WO2018143126A1

WO2018143126A1 - Article management system, article management device, management device, and article management method

Info

Publication number: WO2018143126A1
Application number: PCT/JP2018/002739
Authority: WO
Inventors: 薮野　寛之; 孝広佐藤; 将泰向井; 中村　敬
Original assignee: パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社
Priority date: 2017-01-31
Filing date: 2018-01-29
Publication date: 2018-08-09

Abstract

Provided is an article management system (901) for managing one or more articles 2 housed in an openable cabinet (10) that receives power supply, the article management system comprising: a power reception unit (24) that receives power shared with the cabinet (10); a communication unit (26) that transmits a reception signal indicating the reception state of the shared power; and a determination unit (938) that receives the reception signal and determines whether the shared power is to be blocked on the basis of the received reception signal. As a result of the feature, it is possible to provide an article management system, an article management device, a management device, and an article management method that are versatile and reliable and can manage one or more articles with a simple constitution.

Description

Article management system, article management apparatus, management apparatus, and article management method

The present disclosure relates to an article management system, an article management apparatus, a management apparatus, and an article management method for managing one or more articles stored in a casing.

Conventionally, vending machines that automatically sell articles are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a vending machine system capable of switching between a normal mode and a free mode based on authentication information read by a card reader.

However, in the above-described conventional vending machine system, a housing for storing articles is a dedicated product. Articles housed in the housing must also have a shape and size suitable for the main body housing. The structure for storing the article and the structure of the article outlet are also complicated.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-162084

Therefore, the present disclosure provides a versatile and reliable article management system, article management apparatus, management apparatus, and article management method capable of managing one or more articles with a simple configuration.

An article management system according to an aspect of the present disclosure is an article management system that manages one or more articles stored in an openable / closable casing that receives power supply, and that receives power common to the casing And a transmission unit that transmits a power reception signal indicating a power reception state of the common power, and a determination unit that receives the power reception signal and determines the interruption of the common power based on the received power reception signal.

An article management apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure is an article management apparatus that includes an openable / closable casing that receives power supply, and that manages one or more articles stored in the casing. And a power receiving unit that receives common power and a transmission unit that transmits a power reception signal indicating a power receiving state of the common power.

A management device according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a management device connected to an article management device having a power reception unit, and receives a power reception signal indicating a power reception state of power received by the power reception unit of the article management device. A receiving unit that receives the received signal; and a determination unit that determines interruption of the power based on the received power reception signal.

An article management method according to an aspect of the present disclosure is an article management method using an article management apparatus that manages one or more articles stored in an openable / closable casing that receives power supply, and is common to the casing. The power receiving signal indicating the power receiving state of the common power is transmitted.

An article management method according to an aspect of the present disclosure is an article management method using a management apparatus connected to an article management apparatus having a power reception unit, wherein the power received by the power reception unit of the article management apparatus A power reception signal indicating a power reception state is received, and the interruption of the power is determined based on the received power reception signal.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an article management system, an article management apparatus, a management apparatus, and an article management method that can manage one or more articles with a simple configuration and have high versatility and reliability.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an article management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a top view of a lunch box which is an example of an article to be managed by the article management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing a closed housing in the article management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3B is a perspective view showing the opened housing in the article management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of a user who uses the article management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the article management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a registered person list in the article management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a price list in the article management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a shooting range of the in-compartment camera in the article management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state where the user holds an article over a code reader in the article management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a lock mechanism of the article management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a side view showing an unlocked state and a locked state of the lock mechanism of the article management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a top view showing a locked state of the lock mechanism of the article management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation of the article management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device of the article management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating error processing performed by the control device of the article management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a collation process performed by the management apparatus of the article management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an identification display reading process performed by the code reader and the control device of the article management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of comparison and charging processing performed by the management apparatus of the article management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating another example of comparison and billing processing performed by the management apparatus of the article management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the housing of the article management system according to the first modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the in-compartment sensor unit of the article management system according to the second modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the detachable sensor of the in-compartment sensor unit according to the second modification example of the first embodiment. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a plurality of articles are attached to the in-compartment sensor unit according to the second modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a state in which an article is removed from the detachable sensor according to the second modification example of the first embodiment. FIG. 25 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation of the article management system according to the second modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control device in the article management system according to the second modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the in-compartment sensor unit of the article management system according to the third modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the detachable sensor of the in-compartment sensor unit according to the third modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a plurality of articles are attached to the in-compartment sensor unit according to the third modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the lunch box is removed from the detachable sensor according to the third modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the in-compartment sensor unit of the article management system according to the fourth modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a plurality of articles are attached to the in-compartment sensor unit according to the fourth modification example of the first embodiment. FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating a state in which an article is attached to the in-compartment sensor unit according to the fourth modification example of the first embodiment. FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating a state in which an article is removed from the in-compartment sensor unit according to the fourth modification example of the first embodiment. FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating a positional relationship between the weight sensor and the article in the article management system according to the fifth modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the individual storage unit of the article management system according to the sixth modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 37 is a perspective view of an individual storage unit in which articles are stored in the article management system according to the sixth modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 38 is a perspective view showing a state before and after taking out an article from an individual storage unit in the article management system according to the sixth modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating an individual storage shelf in the article management system according to the seventh modification example of the first embodiment. FIG. 40 is a perspective view showing a part of an individual storage shelf according to a seventh modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 41 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an article management system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a plurality of individual housings in the article management system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 43 is a front view showing a housing in which a plurality of individual housings according to the second embodiment are arranged. FIG. 44 is a diagram showing a person list in the article management system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 45 is a flowchart illustrating a collation process performed by the management apparatus of the article management system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device of the article management system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 47 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an article management system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 48 is a diagram illustrating an example of storing a plurality of articles in a casing in the article management system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 49 is a diagram showing a storage position table showing the correspondence between articles and storage positions in the article management system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 50 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation of the article management system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 51 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation of the article management system according to the modification of the third embodiment. FIG. 52 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an article management system according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 53 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation of the article management system according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 54 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the state confirmation process performed by the management apparatus of the article management system according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 55 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an article management system according to a first modification of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 56 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation of the article management system according to the first modification of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 57 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of state confirmation processing performed by the management device of the article management system according to the first modification of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 58 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation of the article management system according to the second modification of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 59 is a diagram illustrating a connection relationship between the control device and the lock mechanism of the article management system according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 60 is a flowchart showing the unlocking process performed by the lock mechanism of the article management system according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 61 is a diagram illustrating a connection relationship between the control device and the lock mechanism of the article management system according to the first modification example of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 62 is a diagram illustrating a connection relationship between the control device and the lock mechanism of the article management system according to the second modification of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 63 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an article management system according to a modification of the embodiment. FIG. 64 is a flowchart showing the operation of the communication terminal of the article management system according to the modification of the embodiment. FIG. 65 is a diagram showing an example of an unlock code display screen according to a modification of the embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

Note that all of the embodiments described below show a comprehensive or specific example. Numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of components, steps, order of steps, and the like shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

Each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily shown strictly. Therefore, for example, the scales and the like do not necessarily match in each drawing. Moreover, in each figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the substantially same structure, The overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted or simplified.

