JP2007102695A - Product information management system and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system or the like capable of managing information about a product, from the standpoint of increasing for consumers the added value of waiting time before the product is delivered. <P>SOLUTION: In the product information management system, first information read by an R/W 202 from an RFID attached to the product and product image information picked up by a camera 204 are stored in association with each other in a DB 102 by a first information processing unit 110 before the product reaches a consumer. Also, upon receiving second information corresponding to the first information from an information processing terminal 200 via a network, a second information processing unit 120 sends to the information processing terminal the product image information stored in the DB 102 in association with the first information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a system for managing information related to a product by using communication with an information element attached to the product, and a program for giving the management function to a computer.

As a product production mode, order production is more preferable than prospective production in terms of reducing the load of inventory management of the product and its components. Conventionally, a method for managing information related to build-to-order production has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2004-102517 A

  On the other hand, according to made-to-order production, a certain amount of waiting time is required, unlike stock products being delivered to consumers (customers), so that the added value for consumers with such waiting times is increased. The need for new services is increasing.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a system capable of managing information related to the product and a program capable of giving the management function to a computer from the viewpoint of further increasing the added value of the waiting time.

  A product information management system of the present invention for solving the above problems is a system for managing information about a product using communication with an information element attached to the product, and the product is at hand of the consumer. First information read by the reading means from the information element attached to the product and the image information of the product imaged by the imaging means in association with each other before being delivered, and stored in the storage means And when the second information corresponding to the first information is received from the information processing terminal via the network, the product image information stored in the storage means in association with the first information is transmitted via the network. And second information processing means for transmitting to the information processing terminal.

  According to the product information management system of the present invention, before the product reaches the consumer, the image information of the product itself that is scheduled to be delivered to the consumer is transmitted to the consumer through the information processing terminal. Can be provided. In other words, before the product reaches the consumer, the consumer recognizes the situation of the product itself that will be delivered to the consumer and become the property (loved goods). Can be made. As a result, it is possible to make the consumer recognize that the product is handled carefully, and to enhance the consumer's expectation and attachment to the product. In addition, it is possible to make the consumer aware that the product will soon be available and to give the consumer a sense of security.

  Also, even if the waiting time for the product to arrive at hand is long, the excitement after the product has arrived at the consumer's hand is pleasing, rather it makes the consumer feel that it was good to wait, The added value of the waiting time itself can be increased. Accordingly, it is possible to sufficiently secure time for taking various measures for improving the quality of the product before delivery to the consumer without unnecessarily shortening the time until the product is delivered to the consumer. Then, as described above, it is possible to make the consumer to whom the product is delivered recognize that the product is handled carefully.

  Therefore, according to the product information management system of the present invention, information related to the product can be managed from the viewpoint of increasing the added value for the consumer who is waiting until the product arrives at hand.

  In the product information management system of the present invention, when the second information processing means receives the second information corresponding to the first information from the information processing terminal via the network, the second information processing means is associated with the first information and One or both of advertisement video information and advertisement sound information relating to product advertisements stored in the storage means is transmitted to the information processing terminal together with the product image information.

  According to the product information management system of the present invention, in addition to “product video information”, “advertisement video information” and “advertising sound information” related to product advertisements are provided to consumers through information processing terminals. This makes it possible for the consumer to have curiosity, expectation, etc. on the product that will reach the customer. For example, if a product and a person (actor, athlete, etc.) or character appearing in a promotion advertisement by a TV or a magazine is widely recognized, product image information with image information of this person or character You can make consumers feel the pleasure of touching. In addition, if the product and music and sound used in advertising for radio, etc. are combined and widely recognized, consumers can enjoy the product image information accompanied by the sound information related to the music and sound. You can feel it. Therefore, it is possible to increase the added value for the consumer during the waiting time until the product arrives at hand.

  Furthermore, in the product information management system of the present invention, the first information processing means reads the first information read by the reading means from the information element attached to the product before the product reaches the consumer. The resource information related to the resource read by the reading means from the other information elements corresponding to one or both of the physical resource and the human resource related to the product is stored in the storage means in association with each other, and the second information processing When the means receives the second information corresponding to the first information from the information processing terminal via the network, the resource information stored in the storage means in association with the first information is stored in the product image information. At the same time, the information is transmitted to the information processing terminal via a network.

