Recovery system, recycling system, printing system, and recycling method

Abstract

The present invention improves used workpiece recovery efficiency.　This recovery system is a system in which workpieces W which have been subjected to a dyeing process using a dyeing material that contains a dye are recovered, and are made reusable by performing a color removal treatment. The recovery system comprises a workpiece ID issuing unit 11 (identifier issuing unit), a printing device 40, which is an example of an identifier providing unit, and an information management unit 13. The workpiece ID issuing unit 11 issues workpiece IDs 171, which are an example of identifiers for the workpieces W. The printing device 40 provides the workpiece IDs 171 issued by the workpiece ID issuing unit 11 to the workpieces W. The information management unit 13 manages workpiece management information 172 that is associated with the workpiece IDs 171, and provides information for managing the workpieces W during the color removal process and the dyeing process.

Description

Collection system, recycling system, printing system, and recycling method

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

[0002] Various images can be printed on workpieces containing fibers such as polyester by sublimation transfer of dyes. Sublimation transfer printing allows for a wide range of color tones and does not require complex processes, making it suitable for small-lot production. Workpieces printed using sublimation transfer printing have a wide range of uses, including store sales, events, exhibitions, and other events where a large number of workpieces are used in a short period of time. Disposing of large quantities of used workpieces can place a burden on the environment. Therefore, a technology has been proposed that bleaches the printed workpieces to allow them to be reused (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Reusing the workpieces reduces the burden on the environment and also reduces the cost of the workpieces.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-224128

[0004] However, workpieces are used in various locations and for different periods of time. This makes it difficult to efficiently collect used workpieces from various locations and decolorize them. Decolorizing workpieces requires capital investment, and the decolorization process itself places a burden on the environment. It is desirable to improve the collection efficiency of used workpieces so that the economic and environmental benefits of recycling workpieces outweigh the losses.

[0005] A recovery system in one aspect of the present invention is (1) a recovery system that recovers workpieces that have been dyed using a dyeing material containing a dye and performs a decolorization process to make the workpieces reusable, and includes: an identifier issuing unit that issues an identifier for the workpiece; an identifier assigning unit that assigns the identifier issued by the identifier issuing unit to the workpiece; and an information management unit that manages management information for the workpieces associated with the identifier and provides the management information.

[0006] (2) In the recovery system of (1), the identifier assignment unit includes a first sensor that scans the workpiece and detects the identifier when dyeing the workpiece, and the identifier assignment unit requests the identifier issuing unit to issue the identifier if the identifier is not detected from the workpiece by the first sensor.

[0007] (3) In the above (1) or (2), the identifier assigning unit prints the identifier on the workpiece using a material containing a coloring material that cannot be bleached by the bleaching treatment.

[0008] (4) In the recovery system of (1) or (2), the identifier assigning unit attaches the identifier to the work by attaching a medium having the identifier, which is separate from the work, to the work.

[0009] (5) In the recovery system of (1) or (2), the identifier assignment unit attaches the identifier to the work by attaching a medium having the identifier, such as an RFID, an IC chip, or an electronic tag, to the work.

[0010] (6) In any of the collection systems (1) to (5), the management information includes information about the customer who uses the work and information about the usage period set for the work, and the information management unit sends a collection notification message to the customer's information terminal before the day on which the usage period expires or when the usage period expires.

[0011] (7) In any of the collection systems (1) to (6), the collection system includes a memory unit that stores the management information, and the memory unit stores location information of the customer who uses the work and location information of a bleaching center where the bleaching process can be performed, and the information management unit presents a collection method for returning the work used by the customer to the bleaching center in response to a request from the customer's information terminal, and the information management unit extracts the bleaching center that will return the work used by the customer based on the collection method selected by the customer and the location information of the customer and the bleaching center.

[0012] (8) In any of the recovery systems (1) to (7), the memory unit stores information about the equipment or capacity of the bleaching base, the information management unit presents a recovery method for recovering the work used by the customer at the bleaching base in response to a request from an information terminal of the customer who uses the work, and the information management unit extracts the bleaching base that can recover the work used by the customer based on the recovery method selected by the customer, management information about the work, and information about the equipment or capacity of the bleaching base.

[0013] A recycling system in one aspect of the present invention is (9) a recycling system that collects workpieces that have been dyed using a dyeing material containing a dye, performs a decolorization process on the workpieces, and makes the workpieces reusable, and includes: a dyeing center that performs a dyeing process on the workpieces using the dyeing material; a decolorization center that performs a decolorization process on the workpieces that have been dyed using the dyeing material; and a management device that manages management information for the workpieces, wherein the management device includes an identifier issuing unit that issues an identifier to the workpiece; a memory unit that stores management information for the workpieces associated with the identifier; and an information management unit that updates the management information for the workpieces associated with the identifier based on a message including the identifier received from a user's information terminal, or transmits the management information for the workpieces to the user's information terminal.

