JP6803220B2 - Transmission device, transmission method, transmission system and printing method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a transmission device and the like for transmitting image data for printing on a product packaging film.

In recent years, food products such as rice balls, sandwiches, and lunch boxes have been sold at retail stores such as convenience stores (hereinafter referred to as "convenience stores"). For such food packages, sheet-like packages using packaging films are adopted. The packaging film is strip-shaped and is supplied in roll form. In addition, the wrapping film is printed by repeating letters and figures indicating products at equal intervals. The wrapping film is attached to a machine such as an automatic wrapping machine or a cutting machine, and is cut to the required length for each product to make a package.

As described above, in the conventional packaging film, since characters and figures indicating products are printed in advance, it is necessary to prepare a number of packaging sheets according to the type of products to be manufactured. However, with the introduction of the POS system (Point of Sale System), orders are being placed more than other products that sell well. Furthermore, orders to manufacturers are becoming more unitary rather than lots. Therefore, the packaging film used for products with a small order quantity may be in bad stock. In addition, the manufacturer may discard the packaging film for products with a small order quantity without using up one roll.

In addition, convenience stores review products several times a year. Along with that, the design of the seat package will also be changed. Therefore, the packaging film used up to that point must be discarded, which is wasteful.

In response to such a situation, in Patent Document 1, a packaging film (continuous sheet for band-shaped packaging) printed with a common pattern such as characters, patterns, and figures and a band-shaped transfer sheet having a content display thermal transfer pattern are arranged vertically. A system has been proposed in which the content display thermal transfer pattern is thermally transferred to the packaging film by the thermal transfer means, and then the packaging film obtained by thermally transferring the content display thermal transfer pattern is supplied to the automatic packaging machine.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-95497

In the prior art, the wrapping film can be applied to a plurality of products by printing only a common pattern on the wrapping film. However, since the strip-shaped transfer sheet is prepared for each product, the problem that the transfer sheet is wasted still remains.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances. The purpose is to provide a transmission device or the like for transmitting print data necessary for printing a sheet-shaped package.

The transmission device according to the present invention has a packaging film commonly used for products manufactured by a plurality of types, and image data used for printing in a first region on which different contents are printed for each type of product. Is provided with an acquisition unit for acquiring the acquired image data from the storage unit and a transmission unit for transmitting the acquired image data to a printing system which is installed at each of a plurality of locations and prints in the first area according to the number of manufactured products. It is characterized by that.

In the present invention, it is possible to transmit image data necessary for printing in the first area in printing systems installed at a plurality of locations.

The transmission device according to the present invention includes a reception unit that receives an identifier of the product from each of the printing systems, the storage unit stores the identifier of the product and the image data in association with each other, and the acquisition unit receives the identifier. The image data associated with the above is acquired, and the transmission unit transmits the image data associated with the identifier received from each of the printing systems.

In the present invention, since the image data is transmitted according to the request from the printing system, the printing system can acquire the image data as needed.

The transmission device according to the present invention has a change receiving unit that accepts changes in the image data, a change unit that changes the image data according to the received changes, and a transmission unit that transmits the changed image data. It is characterized by.

In the present invention, when the image data is changed, the changed image data is transmitted, so that it is possible to ensure the uniformity of the print contents in the first area.

The transmitting device according to the present invention is characterized in that the changing unit receives a period for changing the image data, and the transmitting unit transmits the changed image data only during the received period.

In the present invention, since the period for changing the image data is accepted, it is possible to deal with products having a limited sales period such as sale products and seasonal products.

In the transmission device according to the present invention, the packaging film has a second area different from the area on which the image data is printed, and the acquisition unit uses the second print data for printing on the second area. Is acquired, and the transmission unit transmits the acquired second print data.

In the present invention, it is possible to transmit print data necessary for printing in the second area.

In the transmission device according to the present invention, the packaging film is given an identifier for each predetermined unit, the identifier of the packaging film used by the printing device, the identifier of the product in which the packaging film is used, and the unit of use. The said packaging film acquired based on a unit acquisition unit for acquiring a number, a location identifier given to each of the plurality of locations, and a storage unit associated with the identifier of the packaging film possessed by each of the plurality of locations. Based on the specific part that identifies the location identifier associated with the identifier, the identified location identifier, the acquired identifier of the product, and the number of units used, the location identifier, the product identifier, and the packaging film. It is characterized by including a record update unit that updates the usage record number of the storage unit that stores the usage record number in association with each other, and an output unit that outputs the location identifier, the product identifier, and the usage record number. To do.

In the present invention, since the number of used packaging films is output in association with the identifier of the product, it is possible to manage the inventory amount of the packaging film.

The transmission device according to the present invention is characterized in that the image data is stored in association with a plurality of approval flags, and the acquisition unit acquires only the image data for which all the plurality of approval flags have been approved. And.

In the present invention, since only the image data for which the plurality of approval flags are all approved is acquired, it is possible to prevent the use of the image data for which the approval has not been obtained.