(First embodiment)
[Overview]
First, the outline | summary of the article | item management system 1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment is demonstrated using FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an article management system 1 according to the present embodiment.

The article management system 1 according to the present embodiment is a system that manages a plurality of articles 2 housed in an openable / closable casing 10. Note that the number of articles 2 managed by the article management system 1 may be only one. A control device 20 that can communicate with the management device 30 is attached to the housing 10. In the present embodiment, the housing 10 is not a dedicated housing. The article management system 1 is configured by attaching a hardware configuration such as the control device 20 to a commercially available general casing 10 as a retrofit.

Throughout this specification, the casing 10 and the control device 20 are collectively referred to as an article management device (including other embodiments and modifications thereof).

In the present embodiment, the article management system 1 performs storage of the article 2 and charges for the price of the article 2 taken out from the housing 10. That is, the article management system 1 can make the housing 10 have a so-called vending machine function.

The housing 10 is installed in a place where a plurality of persons gather, such as a workplace (office building), a school, and a hospital. Any person or a predetermined person can open the housing 10 and take out the article 2 stored in the housing 10. The control device 20 and the management device 30 specify the article 2 taken out from the housing 10 and the person who has taken out, and charge the price of the specified article 2 to the specified person. In this way, the article management system 1 can store and sell the article 2 stored in the housing 10.

In the following embodiment, an example in which the article 2 is a lunch box will be described as an example, as shown in FIG. That is, the article management system 1 is an automatic lunch box sales system arranged in an office or the like. FIG. 2 is a top view of a lunch box which is an example of an article 2 to be managed by the article management system 1 according to the present embodiment.

The lunch box is stored in the housing 10 and stored in an environment where temperature management is performed. A user who has a long time to buy a lunch box, or a user who wants a special lunch box (for example, for vegetarians) who is different from a commercially available lunch box may open the housing 10 and purchase his / her favorite lunch box. it can. Settlement is automatically performed based on pre-registered personal information. For this reason, lunch can be purchased cashlessly.

3A and 3B are perspective views of the housing 10 of the article management system 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3A shows a state where the housing 10 is closed. FIG. 3B shows a state where the housing 10 is opened.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the casing 10 houses a plurality of lunch boxes 2a to 2c. Each of the plurality of lunch boxes 2a to 2c is an example of the article 2, and the types thereof are different from each other. For example, the lunch box 2a is a lunch box including meat as a main ingredient, and the lunch box 2b is a lunch box including fish as a main ingredient. The lunch box 2c is a vegetarian lunch box that does not contain meat and fish. The lunch boxes 2a to 2c may be lunch boxes according to the style of dishes such as Western, Chinese and Japanese.

Here, the operation in which the user takes out (purchases) the article 2 from the casing 10 using the article management system 1 will be briefly described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation example of a user who uses the article management system 1 according to the present embodiment.

Here, a case where the user is a person who is permitted to use the article management system 1 and uses the article management system 1 correctly to take out only one article 2 will be described. Note that, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, an internal camera 40 is attached to the inside of the housing 10. A control device 20, a code reader 50, and a card reader 60 are attached to the outside of the housing 10.

As shown in FIG. 4, the user holds an identification card for identifying himself / herself such as an ID card or a credit card held by the user over the card reader 60 for personal authentication (matching with a registration list) (S1). ). After the personal authentication of the user is completed, the lock mechanism 70 (see FIGS. 5 and 10) is unlocked, so that the housing 10 can be opened (S2). The user opens the casing 10 (door 12) and takes out the article 2 from the casing 10 (S3).

Thereafter, the user causes the code reader 50 to read the identification display 51 (see FIG. 2) attached to the taken-out article 2 (S4). As a result, the taken-out article 2 is specified and charged. And a user closes the housing | casing 10 (door 12), and the taking-out (purchase) of the articles | goods 2 is completed (S5). The timing at which the user closes the housing 10 may be immediately after the article 2 is taken out and before the identification display 51 is read by the code reader 50.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the article management system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the article management system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a housing 10, a control device 20, a management device 30, a warehouse camera (first detection unit) 40, and a code reader (first 2 detection unit) 50, a card reader (acquisition unit) 60, a lock mechanism 70, an open / close sensor 80, and a guide unit 90.

In the following, an example in which the article management system 1 includes the casing 10 will be described. However, the article management system 1 may not include the dedicated casing 10. That is, the control device 20, the internal camera 40, the code reader 50, the card reader 60, the lock mechanism 70, the open / close sensor 80, and the guide unit 90 are attached to a highly versatile housing (such as a commercially available showcase) 10. By arranging in the vicinity of the housing 10, the article management system 1 can be configured. The attachment is performed using an attachment such as a screw or an adhesive sheet. That is, since a dedicated housing is not necessary as the housing 10, it can be realized as a highly versatile article management system 1.

Hereinafter, details of each component of the article management system 1 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Case]
The housing 10 is an openable / closable housing for housing a plurality of articles 2 therein. FIG. 5 shows an example in which the internal camera 40, the lock mechanism 70, and the open / close sensor 80, which are first detection units, are arranged inside the housing 10. Below, the detailed structure of the housing | casing 10 is demonstrated using FIG. 3A and 3B.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the housing 10 includes a main body 11 and a door 12.

The main body 11 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped casing that forms an outer casing of the casing 10. The main body 11 forms a substantially rectangular parallelepiped storage space 11a for storing a plurality of articles 2 therein. At least one surface of the main body 11 is open, and a door 12 is attached so as to cover the open surface.

In addition, the shape of the main body 11 and the storage space 11a may be a substantially cubic shape, a substantially cylindrical shape, or a substantially spherical shape, and is not particularly limited. The size of the main body 11 is not limited to, for example, the capacity of the storage space 11a is about 60 liters to 100 liters. The main body 11 is formed, for example, by molding and combining metal materials or resin materials, but the material of the main body 11 is not particularly limited, and may be formed using wood or the like.

In the present embodiment, the storage space 11a of the main body 11 is divided into a plurality of partial spaces by a partition member. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, two shelf members 13 are arranged in the storage space 11a. The two shelves 13 divide the storage space 11a into three in the vertical direction (upper, middle, and lower). The shelf member 13 is formed using, for example, a flat plate or a flat net.