[0014] (10) In the recycling system of (9), the management information of the work includes dyeing information, which is information about the dyeing treatment performed on the work, and bleaching treatment information, which is information about the bleaching treatment performed on the work.

[0015] (11) In the recycling system of (9) or (10), the management information of the work includes information regarding the usage history of the work, and the information management unit stops the reuse of the work when the usage history of the work reaches a predetermined number of times.

[0016] (12) In any of the recycling systems (9) to (11), the management information of the work includes information about the customer who uses the work and information about the usage period set for the work, and the information management unit sends a message informing the customer of the possibility of collection of the work to the customer's information terminal before the expiration of the usage period or after the expiration of the usage period, and inquires whether the work can be collected.

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

[0018] (14) In any of the recycling systems (9) to (13), the bleaching base includes a bleaching device that bleaches the workpiece and a second sensor that scans the workpiece and detects the identifier when bleaching the workpiece, and the information terminal at the bleaching base transmits a message including the identifier detected by the second sensor to the information management unit, and the information management unit retrieves management information for the workpiece associated with the identifier from the memory unit in response to the message received from the information terminal at the bleaching base and transmits the management information to the information terminal at the bleaching base.

[0019] (15) In the recycling system of (14), the management information of the work transmitted by the information management unit includes staining information that records information regarding the staining process performed on the work, and the information terminal at the bleaching center controls the bleaching device based on the staining information received from the information management unit.

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

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

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

[0023] A recycling method according to one aspect of the present invention is (19) a recycling method for decolorizing a workpiece that has been dyed using a dyeing material containing a dye, and then reusing the workpiece, wherein an identifier is assigned to the workpiece, and the processing contents of the decolorizing and dyeing processes are determined based on management information of the workpiece associated with the identifier.

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

[0025] 7 is a diagram illustrating how workpieces are recycled via the recycling system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the recycling system. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of an information processing device constituting a management device. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the management device. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a work database. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a user database. FIG. 15 is a sequence chart relating to printing of workpieces in the recycling system. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating details of the processing of step S01 in FIG. 7. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating detailed processing of step S02 in FIG. 7. FIG. 18 is a sequence chart relating to collection of workpieces in the recycling system. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating detailed processing of step S07 in FIG. 19. FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating detailed processing of step S09 in FIG.

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

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

[0028] The dyeing method for the workpiece can include various modes. Dyeing includes a mode in which the workpiece is directly dyed with a dyeing material and a mode in which the workpiece is dyed by transfer. Methods of directly dyeing the workpiece with a dyeing material include, for example, dip dyeing, in which the workpiece is immersed in the dyeing material, inkjet printing, and textile printing (screen printing). A mode in which the workpiece is dyed by transfer can also be transfer textile printing, in which transfer paper printed with the dyeing material is pressed onto the workpiece. The workpiece may also be dyed manually without using a machine. For example, a mode in which the workpiece is colored by hand is also included. In the embodiment, a printing base 3 is illustrated as an example of a dyeing base that dyes the workpiece using a dyeing material. At the printing base 3, an image Im is printed on the workpiece W in response to a request from a customer 5. The image Im can be composed of, for example, a figure, a picture, text, a color, or a combination thereof. At the printing base 3, printing can be performed by dyeing the fibers of the workpiece W using a dyeing material. The dyeing method for the workpiece W is not limited to the above-mentioned methods. For example, printing methods using dyeing materials containing disperse dyes include sublimation transfer, direct sublimation printing, exhaust dyeing, and thermosol dyeing. For example, in sublimation transfer, transfer paper on which an image Im is printed with disperse dye is placed on the workpiece W, and then heated and pressed. The heat causes the disperse dye to evaporate, loosening the bonds between the fiber molecular chains and creating gaps. The disperse dye penetrates into the gaps between the fibers, and as the temperature of the workpiece W drops, the gaps narrow and the disperse dye is fixed to the fibers. In this way, the image Im is printed on the workpiece W.

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

[0030] At the bleaching station 7, the workpieces W used by the customer 5 are collected and subjected to a bleaching process using a bleaching solution. The bleaching solution may be, for example, one primarily composed of an organic solvent. Examples of the organic solvent include dimethyl succinate, dimethyl glutarate, dimethyl adipate, dihexyl ethyl acetate, 3-methoxy-N,N-dimethylpropanamide, benzyl benzoate, diethylene glycol, trichloroethane, dimethyl sulfoxide, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, and propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate. The organic solvent may be diluted with water or another organic solvent.