  According to the product information management system of the present invention, in addition to product image information, resource information related to products that belong to the consumer is provided to the consumer through the information processing terminal. “Resource information” is information related to one or both of “physical resources” and “human resources” related to products. The resource information related to “physical resources” can identify the parts used in the product and the tools and machines used in each process such as assembly and painting of the parts. The resource information related to “human resources” can identify a component manufacturer, an operator in each process such as assembly and inspection of components, and the like. As a result, what kind of material (physical resource) is used for the product that will reach the consumer, and what kind of people (human resource) this product is in the hands of This consumer can be recognized. And it can make consumers recognize strongly that the product is not a mere "thing" but a fruit of a lot of resources, and can have a strong sense of expectation for the product. Therefore, it is possible to increase the added value for the consumer during the waiting time until the product arrives at hand.

  Further, since the resource information is stored by the storage means in association with the first information and the product image information, there is an advantage that a product to be recalled can be specified based on the resource information.

  The product information management system of the present invention is stored in the information medium provided to the consumer by the storage means in association with the first information relating to the product delivered to the consumer. The apparatus further comprises third information processing means configured to hold product history information that is configured by image information of the product and before the product reaches the consumer.

  According to the product information management system of the present invention, product history information, which is constituted by product image information and before the product is delivered to the hand, is provided to the consumer through the information medium. This can give consumers more attachment to the product. In particular, consumers (users) who purchase relatively expensive products such as automobiles, buildings, watches, etc. tend to love the products enthusiastically, so what is the product at hand? It is possible to satisfy that lover by making sure that it was made through various processes. For this reason, it is possible to increase the added value for the consumer during the waiting time until the product arrives at hand.

  Further, according to the product information management system of the present invention, the third information processing means is associated with the first information related to the product ordered by the consumer on the information medium provided to the consumer. One or both of the advertisement video information and the advertisement sound information related to the advertisement of the product stored in the storage means is held together with the product history information.

  According to the product information management system of the present invention, in addition to “product history information” before the product is delivered to the customer, “advertising video information” and “advertising sound information” related to product advertisements are transmitted through the information medium to consumers. Provided to. As a result, the consumer can be attached to the product that has arrived at hand. Therefore, it is possible to increase the added value of the waiting time until the product reaches the hand.

  In the product information management system of the present invention, the first information processing means reads the first information read by the reading means from the information element attached to the product before the product reaches the consumer. The resource information related to the resource read by the reading means from another information element corresponding to one or both of the physical resource and the human resource related to the product is stored in the storage means in association with the third information processing. Means for storing the resource information stored in the storage means in association with the first information relating to the product delivered to the consumer in an information medium provided to the consumer; It is characterized by being held together with information.

  According to the product information management system of the present invention, in addition to the product history information before the product reaches the consumer, resource information about the product that belongs to the consumer is provided to the consumer through the information medium. As a result, what kind of material (physical resource) is used for the product that reaches the consumer and what kind of people (human resource) this product is in the hands of Can be recognized. And it can make consumers recognize strongly that the product is not a mere "thing" but a fruit of a lot of resources, and can have a strong sense of expectation for the product. Therefore, it is possible to increase the added value of the waiting time until the product reaches the hand.

  A product information management program according to the present invention for solving the above-described problem is a program that gives a computer a function of managing information related to a product by using communication with an information element attached to the product. Before the information reaches the consumer, the first information read by the reading means from the information element attached to the product is associated with the image information of the product imaged by the imaging means in the storage means When the first information processing function to be stored and the second information corresponding to the first information are received from the information processing terminal via the network, the product image associated with the first information and stored by the storage unit A second information processing function for transmitting information to the information processing terminal via a network is provided to the computer.

  According to the product information management program of the present invention, a function for managing information related to a product can be given to the computer from the viewpoint of increasing the added value of the waiting time until the product reaches the hand.