The transmission method according to the present invention has image data used for printing in a first region, which is possessed by a packaging film commonly used for products manufactured by a plurality of types and in which different contents are printed for each type of product. Is acquired from the storage unit, installed at each of a plurality of locations, and the acquired image data is transmitted to a printing system that produces an image in the first area according to the number of manufactured products.

In the present invention, it is possible to transmit image data necessary for printing in the first area in printing systems installed at a plurality of locations.

The transmission system according to the present invention has image data used for printing in a first area in which a packaging film commonly used for products manufactured by a plurality of types has different contents printed for each type of the product. A transmission device having an acquisition unit for acquiring the image data from the storage unit, a transmission unit for transmitting the acquired image data at each of a plurality of locations, a reception unit for receiving the image data, the number of manufactured products, and the received image. It is characterized by having a printing unit for printing in the first area based on data, and providing a printing system installed in each of the plurality of locations.

In the present invention, it is possible to transmit image data necessary for printing in the first area in printing systems installed at a plurality of locations.

The printing method according to the present invention is for printing on a first area in which a computer has a packaging film commonly used for products manufactured in a plurality of types and different contents are printed for each type of the product. Image data including the product name to be used is acquired from the storage unit, the acquired image data is transmitted to each of the plurality of food factories that manufacture the food, and the printing system installed in each of the food factories receives the received image. The data is printed in the first area.

In the present invention, it is possible to transmit image data necessary for printing in the first area in printing systems installed at a plurality of locations.

In the printing method according to the present invention, the packaging film has a second region, and the computer acquires the raw material, nutritional component, relative expiration date or product ID of the product from the storage unit, and the acquired raw material of the product. , Nutrition component or product ID is transmitted, and the printing system receives the raw material, nutrition component, relative expiration date or product ID of the product, and the consumption determined from the received raw material, nutrition component, relative expiration date of the product. It is characterized in that the deadline or the product ID is printed in the second area.

In the present invention, it is possible to transmit print data necessary for printing in the second area.

In the present invention, it is possible to transmit image data necessary for printing a sheet-shaped package.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of the package printing system. It is a breaking view which shows an example of the packaging film at the time of shipment. It is a breaking view which shows an example of the packaging film after printing. It is a chart figure which shows an example of a business flow. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware configuration example of a design management server. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the record layout of a design DB. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the record layout of a factory DB. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the record layout of the manufacturing charge DB. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the equipment provided in a factory. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware configuration example of a print server. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the record layout of an image DB. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the record layout of the operation DB. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of image data transmission processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of a printing process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the record layout of the transmission request DB. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of image data request processing performed by a print server. It is a flowchart which shows another example of the procedure of image data transmission processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of the record layout of a design DB. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of a change process. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of the record layout of a design DB. It is a flowchart which shows another example of the procedure of image data transmission processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the record layout of the attribute DB. It is a flowchart which shows another example of the procedure of image data transmission processing. It is a breaking view which shows another example of the packaging film after printing. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the record layout of the use history DB. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of the usage number collection process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of the result aggregation processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the aggregation result output screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of image data for printing.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, as an example of a sheet-shaped package, a package of rice balls sold at a franchise chain store that handles food products such as supermarkets and convenience stores will be described.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of the package printing system 100. The package printing system 100 includes a film maker 110, a franchise headquarters 120, and a food maker 130. The film maker 110, the franchise headquarters 120, and the food maker 130 are each communicably connected by the network N.

The film maker 110 manufactures a packaging film that is the basis of a sheet-shaped package. In addition, the film maker 110 designs the package of the product. The film maker 110 proposes a package design to the franchise headquarters 120. The franchise headquarters 120 is, for example, the headquarters of a convenience store chain. The franchise headquarters 120 receives proposals from the film maker 110 regarding the package design of the products sold by the member stores, and decides whether or not to adopt them. The food maker 130 manufactures the products (food) sold by the member stores at the factory (food factory) 132 and delivers them to the distribution center and the member stores of the franchise headquarters 120.

The film maker 110 includes a design management server (transmitter) 1 and a terminal 111. The design management server 1 stores the package design and the image data to be printed on the package. The design management server 1 is composed of a server computer, a workstation, a blade server, or the like. The terminal 111 is, for example, a computer used by a package designer or a design manager of a film maker 110. The terminal 111 is composed of a desktop PC (Personal Computer), a notebook PC, a tablet PC, a smartphone, or the like.

The franchise headquarters 120 includes terminals 121. The terminal 121 is, for example, a computer used by a person in charge of product planning of the franchise headquarters 120. The terminal 121 is composed of a desktop PC, a notebook PC, a tablet PC, a smartphone, or the like.

The food maker 130 includes a terminal 131 and a factory 132. The terminal 131 is a computer used by, for example, a person in charge of manufacturing the food maker 130. The terminal 131 is composed of a desktop PC, a notebook PC, a tablet PC, a smartphone, or the like. Factory 132 manufactures food. A printing system 20 is constructed in the factory 132. The printing system 20 includes a printing server 2 and a printing device (printing unit) 133. The print server 2 stores the image data received from the design management server 1. The print server 2 transmits the image data to the printing device 133. The printing device 133 prints on the packaging film used for the product package based on the image data received from the printing server 2.

