JP2003006481A - Sales system for rolled paper with memory and form sales system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make easily purchasable a dedicated rolled paper that a user desires online and to make performable proper rolled paper management. SOLUTION: The user accesses an order reception server 41 of a supplier system 40 through a host computer 10. The user can order rolled paper with unique specifications by inputting the desired specifications (length, width, thickness, kind, etc.). The order is received by the order reception server 41 and then the rolled paper corresponding to the ordered specifications is produced and shipped by a shipment system 50. A memory write 54 of the shipment system 50 writes information on the specifications that the user ordered, i.e., information regarding the specifications of the rolled paper 30 to be shipped to a memory provided to the rolled paper 30. Consequently, the specification information written to the memory can be used to perform inventory control, sales management, etc.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a system for selling roll paper with a memory or printing paper on which predetermined information is recorded.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, in a printing apparatus using roll paper, printing is performed while feeding out a predetermined amount of roll paper.
There are many types of roll paper depending on the intended use and intended use. For example, various types of roll papers having different lengths, widths, paper thicknesses, paper types (paper material, presence or absence of gloss, etc.) and colors are used. For example, when printing a banner with a length of several meters, if you do not use roll paper that has a remaining amount according to the length of the banner x the length of the number of copies, printing may be interrupted due to insufficient remaining amount, Wasted roll paper will remain. Further, unless a roll paper having a width dimension suitable for the width of the print image is used, an unnecessary margin is generated on the printed matter, and the appearance is spoiled. Furthermore, when printing final products such as posters and postcards, even if plain paper is used at the trial printing stage,
Ultimately, special glossy paper or the like is used with an emphasis on print quality.
Therefore, the user purchases and uses roll paper according to the purpose of use.

[0003]

As described above, unless the roll paper suitable for the purpose of use is used, the expected printed matter cannot be obtained. However, since users have various purposes of use, there are many cases in which a store dealing with printer supplies is out of stock. In this case, the user specially orders a desired roll paper or puts up with a general-purpose roll paper. The user cannot easily obtain his / her own roll paper.

Further, when the user uses only one type of roll paper, there is almost no trouble in roll paper management such as ordering of roll paper and inventory management. However, when a user prints for multiple purposes, it is necessary to manage a plurality of types of roll paper that are suitable for each purpose. If a roll paper that is not suitable for the purpose is used, not only the print quality will deteriorate, but it may also cause a malfunction. But,
At first glance, the specifications of roll paper are difficult to understand. It is difficult for an inexperienced user to recognize a difference in width dimension, a difference in paper type, etc., even if the user is familiar with roll paper printing.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a roll paper having specifications desired by a user, and to properly use the roll paper on the user side. The purpose is to provide a manageable roll paper sales system with memory. Another object of the present invention is to provide a roll paper sales system with a memory that can provide roll paper based on information about the roll paper being used on the user side. A further object of the present invention is to provide a paper sales system that allows easy repeat ordering of printing paper.

[0006]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, in a roll paper with memory selling system according to the present invention, roll paper with memory used in a roll paper printing apparatus is sold through a network. Is.

In this sales system, the order processing means receives an order from the user. The order information from the user includes roll paper specification information. The roll paper preparation means prepares roll paper based on the order information. The specification registration means writes the specification information in a memory provided on the prepared roll paper and registers it. Then, the shipping means ships the roll paper in which the specification information is registered to the user.

The roll paper targeted by the present invention has a memory unlike ordinary roll paper. Data is written to and read from the memory provided on the roll paper by an external device (computer or the like).

Data transmission / reception between the roll paper side memory and an external device can be performed by either a contact type or non-contact type method. Specifically, for example, if an antenna coil that converts electromagnetic waves into electromotive force is provided in the memory on the roll paper side and configured to operate using electromagnetic waves emitted from an external device as a power source, a battery or the like on the roll paper side can be used. There is no need to provide a built-in power supply. The roll paper side memory does not necessarily have to be rewritable, but for example,
When data that may be updated such as the remaining amount is managed in the memory on the roll paper side together with the specification information, the memory on the roll paper side is preferably rewritable.