  Embodiments of a product information management system and a program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration explanatory diagram of a product information management system as an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a functional explanatory diagram of a product information management system as an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 4 is an illustration of a series of stories about consumer product usage history.

  The product information management system shown in FIG. 1 is configured by a server 100 as hardware and a “product information management program” of the present invention as software that gives various functions described later to the server 100. The server 100 can communicate with an information processing terminal 200 such as a consumer's personal computer or a mobile phone via a second network such as the Internet, and R / W (reader (reading) via a first network such as a LAN. Means) / writer (writing means)) 202 and camera (imaging means) 204. The first and second networks may be the same network.

  The product information management system includes a DB (database (storage means)) 102, a first information processing unit 110, a second information processing unit 120, and a third information processing unit 130. Each unit includes a CPU, which is a hardware resource of the server 100, a memory such as a ROM (EEPROM, etc.) and a RAM, a signal input circuit, a signal output circuit, and the like, and a memory (or And a program of the present invention stored in a storage device. Each unit may be configured with different hardware resources or may be configured with common hardware resources.

  The DB 102 has “first information” about each product, such as serial number and delivery date of each product, and the name, address, contact information, authenticator (ID) of the consumer to whom each product is delivered. Various information is managed by storing “second information” in association with each other.

  The first information processing unit 110 captures the “first information” read by the R / W 202 from the RFID (information element) attached to the product and the camera 204 before the product reaches the consumer. The “product image information” is stored in the DB 102 in association with each other. Further, the first information processing unit 110 stores “human resource information” and “physical resource information” in the DB 102 in association with “first information”. “Human resource information” specifies human resources such as workers (or work managers) of each process related to product production, such as an IC card possessed by the worker. Is read by the R / W 202 from the RFID embedded in the RFID or the RFID attached to the clothes of the worker. The “physical resource information” is for identifying physical resources such as parts and materials assembled in products in each process, tools and machines used in each process, and is attached to the parts, for example. The RFID is read by the R / W 202 from the RFID, the carrying tool (such as a cart) of the component, and the RFID attached to the physical resource management place.

  When the second information processing unit 120 receives “second information” corresponding to the “first information” from the information processing terminal 200, the “product image information” stored in the DB 102 in association with the first information. ], “Human resource information” and “physical resource information” are transmitted to the information processing terminal 200.

  The third information processing unit 130 relates to this product in addition to “product history information” before the product reaches the consumer on an information medium m such as CD, DVD, paper, etc. provided to the consumer. "Human resource information" and "Material resource information" are retained. The “product history information” is configured by image information of a product stored in the DB 102 in association with the first information related to the product delivered to the consumer.

  The reader 202 is installed in an area (predetermined area) where the processes p1, p2,..., PN are performed in a production factory for products such as automobiles.

  As the RFID tag (IC tag), various types such as a passive type, a semi-passive type, and an active type can be appropriately selected. A passive tag receives a radio wave transmitted from an antenna on the R / W (reader / writer) side with the antenna, rectifies the radio wave and uses it as energy, and responds to a command transmitted from the R / W. The IC chip reads information from the memory and transmits the information from the antenna. The semi-passive type tag operates basically the same as the passive type, but it can also use the power of the on-board battery as energy to make the transmission distance of radio waves longer than that of the passive type. Works according to. The active tag uses the power of the on-board battery as energy as in the semi-passive type, but does not transmit a radio wave in response to a command from the R / W, but transmits a radio wave from the antenna at regular intervals. Various frequency bands such as less than 135 kHz, 13.56 MHz band, 950 MHz band (UHF), 2.45 GHz band, and the like can be selected as the use frequency band of the RFID tag.

  The camera 204 is installed at a position where a product in a predetermined area can be imaged. The product image is a still image, a moving image, or a combination thereof.

  Functions of the product information management system having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In response to a consumer ordering a product from a producer (or its distributor), to identify the “second information” unique to this consumer and the product that will be delivered to this consumer. “First information” is stored in the DB 102 in association with each other in advance. In addition, in the initial stage of the product production process, specifically, before the first step p1, “first information” related to the product is written in the RFID attached to or attached to the product.

