification information to the input / output device. In the printing process, which is one of the aforementioned production processes, The communication unit transmits to the input / output device the expected finished product drawing, platen size, or print position of the printed image of the product, which is associated with the identification information. The aforementioned input / output device is The aforementioned information processing system includes a code reading unit that reads an identification information image printed by the system, A second communication unit transmits the identification information of the order information decoded by the code reading unit to the information processing system. A display control unit that displays the inspection items of the product received from the information processing system, A production base system that has the following features.

11. A production base system comprising an information processing system that provides information regarding operations in the production process of ordered products to an input / output device, and one or more of the input / output devices, The aforementioned information processing system is Based on the identification information of the order information relating to the product received from the input / output device, a process control unit manages the production process, In the printing process, which is one of the production processes, a job transmission unit outputs an execution request for a print job associated with the identification information, The production process includes an inspection process, which is one of the production processes, and a communication unit that transmits the inspection items of the product associated with the identification information to the input / output device. In the sorting process, which is one of the aforementioned production processes, if an order contains multiple products with the same delivery destination, The communication unit transmits to the input / output device the basket information assigned to the order, the total number of products associated with the identification information, and the number of products determined to be ready for shipment through inspection. The aforementioned input / output device is The aforementioned information processing system includes a code reading unit that reads an identification information image printed by the system, A second communication unit transmits the identification information of the order information decoded by the code reading unit to the information processing system. A display control unit that displays the inspection items of the product received from the information processing system, A production base system that has the following features.

12. An inspection method performed by an information processing system that provides information regarding the work in the production process of ordered products to an input / output device, The process control unit manages the production process using identification information of the order information relating to the product received from the input / output device. The job transmission unit outputs an execution request for a print job associated with the identification information in the printing process, which is one of the production processes. The communication unit includes the step of transmitting the inspection items of the product, which are associated with the identification information, to the input / output device during the inspection process, which is one of the production processes. In the printing process, which is one of the aforementioned production processes, The communication unit transmits to the input / output device the expected finished product drawing, platen size, or print position of the printed image of the product, which is associated with the identification information, as an inspection method.

13. An inspection method performed by an information processing system that provides information regarding the work in the production process of ordered products to an input / output device, The process control unit manages the production process using identification information of the order information relating to the product received from the input / output device. The job transmission unit outputs an execution request for a print job associated with the identification information in the printing process, which is one of the production processes. The communication unit includes the step of transmitting the inspection items of the product, which are associated with the identification information, to the input / output device during the inspection process, which is one of the production processes. In the sorting process, which is one of the aforementioned production processes, if an order contains multiple products with the same delivery destination, The communication unit transmits to the input / output device the basket information assigned to the order, the total number of products associated with the identification information, and the number of products determined to be ready for shipment through inspection.

14. An information processing system that provides information regarding the work in the production process of ordered products to an input / output device, Based on the identification information of the order information relating to the product received from the input / output device, a process control unit manages the production process, In the printing process, which is one of the production processes, a job transmission unit outputs an execution request for a print job associated with the identification information, The production process includes an inspection process, which is one of the production processes, and a communication unit that transmits the inspection items of the product associated with the identification information to the input / output device. In the printing process, which is one of the aforementioned production processes, The communication unit is an information processing system that transmits to the input / output device the expected finished product drawing, platen size, or print position of the printed image of the product, which is associated with the identification information.

15. An information processing system that provides information regarding the work in the production process of ordered products to an input / output device, Based on the identification information of the order information relating to the product received from the input / output device, a process control unit manages the production process, In the printing process, which is one of the production processes, a job transmission unit outputs an execution request for a print job associated with the identification information, The production process includes an inspection process, which is one of the production processes, and a communication unit that transmits the inspection items of the product associated with the identification information to the input / output device. In the sorting process, which is one of the aforementioned production processes, if an order contains multiple products with the same delivery destination, The communication unit is an information processing system that transmits to the input / output device the basket information assigned to the order, the total number of products associated with the identification information, and the number of products determined to be ready for shipment through inspection.

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