Although not shown, a pair of grooves or a pair of protrusions are provided at the same height on the two inner surfaces (the left inner surface and the right inner surface) facing each other of the main body 11. The shelf member 13 is inserted into the pair of grooves or placed on the pair of protrusions. At this time, a plurality of pairs of grooves or a pair of protrusions may be provided at different heights. Thereby, according to the magnitude | size of the articles | goods 2 accommodated, the height of the shelf material 13 can be changed. Thus, the shelf member 13 may be removable.

In the present embodiment, different types of articles 2 are stored for each partial space divided by the shelf material 13. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, a lunch box 2a is arranged in the upper stage, a lunch box 2b is arranged in the middle stage, and a lunch box 2c is arranged in the lower stage. The lunch boxes 2a are arranged side by side and stacked.

The door 12 is fixed to the main body 11 so that it can be opened and closed. Specifically, the door 12 is a substantially rectangular plate, and is connected to one side of the main body 11 so as to be rotatable about one side. That is, the door 12 is a so-called side-opening door. In a state where the door 12 is closed, the storage space 11a of the main body 11 is blocked from the outside, and the article 2 cannot be taken out. By opening the door 12, the storage space 11a is opened to the outside, and the article 2 can be taken out.

The door 12 is formed using a translucent member such as a transparent glass plate, for example. Thereby, even if it does not open the door 12, the mode of the articles | goods 2 accommodated in the inside can be confirmed visually. The door 12 may be formed using a light shielding member. Although not shown, packing is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the door 12 so as to fill a gap between the door 12 and the main body 11 when the door 12 is closed. Thereby, the sealing property (airtightness) of the storage space 11a can be improved.

The casing 10 according to the present embodiment is an openable / closable casing that receives power supply. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the housing 10 includes a temperature adjustment unit 14 that adjusts the temperature of the storage space 11 a using supplied power. Specifically, the temperature adjustment unit 14 can cool the storage space 11a and keep the temperature at a predetermined temperature. In addition, the temperature adjustment part 14 may heat not only cooling but the storage space 11a. Moreover, the temperature adjustment part 14 may cool or heat only a partial area | region of the storage space 11a. For example, the temperature adjustment unit 14 may be capable of keeping the storage space 11a at a different temperature for each region.

The temperature adjusting unit 14 is realized by, for example, a compressor (compressor) or a Peltier element. The compressor or the Peltier element is driven by electric power supplied from the outside (specifically, the control device 20).

3A and 3B, the housing 10 includes a power cord 15 for receiving power from the outside. The power cord 15 has, for example, a plug that can be connected to a commercial power source. In the present embodiment, the power cord 15 is connected to the control device 20. That is, power is supplied to the housing 10 from the outside via the control device 20.

[Control device]
The control device 20 controls the internal camera 40, the code reader 50, the card reader 60, the lock mechanism 70, the open / close sensor 80, and the guide unit 90. Specifically, the control device 20 supplies power to each of the in-compartment camera 40, the code reader 50, the card reader 60, the lock mechanism 70, the open / close sensor 80, and the guide unit 90, and controls signals between them. Or send and receive information. The control device 20 transmits and receives information by communicating with the management device 30.

The control device 20 is realized by, for example, a single board computer. Specifically, the control device 20 includes a nonvolatile memory in which a program is stored, a volatile memory that is a temporary storage area for executing the program, an input / output port, a processor that executes the program, and the like. The control device 20 (single board computer) is housed in a housing and is attached to the outer wall surface of the housing 10 as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

As shown in FIG. 5, the control device 20 includes a control unit 21, a power receiving unit 24, a power feeding unit 25, and a communication unit 26. The control unit 21 includes a lock control unit 22 that controls the lock mechanism 70 and an information processing unit 23 that inputs and outputs various types of information.

The lock control unit 22 controls the lock mechanism 70. Specifically, the lock control unit 22 unlocks the lock mechanism 70 when the collation result by the collation unit 32 of the management device 30 indicates that the person matches. In the article management system 1 according to the present embodiment, only the person registered in advance in the person list 35 managed by the management apparatus 30 is allowed to take out (that is, purchase) the article 2 from the housing 10. . For this reason, the lock control unit 22 unlocks the lock mechanism 70 only when the collation unit 32 confirms that the user who wants to take out the article 2 is a person registered in the person list 35. Thereby, the user can be permitted to take out the article 2. The lock control unit 22 locks the lock mechanism 70 when the opening / closing sensor 80 detects that the door 12 is closed. Specific unlocking processing and locking processing will be described later.

The information processing unit 23 controls each of the internal camera 40, the code reader 50, the card reader 60, the lock mechanism 70, the open / close sensor 80, and the guide unit 90, and transmits / receives a control signal or information to / from each of them. . For example, the information processing unit 23 acquires first detection information from the internal camera 40. The information processing unit 23 acquires second detection information from the code reader 50. The information processing unit 23 acquires person information from the card reader 60. The information processing unit 23 acquires the opening / closing information of the housing 10 from the opening / closing sensor 80. The information processing unit 23 outputs guide information or error information to the guide unit 90. Further, the information processing unit 23 transmits information acquired from each processing unit to the management apparatus 30 via the communication unit 26. Specific processing performed by the information processing unit 23 will be described later in detail together with the description of the operation of the article management system 1.

The power receiving unit 24 receives power from the outside and supplies it to the control unit 21. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the power receiving unit 24 includes a power cord and a plug, and is connected to a household outlet and receives power.

The power feeding unit 25 supplies the power received by the power receiving unit 24 to the housing 10. Specifically, the power supply unit 25 is configured by a plug insertion port, and the power cord 15 provided in the housing 10 is inserted. That is, power is supplied to the housing 10 via the control device 20. The external power supply device, the control device 20 and the housing 10 are connected in series.

Thus, in the present embodiment, the power receiving unit 24 receives power common to the housing 10. Specifically, the power receiving unit 24 receives power from the outside as power common to the housing 10.

The communication unit 26 communicates with the communication unit 37 of the management device 30 to perform transmission / reception (input / output) of various information or commands. The communication unit 26 performs wireless communication or wired communication. The communication unit 26 performs wireless communication based on a communication standard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), 3G, 4G, or LTE (Long Termination Evolution).

In the present embodiment, the communication unit 26 is an example of an output unit that outputs first detection information indicating a detection result by the internal camera 40 and second detection information indicating a detection result by the code reader 50. Specifically, the communication unit 26 transmits the first detection information and the second detection information to the management device 30 by wireless communication or wired communication, and the first detection information and the second detection information are compared with the management device 30. Is transmitted to the unit 31. For example, the communication unit 26 outputs, as first detection information, a first internal image and a second internal image obtained by photographing with the internal camera 40. The communication unit 26 may transmit the first image inside the image and the second image inside the image at the same time, or may transmit each time the first image inside the image and the second image inside the image are acquired.