[0031] When a workpiece dyed with a dyeing material containing a disperse dye is bleached, the bleaching process can include, for example, the following steps. (a) Bleaching Process: The bleaching solution contained in a treatment tank is heated, and the workpiece W is placed in the treatment tank and stirred. As described above, after printing, the workpiece W has disperse dye trapped in the gaps between the fiber molecular chains. By placing the workpiece W in the heated bleaching solution and stirring the bleaching solution, the fiber molecular chains contained in the workpiece W loosen, widening the gaps where the disperse dye has trapped. The disperse dye that escapes from the gaps moves into the bleaching solution, thereby bleaching the workpiece W. (b) Rinse Process: The workpiece W after the bleaching process is placed in another treatment tank containing bleaching solution and stirred. By stirring the workpiece W in the bleaching solution, the disperse dye that escaped from the gaps in the workpiece W and adhered to the surface of the workpiece W moves into the bleaching solution. In the rinsing process, a bleaching solution at a lower temperature than in the bleaching process is used. This narrows the gaps between the molecular chains of the workpiece W that were loosened during the decolorization process, preventing the disperse dye that has migrated to the decolorization solution from re-entering the gaps in the workpiece W. (c) Drying Process The workpiece W is removed from the treatment tank of the rinsing process, deliquored using a centrifugal or compression type deliquoring device, and then dried by press drying, hot air drying, or the like. Note that the decolorization process described here is merely an example, and other decolorization methods can be used as appropriate.

[0032] The bleaching base 7 may be located, for example, in the same facility as the printing base 3. In this case, the work W that has been bleached can be reused for printing at the printing base 3 in the same facility. The bleaching base 7 may alternatively be located in a facility independent of the printing base 3. In this case, by carrying the work W that has been bleached at the bleaching base 7 to the printing base 3, the decolorized work W can be reused at the printing base 3 for printing. The printing base 3 and the bleaching base 7 may be located, for example, in multiple locations.

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

[0034] Users communicate with the management device 10 via their own information terminals. The information terminals may be, for example, personal computers (PCs), tablet terminals, smartphones, etc. As shown in FIG. 2 , for example, the information terminal 30 at the printing base 3, the information terminal 50 at the customer 5, and the information terminal 70 at the bleaching base 7 access a website provided by the management device 10 via the network NW to send and receive information with the management device 10. The information terminal 30 at the printing base 3 may be, for example, a control device for a printing device 40 that prints on the workpieces W. The information terminal 70 at the bleaching base 7 may be, for example, a control device for a bleaching device 80 that bleaches the workpieces W.

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

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

[0037] 3 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information processing device 9 that constitutes the management device 10. Note that the information terminals 50, 30, and 70 of the customer 5, printing base 3, and bleaching base 7 can also have a similar hardware configuration. As shown in FIG. 3, the information processing device 9 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 901, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 902, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 903, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 904, a display 905, an input device 906, a communication I / F 907, and a media I / F 908. Each component is interconnected by a bus.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0044] In the "printing history," information related to past printing on the workpiece W is recorded as dyeing information. The printing history can record information such as the date the workpiece W was printed, the user ID of the printing base 3 that performed the printing, the printing method (sublimation transfer, direct sublimation printing, etc.), and printing conditions (print quality, finishing, etc.). In the example of FIG. 5, the user IDs of the printing base 3, the bleaching base 7, and the customer 5 are simply referred to as "ID."

[0045] The "bleaching history" records, as bleaching treatment information, information about bleaching treatments previously performed on the workpiece W. The bleaching history can record information such as the user ID of the bleaching base 7 that performed the bleaching treatment on the workpiece W, the bleaching method, the bleaching conditions, and the like.

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

[0047] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the user database 180. As shown in FIG. 6, the user database 180 is a database that combines a user ID 181 (identifier) ​​assigned to a user who uses the recycling system 1 with user management information 182 associated with the user ID 181. The user management information 182 is composed of a combination of items such as "Type," "Name," "Contact Information," "Location Information," "Base Information," "Usage History," "Collection History," "CO2 Reduction Amount," and "Number of Benefit Points." The "Type" field records the type of user. The "Type" field records, for example, "Customer," "Printing Base," "Bleaching Base," etc. The "Name" field records the user's company name or personal name. The "Contact Information" field records the user's contact information, such as a telephone number or email address. The "Location Information" field records the user's address or residence. The "Base Information" field is recorded when the "Type" field is the printing base 3 or the bleaching base 7. The base information records, for example, information regarding the specifications of the printing base 3 or the bleaching base 7. In the case of the printing base 3, the base information may include, for example, the type and number of workpieces W that can be printed, the model and performance of the printing device 40 installed at the printing base 3, and the date on which the printed workpieces W can be shipped. In the case of the bleaching base 7, the base information may include, for example, the type and number of workpieces W that can be accepted, the model and performance of the bleaching device 80 installed at the bleaching base 7, and the date on which the workpieces can be accepted.