The design management server 1 may be provided by the franchise headquarters 120 instead of the film maker 110. Further, the design management server 1 may be provided by the cloud.

Next, an example of a wrapping film that becomes a package of rice balls will be described. FIG. 2 is a breaking view showing an example of the packaging film 4 at the time of shipment. FIG. 2 shows the state of the packaging film 4 at the time when the film maker 110 ships it to the food maker 130. The packaging film 4 includes a print area (first area) 41, a material mark 42, a cautionary note 43, and a marker 44. The print area 41 is an area on which an image is printed. The material mark 42 indicates the material of the packaging film. Note 43 is a note about the product. The marker 44 indicates a printing position. The marker 44 is used for aligning the packaging film 4 when printing is performed by the printing apparatus 133. A symbol 411 indicating the convenience store headquarters is printed in the print area 41. The packaging film 4 shipped to the food manufacturer has a strip shape. Markers 44 are repeatedly printed on the packaging film 4 from the print area 41 shown in FIG. 2 at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction. The packaging film 4 is shipped in the form of a roll wrapped around a paper tube. The packaging film 4 in the state shown in FIG. 2 does not print the contents unique to each product such as the names of rice balls and ingredients, and the prices. Therefore, the packaging film 4 shown in FIG. 2 is commonly used for a plurality of types of rice balls.

FIG. 3 is a broken view showing an example of the packaging film 4 after printing. FIG. 3 shows the state of the packaging film 4 after being printed by the printing apparatus 133 during the production of rice balls at the factory 132 of the food manufacturer 130. The image 412 is printed in the print area 41 of the packaging film 4. Image 412 includes a trade name display 412a and a price display 412b. The packaging film 4 that has been printed on the print area 41 is cut to the length used for each product. The product is packaged by the cut packaging film 4.

(Business flow)
Next, a business flow using the package printing system 100 will be described. FIG. 4 is a chart showing an example of the business flow. The film maker 110 designs the sales floor of the member store (step S1). For example, the designer of the film maker 110 designs the display shelves of the products and how the products are displayed on the display shelves. The film maker 110 designs the product package based on the sales floor design (step S2). For example, the designer of film maker 110 designs the entire package. In addition, the designer creates the design of the packaging film to be used for packaging based on the overall design, considering the packaging method of the product. The film maker 110 requests the franchise headquarters 120 and the food maker 130 to confirm the design (step S3). The franchise headquarters 120 and the food maker 130 confirm the design (step S4). If there is no problem with the design, the franchise headquarters 120 approves the design and notifies the film maker 110 to that effect (step S5). The food maker 130 approves if there is no problem in the design (step S5). Then, the food maker 130 requests the film maker 110 to create image data for printing (step S6). The film maker 110 creates image data for printing in response to a creation request from the franchise headquarters 120 and the food maker 130 (step S7). The film maker 110 transmits the print data to the food maker 130 (step S8). The food maker 130 prints on the packaging film using the image data for printing transmitted from the film maker 110 (step S9). The food maker 130 wraps the product with the printed packaging film (step S10). The food maker 130 delivers the packaged product (step S11). When requesting the creation of image data for printing, the film maker 110 receives a product name and a selling price from the franchise headquarters 120 for each product. Then, the film maker 110 creates print image data including the product name and the selling price. The progress of the business flow shown in FIG. 2 may be managed by a workflow system.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the design management server 1. The design management server 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a large-capacity storage unit 14, a communication unit 15, and a reading unit 16. Each configuration is connected by bus B.

The CPU 11 controls each part of the hardware according to the control program 1P stored in the ROM 12. The RAM 13 is, for example, a SRAM (Static RAM), a DRAM (Dynamic RAM), or a flash memory. The RAM 13 temporarily stores data generated when the program is executed by the CPU 11.

The large-capacity storage unit 14 is, for example, a hard disk or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The large-capacity storage unit 14 stores the design DB (DataBase) 141, the factory DB 142, and the manufacturing DB 143, which will be described later. Further, the control program 1P may be stored in the large-capacity storage unit 14.

The communication unit 15 communicates with the print server 2, the printing device 133 and the terminal 131 of the food maker 130, and the terminal 121 of the franchise headquarters 120 via the network N. The communication unit 15 communicates with the terminal 111 via a local network or the like.

The reading unit 16 reads a portable storage medium 1a including a CD (Compact Disc) -ROM and a DVD (Digital Versaille Disc) -ROM. The CPU 11 may read the control program 1P from the portable storage medium 1a via the reading unit 16 and store it in the large-capacity storage unit 14. Further, the CPU 11 may download the control program 1P from another computer via the network N or the like and store it in the large-capacity storage unit 14. Furthermore, the CPU 11 may read the control program 1P from the semiconductor memory 1b.