As the "roll paper specification information", for example, length dimension, width dimension, paper thickness dimension, paper type, color and the like can be mentioned. This specification information is input from the user side when receiving an order. Then, the roll paper is prepared based on the specifications ordered by the user, the specification information is registered in the memory of the roll paper, and the product is shipped to the user.

Therefore, the user can easily order the roll paper of the desired specifications via the network.
Also, because the specification information is recorded in the roll paper memory,
The user can manage the roll paper by using the specification information.

The roll paper printing apparatus can also read the specification information from the memory provided on the roll paper and operate using the specification information.

Specifically, for example, the roll paper printing apparatus can perform paper feed control (paper feed, remaining amount management, etc.) based on the length dimension stored in the memory. Further, the roll paper printing apparatus can adjust the distance between the print head and the paper surface based on the paper thickness dimension stored in the memory. Further, the roll paper printing apparatus can perform a method of forming print dots (selection of image processing algorithm, adjustment of ink ejection amount, etc.) based on the paper type stored in the memory. Usability is improved by automatically making various print settings based on the specification information stored in the memory.

Specification information acquisition means for acquiring specification information from the roll paper memory used in the roll paper printing apparatus may be further provided.

By acquiring the specification information regarding the roll paper currently in use, it is possible to perform sales management and the like by using this specification information.

For example, the order receiving processing means can be further provided with a supporting means for supporting the input of the order information by using the specification information acquired by the specification information acquiring means.

For example, when ordering a roll paper having the same specifications as the roll paper currently in use, the specification information on the roll paper currently in use is utilized to assist the user in inputting the order information. be able to. Even if the specifications are not the same as those of the roll paper currently in use, if a part of the specifications is common, the input of items related to the common specifications can be omitted.

Alternatively, the order processing means may be provided with other supporting means for supporting the input of the order information by utilizing the specification information of the roll paper purchased in the past.

Incidentally, in addition to the specification information, all or part of the authentication information for user authentication can be stored in the roll paper memory.

Examples of the "authentication information" include user identification information (user ID) and password.

Then, the roll paper printing device is provided with a printing device side user authentication means for judging whether or not the user is a user who has the authority to use the roll paper printing device, and the printing device side user authentication means reads out from the memory. The authentication information provided can be used to authenticate the user.

Alternatively, the order receiving means further comprises an order receiving side user authenticating means for authenticating the user, and the order receiving side user authenticating means authenticates the user using the authentication information read from the memory. You can also do so.

Further, the order processing unit can display a sample print result according to the input specifications when the user places an order.

According to another aspect of the present invention, it can be understood as a program used in the roll paper sales system. Then, this program can be downloaded to the computer of the printing system via a communication line such as the Internet, or can be recorded in a recording medium and distributed. As the recording medium, various recording media such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a magneto-optical disk, a hard disk, and a memory can be used.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention, a memory provided in a product, characterized in that at least information relating to the specifications of the product is recorded among the information input at the time of ordering from the user. Can be grasped as.

Further, it can be grasped as a roll paper having a memory in which at least the specification information is recorded among the information at the time of ordering.

On the other hand, according to another aspect of the present invention, it can be regarded as a sales system of not only roll paper but also other printing paper such as cut paper. Here, in the case of roll paper, by providing a memory inside or at the end of the shaft core,
All or part of the information at the time of ordering can be recorded. In the case of cut paper, for example, for each cut paper, or a cut paper packaging unit (for example, 100
Predetermined information can be recorded for each sheet, 500 sheets or the like, or for each transport unit (one box or the like) of printing paper.

The predetermined information is at least information relating to the specifications of the printing paper (for example, paper size, paper thickness, type (plain paper, glossy paper, OHP sheet, etc.) among the information input at the time of ordering from the user. ), Colors, and pre-printed form information (printed form forms such as invoices and order slips). In addition to this specification information, other information such as a user name and a delivery address can be added. That is, ordering information (for example, the above-mentioned specification information + information about the orderer's name, destination address, ordering quantity, ordering date, etc.) can be used as the predetermined information.

Such predetermined information can be recorded on printing paper or packaging paper as information that can be read by optical means such as a bar code or a CCD camera. Further, the predetermined information may be recorded on the magnetic tape attached to the wrapping paper or the like. Alternatively, it is possible to provide a memory device capable of short-distance communication wirelessly for each transport unit and electronically record predetermined information in this memory device.