  Subsequently, in the area where the process pi (i = 1, 2,..., N) is performed, the R / W 202 reads “first information” from the RFID attached to the product (FIG. 2 / arrow). A1) The “physical resource information” is read from the RFID attached to the assembly part, the work tool, etc. (FIG. 2 / arrow A2), and the “human resource information” is obtained from the RFID attached to the worker. Is read (FIG. 2 / arrow A3). Further, in response to the first information read by the R / W 202, the camera 204 captures a still image or a moving image of the product.

  Next, the first information processing unit 110 executes “first information processing” (FIG. 2 / S110).

  Specifically, the first information processing unit 110 receives “first information”, “physical resource information”, and “human resource information” from the R / W 202 via the second network (FIG. 2 / arrow A4). ). Further, the first information processing unit 110 receives “product image information” from the camera 204 via the second network (FIG. 2 / arrow A5). Then, the first information processing unit 110 stores “first information”, “physical resource information”, “human resource information”, and “product image information” in the DB 102 in association with each other.

  In addition, the second information processing unit 120 executes “second information processing” (FIG. 2 / S120).

  Specifically, the second information processing unit 120 receives “second information” from the information processing terminal 200 via the first network (FIG. 2 / arrow A6). Further, the second information processing unit 120 includes the latest “product image information” stored in the DB 102 in association with the “first information” corresponding to the “second information”, the parts used in the latest process, “Material resource information” for specifying tools and the like and “human resource information” for specifying workers engaged in the latest process are transmitted to the information processing terminal 200 (FIG. 2 / arrow A7). Thereby, for example, as shown in FIG. 3A or FIG. 3B, the latest product image information, product number (first information), shooting time, shooting location, work name, worker A number (human resource information), a part number, and a tool number (physical resource information) are displayed on the information processing terminal 200. It is composed of “product history information” composed of past product image information, or past product image information, and one or both of “physical resource information” and “human resource information” in each process. “Product history information” may be transmitted to the information processing terminal 200.

  Further, the third information processing unit 130 executes “third information processing” (FIG. 2 / S130).

  Specifically, when the product is provided to the consumer (FIG. 2 / arrow B1), the third information processing unit 130 holds “product history information” in the information medium provided to the consumer (FIG. 2 / arrow A8). "Product history information" is composed of "product image information" in each process (each stage) before the product reaches the consumer, and "physical resource information" and "human resource information" in each process Has been. This information medium is handed to the consumer together with the product, for example (FIG. 2 / arrow B2). As shown in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b), when a consumer reproduces the information using the information processing terminal 200 having the information medium reproduction function, or a reproduction device such as a DVD reproduction apparatus or a CD reproduction apparatus. In addition, product image information in each of a plurality of processes, human resource information in each process, and the like can be displayed.

  According to the product information management system of the present invention that exhibits the function, before the product arrives at the consumer's hand, the image information of the product itself that is scheduled to reach the consumer's hand, It can be provided through the information processing terminal 200 (see FIG. 2 / arrow A7, FIGS. 3A and 3B). In other words, before the product reaches the consumer, the consumer recognizes the situation of the product itself that will be delivered to the consumer and become the property (loved goods). Can be made. This makes it possible for the consumer to recognize that the product is handled with care, and enhances the consumer's expectation and attachment to the product. In addition, it is possible to make the consumer aware that the product will soon be available and to give the consumer a sense of security.

  Also, even if the waiting time for the product to arrive at hand is long, the excitement after the product has arrived at the consumer's hand is pleasing, rather it makes the consumer feel that it was good to wait, The added value of the waiting time itself can be increased. Accordingly, it is possible to sufficiently secure time for taking various measures for improving the quality of the product before delivery to the consumer without unnecessarily shortening the time until the product is delivered to the consumer. Then, as described above, it is possible to make the consumer to whom the product is delivered recognize that the product is handled carefully.