Next, the database stored in the large-capacity storage unit 14 will be described. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the record layout of the design DB 141. The design DB 141 stores data related to an image for a product package to be printed on the packaging film. The design DB 141 includes a product code column, a product name column, an image column, a status column, a headquarters column, a maker A column, and a maker B column. The product code column stores a product code (identifier) that uniquely identifies a product. The product code is, for example, a JAN (Japanese Article Number Number) code or a GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) code. The product name column stores the product name. The image string stores the name of the image file to be printed on the packaging film. The substance of the image file is separately stored in the large-capacity storage unit 14. The status column stores the approval status (approval flag) of the design. The headquarters row, the maker A row, and the maker B row store the design approval status by the franchise headquarters 120, the food maker A, and the food maker B, respectively. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the number of food manufacturers having transactions is not limited to two. If the number of food manufacturers is three or more, rows may be provided accordingly. The design DB 141 may be provided for each type of food. For example, a design DB 141 for rice balls, a design DB 141 for sandwiches, and a design DB 141 for sweet bread are provided. The values in the status column, the headquarters column, the maker A column, and the maker B column of the design DB 141 are appropriately rewritten by the workflow system that manages the business flow.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the record layout of the factory DB 142. The factory DB 142 stores information about each factory 132. The factory DB 142 includes a maker code string, a maker name string, a factory code string, a factory name string, and a destination column. The maker code string stores the maker code that uniquely identifies the maker. The manufacturer name column stores the manufacturer name. The factory code string stores a factory code (location identifier) that identifies the factory 132. The factory code is a code that can uniquely identify the factory 132 as long as it is within the same manufacturer. The factory name column stores the name of the factory. The destination column stores the destination when the image file is transmitted.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the record layout of the manufacturing staff DB 143. The manufacturing staff DB 143 stores information about the factory 132 in charge of manufacturing each product. The manufacturing charge DB 143 includes a product code string, a product name string, a maker code string, and a factory code string. The product code string stores the product code. The product name column stores the product name. The maker code column stores the maker code of the maker in charge of manufacturing the product. The factory code column stores the factory code of the factory 132 in charge of manufacturing the product.

Next, the printing system 20 will be further described. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of equipment provided in the factory 132. In addition to the printing system 20, FIG. 9 also shows devices related to the printing system 20. The printing system 20 includes a QR code (registered trademark) reader 134 connected to the printing device 133 in addition to the printing server 2 and the printing device 133. A film code (identifier) that identifies the packaging film is printed (assigned) on the inner surface of the hollow cylindrical packaging material paper tube around which the packaging film 4 mounted on the printing device 133 is wound. The film code is, for example, a QR code. The QR code is read by the QR code reader 134 when the packaging film 4 is attached to the printing apparatus 133. The film code obtained from the read QR code is sent to the printing server 2 via the printing device 133. Note that FIG. 9 shows only one printing device 133, one manufacturing device 30, and one packaging device 40, but the present invention is not limited thereto. There may be a plurality of printing devices 133, manufacturing devices 30, and packaging devices 40. In that case, the plurality of printing devices 133 may be controlled by one printing server 2, or the plurality of printing servers 2 may be controlled.

A production control system 10, a manufacturing apparatus 30, and a packaging apparatus 40 are installed in the factory 132. The rice balls produced by the manufacturing apparatus 30 are combined with the film on which the image data is printed on the manufacturing line and packaged in the packaging apparatus 40. The production control system 10 controls the printing system 20, the manufacturing apparatus 30, and the packaging apparatus 40.

Next, the printing server installed in the food company will be described. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the print server 2. The print server 2 includes a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a large-capacity storage unit 24, a communication unit 25, and a reading unit 26. Each configuration is connected by bus B.

The CPU 21 controls each part of the hardware according to the control program 2P stored in the ROM 22. RAM 23 is, for example, SRAM, DRAM or flash memory. The RAM 23 temporarily stores data generated when the program is executed by the CPU 21.

The large-capacity storage unit 24 is, for example, a hard disk or an SSD. The large-capacity storage unit 24 stores the image DB 241 and the operation DB 242, which will be described later. Further, the control program 2P may be stored in the large-capacity storage unit 24.

The communication unit 25 communicates with the design management server 1 and the like of the film maker 110 via the network N. The communication unit 25 communicates with the terminal 131 via a local network or the like.

The reading unit 26 reads a portable storage medium 2a including a CD and a DVD-ROM. The CPU 21 may read the control program 2P from the portable storage medium 2a via the reading unit 26 and store it in the large-capacity storage unit 24. Further, the CPU 21 may download the control program 2P from another computer via the network N or the like and store it in the large-capacity storage unit 24. Furthermore, the CPU 21 may read the control program 2P from the semiconductor memory 2b.

Next, the database stored in the large-capacity storage unit 24 will be described. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the record layout of the image DB 241. The image DB 241 stores print image data received from the design management server 1. The image DB 241 includes a product code string, a product name string, and an image string. The product code string stores the product code. The product name column stores the product name. The image string stores the file name of the image data. The substance of the image data indicated by the file name is separately stored in the large-capacity storage unit 24. When the image DB 241 corresponds to a data type that can store image data such as a BLOB type, the actual image data may be stored in the image string.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the record layout of the operation DB 242. The operation DB 242 stores the operation status of the printing device 133. The operation DB 242 includes a device ID column, a film code string, an operation day column, a time zone column, a product code string, and a number of sheets column. The device ID column stores the device ID that identifies the printing device 133. The device ID takes at least a unique value within the same factory 132. The film code sequence stores a film code that identifies the packaging film used. The working day column stores the date on which the printing device 133 was operated. The time zone column indicates the time zone in which the printing apparatus 133 was operated. For example, if production is performed three times a day, morning, noon, and evening, the time zone sequence stores morning, noon, or evening. The product code column stores the product code of the product in which the manufactured packaging film 4 is used. The number column stores the number of sheets of the packaging film 4 cut for each product.