The user can read the predetermined information from his / her own terminal or the information terminal installed in the store and use it for another order.

The predetermined information is preferably recorded in a place that does not affect the use of the printing paper, for example, a place other than the printing surface, more specifically, the back side of the printing paper or the like.

[0032]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

1 to 7 relate to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a structural explanatory view schematically showing a main part of a roll paper sales system according to the present embodiment.

The user system 1 is used by each user and includes a host computer 10 and a printer 20 as a "roll paper printing device". As the host computer 10, for example, a personal computer, a workstation, a personal digital assistant, or the like can be used. The host computer 10 includes a data processing device, an input device such as a keyboard switch and a pointing device, and a display device. The printer 20 performs predetermined printing on the roll paper 30 based on the print data input from the host computer 10. As the printer 20, for example,
An inkjet serial printer, a laser page printer, or the like can be used. The user system 1 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

The supplier system 40 is communicatively connected to each user system 1 via a communication network such as the Internet. The supplier system 40 includes an order receiving server 41, a product shipping server 42, and a database group 43. The database group 43 can be configured to include, for example, a customer management database 44, an order management database 45, and an inventory management database 46.

The order receiving server 41 can accept orders from each user via means such as a web browser or electronic mail. In the present embodiment, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 3, a case will be described in which an order from a user is accepted by a web browser and a WWW server. The order receiving server 41 refers to the customer management database 44 to perform user authentication. Further, the order receiving server 41 reflects the transaction contents of the ordered roll paper in the order receiving database 45. Further, the order receiving server 41 can also notify the user of the delivery date by searching the inventory management database 46. The order receiving server 41 corresponds to "order receiving processing means".

The product shipping server 42 requests the shipping system 50 to ship the ordered roll paper. The shipping system 50 prepares and ships roll paper that meets the specifications required by the user. The shipping system 50 includes a shipping control device 51, a selection unit 52, a processing unit 53, and a memory writing device 54. The shipping system 50 can be provided in a manufacturing factory or a sales company of the roll paper 30.
The shipping system 50 and the supplier system 40 do not need to be operated by the same business owner, but can be operated by different business owners.

The shipping control device 51 controls the selection unit 52, the processing unit 53, and the memory writing device 54. The shipping control unit 51 acquires order information (order information from the user) from the product shipping server 42, and controls each unit to ship the roll paper according to the order.

The selecting section 52 selects any one or a plurality of master rolls from the master rolls 55a to 55n according to the order from the user. The selection unit 52
The master roll is selected based on factors (paper type, color, etc.) that cannot be adjusted by the processing unit 53 in the user's order specifications. The processing unit 53 processes the selected master roll into predetermined length dimensions and width dimensions, and prepares the roll paper 56 before memory writing. The memory writing device 54 writes and registers information regarding the specifications of the roll paper 56 (equal to the specifications at the time of the user's order) in the memory of the prepared roll paper 56. By writing the specification information in the memory, the roll paper 30 is completed and shipped to the user.

Next, FIG. 2 is a structural explanatory view showing an outline of the user system 1. The host computer 10 includes an ordering client 11, an application program 12, a printer driver 13, and a communication interface (hereinafter abbreviated as “I / F”) 17, as described later.

The ordering client 11 is connected to the order receiving server 41.
Is a program for accessing and ordering roll paper. As the ordering client 11, for example, a web browser can be used. The ordering client 11 can be configured in various forms. The ordering client 11 can be configured by only a web browser, or can be configured by adding one or a plurality of plug-in software to the web browser.
Alternatively, order-dedicated software may be installed in the host computer 10 in advance. Furthermore, the ordering server 41 sends the ordering client software to the host computer 10,
It can also be configured to run on.

Examples of the application program 12 include document creation software, drawing software, image processing software, and the like.
When the user gives a print instruction on the application program 12, the document data generated by the application program 12 is input to the printer driver 13. The printer driver 13 generates print data based on the data passed from the application program 12.