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

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

[0050] The user ID issuing unit 12 (see FIG. 4) issues a user ID 181 in response to a request sent from the information terminal of a new user. For example, the user accesses a website provided by the management device 10 via the information terminal and inputs the necessary information, which causes the information terminal to send a request to issue the user ID 181 to the management device 10. The user ID 181 can be composed of, for example, a combination of numbers and symbols. The user ID issuing unit 12 sends the issued user ID 181 to the user's information terminal and registers it in the user database 180.

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

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

[0053] As described above, the printing base 3 (see FIG. 1 ) prints on the workpieces W based on a request from the customer 5. For example, if the customer 5 requests the collection of used workpieces W, the printing base 3 can use the recycling system 1 to print on the workpieces W. For example, the customer 5 may use a large number of printed workpieces W for only a short period of time, such as for a sale, event, or exhibition. If the workpieces W are used for a short period of time, they will have little wear, and if they are bleached after use, they will become reusable. Disposing of large quantities of workpieces W can be costly. Incineration of workpieces for disposal also emits CO2. By using the recycling system 1, the customer 5 can reduce the cost of disposing of the workpieces W. Furthermore, if the customer 5 has a corporate CO2 emission reduction target, the system can contribute to achieving that target. The printing base 3 can also reuse and print on the workpieces W by using the recycling system 1, thereby reducing the cost of procuring new workpieces W. Furthermore, if the printing base 3 and the bleaching base 7 are located in the same facility, the bleached workpieces W can be immediately reused. The workpieces W are used in various locations, such as stores, event or exhibition venues, and have different usage periods. The recycling system 1 of this embodiment provides a mechanism for efficiently collecting the workpieces W used in various locations.

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

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

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

[0057] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing details of the processing of step S01 in FIG. 7 . As shown in FIG. 8 , the information terminal 30 at the printing base 3 photographs the workpiece W set in the printing device 40 with the camera 41 (step S101). The information terminal 30 at the printing base 3 performs an analysis process on the image of the workpiece W to detect a workpiece ID 171 (step S102). At this time, the information terminal 30 at the printing base 3 may identify the type of workpiece W, etc., through the image analysis process. If the workpiece ID 171 is not detected from the image of the workpiece W (step S102: No), the workpiece W is a new workpiece W that has not been reused in the recycle system 1. In this case, the information terminal 30 at the printing base 3 creates a request R1a to issue a new workpiece ID 171 to the workpiece W (step S103). If the workpiece ID 171 is detected from the image of the workpiece W (step S102: Yes), the workpiece W is a workpiece W that has been reused in the recycle system 1. In this case, the information terminal 30 at the printing base 3 creates a request R1b to transmit workpiece management information 172 associated with the detected workpiece ID 171 (step S104). The information terminal 30 at the printing base 3 creates a message M1 including the request R1a or R1b and sends it to the management device 10 (step S105). The message M1 includes the user ID 181 of the printing base 3. The information terminal 30 at the printing base 3 can also include information that can be registered as workpiece management information 172 in the message M1. For example, if the type of workpiece W is identified from the image captured by the camera 41 in step S102, that information can be included. Alternatively, the administrator at the printing base 3 can manually enter information such as the type of workpiece W and printing conditions via a website.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0064] FIG. 10 is a sequence chart for collecting workpieces W in the recycling system 1. As shown in FIG. 10 , when the usage period registered in the workpiece database 170 has elapsed, the information management unit 13 of the management device 10 updates the "status" of the workpiece W to "usage period expired" (step S06). The information management unit 13 then sends a message M4 containing collection instructions to the information terminal 50 of the customer 5 using the workpiece W via email, push notification, or the like. The message M4 includes a URL for accessing a collection information website provided by the management device 10. The customer 5 can access the collection information website using the URL included in the message M4 or by reading the workpiece ID 171 printed on the workpiece W. Note that while FIG. 10 illustrates an example in which the information management unit 13 sends the message M4 after the usage period has elapsed, the message M4 may also be sent a predetermined number of days before the usage period expires.

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

[0066] 11 shows an example in which the information management unit 13 presents the following options for collecting the workpieces W: (a) The customer 5 directly delivers the workpieces W to the bleaching base 7; and (b) The customer 5 delivers the workpieces W to the bleaching base 7.

