NL1038843C2 - Design and ordering system. - Google Patents

Description

Title: Design and ordering system.

The invention relates to a design and ordering 5 system. More specifically, the invention relates to a design and ordering system for designing and ordering garments.

In the art, some kinds of related systems are known. The Japanese application JP2003096612 for example describes an ordering system for ordering client specific 10 designed prints on garments. This system has various serious drawbacks. For instance within this system it is impossible to automatically link a user to a specific order. This renders the application of this system complex.

A more elegant solution is proposed in the Korean 15 patent application KR20020009236. This document proposes a garment design and ordering system, wherein the end user can access the system and design and order his user specific garments. This system is however prone to abuse, since the end user is obtaining all the information, he can easily use 20 this information with various other manufacturers.

Accordingly it is an object of the invention to mitigate or solve the above described and/or other problems of garment ordering systems in the art, while maintaining and/or improving the advantages thereof.

25 More specifically the object of the invention can be seen in providing a garment design and ordering system, that is avoiding any abuse of the information gathered within the system. Furthermore the user can be presented all the various design options and decide which options to 30 select.

These and/or other objects are reached by system, suitable for design and ordering a plurality of garments, wherein the system comprises: a first local database 1038843 2 comprising at least a first group of data subsets, wherein each data subset comprises alternative options for a separate feature of a specific first garment, such as colour, size, shape, types of materials of manufacture and 5 optionally a second and further group of data subsets, wherein each data subset comprises alternative options for a separate feature of a specific second or further garment; a second local database comprising a number of records, wherein each record comprises location specific data and 10 user identification data; a third local database comprising combined records, wherein each combined record comprises at least one user specific combination of first data subsets from at least one of the groups of data subsets from the first database, at least one number, coupled to said at 15 least one user specific combination, and a record from the second database; at least one remote data retrieving and input module, wherein said remote data retrieving and input module is suitable for retrieving, altering and/or adding records in the second and third database and suitable for 20 retrieving information from the first database on a read only base, at least one remote input interface connected with the at least one remote data retrieving and input module and a remote graphic output module, for producing the specific user output, the interface being connected to the 25 at least one remote data retrieving and input module; wherein the user specific output is configured to be based on the user specific options within the third database; wherein the access to the first, second and third databases is protected and is exclusively allowed to dedicated sales 30 representatives.

Since the end users are not allowed access to the system and since the sales representatives are showing the graphical result of the user provided specific design 3 features, the abuse of using the generated design with other manufactures can be greatly prevented.

Since design options from data subsets of more groups, relating to separate specific individual garments 5 can be chosen, sets of different garments e.g. a shirt, a jacket a pair of trousers, a hat, socks, shoes, belts, skirts, robes, shawls, pullovers, pullunders, underwear jewellery etc. etc. can be chosen and combined.

The combination of different design options and 10 combinations of different individual garments can be depicted on the graphical output module, coupled to the remote data retrieving and input module. Thus the end user or customer can see what he/she has designed in a direct graphical feed back.

15 In the system the third database can comprise an invoice generating module and wherein an output module can be coupled to said invoice generating module for printing and/or sending the generated invoice to the end user.

Thus the invoices can locally be generated and 20 controlled by the supervisor of the system. The advantage thereof is that the supervisor can locally access and monitor the output of the individual sales representatives, of a specific group of sales representatives, such as a geographical area or a specific branch related output and/or 25 turnover.

The at least one remote data retrieving and input module and/or the remote graphic output module can be dedicated to a specific sales representative. Thus a specific monitoring of the single sales representatives is 30 possible. In the at least one remote data retrieving and input module a GPR module may be integrated, such that geographic data can similarly be collected and checked with the data comprised within the second database.

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The records in third database can comprise a dedicated sales representative specific label or field comprising a sales representative specific margin adjustable field. This again can similarly help in the control and 5 monitoring of the sales representatives.

The sales representative specific margin adjustable field can be accessible and exclusively amendable by the specific sales representative. Thus the administrator or supervisor of the system can set a first sales price, 10 which can be seen as the buy in price of the individual sales representative, and the margin can be defined by the sales representative, potentially providing him full freedom to tune his income.

The sales representative specific margin 15 adjustable field can be subject to boundary values, and can be made dependable on the at least one number within the combined record of the third database. Thus the garment to be sold can neither sold for a prize exceeding a predetermined maximum value. Similarly the sales price 20 cannot be less than a minimum price. Thus systematic losses can be predominantly prevented.

The second or the third database can comprise a branch specific indicator. The branch specific indicator can be configured to be connected to a specific graphical back 25 ground of at least a portion of the graphical output module.

The specific graphical background can be depicted in a predefined window within the graphical output, wherein the user specific design options are represented on an artificial human individual wearing the specific user 30 designed garments, wherein the artificial human individual can be configured to be placed in an overlay within the same window wherein the background is depicted.