The specification detection unit 16 communicates with the printer 20 via the communication I / F 17 to acquire the specification information of the roll paper 30. The print setting unit 15 adjusts various settings necessary for printing based on the acquired specification information (for example, the platen gap is adjusted based on the paper thickness dimension, the ink ejection amount is adjusted according to the paper type, etc.). )I do. The generated print data and commands are sent from the communication I / F 17 to the communication line CN.
Is transmitted to the printer 20 via. Here, the communication line CN can be configured by a wired system or a wireless system. Further, a plurality of host computers 10 may share one or a plurality of printers 20.

The printer 20 is the printer controller 2
1 and a print engine. The print engine drives the paper feed roller 25 and the like to feed the roll paper, while ejecting ink from the print head 26 to perform predetermined printing on the print surface of the roll paper. The printer controller 21 uses the communication I / F 2
2. A print control unit 23 and a memory access unit 24 are provided, and are configured by utilizing computer resources such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, and input / output unit.

The print control unit 23 generates print image data based on the print data, and the generated print image data is printed on roll paper by the print engine. The memory access unit 24 is for accessing the memory device (hereinafter “memory”) 33 of the roll paper 30 to read or write data. The memory access unit 24 reads out the specification information stored in the memory 33 and notifies the specification detection unit 16 of the printer driver 13 of the specification information.

The roll paper 30 has, for example, a cylindrical shaft core 31.
It is configured by winding a long continuous printing paper 32 around the outer peripheral surface of the paper. A memory 33 is provided on the axis 31 of the roll paper 30. Specification information regarding the roll paper 30 is stored in advance in the memory 33. Here, one configuration example of the memory 30 will be described in detail. For example, a rewritable nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM, a power supply unit that supplies power to the memory, and communication for performing communication with the printer side. It can be composed of parts. For example, memory 3
0 receives a radio wave transmitted from the printer side, generates an induced electromotive force by this radio wave, and can be used as a power source. The method is not limited to this, and various methods can be adopted. For example, it is possible to update the contents of the memory by forming a contact for data transmission / reception and power supply at the end of the shaft core 31 and making contact with the contact on the printer side.

Next, an example of ordering the roll paper 30 from the supplier system 40 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 3A is a top screen provided when the host computer 10 accesses the order receiving server 41. The user enters a predetermined ID and password (PW) in the user ID input field G1 and the password input field G2.
Enter. When the user is authenticated based on the user ID and the password, it is possible to move to the ordering screen shown in FIG. If you are a new user who has not registered as a member,
By operating the member registration screen transition button G3, member registration can be performed.

On the ordering screen, the user can select or input the roll paper specifications desired by the user. The roll paper specifications include, for example, paper types (plain paper, glossy paper,
Film, etc.), length dimension, width dimension, paper thickness dimension, and color. Each of these specifications is input via the respective input fields G4 to G8. Also, the user
Enter the order quantity in the input field G9. Each input field G4 to G9
The text data or the numerical data is directly input to, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a voice recognition system, an automatic response system, or the like may be adopted, and the user's order specification and quantity may be input by voice. One of the features of this sales system is that it provides not the standardized roll paper of general-purpose products but the roll paper of the specifications according to the user's request.
It should be noted that this sales system can also sell general-purpose roll paper.

It is also possible to omit the input of all or part of each specification item required for ordering. When the user operates the button G10 for selecting the same specification as the actual product, the order receiving server 41 communicates with the user system 1 and acquires the specification information regarding the roll paper 30 currently in use from the memory 33. If the current specification information is also stored in the memory of the host computer 10, the specification information can be obtained from the host computer 10. When the specification information on the roll paper 30 currently in use is acquired, the current specifications are displayed on the ordering screen. Therefore, when the user desires the roll paper of the same specification, the user does not have to input the roll paper again. Even if the specifications of the roll paper are slightly different from those of the roll paper currently in use, it is sufficient to manually correct only the items of the different specifications.

Alternatively, the user can use the history reference button G1.
By operating 1, the specifications ordered in the past can be used to omit all or part of the input. For example, a past purchase history list is displayed, and the user is allowed to select desired specifications from the history list. As the initial state of the ordering screen, the specifications of the roll paper currently in use and the specifications read from the latest purchase history can be displayed in advance. In this case, it is desirable to display a message such as "The currently used roll paper specifications are as follows" on the screen or output by voice.