Further, the communication unit 26 outputs the person information acquired by the card reader 60. Specifically, the communication unit 26 transmits the person information to the management device 30 by wireless communication or wired communication, thereby transmitting the person information to the matching unit 32 of the management device 30.

[Management device]
The management device 30 manages the article 2 based on information transmitted from the control device 20. Specifically, the management device 30 specifies at least the identification and verification (personal authentication) of the person who opened the casing 10, the identification of the article 2 taken out from the casing 10, and the charge for the consideration of the article 2. Do one or the like.

The management device 30 is, for example, a server device. The management apparatus 30 includes, for example, one computer or a plurality of computers connected via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network).

As shown in FIG. 5, the management device 30 includes a comparison unit 31, a verification unit 32, a billing unit 33, a storage unit 34, and a communication unit 37. The storage unit 34 stores a person list 35 and a price list 36.

The comparison unit 31 performs comparison based on the first detection information and the second detection information. That is, the comparison unit 31 compares the detection results of the article 2 inside and outside the housing 10. Specifically, the comparison unit 31 determines the first number that is the increase / decrease number of the plurality of articles 2 before and after the opening and closing of the housing 10 based on the first detection information and the second detection information, and the Comparison is made with a second number which is the number of articles 2 detected by the second detection unit 50 outside. The comparison unit 31 compares the first number with the second number, and outputs the comparison result to the collation unit 32 and the billing unit 33. Here, the first number indicates, for example, the number of articles 2 decreased from the housing 10 as a positive number, and indicates as a negative number when the number of articles 2 increases.

The comparison result is information indicating whether the first number and the second number match or do not match. When the first number and the second number match, it means that the number of articles 2 taken out from the housing 10 and the number of articles 2 detected by the code reader 50 match. To do. That is, the coincidence between the first number and the second number means that the user has taken out the article 2 in accordance with a normal usage method.

If the first number and the second number do not match, it means that the number of articles 2 taken out from the housing 10 and the number of articles 2 detected by the code reader 50 do not match. To do. That is, the discrepancy between the first number and the second number means that some unauthorized use was made intentionally or accidentally. For example, when the first number is larger than the second number, it is considered that the article 2 taken out by the user is not detected by the code reader 50. Further, when the second number is larger than the first number, it is considered that the user mistakenly detected the article 2 by the code reader 50 a plurality of times. Further, when the second number is a negative number, it is considered that an unauthorized article 2 is added to the housing 10 as a factor.

In the present embodiment, the comparison unit 31 first counts the first number by performing image processing on each of the first in-compartment image and the second in-compartment image acquired via the communication unit 37. Specifically, the comparison unit 31 counts the first number by subtracting the number of articles 2 included in the second interior image from the number of articles 2 included in the first interior image. For example, when the number of articles 2 included in the first image in the first store is 10 and the number of articles 2 included in the second store image is 8, the first number is 2. That is, it can be seen that two articles 2 have been removed from the housing 10.

In addition, when the number of articles 2 increases before and after opening and closing of the casing 10, the first number becomes a negative number. For example, when the number of articles 2 included in the first image in the first store is 10, and the number of articles 2 included in the second store image is 11, the first number is -1. This may occur, for example, when an article 2 (for example, an empty lunch box) is added due to user's malicious intention or the like. In this case, error notification or charging processing for a predetermined amount is performed. Details will be described later.

The collation unit 32 collates the person list 35 with the person indicated by the person information, and outputs a collation result indicating the person's match or mismatch. The collation unit 32 outputs the collation result to the billing unit 33 or outputs it to the lock control unit 22 of the control device 20 via the communication unit 37.

In the article management system 1 according to the present embodiment, only the persons registered in advance in the person list 35 are allowed to take out (that is, purchase) the article 2 from the housing 10. Therefore, the collation unit 32 determines whether or not the person indicated by the person information acquired by the card reader 60 is registered in the person list 35. That is, the collation unit 32 performs personal authentication processing.

The charging unit 33 charges the person indicated by the person information acquired by the card reader 60 for at least one price of the plurality of articles 2. In the present embodiment, the billing unit 33 determines the billing amount based on the comparison result by the comparison unit 31.

When the normal use by the person indicated by the person information is confirmed, the charging unit 33 calculates an accurate charge amount and charges the calculated amount to the person. Specifically, the billing unit 33 charges the price of the target article detected by the code reader 50 when the comparison result by the comparison unit 31 indicates a match between the first number and the second number. That is, since the comparison result confirms that the number of articles 2 taken out and the number of target articles detected by the code reader 50 are the same, the charging unit 33 charges the price of the target articles.

The charging unit 33 refers to the price list 36 stored in the storage unit 34, for example, and acquires the individual price of the target article. The billing unit 33 calculates the total amount as the billing amount by multiplying and adding the price and the number of the target articles. The billing unit 33 refers to the person list 35 to settle a billing amount by a credit card associated with the person indicated by the person information, a prepaid card balance decrement processing, or a debit of a billing amount for a bank account. Perform processing.

In addition, when an employer or a company introduces the article management system 1 and many of the users are employees, settlement processing by deduction from salary may be performed. That is, the billing unit 33 may provide purchase history data including a billing amount for each person to the employer or the personnel or general affairs department of a company.

In addition, when it is confirmed that some unauthorized processing has been performed by the person indicated by the person information, the charging unit 33 determines the maximum charge amount within a corresponding range, and determines the determined charge amount Charge a person. When the comparison result by the comparison unit 31 indicates a mismatch between the first number and the second number, the charging unit 33 sets the first number and the second number to the price of the highest priced item among the plurality of items 2. A value obtained by multiplying the larger one is charged as a consideration.

For example, as one mode of fraud, even if a malicious person (hereinafter referred to as a Service-to-Self) takes out a plurality of articles 2, at least one of the taken-out articles 2 is not detected by the code reader 50. The case may be considered. In the present embodiment, since the code reader 50 detects the identification indication 51 of the article 2 to identify the removed article 2, at least one of the removed articles 2 is identified by an unauthorized person. I can't do that.

Here, the number of articles 2 taken out from the housing 10 can be grasped based on the detection result by the internal camera 40. Accordingly, the charging unit 33 performs the charging process by regarding the taken-out article 2 as the highest priced article among the plurality of articles 2 stored in the housing 10. Specifically, the billing unit 33 charges as a price an amount obtained by multiplying the price of the item with the highest price among the plurality of items 2 by the first number.

The storage unit 34 is a memory for storing the person list 35. The storage unit 34 is a nonvolatile storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a semiconductor memory.

The person list 35 is a list showing one or more persons registered in advance. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the registered person list 35 in the article management system 1 according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the person list 35, an ID, a name, and registered card information are associated with each other. The ID is a management number uniquely assigned to a person, for example, an employee number. The card information is a credit card number or a prepaid card number for settlement when charging a person. Account information indicating a person's bank account or the like may be included in the person list 35 instead of the card information.