[0067] The information management unit 13 further provides guidance on the collection method depending on the selection made by the customer 5. If the customer 5 selects (a), the information management unit 13 creates a list of bleaching bases 7 that are candidates for the customer 5 to bring the workpiece W to, and presents a web page containing the list to the customer 5 (step S702). The information management unit 13 can, for example, create a list of bleaching bases 7 that can accept the workpiece W. The information management unit 13 extracts bleaching bases 7 that can accept the workpiece W, for example, by referring to the type and printing history of the workpiece W recorded in the work database 170 and the base information of the bleaching bases 7 recorded in the user database 180.

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

[0069] If the bleaching base 7 is located in the same facility as the printing base 3 where the workpiece W was printed, the information management unit 13 may create a list such that the bleaching base 7 located in the same facility as the printing base 3 appears at the top of the candidate list. When the customer 5 selects a bleaching base 7 from the candidate list, the information management unit 13 presents the customer 5 with a web page containing detailed information about the selected bleaching base 7 (step S703). The detailed information about the bleaching base 7 may include, for example, the location information of the bleaching base 7, contact information, a map, and the available times for delivery of the workpiece W.

[0070] If the customer 5 selects option (b), the information management unit 13 creates a list of bleaching locations 7 that are candidates for delivery of the workpiece W to the customer 5 and presents a webpage containing the list to the customer 5 (step S704). The information management unit 13 can, for example, create the list by extracting bleaching locations 7 that can accept the workpiece W and are close to the customer 5's address, etc. The information management unit 13 can extract bleaching locations 7 that can accept the workpiece W in a manner similar to that of option (a) and narrow down the list to bleaching locations 7 that are close to the customer 5's address, etc. However, when narrowing down the bleaching locations 7 that are close to the customer 5's address, etc., the information management unit 13 can set a wider range than in option (a). Note that, similar to option (a), if a bleaching location 7 is located within the same facility as the printing location 3 that printed the workpiece W, the information management unit 13 can create the list so that the bleaching location 7 located within the same facility as the printing location 3 appears at the top of the candidate list.

[0071] When the customer 5 selects the bleaching base 7 from the candidate list, the information management unit 13 presents the customer 5 with a web page containing detailed information on the delivery method (step S705). The detailed information on the delivery method may be, for example, the address of the bleaching base 7, a packing method for the work W, a form of a slip that the customer 5 can print, etc. If the customer 5 specifies the collection method for the work W by delivery when requesting printing, the printing base 3 may enclose a special bag or case for packing the work W when shipping the work W to the customer 5.

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

[0073] As shown in FIG. 10 , a customer 5 delivers or mails a workpiece W to the bleaching site 7, where the workpiece W is collected. At the bleaching site 7, a camera 81 attached to the bleaching device 80 photographs the workpiece W before bleaching it. If a workpiece ID 171 is printed on the stitching of the workpiece W, the stitching is removed beforehand. The information terminal 70 at the bleaching site 7 analyzes the image of the workpiece W to detect the workpiece ID 171 (step S08). The information terminal 70 at the bleaching site 7 may also identify the condition of the workpiece W, such as wear, through image analysis. The information terminal 70 at the bleaching site 7 transmits a message M5 to the management device 10, including a request R2 for transmitting workpiece management information 172 associated with the detected workpiece ID 171. The message M5 includes a user ID 181 of the bleaching site 7. If the information terminal 70 at the bleaching site 7 identifies the condition of the workpiece W in step S08, it can include that information in the message M5.

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

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

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

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

[0078] As shown in FIG. 12 , the information management unit 13 determines whether the workpiece W is reusable by referring to the “usage information” (usage history) in the workpiece management information 172 (step S906). Repeated reuse of the workpiece W in the recycling system 1 can cause wear, making it unsuitable for reuse even after bleaching. In such cases, it is desirable to discard or upcycle the workpiece W (see FIG. 1 ) without bleaching it. The information management unit 13, for example, can count the number of times the workpiece W has been used from the “usage information” in the work database 170, and determine that the workpiece W is unusable if the number of times reaches a predetermined number. The information management unit 13 may also determine whether the workpiece W is reusable from at least one of the “printing history” and “bleaching history.” For example, the information management unit 13 can count the number of times the workpiece W has been printed or bleached from the “printing history” or “bleaching history,” and determine that the workpiece W is unusable if the number of times the workpiece W has been printed or bleached reaches a predetermined number. Alternatively, if the message M5 received from the information terminal 70 of the bleaching base 7 includes information regarding the state of the work W, the information management unit 13 may determine whether or not the work W can be reused based on that information.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 12 , if the information management unit 13 determines that the work W is reusable (step S906: Yes), the information management unit 13 proceeds to step S908. If the information management unit 13 determines that the work W is not reusable (step S906: No), the information management unit 13 stops the reuse of the work W. Specifically, the information management unit 13 generates a notification of the determination result that the work W is not reusable (step S907), and then proceeds to step S908. The information management unit 13 also updates the “status” of the work management information 172 to “not reusable.” In step S908, the information management unit 13 acquires, from the work database 170, the work management information 172 to be transmitted to the information terminal 70 of the bleaching station 7. Here, the information management unit 13 acquires only the work management information 172 (e.g., the “print history” of the work) for which the bleaching station 7 has access rights, from the work management information 172 stored in the work database 170.