The use permission button G12 is used in another embodiment described later. For details, see FIG. 8 and FIG.
Together with.

Next, FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing a concrete example of the configuration of each of the databases 44 to 46 included in the database group 43.

FIG. 4A shows the customer management database 44.
Shows the stored contents of. In the customer management database 44, for example, a user ID, a password, an address, a name, a contact telephone number (TEL), an electronic mail address (e-mail), the number of points, etc. are stored in association with each other. The number of points is, for example, given to the user according to the number of purchases of roll paper, the purchase price, and the like. The number of points can be applied, for example, as all or part of the purchase price of the roll paper. As described above, the customer management database 4
Information required for user authentication (user ID, PW) 4
And information necessary for delivery of roll paper (address, name, contact telephone number).

FIG. 4B shows the order management database 45.
Shows the stored contents of. In the order management database 45, for example, a user ID, a purchase date (order date), a specification (paper type, length, width, paper thickness, color, etc.) and a quantity are associated with each order. Are remembered. In addition, the order management database 45 can also store data indicating "presence / absence of use permission setting" for use in another embodiment. The past purchase history described above with reference to FIG. 3 can be obtained by searching the order management database 45 with the user ID.

FIG. 4C shows the inventory management database 46.
Shows the stored contents of. The stock management database 46 stores, for example, master roll name, master roll paper type, specifications such as paper thickness, length, width, color, etc., master roll inventory quantity, backlog, etc. in association with each other. There is.

Next, the flow of this system will be described with reference to FIGS. In the figure, the step is "S".
Is abbreviated. The flowcharts shown in the respective figures show the outline of the operation necessary for understanding the invention, and are different from the actual program.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the ordering process when ordering roll paper to the order receiving server 41 via the ordering client 11 of the host computer 10. The user receives the order receiving server 41 via the host computer 10.
Is accessed (S1), and the user ID and password are input (S2). As a result, the order receiving server 41 performs user authentication (S3). For example, when the authentication fails because either or both of the user ID and the password are incorrect, a predetermined error process is performed (S).
4).

If the user is authenticated as a registered user, the ordering screen shown in FIG.
No. 0 is displayed on the display device (S5). Next, the user inputs desired roll paper specifications. When desiring a roll paper having the same specifications as the roll paper currently in use, the user operates the button G10 (S6: YES). This allows
The order receiving server 41 communicates with the host computer 10 to acquire the specification information of the roll paper 30 set in the printer 20 (S7). The acquired specification information is reflected on the order screen.

When inputting the specifications by referring to the past purchase history, the user operates the button G11 (S8: YES). As a result, a list of purchase histories is displayed (S9), and the user selects specifications based on the purchase history (S10). The selected specifications are reflected on the ordering screen.

Various methods of displaying the purchase history can be adopted. For example, the order management database 4
It is also possible to display a list of all purchase histories stored in item 5. In addition, it is possible to display only a list of purchase histories in a recent predetermined period, or it is possible to display only the latest purchase history alone. By enabling specification input based on the purchase history, for example, specification information is input even when the roll paper 30 is not set in the printer 20 or when an order is placed from another host computer not connected to the printer 20. You can omit to make an exact order.

The user can manually correct all or part of the specifications currently in use acquired from the memory 33 or the specifications selected from past purchase profits (S11). When the order specification is confirmed, the order button is operated (S1
2). As a result, the order information is confirmed and the order processing is performed (S13). Further, a roll paper shipping request is made to the shipping system 50 (S14). The order information includes information about the specifications of the roll paper (specification information), information indicating the order quantity, and information for specifying the delivery destination user.

The flowchart of FIG. 6 is based on the shipping system 5.
0 shows the product shipping process in 0. First, the shipping control unit 51 acquires order information from the product shipping server 42 (S21). The selection unit 52 selects the optimum master roll from the master rolls 55a to 55n according to the ordered specifications (S22). The length and the like of the selected master roll are adjusted by the processing unit 53 (S
23). As a result, the roll paper 56 is produced. The memory writing device 54 writes and registers the specification information in the memory 33 of the roll paper 56 (S24). As a result, the roll paper 30 as the final product is completed. The processing of S23 and S24 is repeated until the ordered quantity is reached (S
25). Although FIG. 6 shows a case where a plurality of roll papers having the same specifications are ordered, S22 to S24 are repeated when a plurality of types of roll papers are ordered from the same user. When the roll paper according to the user's order is completed, the roll paper is shipped to the user who is the orderer (S2).
6). The orderer and the destination may be different.