  Therefore, information related to the product can be managed from the viewpoint of increasing the added value for the consumer during the waiting time until the product arrives at hand.

  Furthermore, in addition to the product image information, resource information about a product that is for the consumer is provided to the consumer through the information processing terminal. “Resource information” is information related to one or both of “physical resources” and “human resources” related to products. The resource information related to “physical resources” can identify the parts used in the product and the tools and machines used in each process such as assembly and painting of the parts. The resource information related to “human resources” can identify a component manufacturer, an operator in each process such as assembly and inspection of components, and the like. In this way, what kind of material (physical resource) is used for the product that will be delivered to consumers, and what kind of people (human resource) this product is in the hands of It can make consumers recognize. And it can make consumers recognize strongly that the product is not a mere "thing" but a fruit of a lot of resources, and can have a strong sense of expectation for the product. Therefore, it is possible to increase the added value for the consumer during the waiting time until the product arrives at hand.

  Further, since the resource information is stored by the storage means in association with the first information and the product image information, there is an advantage that a product to be recalled can be specified based on the resource information.

  Further, product history information composed of product image information until the product is delivered to the hand is provided to the consumer through the information medium (see FIG. 2 / arrows A8 and B2). This can give consumers more attachment to the product. In particular, consumers (users) who purchase relatively expensive products such as automobiles, buildings, watches, etc. tend to love the products enthusiastically, so what is the product at hand? It is possible to satisfy that lover by making sure that it was made through various processes. For this reason, it is possible to increase the added value for the consumer during the waiting time until the product arrives at hand.

  Further, in addition to the product history information that is made up of product image information before the product reaches the consumer, resource information about the product that belongs to the consumer is provided to the consumer through the information medium (see FIG. 2 / See arrows A8 and B2.) As a result, what kind of material (physical resource) is used for the product that reaches the consumer and what kind of people (human resource) this product is in the hands of Can be recognized. And it can make consumers recognize strongly that the product is not a mere "thing" but a fruit of a lot of resources, and can have a strong sense of expectation for the product. Therefore, it is possible to increase the added value of the waiting time until the product reaches the hand.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the product information management system of the present invention is involved in the establishment of a series of stories about the product usage history of consumers. The series of stories includes a “production / delivery story” regarding the state transition of a product during the period from when a consumer orders a product to delivery of the product to the consumer, and reasons such as replacement by purchase after delivery. Includes a “life story” about the relationship between the product and its consumer in the period until it leaves the consumer ’s hand, and a “development story” about the development of the product that leads to the production / delivery story (development secret story). Yes. The “life story” includes “events” such as product inspection / repair. For example, if a consumer repeatedly gives up a product that has been used for a certain period of time and repeats ordering a new product, these stories gradually connect as shown in FIG. . According to the product information management system of the present invention, a consumer who normally only realizes a “life story” realizes a “production / delivery story” and a “(product) development story” hidden behind it, This series of stories can be recognized.

  As a further embodiment of the product information management system of the present invention, one or both of “advertising video information” and “advertising acoustic information” related to the advertisement of this product associated with the “first information” by the DB 102 is provided. After being stored, the following processing may be executed.

  That is, in response to the reception of “second information” from the information processing terminal 200 (see FIG. 2 / arrow A6), the DB 102 stores the information in association with the “first information” corresponding to the “second information”. One or both of “advertisement video information” and “advertisement acoustic information” may be transmitted to the information processing terminal 200 together with “product image information” by the second information processing unit 120 (FIG. 2 / arrow A7). reference). Furthermore, one or both of “advertising video information” and “advertising sound information” stored in the DB 102 in association with the first information relating to the product ordered by the consumer is stored by the third information processing unit 130. It may be held on an information medium provided to consumers together with “product image information”.