The price list 36 is a list indicating the prices of the plurality of articles 2 stored in the housing 10. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the price list 36 in the article management system 1 according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7, the price list 36 is associated with a type and a price. The type is, for example, the name of the article 2. In addition, instead of the type, unique information (such as a serial number) and a price may be associated with each of the plurality of articles 2.

The communication unit 37 transmits and receives information to and from the control device 20 by wireless communication or wired communication. The communication unit 37 performs wireless communication based on a communication standard such as Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G, or LTE, for example.

In the present embodiment, the communication unit 37 receives the first detection information, the second detection information, and the person information. In addition, the communication unit 37 transmits a verification result, a comparison result, billing information, and error information.

[Internal camera (first detector)]
The in-compartment camera 40 is an example of a first detection unit that detects a plurality of articles 2 stored in the openable / closable casing 10 inside the casing 10. In the present embodiment, the internal camera 40 is one or more cameras that photograph the inside of the housing 10.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the in-compartment camera 40 is attached to, for example, the inner surface of the main body 11 and photographs the storage space 11a. An image captured by the internal camera 40 is output to the control device 20.

Specifically, the internal camera 40 is provided at the corner of the storage space 11a. Specifically, the in-compartment camera 40 is arranged in the upper part of the main body 11 and in the vicinity of the connection portion with the door 12. The internal camera 40 shoots from the front side of the storage space 11a as viewed from the door 12 side toward the back side.

The in-compartment camera 40 is a small camera that receives power supply via, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable, is connected to the control device 20 with a USB cable, and operates with power supplied from the control device 20. The in-compartment camera 40 may have a battery (battery) and may be operated by electric power supplied from the battery.

The internal camera 40 may have a fisheye lens. Thereby, the storage space 11a can be imaged over a wide range. Alternatively, the internal camera 40 may be attached to a movable pan head so that the shooting direction can be changed.

In the present embodiment, the storage space 11a is photographed by the single in-compartment camera 40, but not all of the storage space 11a is within the photographing range. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a shooting range 41 of the in-compartment camera 40 in the article management system 1 according to the present embodiment. Here, FIG. 8 is the figure which looked at the storage space 11a from the front (from the door 12 side).

As shown in FIG. 8, the shooting range 41 of the internal camera 40 does not include the entire storage space 11a. In this case, since the lunch box 2c (article 2) arranged in the lower stage is not photographed by the in-compartment camera 40, the lunch box 2c cannot be detected.

Therefore, the article management system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a mirror 42 inside the housing 10 as shown in FIG. The mirror 42 is disposed within the shooting range 41 of the internal camera 40 and captures the blind spot of the shooting range 41. Specifically, the mirror 42 shows a range 43 including the lunch box 2 c located in the imaging range 41. For this reason, the lunch box 2c reflected in the mirror 42 is included in the image photographed by the internal camera 40. Thereby, the articles 2 in the storage space 11a can be detected without increasing the number of cameras 40 in the warehouse.

In the present embodiment, the number of articles 2 housed in the housing 10 is counted by performing image recognition on the captured image taken by the internal camera 40. In order to facilitate image recognition, as shown in FIG. 2, a marker 44 having a predetermined color or a predetermined shape is attached to each of the plurality of articles 2.

The marker 44 is, for example, white or black, or a single color sticker such as a primary color such as red, green, or blue, and is attached to the surface of the article 2. The color of the marker 44 is different from the color of the article 2. In the present embodiment, since the article 2 is a lunch box, blue or the like that is difficult to be used as a lunch box ingredient can be selected as the color of the marker 44.

Thus, only the marker 44 is emphasized by extracting the blue portion from the photographed image. By counting the number of markers 44, the number of articles 2 stored in the housing 10 can be easily counted.

Note that a reflective material may be attached to the article 2 instead of the marker 44. In this case, in the captured image, the brightness of only the marker 44 is increased. Therefore, for example, the marker 44 can be emphasized by binarizing the pixel value of the captured image using a high threshold.

In the article management system 1 according to the present embodiment, the number of articles 2 in the casing 10 before the casing 10 is opened is compared with the number of articles 2 after the casing 10 is closed. The number of articles 2 taken out from the housing 10 is specified. For this reason, the in-compartment camera 40 performs at least two photographings before or immediately after the housing 10 is opened and after the housing 10 is closed.

In the present embodiment, the in-compartment camera 40 performs imaging based on control by the control unit 21 of the control device 20. Specifically, the in-compartment camera 40 performs shooting at a timing when a shooting command is received from the control unit 21. The imaging command is output from the control unit 21 before, for example, opening the housing 10 and after closing the housing 10.

Thus, the in-compartment camera 40 generates the first in-compartment image by photographing the inside of the housing 10 before the housing 10 is opened. That is, the first interior image is an image representing the state inside the housing 10 before the housing 10 is opened. In addition, the internal camera 40 generates a second internal image by photographing the interior of the housing 10 after the housing 10 is closed. That is, the second internal image is an image that represents the internal state of the housing 10 after the housing 10 is closed.

It should be noted that the shooting timing of the internal camera 40 may be controlled based on the detection result of the open / close sensor 80. For example, the in-compartment camera 40 may generate the first in-compartment image by photographing the inside of the housing 10 immediately after the housing 10 is opened based on the detection result by the open / close sensor 80. Specifically, when the opening / closing sensor 80 detects that the housing 10 has been opened, the storage camera 40 captures the inside of the housing 10 to generate a first storage image. The first internal image is an image representing the internal state of the housing 10 immediately after the housing 10 is opened. Here, “immediately after being opened” is within a predetermined period after the housing 10 is opened. The predetermined period is shorter than the time required for the user to take out the article 2 after opening the housing 10, and is, for example, 0 second to 1 second, but is not limited thereto. Specifically, the internal camera 40 captures an image within a predetermined period after the opening / closing sensor 80 detects that the housing 10 has been opened.

In addition, when the open / close sensor 80 detects that the housing 10 is closed, the internal camera 40 captures the inside of the housing 10 to generate a second internal image. Specifically, the in-compartment camera 40 takes an image within a predetermined period when the opening / closing sensor 80 detects that the housing 10 is closed. The predetermined period is not particularly limited, and is, for example, 0 second to 1 second. Thereby, the number of the articles | goods 2 taken out from the housing | casing 10 can be rapidly determined using a 2nd warehouse image.

Note that the timing of shooting of the internal camera 40 may be controlled in conjunction with the operation of the card reader 60. Specifically, the internal camera 40 may take an image of the inside of the housing 10 when the card reader 60 acquires person information. When the personal information is acquired, the lock mechanism 70 has not been unlocked yet, so it is possible to reliably photograph the state in the cabinet before the housing 10 is opened.