Next, the flowchart of FIG. 7 shows the print data generation processing by the host computer 10.

First, when a print instruction is issued from the application program 12 (S31: YES), the printer driver 13 acquires the data of the document to be printed from the application program 12 (S32). Further, the printer driver 13 acquires the specification information of the roll paper 30 set in the printer 20 from the memory 33 (S33). The specification information may be acquired each time a print instruction is issued, or the roll paper 30 may be transferred to the printer 20.
It may be done at the time of setting.

The printer driver 13 makes various print settings according to the acquired roll paper specification (S34) and generates print data (S35). The generated print data is transmitted to the printer 20 (S36). When it is necessary to change the setting on the printer 20 side, such as adjusting the platen gap, a command for instructing the setting change is also sent to the printer 20. Then, the processes of S35 and S36 are repeated until the print data is transmitted for all pages of the document to be printed (S3).
7).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user can order the dedicated roll paper 30 which is not included in the general-purpose products, simply by accessing the order receiving server 41.

Since information regarding the specifications of the roll paper 30 is stored in advance in the memory 33 of the roll paper 30, the user system 1 side can use the specification information to perform print settings and inventory management. it can.

Since the order receiving server 41 can obtain the specification information of the roll paper 30 from the memory 33, it is possible to assist the user in inputting the specifications, and the usability when ordering the roll paper is improved.

Further, since the specification of the roll paper can be selected from the purchase history, the input support can be performed and the usability is improved as in the above.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following explanation,
The same components as those described above are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. A feature of the present embodiment is that only a user who is authorized to use the roll paper is allowed to use the roll paper.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the user system 1 according to this embodiment. Printer driver 13
The collation unit 18 and the user ID input unit 19 are newly provided in the. In the present embodiment, part of the user authentication information (user ID) is stored in the memory 33 of the roll paper 30 in addition to the specification information.

The collating unit 18 uses the memory 33 of the roll paper 30.
The user ID read from the user ID is collated with the user ID input from the user ID input unit 19, and when the two IDs match, permission is issued. Print data is generated when both IDs match. In addition,
Various configurations can be adopted as the user ID input unit 19. For example, it can be configured to require the user to input the user ID when starting printing. Alternatively, the user ID used when ordering the roll paper 30 by the ordering client 11 is held in a non-volatile memory in the host computer 10, and the held user ID is loaded into the collating unit 18. Good.

It should be noted that another collating unit 27 is also provided on the printer 20 side.
Can be provided. The collating unit 27 on the printer side uses the user ID acquired from the user ID input unit 19 and the memory 3
It can be configured to collate with the user ID acquired from No. 3 and to give print permission when both IDs match.

The flowchart of FIG. 9 shows an example of a print data generation process for inspecting the presence / absence of usage authority.

First, it is determined whether or not the use permission is set (S41). That is, the memory 33 of the roll paper 30
It is checked whether or not the information asking whether or not the use is permitted is stored therein. If the use permission is set (S41: YES), the user ID input by the user (or the user I handed over from the ordering client 11).
D) is collated with the user ID stored in the memory 33 of the roll paper 30 to determine whether or not the two IDs match (S42, S43).

If both IDs match (S43: YES), print settings are made to generate print data, and the generated print data is transmitted to the printer 20 (S33 to S37). In the figure, it is shown as if the specification information of the roll paper 30 is to be acquired again (S33), but the specification information can also be acquired when checking whether or not the use is permitted,
In this case, S33 can be omitted.

If both IDs do not match (S43: NO), error processing is performed (S44). In the error processing, for example, a warning such as “ID does not match” is output and the user I
Re-entry of D can be requested.

Although the case of checking the presence or absence of the use authority by only checking the user ID has been described, it is also possible to check the password.