Next, the information processing performed by the design management server 1 will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the image data transmission process. The CPU 11 selects a product to be processed (step S21). That is, the CPU 11 selects one record in the design DB 141. The CPU 11 acquires the state of the selected product (step S22). The CPU 11 acquires the value of the status column of the selected record. The CPU 11 determines whether or not the state has been approved (step S23). When the CPU 11 determines that the state is not approved (NO in step S23), the CPU 11 cancels the process for the selected product and shifts the process to step S27. When the CPU 11 determines that the status is approved (YES in step S23), the CPU 11 acquires the manufacturer code and factory code of the manufacturer corresponding to the selected product (step S24). The CPU 11 uses the product code of the selected record as a search key to search the manufacturing charge DB 143. The CPU 11 acquires the maker code and the factory code included in the record that hits the search. The CPU 11 acquires a destination (step S25). The CPU 11 searches the factory DB 142 using the acquired manufacturer code and factory code as search keys. The CPU 11 acquires the destination included in the record that hits the search. The CPU 11 transmits image data (step S26). The CPU 11 transmits the image data corresponding to the product selected in step S21 to the destination acquired in step S26 in association with the product code. When the manufacturer code and the factory code acquired in step S24 are a plurality of sets, the CPU 11 repeatedly executes steps S15 and S16 as many times as the number of sets acquired. The CPU 11 determines whether or not there is an unprocessed product (step S27). When the CPU 11 determines that there is an unprocessed product (YES in step S27), the process returns to step S21. When the CPU 11 determines that there is no unprocessed product (NO in step S27), the CPU 11 ends the process.

The image data transmission process shown in FIG. 13 is periodically executed. For example, daily batch, weekly batch or monthly batch. Further, the print data image may be scheduled to be sent prior to the production according to the production schedule of the food maker 130. The destination of the image data for printing is each factory, but it is not limited to this. The image data for printing may be transmitted to the food maker 130 and distributed to each factory within the food maker 130.

Subsequently, the printing process performed by the printing server 2 will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the printing process. The CPU 21 of the print server 2 acquires the product code and the number of prints from the host device (step S31). The host device is, for example, a management computer of a manufacturing management system that collectively manages manufacturing processes. The number of prints is determined according to the number of products manufactured. The number of prints is the same as the number of production. The number of prints may be larger than the number of prints in consideration of the print yield. The CPU 21 acquires image data corresponding to the acquired product code from the image DB 241 (step S32). The CPU 21 outputs image data to the printing device 133 in charge of printing (step S33). The CPU 21 gives a print instruction to the printing device 133 (step S34). At this time, the CPU 21 outputs the number of prints to the printing device 133. The CPU 21 acquires the state of the printing device 133 (step S35). The acquired state includes information on the number of printed sheets. The CPU 21 determines whether or not the printing device 133 has finished printing the number of prints (step S36). When the CPU 21 determines that the printing device 133 has not finished printing the number of prints (NO in step S36), the process returns to step S35. When the CPU 21 determines that the printing device 133 has finished printing the number of prints (YES in step S36), the CPU 21 stores the operation data in the operation DB 242 (step S37). The CPU 21 ends the process.

This embodiment has the following effects. Since the design management server 1 collectively manages the image data to be printed on the product package, each of a plurality of products (for example, salted rice balls, salmon rice balls, or pickled plum rice balls) included in one product group (for example, rice balls). It is possible to have a uniform package design (suppress variations in the design). In particular, it is effective when the food manufacturer 130 manufactured for each product is different. For example, when rice balls are manufactured at a plurality of manufacturers or at a plurality of factories, the design can be unified. The design management server 1 collectively receives the product name and the selling price for each product from the franchise headquarters 120, and creates image data for printing including the product name and the selling price. Since the food maker 130 prints the received print image data on the packaging film, the accuracy of the content of the print image data including the product name and the selling price is guaranteed. Since the design management server 1 periodically executes the print image data transmission process, the up-to-dateness of the print image data held by the food maker 130 is guaranteed. Further, it is not necessary to print the product name and the selling price on the packaging film delivered by the film maker 110 to the factory 132 of the food maker 130. Therefore, the food maker 130 can create a sheet-like package of a plurality of products from one roll of packaging film. As a result, even when the number of orders for each product is significantly different, the food maker 130 can efficiently use the packaging film and prevent waste of the packaging film.