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In such a way, the back ground can be chosen to be related to the specific branch the end user or customer is working in. In such a way, the end user or customer gets a better view on how his specific selected designed set of 5 garments fits in a specific surrounding, corresponding to the surrounding he or his/her staff is working in.

In order to further elucidate the invention, exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the drawing. In the drawing: 10 Figure 1 depicts a first schematic diagram of a design and ordering system according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 depicts a schematic view of an input window according to a further embodiment of the invention.

15 The figures represent specific exemplary embodiments of the inventions and should not be considered limiting the invention in any way or form. Throughout the description and the figures the same or corresponding reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding 20 elements.

In figure 1, a schematic diagram of the design and ordering system 1 is depicted. The system comprises a first local database 2 comprising a first group of data subsets for collecting and storing different design options of a 25 specific first garment e.g. a shirt 30 to be designed, as is depicted in the design window 18 in figure 2.

The first local database can comprise more groups 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E of data subsets. Each subset can be a set of design options for a different specific garment.

30 Thus, the chosen design options in the first group 2A of data subsets can be all different design options related to a first garment e.g. a shirt, the chosen design options in the second group 2B of data subsets can be all 6 different design options related to a second garment e.g. a pair of trousers, the chosen design options in the third group 2C of data subsets can be all different design options related to a third garment e.g. a jacket, the chosen design 5 options in the fourth group 2D of data subsets can be all different design options related to a fourth garment e.g. a pair of socks, the chosen design options in the fifth group 2E of data subsets can be all different design options related to a fifth garment e.g. a hat.

10 Thus by choosing options for different garments, the end user or customer can fully design a set of cloths for e.g. a complete working staff.

The design options can be for designing e.g. a shirt e.g. type of sleeve, type of body, sizes, like width, 15 length, height, colour, type of material, type of buttons, colour of buttons, type of cuffs, colour of cuffs, colour of collar, type of placket, colour of placket, different embroideries, such as names, initials, figures, prints, colour of prints, shapes of prints, etc. etc. For designing 20 other garments, evidently other design features may become relevant, such as with suits: lining, double or single breasted, one or two splits etc. etc.

The design options for each garment can be retrieved from the first local database 2 by a sales representative 12, in 25 close cooperation with the end user or customer 13. The customer 13 provides the details and the sales representative enters the information through any of the input fields 20-29. Here different fields 20-29 can be given for each different design option. Alternatively or 30 additionally an input field 20-29 may be configured to allow more than one design option to be entered.

The sales representative 12 cannot alter the different design options within the first database 2, these 7 customer 13 specific options are collected and stored in a third database 4, together with a label or link to location and identification specific data concerning the specific customer from a second database 3. The provided data is 5 stored in the third database 4, such that a set of design options can be coupled to a specific customer. In this database, a multitude of different options for different garments can be stored, eventually together with a staff sizes record, such that each staff member can get different 10 garments, adapted to his or her individual sizes.

The location and identification specific data within the second database 3, can be amended and added by the sales representative 12.

The transmission of data between the different 15 databases 2, 3 and 4 and the remote data retrieving and input module 5 of the sales representative can be by any network 7, e.g. through a TCP/IP protocol, blue tooth, a LAN, WAN, GSN system, UMTS system, FM radio transmission, AM radio transmission and/or other suitable connection.

20 The connections 8, 9 and 10 between the databases 2, 3, and 4 can be in a local network or within a single computing unit. The databases 2, 3 and 4 can be separated databases, stored on separate registration media, or combined on a single registration medium. An administrator 25 or supervisor can monitor and control all data within any of the three separate databases through a module 6.

A sales representative 12 can use a remote input interface 5B, e.g. a keyboard of a computer to enter the different data, obtained from the wishes of the customer or 30 end user.

On the remote data retrieving and input module 5 on the remote graphic interface 5A, a window 18 can be presented, in which the final result 30 of the individual 8 design can be depicted in e.g. an output field 30. Within this output field a two or three dimensional representation can be depicted of the user designed garment. An artificial human individual can be provided with the garments as 5 designed by the end user or customer 13, and can be depicted in an output window 38, such that a complete impression of the designed set of garments can be visualised and shown to the customer or end user 13. Here the data as collected within the relevant records of the third database 4 can 10 provide the specific information for the graphical representation. Furthermore a specific background can be provided for, which can be coupled to a branch specific indicator, that resided in a dedicated data field within e.g. the third data base. The artificial human individual 15 can e.g. walk around, and perform action with the specific user selected and designed garments.

Thus the end user or customer 13 can check and agree whether he/she likes the design and thus can confirm the order.

20 A paper receipt of the order, a facsimile or an electronic mail can be send by an output module 11. This module can directly send a production order 14 to a manufacturer 16.

When the manufacturer has produced the user or 25 client designed garments, he can send the products 15 to the supervisor or administrator of the system for a final inspection. The supervisor or the administrator can send the order to the client 13.