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

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

[0082] If the message M6 received from the management device 10 includes a notification of the determination result that the workpiece W is not reusable, the bleaching site 7 performs bleaching processing on the workpiece W and then discards or upcycles the workpiece W. Note that if the workpiece W is not reusable, the bleaching site 7 may discard or upcycle the workpiece W without performing bleaching processing on the workpiece W. The bleaching device 80 may be provided with a mechanism for sorting reusable workpieces W from non-reusable workpieces W before or after the bleaching processing.

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

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

[0085] As described above, the recycling system 1 described in the embodiment includes, for example, the following aspects: a collection system, a recycling system, a printing system, and a recycling method. (1) The collection system is a system that collects workpieces W that have been dyed using a dyeing material containing a dye and performs a decolorization process, thereby making the workpieces W reusable. The collection system includes a work ID issuing unit 11 (identifier issuing unit), a printing device 40 that is an example of an identifier assigning unit, and an information management unit 13. The work ID issuing unit 11 issues a work ID 171 that is an example of an identifier for the workpiece W. The printing device 40 prints or attaches the work ID 171 issued by the work ID issuing unit 11 to the workpiece W. The information management unit 13 manages work management information 172 associated with the work ID 171 and provides the information during the decolorization and dyeing processes of the workpiece W.

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

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

[0088] (19) In a recycling method, a workpiece W that has been dyed using a dyeing material containing a dye is subjected to a decolorizing process and reused. In the recycling method, a workpiece ID 171, which is an example of an identifier, is assigned to the workpiece W, and the processing contents of the decolorizing process and the dyeing process can be determined based on workpiece management information 172 associated with the workpiece ID 171.

[0089] This embodiment improves the collection efficiency of used workpieces W. Printing methods such as sublimation transfer using disperse dyes, which are one type of dyeing method, enable high-quality printing with a simple process. Therefore, large quantities of workpieces W printed with disperse dyes are often used for short periods of time, for example, at store sales, events, exhibitions, etc. Disposal of large quantities of workpieces W is costly and poses environmental concerns. Workpieces W printed with disperse dyes can be reused by bleaching them using a bleaching solution. However, workpieces W are used in various locations and have different usage periods. Bleaching workpieces W requires capital investment, and the bleaching process itself also places an environmental burden. To maximize the economic and environmental benefits of recycling workpieces W outweigh losses, it is necessary to efficiently collect used workpieces W. In the recycling system 1 of this embodiment, the workpiece ID issuing unit 11 of the management device 10 issues a workpiece ID 171 for each workpiece W, and the storage unit 16 stores workpiece management information 172 associated with the workpiece ID 171. The work ID 171 is directly assigned to the work W. This allows a user to easily obtain the work management information 172 stored in the management device 10 and update the management information 172 by reading the work ID 171 assigned to the work W. This makes it easy to understand the usage status of the work W in the recycling system 1, and allows the work W to be collected and recycled efficiently.

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

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

[0092] When using the recycling system 1, the printing base 3 prints both new workpieces W and reused workpieces W to which a workpiece ID 171 has already been assigned. By providing a camera 41 in the printing device 40 to detect the workpiece ID 171, a request R1a for issuing a workpiece ID 171 can be sent to the management device 10 for new workpieces W for which no workpiece ID 171 is detected. This eliminates the need for the printing base 3 to sort new workpieces W from reused workpieces W before printing, improving printing efficiency. Furthermore, because the workpiece ID 171 can be assigned in the printing process, which is the first stage of the recycling system 1's use of the workpiece W, the workpiece management information 172 can be easily provided and updated using the workpiece ID 171 in subsequent stages (use of the workpiece W, bleaching process). This also allows for efficient collection of the workpieces W.

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

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

[0095] (4) The work ID 171 can be attached to the work W, for example, by attaching a medium having the work ID 171, which is separate from the work W, to the work W.