(Embodiment 2)
The present embodiment relates to a mode in which an image data transmission process is performed when the design management server 1 receives a print image data transmission request from the food maker 130.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the record layout of the transmission request DB 144. The transmission request DB 144 is stored in, for example, the large-capacity storage unit 14. The transmission request DB 144 stores an image data transmission request from the food maker 130. The transmission request DB 144 includes a date string, a time string, a maker code string, a factory code string, a product code string, and a transmission column. The date column stores the date of the request. The time column stores the requested time. The maker code string stores the maker code of the maker who made the request. The factory code string stores the factory code of the factory 132 that made the request. The product code column stores the product code of the requested product. The transmission column stores whether or not the image data for printing has been transmitted. For example, when the transmission is completed, the transmission column stores "done". If the transmission is not completed, the transmission column stores "not yet".

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of image data request processing performed by the print server 2. The CPU 21 acquires a manufacturing plan from a host device (for example, a manufacturing management system) (step S41). The CPU 21 acquires the product code of the product to be manufactured from the acquired manufacturing plan (step S42). The CPU 21 transmits the product code of the product to be manufactured to the design management server 1 and requests the image data (step S43). The CPU 21 receives image data from the design management server 1 (step S44). The CPU 21 stores the image data in the image DB 241 (step S45). The CPU 21 ends the process.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing another example of the procedure of the image data transmission process. The CPU 11 refers to the transmission request DB 144 and selects the food maker 130 to be processed (step S51). The CPU 11 selects the factory 132 to be processed from the selected food maker 130 (step S52). The CPU 11 acquires the product code associated with the food maker 130 and the factory 132 as the processing target from the transmission request DB 144 (step S53). The CPU 11 acquires print image data associated with the acquired product code (step S54). The CPU 11 stores the acquired image data for printing in a temporary storage area provided in the RAM 13 or the large-capacity storage unit 14. The CPU 11 determines whether or not there is an unprocessed product (step S55). When the CPU 11 determines that there is an unprocessed product (YES in step S55), the process returns to step S53. When the CPU 11 determines that there is no unprocessed product (NO in step S55), the CPU 11 transmits the print image data stored in the temporary storage area to the factory 132 (step S56). The CPU 11 determines whether or not there is an unprocessed factory 132 (step S57). When the CPU 11 determines that there is an unprocessed factory 132 (YES in step S57), the process returns to step S52. When the CPU 11 determines that there is no unprocessed factory 132 (NO in step S57), the CPU 11 determines whether or not there is an unprocessed food maker 130 (step S58). When the CPU 11 determines that there is an unprocessed food maker 130 (YES in step S58), the process returns to step S51. When the CPU 11 determines that there is no unprocessed food maker 130 (NO in step S58), the CPU 11 ends the process.

In order to confirm whether the transmission request of the image data for printing is not unreasonable, whether the combination of the manufacturer code, the factory code and the product code stored in the transmission request DB 144 is consistent with the stored contents of the manufacturing staff DB 143. You may look it up.

This embodiment has the following effects. Since the food maker 130 can request transmission to the design management server 1 when the print image data is required, it is possible to ensure the accuracy and up-to-dateness of the print image data. Since the design management server 1 does not transmit the image data for printing until the transmission request is made, the processing load can be reduced.

(Embodiment 3)
The present embodiment is a form relating to a change of image data for printing. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the record layout of the design DB 141. The design DB 141 includes a product code column, a product name column, an image column, a transmission column, a status column, a headquarters column, a maker A column, and a maker B column. Since the design DB 141 is the same as FIG. 4 except for the transmission column, the description thereof will be omitted. The transmission column stores whether or not the print image data has been transmitted. If it has not been sent yet, the send column remembers "not yet". If it has been sent, the send column stores "done".

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the change processing. The CPU 11 accepts the changed content (step S61). For example, when the price is revised, the image data for printing will be changed. The CPU 11 stores the changed image data for printing in the design DB 141, and requests the franchise headquarters 120 and the food maker 130 for approval (step S62). The approval request is made, for example, by sending an e-mail. The CPU 11 determines whether or not the approval is completed (step S63). When the CPU 11 determines that the approval has not been completed (NO in step S63), the process is repeated. When the CPU 11 determines that the approval is completed (YES in step S63), the CPU 11 transmits the changed print image data (step S64), and ends the process. The transmission process is the same as in the first embodiment.

This embodiment has the following effects. When the print image data is changed, the changed print image data is transmitted to the food maker 130 immediately after the approval, so that the change of the product name or the price revision can be reflected promptly. This is particularly effective when the image data for printing is transmitted in a weekly batch or a monthly batch.

(Embodiment 4)
This embodiment is a form that can be used for a limited-time sale or a limited-time product. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the record layout of the design DB 141. The design DB 141 includes a product code column, a product name column, a valid column, a period column, a type column, an image column, a status column, a headquarters column, a maker A column, and a maker B column. Since the design DB 141 is the same as FIG. 4 except for the valid column, the period column, and the type column, the description thereof will be omitted. The valid column stores whether or not the image data is valid. Effective means that the image data may be used for printing. Invalid means that the image data must not be used for printing. The image data is invalid, for example, when it has not been approved or when it is not in use. The period column stores the period when the print image data is valid only for a predetermined period. The type column stores the type of image data for printing. For example, in the case of image data for printing used in the normal period, the type column stores "normal". In the case of image data for printing used for a limited-time discount sale, the type column stores "sale". In the case of print image data used for a limited-time product, the type column stores "event".