Alternatively, the internal camera 40 may always take an image of the inside of the housing 10. The internal camera 40, the control device 20, the management device 30, or the like may record video (moving images) for a predetermined period before and after opening and closing of the housing 10. The information processing unit 23 of the control device 20 or the comparison unit 31 of the management device 30 displays the image before the housing 10 is opened from the plurality of images (frames) constituting the recorded video as the first interior image. And the image after the housing 10 is closed may be acquired as the second internal image. For example, when the information processing unit 23 or the comparison unit 31 detects that the housing 10 is opened by the opening / closing sensor 80, the information processing unit 23 or the comparison unit 31 acquires an image before a predetermined period (for example, 1 second) as the first interior image. May be. Further, for example, when the information processing unit 23 or the comparison unit 31 detects that the housing 10 is closed by the open / close sensor 80, the image after a predetermined period (for example, 1 second) is used as the second interior image. You may get it.

[Code reader (second detector)]
The code reader 50 is an example of a second detection unit that detects a target article that is at least one of the plurality of articles 2 outside the housing 10. Specifically, the code reader 50 detects the target article, which is the article 2 taken out from the casing 10 by the user, outside the casing 10. In the present embodiment, the code reader 50 reads the identification display 51 attached to each of the plurality of articles 2.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the code reader 50 is a camera that is fixed to the outer surface of the housing 10 and photographs a predetermined area outside the housing 10. For example, the code reader 50 is a small camera that receives power supply via a USB cable, is connected to the control device 20 with a USB cable, and operates with power supplied from the control device 20. Note that the code reader 50 may include a battery (battery) and operate with electric power supplied from the battery.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the article 2 is given a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark) as an identification display 51.

The identification display 51 attached to the article 2 is information unique to the attached article 2. For example, the identification display 51 is a two-dimensional code in which serial numbers (manufacturing numbers) of the article 2 are matrixed. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the two-dimensional code is printed on a label 52 attached to the upper surface of the article 2.

In addition, since the article 2 is a lunch box, it is not preferable to tilt the article 2 or turn it over to prevent the ingredients from being scattered and the juice from spilling out. That is, it is desirable that the article 2 is carried while maintaining the posture stored in the housing 10. This is the same when the identification display 51 is read by the code reader 50.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the code reader 50 can read the identification display 51 attached to the target article when the target article is in the same attitude as that stored in the housing 10. It has a detection range. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the user 3 holds the article 2 over the code reader 50 in the article management system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the code reader 50 has a substantially conical detection range 53 having a vertically downward center axis. For this reason, when the user 3 takes out the article 2, the identification display 51 can be read by the code reader 50 in the same posture.

The code reader 50 is, for example, a bar code reader, and the identification display 51 attached to the article 2 may be a bar code. Further, the code reader 50 may not be fixed to the housing 10 and the detection range 53 may be freely changed by a user holding it with his / her hand.

[Card reader (acquisition part)]
The card reader 60 is an example of an acquisition unit that acquires person information indicating a person who opens the housing 10. In the present embodiment, the card reader 60 is a contact-type or non-contact-type card reader that reads card information such as a credit card or an ID card as person information.

3A and 3B, the card reader 60 is fixed to the outer surface of the housing 10. The card reader 60 acquires card information stored in the IC chip by communicating with the IC chip mounted on a credit card or ID card. Note that the card reader 60 may read card information from an IC chip mounted on a portable information terminal such as a mobile phone or a smartphone. For example, the card reader 60 reads card information by performing close proximity wireless communication with a credit card, an ID card, or a portable information terminal. The read card information is output (transmitted) to the verification unit 32 of the management device 30 via the control device 20.

The card information is an example of person information indicating the person who opens the housing 10, that is, the owner of the card. The card information includes information unique to the card owner. For example, the card information includes information indicating at least one of a card number, an owner's name, and an expiration date of the card.

The credit card or ID card may be a magnetic stripe card. In this case, a magnetic reader (magnetic card reader) can be used as the card reader 60.

Further, in preparation for the case where a stolen card is used, the article management system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a biometric information acquisition unit that acquires biometric information of a person who opens the housing 10 as personal information. You may provide as an example of an acquisition part. The article management system 1 may include a biological information acquisition unit instead of the card reader 60, and may include a biological information acquisition unit in addition to the card reader 60. The biological information includes information indicating at least one of a fingerprint, a retina, an iris, a face, a voiceprint, and a blood vessel (vein). The biological information acquisition unit is, for example, a fingerprint sensor, a vein sensor, a microphone, or a camera (image sensor). At this time, the camera may be used also as the code reader 50.

[Lock mechanism]
The lock mechanism 70 restricts opening and closing of the housing 10. Specifically, the lock mechanism 70 limits the opening and closing of the door 12. The lock mechanism 70 is connected to the control device 20, and unlocking and locking are controlled by the lock control unit 22.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the lock mechanism 70 of the article management system 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 shows a state where the door 12 of the housing 10 is opened.

As shown in FIG. 10, the lock mechanism 70 includes an electronic lock (male key) 71 and a female key 72. The electronic lock 71 of the lock mechanism 70 and the control device 20 are connected by a connection cable 73.

The electronic lock 71 is a lock that switches between unlocking and locking depending on whether or not a predetermined voltage is applied. In the present embodiment, the electronic lock 71 is unlocked when a predetermined voltage (for example, 12 V) is applied, and maintains the locked state when no voltage is applied. That is, the electronic lock 71 is a normally-off type electronic lock.

The electronic lock 71 has a claw portion 71a and a holding housing 71b. The claw portion 71a is held so as to be able to be taken in and out of the holding housing 71b. The holding housing 71 b is fixed to the inner side surface of the main body 11 of the housing 10. For example, the holding housing 71b is fixed to the inner surface of the main body 11 using a fixing tool such as a screw. The claw portion 71a and the holding housing 71b are formed using, for example, a strong (rigid) metal or resin material.

The female key 72 has a hole 72a. The claw portion 71a of the electronic lock 71 is inserted into the hole 72a. The female key 72 is formed using a strong (rigid) metal or resin material.

The connection cable 73 is an example of wiring that electrically and physically connects the electronic lock 71 and the control device 20. The connection cable 73 includes a power cable for supplying power to the electronic lock 71.

Although not shown, the electronic lock 71 includes a drive unit housed in the holding housing 71b. The drive unit is a servo motor or the like that moves the claw unit 71a using an applied voltage.

FIG. 11 is a side view showing an unlocked state and a locked state of the lock mechanism 70 of the article management system 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 12 is a top view of the locking mechanism 70 of the article management system 1 according to the present embodiment in a locked state.