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

[0097] (5) The work ID 171 is attached to the work W by attaching, for example, any one of a medium such as an RFID, an IC chip, or an electronic tag to the work W.

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

[0099] (6, 12) The work management information 172 stored in the work database 170 of the storage unit 16 can include information about the customer 5 who uses the work W, and the user ID 181 and usage period recorded in the "usage information" field as information about the usage period set for the work W. The information management unit 13 can send a message M4 informing the customer 5 of the collection to the information terminal 50 of the customer 5 before the day on which the usage period recorded in the work database 170 expires, or when the usage period expires. The information management unit 13 can also inquire of the customer 5 about whether or not the work W can be collected.

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

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

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

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

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

[0105] (10) The work management information 172 can include a printing history (dyeing information) that is information about the printing (dyeing process) performed on the work W, and a bleaching history (bleaching process information) that is information about the bleaching process performed on the work W.

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

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

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

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

[0110] By specifically showing the amount of CO2 emissions reduced by collecting the work W, it becomes easier for the customer 5 to understand the benefits of the recycling system 1. Furthermore, if the company of the customer 5 has set a target for CO2 reduction, it can contribute to achieving that target. Furthermore, by providing the customer 5 with a reward according to the amount of CO2 reduction achieved, it is possible to provide an incentive for the customer 5 to use the recycling system 1.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0117] <Modifications> In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the workpieces W are reused in the recycling system 1 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the recycling system 1 may incorporate a mechanism for recycling the bleaching solution used in the bleaching treatment of the workpieces W. As described above, the bleaching treatment is performed by transferring the disperse dye adhering to the workpieces W to the bleaching solution. The used bleaching solution can be reused by separating the disperse dye through a process such as distillation or filtration.

[0118] For example, a bleaching solution recycling center may be established that collects used bleaching solution from the bleaching center 7 and separates the disperse dye. In this case, the recycling center may also be registered as a user in the user database 180. The management device 10 may record information regarding the specifications of the recycling center as the "center information" of the recycling center. The center information may include, for example, information such as the type and amount of bleaching solution that can be accepted. The management device 10 may also record, as the "center information" of the bleaching center 7, the amount of bleaching solution stored or used. The bleaching center 7 may be provided with a liquid level sensor in each of the stockers that stores the bleaching solution before use and the bleaching solution after use. The management device 10 may periodically obtain the detection results of the liquid level sensor via the information terminal 70 of the bleaching center 7, thereby recording the amount of bleaching solution stored or used in the user database 180.

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

[0120] Furthermore, when the stored amount of pre-use bleaching solution falls below a certain level, the management device 10 can send a notification to the bleaching site 7 to provide bleaching solution. The administrator of the bleaching site 7 can access a provision notification website provided by the management device 10 to obtain information about recycling sites that can provide bleaching solution. The management device 10 may also provide a system for making reservations for the collection and provision of bleaching solution between the bleaching site 7 and the recycling sites.

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

[0122] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Recycling system (recovery system) 3 Printing base 5 Customer 7 Bleaching base 10 Management device 11 Work ID issuing unit 12 User ID issuing unit 13 Information management unit 14 Estimation unit 15 Benefit point granting unit (benefit granting unit) 16 Storage unit 30 Information terminal at printing base 41 Camera (first sensor) 50 Customer information terminal 70 Information terminal at bleaching base 81 Camera (second sensor) 170 Work database 171 Work ID 172 Work management information 180 User database 181 User ID 182 User management information W Work

Claims

1. A recovery system that recovers workpieces that have been dyed using a dyeing material containing a dye and performs a decolorization process to make the workpieces reusable, comprising: an identifier issuing unit that issues an identifier for the workpiece; an identifier assigning unit that assigns the identifier issued by the identifier issuing unit to the workpiece; and an information management unit that manages management information for the workpieces associated with the identifier and provides the management information.

2. A recovery system according to claim 1, wherein the identifier assignment unit is provided with a first sensor that scans the workpiece and detects the identifier during the dyeing process of the workpiece, and the identifier assignment unit requests the identifier issuing unit to issue the identifier if the identifier is not detected from the workpiece by the first sensor.

3. A recovery system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the identifier assigning unit prints the identifier on the work using a material containing a colorant that cannot be bleached by the bleaching process.

4. A recovery system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the identifier assignment unit attaches the identifier to the work by attaching a medium having the identifier that is separate from the work to the work.

5. A recovery system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the identifier assignment unit attaches the identifier to the work by attaching a medium having the identifier, such as an RFID, an IC chip, or an electronic tag, to the work.