In this embodiment having such a configuration, the same effect as that of the above-described first embodiment can be obtained. In addition to this, in the present embodiment, since the memory 33 stores the information for user authentication, only the user who has the use right can be permitted to use the roll paper 30, and the usability is improved. For example, the special roll paper 30 with a high price such as a dedicated glossy paper is set in advance so as to ask whether or not the use permission is given, so that the printer 2
It is possible to eliminate useless use by other users who share 0.

A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. A feature of this embodiment is that the user can select an appropriate specification by displaying a print preview according to the specification input on the ordering screen.

FIG. 10 shows an ordering screen. On the ordering screen, a sample G13 (print preview) of the print result according to the input specifications is displayed. When the user changes the paper type or the like, the display of the print result sample G13 also changes according to the change. The print sample G13 does not change even if the specification item (for example, the length dimension) that is not related to the print result is changed. The user determines the specifications while visually recognizing the difference in the print results due to the difference in the paper type such as plain paper, glossy paper, film, etc. and the difference in color.

Data prepared in advance on the order receiving server 41 side can be used for the print result sample. It is also possible to generate the print result sample G13 with the document to be printed by transmitting all or a part of the document to be printed from the user to the order receiving server 41.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of ordering processing according to this embodiment. When the specification is input by the user (S11), the print result sample G13 is generated based on the currently input specification and is displayed on the display device of the host computer 10 (S51).

Also in the present embodiment configured as described above,
The same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition to this, in the present embodiment, since the print result sample G13 is displayed on the ordering screen, specification selection by the user can be supported in terms of actual quality, and usability is improved. While the specification currently in use acquired from the memory 33 or the specification selected from the past purchase history is for selecting the specification input by the user from the procedural aspect, in the present embodiment, the user prints the print result. You can select the specifications while checking the differences.

A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The feature of this embodiment is that the user authentication at the time of ordering the roll paper is performed using the memory 33 of the roll paper 30.

That is, FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the ordering process according to the present embodiment, which is the order receiving server 41.
When performing user authentication, the memory 33 of the roll paper 30
The user ID is acquired from (S61). The password is,
It is manually input by the user (S62).

As a result, user authentication can be easily performed and usability is improved. Further, according to the present embodiment, the roll paper 30 can be used like an ID card. Therefore, the user can easily set a custom-made (or made-to-order) roll paper 30 online by setting his / her roll paper 30 in another printer 20 of the same type or another printer having the same function. You can order.

Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, a case where predetermined information is recorded on a cut sheet other than roll paper is shown.

Predetermined information including specification information such as the size, thickness, paper type, color and the like of the printing paper is recorded in advance on the printing paper 60 by the bar code 61. It should be noted that the predetermined information is information that is input when the user orders the printing paper 60, and is not simply the product number or price information used in the POS (point of sale system). Should. Therefore, in addition to the specification information, specific information such as the name of the user who placed the order, the delivery address of the printing paper, the order quantity, and the order date can be stored in the predetermined information. That is, it is possible to record the order information including the information such as the user name and the delivery address in the barcode 61.

The predetermined information can be recorded not only by the bar code 61 but also by other means such as a magnetic tape on a printing paper, a wrapping paper for wrapping the printing paper, a box for packing the printing paper, or the like. Further, it is preferable that the barcode 61 is formed, for example, on a back surface of the printing paper 60 or the like that is not used for printing so as not to interfere with the use of the printing paper.

The user reads the information of the bar code 61 through the bar code reader 62, and uses this information,
You can place another order. The user system 1 is not limited to a personal computer system installed in a home or a workplace, but may be, for example, an information terminal (a multifunctional terminal, a register, etc.) installed in a store such as a convenience store or an electric home appliance store. Good.

The shipping system 50 prepares the printing paper 57 according to the order. A bar code 61 is printed on the printing paper 57 by the information writing device 58.

Also in this embodiment configured as described above,
The same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications by adding, deleting, changing, etc. the constituent elements in each of the embodiments. For example, in the supplier system 40, by acquiring the specification information from the memory 33, the usage status of the roll paper on the user system 1 side can be grasped, which can be useful for sales management and new product development.