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing another example of the procedure of the image data transmission process. In FIG. 21, the same processing as in the first embodiment (FIG. 13) is designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. In the present embodiment, when it is determined that the CPU 11 has been approved (YES in step S23), it is determined whether or not the period is set (step S28). When the CPU 11 determines that the period has not been set (NO in step S28), the CPU 11 executes step S24. When the CPU 11 determines that the period is set (YES in step S28), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the current period is within the set period (step S29). When the CPU 11 determines that the current period is not within the set period (NO in step S29), the process shifts to step S27. When the CPU 11 determines that the current period is within the set period (YES in step S29), the CPU 11 executes step S24.

This embodiment has the following effects. The design management server 1 manages print image data related to limited-time sales and limited-time products. This makes it possible to display the sale price during the limited-time sale. Since the print image data of the limited-time product is not transmitted to the food manufacturer or its factory 132 outside the target period, it is possible to prevent the mistake of shipping the product outside the period.

(Embodiment 5)
The present embodiment also relates to a form in which the design management server 1 manages image data related to the display of raw materials and the display of calories. FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the record layout of the attribute DB 145. The attribute DB 145 is stored in, for example, the large-capacity storage unit 14. The attribute DB 145 includes a product code string, a product name column, a relative expiration date column, a manufacturer name column, a raw material name column, a nutritional component column, and a barcode column. The product code string stores the product code. The product name column stores the product name. The relative expiration date column stores the relative expiration date of the product. The relative expiration date stores the number of hours from the time of manufacture to the expiration date. The relative expiration date may store the number of minutes, days or months from the time of manufacture to the expiration date depending on the nature of the product. The manufacturer name column stores the name of the food manufacturer. The raw material name column stores the name of the raw material of the product. The nutritional component column stores the nutritional components of the product together with the amount contained in the product. The bar code string stores a bar code image (product ID) of the product code.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing another example of the procedure of the image data transmission process. In FIG. 23, the same processing as in the first embodiment (FIG. 13) is designated by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. In the following description, steps S21 to S25 and S27 will be omitted because they are the first embodiment and Saturday. After executing step S25, the CPU 11 acquires the product attribute data (second print data) from the attribute DB 145 (step S30). The acquired attribute data is transmitted to the factory 132 together with the image data for printing by the CPU 11 (step S26). The attribute data (excluding the relative expiration date and the barcode image) transmitted to the factory 132 may be character data or image data.

FIG. 24 is a broken view showing another example of the packaging film 4 after printing. In FIG. 24, the same configurations as those in FIG. 3 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. The packaging film 4 includes a print area 41, a material mark 42, a cautionary note 43, a marker 44, and an attribute print area (second area) 45. The attribute print area 45 includes a first sub-area 45a and a second sub-area 45b. The nutritional component 451 is printed in the first subregion 45a. In the second sub-region 45b, a barcode 452, a name 453, a raw material name 454, an expiration date 455, a storage method 456, and a manufacturer 457 are displayed. The expiry date 455 prints the relative expiry date and the expiry date calculated from the time of manufacture of the product.

This embodiment has the following effects. Since the design management server 1 manages the raw materials and nutritional components of the product, it is possible to ensure accuracy and up-to-dateness even if the raw materials and nutritional components are changed.

(Embodiment 6)
The present embodiment relates to a form for collecting the usage record of the packaging film. As described above, the printing apparatus 133 is fitted with the roll-shaped packaging film 4 delivered by the film maker 110. A film code that identifies the wrapping film is printed on the inner surface of the wrapping material paper tube around which the wrapping film is wrapped. The film code is, for example, a QR code. With the QR code, the packaging film can be managed in units of one roll (predetermined unit).

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the record layout of the usage history DB 146. The usage history DB 146 is stored in, for example, the large-capacity storage unit 14. The usage history DB 146 stores the usage history of the packaging film. The usage history DB 146 includes a film code string, a factory code string, a product code string, a working day column, and a usage number sequence. The film code string stores a film code that identifies the packaging film. The factory code string stores the factory code of the factory 132 in which the packaging film was used. The product code column stores the product code of the product in which the packaging film is used. The working day column stores the working date. The used sequence stores the number of used packaging films. The number used is the number of packaging films manufactured. Usually, the number of uses is equal to the number of prints of the printing apparatus 133.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the usage number collection process. The used number collection process is executed by the printing apparatus 133 and the production control system 10. Here, it will be described as being performed by the printing apparatus 133. When the packaging film is attached to the printing device 133, the QR code is read by the QR code reader 134 connected to the printing device 133 (step S71). The printing device 133 acquires the product code of the product to be packaged (step S72). The printing device 133 acquires image data for printing (step S73). When the printing device 133 starts printing on the wrapping film, it counts the number of used wrapping films (number of units used) (step S74). When printing is completed, the printing device 133 transmits the product code and the number of used products to the design management server 1 together with the film code (step S75), and ends the process.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the actual result aggregation processing. The CPU 11 totals the number of uses based on the records stored in the usage history DB 146 (step S81). For example, tabulation is performed for each working day, each factory 132, each film code, and each product code. The CPU 11 outputs the aggregation result (step S82).