6. A collection system according to claim 1, wherein the management information includes information about the customer who uses the work and information about the usage period set for the work, and the information management unit sends a message informing the customer of the collection to the customer's information terminal before the day on which the usage period expires or when the usage period expires.

7. A recovery system according to claim 1, comprising a memory unit for storing the management information, wherein the memory unit stores location information of the customer who uses the work and location information of a bleaching center where the bleaching process can be performed, and wherein the information management unit presents a recovery method for recovering the work used by the customer at the bleaching center in response to a request from the customer's information terminal, and wherein the information management unit extracts the bleaching center for recovering the work used by the customer based on the recovery method selected by the customer and the location information of the customer and the bleaching center.

8. A recovery system according to claim 7, characterized in that the memory unit stores information relating to the equipment or capacity of the bleaching base, and the information management unit extracts the bleaching base from which the work used by the customer can be recovered based on the management information of the work and the information relating to the equipment or capacity of the bleaching base.

9. A recycling system that recovers workpieces that have been dyed using a dyeing material containing a dye and performs a decolorizing process on the workpieces, making the workpieces reusable, the recycling system comprising: a dyeing station that performs a dyeing process on the workpieces using the dyeing material; a decolorizing station that performs a decolorizing process on the workpieces that have been dyed using the dyeing material; and a management device that manages management information for the workpieces, wherein the management device comprises an identifier issuing unit that issues an identifier to the workpieces; a memory unit that stores management information for the workpieces associated with the identifiers; and an information management unit that updates the management information for the workpieces associated with the identifiers based on a message including the identifier received from a user's information terminal, or transmits the management information for the workpieces to the user's information terminal.

10. A recycling system according to claim 9, characterized in that the management information of the work includes dyeing information, which is information relating to the dyeing treatment performed on the work, and bleaching treatment information, which is information relating to the bleaching treatment performed on the work.

11. A recycling system according to claim 9, wherein the management information of the work includes information relating to the usage history of the work, and the information management unit stops the reuse of the work when the usage history of the work reaches a predetermined number of times.

12. A recycling system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the management information for the work includes information about the customer who uses the work and information about the usage period set for the work, and the information management unit sends a message informing the customer of the possibility of collection to the customer's information terminal before the expiration of the usage period or after the expiration of the usage period, and inquires about the possibility of collection of the work.

13. A recycling system according to claim 9, wherein the memory unit records the collection history of the work for each customer who uses the work, and the management device comprises: an estimation unit that estimates the amount of CO2 emissions reduced by the customer based on the collection history; and a reward granting unit that grants a reward to the customer based on the estimation result of the estimation unit.

14. A recycling system as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that the bleaching base comprises a bleaching device that bleaches the workpiece, and a second sensor that scans the workpiece and detects the identifier when bleaching the workpiece, and the information terminal at the bleaching base transmits a message including the identifier detected by the second sensor to the information management unit, and the information management unit retrieves management information for the workpiece associated with the identifier from the memory unit in response to the message received from the information terminal at the bleaching base, and transmits the information to the information terminal at the bleaching base.

15. A recycling system as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that the management information of the work transmitted by the information management unit includes staining information that records information regarding the staining process performed on the work, and the information terminal at the bleaching base controls the bleaching device based on the staining information received from the information management unit.

16. A recycling system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the management information for the work includes dyeing information that records information about printing performed on the work, and bleaching treatment information that records information about bleaching treatment performed on the work; when the information management unit receives a message including the identifier from an information terminal at the bleaching base, it determines whether the work can be reused based on at least one of the dyeing information and the bleaching treatment information; and when the information management unit determines that the work cannot be reused, it stops the reuse of the work.

17. A printing system for workpieces that are printed using dyeing material containing dye and can be reused by performing a bleaching process, comprising: a printing base that prints on the workpieces using the dyeing material; and a management device that manages management information for the workpieces, wherein the management device comprises an identifier issuing unit that issues an identifier to the workpiece, and a memory unit that stores management information for the workpiece that is associated with the identifier.

18. A printing system according to claim 17, further comprising an identifier assigning unit provided at the printing base that prints the identifier on the work, wherein the identifier assigning unit prints on the work with a dyeing material that contains a first coloring material that can be decolorized by the bleaching process, and prints the identifier on the work with ink that is a coloring material different from the first coloring material and contains a second coloring material that cannot be decolorized by the bleaching process.

19. A recycling method for reusing workpieces that have been dyed using dyeing materials containing dyes by bleaching the workpieces, the recycling method comprising: assigning an identifier to the workpiece; and determining the details of the bleaching and dyeing processes based on management information for the workpiece associated with the identifier.

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