Because the client 13 is ordering and designing 30 the garments through the system wherein a sales representative amends and provides the specific data, errors are greatly reduced, and the client satisfaction can be greatly enhanced. Furthermore the sales representative can i 9 provide separate samples of the different fabrics, patterns, threads, thread colours, collar types, etc. etc. supporting the client or end user 13 in making the optimum design choices.

5 Within the third database 4, the sales representative 12 can enter a factor which includes his profit margin. Thus, the system virtually sells to the sales representative and he/she can decide the height of the margin and thus the height of the end price.

10 The invention is to be understood not to be limited to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures and described in the specification. For instance a single design option set, generated with the system, can be applied at e.g. different sizes and whether it concerns male or 15 female garments, thus without changing the design. In this way a uniform for a complete working staff can be designed in a single design, which can be coupled to the specific sizes of the individuals belonging to the staff. In the graphical output window 38, also more artificial human 20 individuals can be depicted, each wearing a specific design or, wearing the same design. Based upon the sizes given by the customer, the artificial human individuals can be adapted in order to give an accurate representation of the bodily dimensions of the real individuals, which should wear 25 the designed combination.

These and other modifications are considered to be variations that are part of the framework, the spirit and the scope of the invention outlined in the claims.

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List of reference signs 1. System 2. First database 5 2A. First group of data subsets 2B. Second group of data subsets 2C. Third group of data subsets 2D. Fourth group of data subsets 2E. Fifth group of data subsets 10 3. Second database 4. Third database 5. Remote data retrieving and input module 5A. Remote graphical interface 5B. Remote input interface 15 6. Supervisor administrator module 7. Network and/or transmission system 8. Read only connection 9. Connection 10. Connection 20 11. Output module 12. Individual sales representative 13. End user 14. production order 15A. Goods delivery for inspection 25 15B. Goods delivery to customer 16. Manufacturer 17. Invoice 18. Input window 19. Graphic representation field 30 20. Input field 21. Input field 22. Input field 23. Input field 11 24. Input field 25. Input field 26. Input field 27. Input field 5 28. Input field 29. Input field 30. Shirt 31. Collar buttons 32. Collar type 10 33. Body 34. Sleeve 35. Buttons 36. Placket 37. Cuff 15 38. Window 20 1038843

Claims (10)

A system suitable for designing and ordering a plurality of articles of clothing, the system comprising - a first local data file, comprising a first group of data sub-sets, each data sub-set of alternative options for individual items features of a specific first item of clothing, such as color, size, shape, type of material, and optionally second and further groups of data sub-sets, each data sub-set of alternative options for individual properties of a specific second or further item of clothing comprises - a second local data file comprising a plurality of registers, each register comprising location-specific data and user identification data, 20. a third local data file comprising combined registers, each combined register comprising at least one user-specific combination of first data subsets from at least one group of data subsets of the first data file, at least one number, linked to said at least one user-specific combination, and comprises a register from the second data file, - comprises at least one remote data retrieval and input module, the remote the existing data retrieval and input module is suitable for retrieving, changing and / or adding registers in the second and third data file and 1038843 is suitable for retrieving information from the first data file in a read-only manner, - at least one remote input interface which is connected to the remote data retrieval and input module and a remote graphic output module suitable for generating specific user output, the interface with the at least one remote data retrieval and input module is connected, with the user s-specific output is arranged to be based on the user-specific options within the third database, - the access to the first, the second and the third database is protected and allowed exclusively to sales representatives. 2. System as claimed in claim 1, wherein the third data file comprises an invoice creation module and wherein an output module is coupled to the invoice creation module for printing and / or sending the created invoice to the end user or customer. 3. System as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the at least one remote data retrieval and input module and / or the remote graphic output module is dedicated to one specific sales representative. 4. System as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the registers in the third database comprise a label or field dedicated to a sales representative, which comprises a sales representative-specific variable margin. The system of claim 5, wherein the sales representative-specific margin adjustable field 5 is accessible and exclusively adjustable by the specific sales representative. The system of claim 5, wherein the sales representative-specific margin adjustable field 10 is subject to limit values, and can be made dependent on the at least one number in the combined register of the third database. 7. System as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the connections between the at least one remote data retrieval and input module, the at least one remote interface and the local first, second and third data files are established via a TCP / IP 20 protocol, blue tooth, a LAN, WAN, GSM system, UMTS system, FM radio transfer, AM radio transfer and / or any other suitable connection. 8. System as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the second and the third data file comprise a sector-specific indicator. 9. System as claimed in claim 8, wherein the branch specific indicator is adapted to be connected to a specific graphic background of at least a part of graphic output module. 10. System as claimed in claim 9, wherein the specific graphic background is displayed in a preset window within the graphic output, the user-specific design options being displayed on an artificial human individual, which is arranged to be layered within the same window placed as where the background is displayed. 1038843