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the aggregation result output screen 31. The total result output screen 31 includes a print image data display 311, a film display 312, and a print number display 313. The print image data display 311 displays the printed image data for print. The film display 312 displays the film code of the packaging film used. The print number display 313 displays the print number (usage record number). In the example shown in FIG. 28, the number of prints for each factory 132 and their total are displayed. The number of prints shown in FIG. 28 may be in units of one day, or may be the number of prints at the time of manufacture by one order. In addition, the number of prints may be updated at any time during the manufacture of the product.

This embodiment has the following effects. Since the number of uses (number of prints) can be grasped for each packaging film, inventory control of the packaging film can be performed for each food manufacturer 130 and factory 132.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of image data for printing. FIG. 29A shows an example of image data used in the case of a limited-time sale. FIG. 29B shows an example of image data used for a limited-time product.

The technical features (constituent requirements) described in each embodiment can be combined with each other, and by combining them, new technical features can be formed.
The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the scope of claims, not the above-mentioned meaning, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

100 Package printing system 110 Film maker 1 Design management server 11 CPU
12 ROM
13 RAM
14 Large-capacity storage unit 141 Design DB
142 Factory DB
143 Manufacturing DB
144 Transmission request DB
145 attribute DB
146 Usage history DB
15 Communication unit 16 Reading unit 1P control program 1a Portable storage medium 1b Semiconductor memory 120 Franchise headquarters 130 Food maker 2 Printing server

Claims (6)

Used for printing in a first area which is commonly used for products manufactured by a plurality of types, has a packaging film to which an identifier is given for each predetermined unit, and different contents are printed for each type of the product. An acquisition unit that acquires image data from the storage unit,
A transmitter that transmits the acquired image data to a printing system that is installed at each of a plurality of locations and prints in the first area according to the number of manufactured products.
A unit acquisition unit for acquiring the identifier of the packaging film used by the printing apparatus included in the printing system, the identifier of the product in which the packaging film is used, and the number of units used.
The location identifier associated with the acquired identifier of the packaging film based on the location identifier assigned to each of the plurality of locations and the storage unit associated with the identifier of the packaging film possessed by each of the plurality of locations. With a specific part that identifies
Based on the identified location identifier, the acquired product identifier, and the number of units used, the usage record of the storage unit that stores the location identifier, the product identifier, and the number of usage records of the packaging film in association with each other. Achievement update department that updates the number and
A transmission device including the location identifier, the product identifier, and an output unit that outputs the usage record number. A change reception unit that accepts changes in the image data,
A change part that changes the image data according to the received changes,
The transmission device according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit transmits the changed image data. The change part accepts the period for changing the image data,
The transmission device according to claim 2, wherein the transmission unit transmits the modified image data only during the received period. The image data is stored in association with a plurality of approval flags.
The transmission device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the acquisition unit acquires only the image data for which all of the plurality of approval flags have been approved. Used for printing in a first area which is commonly used for products manufactured by a plurality of types, has a packaging film to which an identifier is given for each predetermined unit, and different contents are printed for each type of the product. Obtain image data from the storage unit and
The acquired image data is transmitted to a printing system that is installed at each of a plurality of locations and performs an image in the first area according to the number of manufactured products.
The identifier of the packaging film used by the printing apparatus included in the printing system, the identifier of the product in which the packaging film is used, and the number of units used are acquired.
The location identifier associated with the acquired identifier of the packaging film based on the location identifier assigned to each of the plurality of locations and the storage unit associated with the identifier of the packaging film possessed by each of the plurality of locations. Identify and
Based on the identified location identifier, the acquired product identifier, and the number of units used, the usage record of the storage unit that stores the location identifier, the product identifier, and the number of usage records of the packaging film in association with each other. Update the number,
A transmission method characterized by outputting the location identifier, the product identifier, and the usage record number. Used for printing in a first area which is commonly used for products manufactured by a plurality of types, has a packaging film to which an identifier is given for each predetermined unit, and different contents are printed for each type of the product. An acquisition unit that acquires image data from the storage unit,
A transmission device having a transmission unit for transmitting the acquired image data and a reception unit for receiving the image data at each of a plurality of locations.
It has a printing unit that prints in the first area based on the number of manufactured products and received image data, and has a printing system installed at each of the plurality of locations.
The transmitter is
A unit acquisition unit for acquiring the identifier of the packaging film used by the printing unit, the identifier of the product in which the packaging film is used, and the number of units used.
The location identifier associated with the acquired identifier of the packaging film based on the location identifier assigned to each of the plurality of locations and the storage unit associated with the identifier of the packaging film possessed by each of the plurality of locations. With a specific part that identifies
Based on the identified location identifier, the acquired product identifier, and the number of units used, the usage record of the storage unit that stores the location identifier, the product identifier, and the number of usage records of the packaging film in association with each other. Achievement update department that updates the number and
A transmission system further comprising the location identifier, the product identifier, and an output unit that outputs the usage record number.

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