As shown on the left side of FIG. 11, in the electronic lock 71, when no voltage is applied, the claw portion 71a protrudes from the holding casing 71b. The protruding claw portion 71a is inserted into the hole 72a of the female key 72, and movement of the claw portion 71a in the lateral direction (direction perpendicular to the protruding direction) is restricted.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, since the female key 72 is present over the entire circumference of the claw portion 71a, the claw portion 71a is restricted from moving in all directions orthogonal to the protruding direction. Thereby, the claw part 71a and the female key 72 are latched, and the locked state of the lock mechanism 70 is maintained.

On the other hand, when a voltage is applied, the drive unit (not shown) moves the claw portion 71a so as to be housed in the holding housing 71b. While the voltage is applied, the state in which the claw portion 71a is housed in the holding housing 71b is maintained. As a result, as shown on the right side of FIG. 11, the claw portion 71 a and the female key 72 are not locked, so that the door 12 can be opened. Although FIG. 11 shows an example in which the claw portion 71a is completely stored in the holding housing 71b, the present invention is not limited to this. When the voltage is applied, the claw portion 71a and the female key 72 may be in a positional relationship where they are not locked (not in contact).

10 and 12 show an example in which the female key 72 is configured in a ring shape and restricts the movement of the claw portion 71a in all directions orthogonal to the protruding direction. Absent. For example, the female key 72 restricts the movement of the claw portion 71a in the direction of opening the door 12, but does not need to restrict the movement of the claw portion 71a in the direction of closing the door 12. Thereby, if a voltage is applied at the time of unlocking, the lock mechanism can be automatically locked only by closing the door 12. That is, it is not necessary to stop the application of voltage after detecting that the door 12 is closed. When the door 12 is opened, the application of voltage can be stopped and power consumption can be reduced. it can.

Alternatively, an electronic lock (male key) 71 may be attached to the door 12 and a female key 72 may be attached to the housing 10. Moreover, when attaching to the housing | casing 10, you may attach not only to the side surface of the housing | casing 10, but to a ceiling surface or a floor surface. The female key 72 may be a recess provided in the housing 10 or the door 12 (for example, similar to a recess 772 of the individual housing 710 described later).

In the present embodiment, an example in which the lock mechanism 70 is a physical lock mechanism has been described. However, the lock mechanism 70 may be a lock mechanism using an electromagnet. The same applies to the individual lock mechanism 770 described later.

[Open / close sensor]
The opening / closing sensor 80 detects opening / closing of the housing 10. Specifically, the open / close sensor 80 detects that the door 12 is opened and closed. In the present embodiment, the open / close sensor 80 is a contact-type open / close sensor such as a tact switch.

The opening / closing sensor 80 is fixed to the main body 11 or the electronic lock 71, for example. The open / close sensor 80 has a switch portion (not shown) that is pressed when the door 12 is closed and is pushed up when the door 12 is opened. For example, the open / close sensor 80 transmits a predetermined signal (close signal) to the control device 20 when the switch unit is pressed, and stops transmission of the close signal when the switch unit is not pressed.

Thereby, the control device 20 can determine whether the door 12 is opened or closed based on whether or not the closing signal is received. Specifically, the lock control unit 22 of the control device 20 determines that the door 12 is closed when the close signal is received. When the lock signal is not received, the lock control unit 22 determines that the door 12 is opened.

The open / close sensor 80 may transmit a predetermined signal (open signal) when the switch unit is not pressed, and may stop transmitting the open signal when the switch unit is pressed. Alternatively, the open / close sensor 80 may transmit a close signal and an open signal in accordance with the pressed state of the switch unit.

The open / close sensor 80 may not be a contact type open / close sensor. For example, the open / close sensor 80 may be a magnetic sensor. Specifically, a reed switch or a coil that is electrically connected to the lock control unit 22 is attached to the main body 11, and a permanent magnet is attached to the door 12. When the door 12 is closed, the permanent magnet comes close to the reed switch, the reed switch becomes conductive, and a current flows. Alternatively, when the door 12 is closed, the permanent magnet approaches the coil, and current flows through the coil by electromagnetic induction. These currents are output to the lock control unit 22 as a closing signal.

[Guidance Department]
The guide unit 90 guides the target article to the person who opens the housing 10. For example, the guide unit 90 guides the article 2 recommended for the person who opens the housing 10 or the article 2 that has been designated (reserved) in advance by the person.

As shown in FIG. 5, the guide unit 90 includes a display unit 91 and an audio output unit 92.

The display unit 91 displays guidance information for guiding the storage position of the target article. For example, the display unit 91 is a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL display that has a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix and can display an image or video. The display unit 91 displays a guide image and the like.

The display unit 91 may be a plurality of light emitting elements attached to predetermined positions of the housing 10. For example, the plurality of light emitting elements are arranged in a line along the edge of the opening of the main body 11 of the housing 10. By switching between lighting and extinguishing of each of the plurality of light emitting elements, the position of the target article corresponding to the position of the lighted light emitting element can be indicated. The plurality of light emitting elements are, for example, LED (Light Emitting Diode) elements, but are not limited thereto.

The voice output unit 92 outputs guidance information for guiding the storage position of the target article as voice. The audio output unit 92 is a speaker element, for example, and is attached to the housing 10 or the control device 20.

In the present embodiment, the guide unit 90 also functions as a notification unit. That is, the guide unit 90 notifies a person around the housing 10 that some problem has occurred in the article management system 1.

For example, when the comparison result by the comparison unit 31 indicates a mismatch between the first number and the second number, the guide unit 90 notifies the person indicated by the person information that a problem has occurred. Specifically, the guide unit 90 notifies the person who took out the article 2 from the housing 10 that some fraud has been performed. For example, the sound output unit 92 may emit a warning sound (buzzer sound) or a warning sound. Alternatively, the display unit 91 may cause the LED element to blink. When the display unit 91 can display images or characters, a warning message or the like may be displayed.

For example, when the code reader 50 reads the same identification display 51 a plurality of times, the guide unit 90 notifies the person indicated by the person information that there is an error. In the present embodiment, all the articles 2 are each provided with a unique identification display 51.

For example, when a plurality of articles 2 are taken out from the casing 10, there is a possibility that the code reader 50 may read the identification display 51 of one article 2 a plurality of times by mistake. In such a case, the guide unit 90 can inform the user that there is an error.

[Operation]
Subsequently, the operation of the article management system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. First, the overall flow of the article management system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 13, and then the details of the main operation of each apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS.

<Overall operation>
FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the article management system 1 according to the present embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 13 shows the operation of the article management system 1 when the user operates according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, when the user holds the ID card over the card reader 60, the card reader 60 detects the approach of the ID card (S10). The card reader 60 reads card information from the ID card by proximity wireless communication. The card reader 60 transmits the read card information to the control device 20 as person information indicating a person who is trying to open the housing 10 (S12).

The control device 20 transmits the person information transmitted from the card reader 60 to the management device 30 via the communication unit 26 (S14). The management device 30 receives person information via the communication unit 37.