  According to the product information management system of this embodiment, in addition to product video information, advertising video information and advertising audio information are provided to consumers through the information processing terminal 200 or an information medium. This makes it possible for the consumer to have curiosity, expectation, etc. on the product that will reach the hand or the product that has already arrived. For example, if a product and a person (actor, athlete, etc.) or character appearing in a promotion advertisement by a TV or a magazine is widely recognized, product image information with image information of this person or character You can make consumers feel the pleasure of touching. In addition, if the product and music and sound used in advertising for radio, etc. are combined and widely recognized, consumers can enjoy the product image information accompanied by the sound information related to the music and sound. You can feel it. Therefore, it is possible to increase the added value for the consumer during the waiting time until the product arrives at hand.

  In the above-mentioned embodiment, “before the product reaches the consumer's hand” refers to the period from when the consumer orders the product until the product is produced and passed through the production process, inspection process, distribution process, etc. The period before the product arrives at the consumer's hand in other embodiments is the period from when the consumer requests repair of the product until it is delivered to the consumer through the repair process. Also good.

  In addition, the “information element” in the above-described embodiment is an RFID from which the first information is read by the R / W 202, but the “information element” in the other embodiments is read from the first information by wireless communication with an external terminal. The information processing terminal provided with the memory | storage device to obtain may be sufficient.

Configuration explanatory diagram of a product information management system as an embodiment of the present invention Functional explanatory diagram of product information management system as one embodiment of the present invention Illustration of information provided to consumers Illustration of a series of stories about consumer product usage history

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Server (product information management system), 102 ... Database (storage means), 110 ... 1st information processing unit, 120 ... 2nd information processing unit, 130 ... 3rd information processing unit, 200 ... Consumer information processing terminal 202 R / W (reading means / writing means), 204 Camera (imaging means)

Claims (7)

A system for managing information about a product using communication with an information element attached to the product,
Before the product reaches the consumer, the first information read by the reading unit from the information element attached to the product and the image information of the product imaged by the imaging unit are associated with each other and stored. First information processing means to be stored in,
When the second information corresponding to the first information is received from the information processing terminal via the network, the product image information stored in the storage means in association with the first information is received via the network. A product information management system comprising: second information processing means for transmitting to a processing terminal.   When the second information processing unit receives the second information corresponding to the first information from the information processing terminal via the network, the product advertisement stored in the storage unit in association with the first information 2. The product information management system according to claim 1, wherein one or both of advertisement video information and advertisement acoustic information related to an advertisement is transmitted to the information processing terminal together with the product image information. The first information processing means reads the first information read by the reading means from the information element attached to the product before the product reaches the consumer, and the physical resources and human resources related to the product The resource information related to the resource read by the reading means from other information elements corresponding to one or both of them is stored in the storage means in association with each other,
When the second information processing unit receives the second information corresponding to the first information from the information processing terminal via the network, the resource information stored in the storage unit in association with the first information is The product information management system according to claim 1, wherein the product image information is transmitted to the information processing terminal via the network together with the product image information.   A product comprising image information of the product stored in the storage means in association with the first information related to the product ordered by the consumer on an information medium provided to the consumer The product information management system according to claim 1, further comprising third information processing means for holding product history information before the product reaches the consumer.   Promotion of the product stored in the storage means in association with the first information relating to the product delivered to the consumer on the information medium provided to the consumer by the third information processing means The product information management system according to claim 4, wherein one or both of advertisement video information and advertisement acoustic information related to an advertisement are held together with the product history information. The first information processing means reads the first information read by the reading means from the information element attached to the product before the product reaches the consumer, and the physical resources and human resources related to the product The resource information related to the resource read by the reading means from other information elements corresponding to one or both of them is stored in the storage means in association with each other,
The third information processing means stores the resource information stored in the storage means in association with the first information relating to the product delivered to the consumer on an information medium provided to the consumer. 5. The product information management system according to claim 4, wherein the product information management system is held together with the product history information. A program for giving a computer a function of managing information about a product using communication with an information element attached to the product,
Before the product reaches the consumer, the first information read by the reading unit from the information element attached to the product and the image information of the product imaged by the imaging unit are associated with each other and stored. A first information processing function to be stored in
When the second information corresponding to the first information is received from the information processing terminal via the network, the product image information stored in the storage means in association with the first information is received via the network. A product information management program characterized in that a second information processing function transmitted to a processing terminal is given to a computer.

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