[0096]

As described above, according to the roll paper sale system and the paper sale system according to the present invention, the user can easily obtain the roll paper having the desired specifications online. Further, by using the specification information stored in the roll paper memory, both the user side and the seller side can perform appropriate roll paper management.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration explanatory view showing an overall outline of a roll paper sales system with a memory used in the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a user system.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen configuration displayed when an order receiving server is accessed and roll paper is ordered.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing the structure of each database, FIG. 4 (a) shows a customer management database, FIG. 4 (b) shows an order management database, and FIG. 4 (c) shows an inventory management database.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an ordering process.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a product shipping process.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing print data generation processing on the host computer side.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a configuration of a user system side according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing print data generation processing.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an ordering screen according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an ordering process.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an ordering process according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a configuration explanatory view showing an overall outline of a paper sales system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 User system 10 Host computer 11 Ordering Client 12 application programs 13 Printer driver 14 Print data generator 15 Print setting section 16 Specification detector 18 Collating part 19 User ID input section 20 printers 21 Printer controller 23 Print control unit 24 Memory access unit 26 Print head 27 Collating unit 30 roll paper 31 shaft core 33 memory 40 Supplier System 41 Order server 42 Product Shipping Server 43 databases 44 Customer Management Database 45 Order Management Database 46 Inventory management database 50 shipping system 51 Shipping control device 52 Selector 53 Processing Department 54 memory writing device 58 Information Writing Device 60 printing paper 61 barcode 62 Bar Code Reader

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Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A roll paper sales system with a memory for selling roll paper with a memory used for a roll paper printing device via a network, an order receiving process for receiving an order information including specification information of the roll paper from a user. Means, roll paper preparation means for preparing the roll paper based on the order information, specification registration means for writing and registering the specification information in a memory provided in the prepared roll paper, and the specification information is A roll paper selling system with a memory, comprising: a shipping means for shipping the registered roll paper to the user. 2. The roll-paper sales system with a memory according to claim 1, wherein the roll-paper printing device operates by utilizing the specification information read from the memory. 3. The roll-paper sales system with a memory according to claim 2, further comprising specification information acquisition means for acquiring the specification information from a roll-paper memory used in the roll-paper printing apparatus. 4. The order receiving means further comprises support means for assisting the input of the order information by using the specification information acquired by the specification information acquisition means.
Sale system of roll paper with memory described in. 5. The order receiving processing means further includes other supporting means for supporting the input of the order information by using the specification information of the roll paper purchased in the past. A roll paper sales system with a memory according to any one of 1. 6. The memory according to claim 1, wherein the roll paper memory stores all or part of authentication information for user authentication in addition to the specification information. Roll paper sales system. 7. The roll paper printing device is provided with a printing device side user authentication means for determining whether or not the user is an authorized user of the roll paper printing device, and the printing device side user authentication means comprises: 7. The roll paper selling system with a memory according to claim 6, wherein the authentication information read from the memory is used to authenticate the user. 8. The order-accepting processing means is further provided with an order-accepting user authenticating means for authenticating the user, and the order-accepting side user authenticating means uses the authentication information read from the memory, The selling system for roll paper with a memory according to claim 6, which authenticates the user. 9. The order receiving means displays a sample print result according to the input specifications.
The roll paper sales system with a memory according to claim 8. 10. The roll paper with a memory according to claim 1, wherein the specification information includes at least a length dimension, a width dimension, and a paper type of the roll paper. system. 11. A program used in a system for selling roll paper with a memory, which has a function of obtaining specification information about the roll paper ordered by a user, and writing the registered specification information in the memory for registration. A program for realizing the functions to be performed on a computer. 12. The program according to claim 11, further comprising realizing the function of acquiring the specification information from the memory on the computer. 13. A memory provided in a product, wherein at least information related to specifications of the product is recorded among information input at the time of ordering from a user. 14. A roll paper with a memory, wherein at least the specification information of the roll paper is recorded in the memory among the information input at the time of the user's order. . 15. A paper sales system for selling printing paper used in a printing device via a network, an order processing unit for receiving order information including specification information of the printing paper from a user, and the order information. Based on the above, a paper preparation unit for preparing the printing paper, a specification registration unit for recording the specification information on the prepared printing paper, and a shipment for shipping the printing paper with the specification information registered thereto to the user A paper sales system comprising: a means. 16. The specification registration means records the specification information in an optically readable, electronically or magnetically readable form at a location that does not affect the use of the printing paper. Paper sales system described.