Bar Code Identification for Reprinting Element Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the POD market, reprinting processes are inefficient due to the need for operators to perform multiple bar-code reading operations for each part of a printed product, leading to increased workloads.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with an identifying unit, displaying unit, and instructing unit that allows for the identification of product elements via bar codes, displaying reprinting settings, and instructing reprinting of necessary elements in a single operation, reducing the need for multiple bar-code readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the operator reprints each part by reading its bar code individually, then the reprinting can be performed accurately for each specific part, but the workload of the operator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The printed product is divided into multiple elements (cover, body, etc.), each with its own bar code. The system segments the reprinting task by allowing selection of specific elements rather than requiring reprinting of the entire product, thus maintaining accuracy while reducing workload.
Solution Approach 2:
The bar code reading function serves multiple purposes: it identifies the specific element, determines its position in the product hierarchy, and enables selection for reprinting. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate operations for each element.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the operator performs multiple bar-code reading operations for each part, then each part can be reprinted individually, but the time required for reprinting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of all elements and their hierarchical relationships through bar code reading before the reprinting decision is made. This allows the operator to select multiple elements for reprinting in advance, reducing the time required during the actual reprinting process.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple bar code readings are merged into a single operational flow where the system automatically processes and stores information from each reading. The operator can then select multiple elements for reprinting in one action rather than performing separate reprinting operations for each element.
3Measurement precision
If the system requires reading bar codes for each element, then precise identification of elements is achieved, but the complexity of the reprinting process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bar code serves as an intermediary that carries identification information about each element. By reading the bar code, the system automatically obtains precise element identification without requiring complex manual input or classification processes from the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the element identification information from the bar code. This copied information is stored and can be referenced for reprinting decisions, eliminating the need for repeated manual identification processes and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An order and elements constituting the order are hierarchically managed such that the order is in the uppermost level and the subsequent elements obtained hierarchically in the subsequent descending (higher to lower) steps are in the respective levels provided in descending (higher to lower) order. The range of the levels based on the level to which the element read by the bar code being the identifier of each element of the order is previously set as the range of the levels to be displayed as the candidates of the reprinting-target elements. Further, the bar code is previously printed on the printed material.