In the management apparatus 30, the verification unit 32 performs verification (personal authentication) processing using the received personal information (S16). Specifically, the collation unit 32 collates the person list 35 with the person indicated by the person information, and outputs a collation result. The collation result is transmitted to the control device 20 via the communication unit 37 (S18). The control device 20 receives the collation result via the communication unit 26.

In the control device 20, the control unit 21 generates a predetermined command based on the collation result (S20). Specifically, the information processing unit 23 and the lock control unit 22 of the control unit 21 generate a shooting command and an unlock command when the collation result indicates that the person matches. Note that when the collation result indicates that the person does not match, the information processing unit 23 causes the guide unit 90 to perform error notification. Details will be described later.

The information processing unit 23 outputs the generated shooting command to the internal camera 40 (S22). Upon receipt of the shooting command, the in-compartment camera 40 photographs the inside of the housing 10 (S24), and transmits the first in-compartment image obtained by the photographing to the control device 20 (S26).

Furthermore, the lock control unit 22 of the control unit 21 outputs the generated unlock command to the lock mechanism 70 (S28). In the present embodiment, the lock control unit 22 supplies a predetermined voltage for unlocking to the lock mechanism 70 as an unlock command. The unlocking command may be output simultaneously with the shooting command. Alternatively, the imaging command may be output after the unlocking command is output.

The lock mechanism 70 is unlocked in response to the unlock command (S30). Specifically, the lock mechanism 70 is unlocked by the drive unit storing the claw portion 71a in the holding housing 71b by the supplied voltage. At this time, the guide unit 90 may guide that the lock mechanism 70 has been unlocked. For example, the display unit 91 may light the LED element. Alternatively, the voice output unit 92 may output voice guidance indicating that the lock mechanism 70 has been unlocked. The user can open the door 12 by unlocking the lock mechanism 70.

When the user opens the door 12, the open / close sensor 80 detects that the door 12 has been opened (S32). Although not shown in FIG. 13, the open / close sensor 80 may transmit an open signal indicating that the door 12 has been opened to the control device 20. Then, the control device 20 may activate the code reader 50 by receiving an open signal. As a result, the power consumption can be reduced by starting the code reader 50 only when necessary and not supplying power when it is not necessary.

The code reader 50 reads the identification display 51 of the article 2 (S34). The code reader 50 outputs the identification information (such as the serial number of the article 2) included in the read identification display 51 to the control device 20 (S36). The open / close sensor 80 detects that the door 12 is closed (S38), and transmits a close signal indicating that the door 12 is closed to the control device 20 (S40).

Note that the reading by the code reader 50 (S34) and the detection of the closed state by the open / close sensor 80 (S38) are performed after an operation by the user. For this reason, it is up to the user which of the operation of causing the code reader 50 to read the identification display 51 and the operation of closing the door 12 first.

In the control device 20, after receiving the close signal, the control unit 21 generates a predetermined command (S42). Specifically, the information processing unit 23 and the lock control unit 22 of the control unit 21 generate a shooting command and a locking command.

The information processing unit 23 outputs the generated shooting command to the internal camera 40 (S44). The internal camera 40 receives the imaging command to image the inside of the housing 10 (S46), and transmits the second internal image obtained by the imaging to the control device 20 (S48).

Furthermore, the lock control unit 22 outputs the generated locking command to the lock mechanism 70 (S50). In the present embodiment, the lock control unit 22 stops supplying a predetermined voltage to the lock mechanism 70 as a lock command. Note that the locking command may be output simultaneously with the shooting command. Alternatively, the imaging command may be output after the locking command is output.

The lock mechanism 70 is locked in response to the locking command (S52). Specifically, when the supply of voltage is stopped and the operation of the driving unit is stopped, the claw portion 71a protrudes from the holding housing 71b. Thereby, the claw portion 71a is inserted into the hole 72a of the female key 72, and the lock mechanism 70 is locked.

Furthermore, the control device 20 transmits the first image inside the image and the second image inside the image (that is, the first detection information) and the identification information (second detection information) to the management device 30 via the communication unit 26. (S54). The communication unit 26 transmits the first image inside the image, the second image inside the image, and the identification information together. In the management device 30, the first image in the warehouse, the second image in the cabinet, and the identification information are received via the communication unit 37.

In the management device 30, the comparison unit 31 performs a comparison process based on the first and second image images and the identification information (S56). Specifically, the comparison unit 31 includes a first number that is an increase / decrease number of the plurality of articles 2 before and after the opening / closing of the housing 10 and a second number that is the number of articles 2 detected by the code reader 50. Make a comparison.

Next, the charging unit 33 performs a charging process based on the comparison result (S58). Specifically, the billing unit 33 determines a billing amount based on the identified item 2 and the price of the item 2, and performs a settlement process or a withdrawal process for the determined billing amount.

Furthermore, the management device 30 transmits billing information to the control device 20 via the communication unit 37 (S60). The billing information is information indicating a billing amount, for example.

In the control device 20, the control unit 21 generates voice guidance or a guidance image based on the billing information (S62). The generated voice guidance or guidance image is output to the guidance unit 90, and the display unit 91 or voice output unit 92 of the guidance unit 90 outputs the voice guidance or guidance image.

<Operation of control device>
Next, details of the operation of the control device 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device 20 according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 14, first, the control device 20 waits until personal information is acquired (No in S101). When the personal information is acquired by the card reader 60 and output to the control device 20 (Yes in S101), the communication unit 26 transmits the personal information to the management device 30 (S102, S14 in FIG. 13). As shown in FIG. 13, the management device 30 performs a collation process (S16) based on the person information.

The control device 20 waits until the communication unit 26 receives a verification success notification or until a predetermined period elapses (No in S103 and No in S114). Here, when the predetermined period has elapsed (that is, timed out), or when the collation failure notification is received within the predetermined period (Yes in S114), the control device 20 performs error processing (S117). Details of the error processing will be described later. The verification success notification is a verification result indicating that the persons match. The verification failure notification is a verification result indicating that the persons do not match.

When the communication unit 26 receives the verification success notification (Yes in S103), the control unit 21 generates a photographing command and an unlocking command (S104, S20 in FIG. 13). Next, the information processing unit 23 of the control unit 21 transmits a shooting command to the internal camera 40 (S105, S22 of FIG. 13), and further, the lock control unit 22 transmits an unlocking command to the lock mechanism 70. (S106, S28 in FIG. 13). Note that, as described above, either the imaging command or the unlocking command may be transmitted first or simultaneously. Since the lock mechanism 70 is unlocked, the user opens / closes the housing 10 and takes out the article 2.

The control device 20 waits until the identification information and the closing signal are received (No in S107 and No in S115). When the predetermined period has passed without receiving at least one of the identification information and the closing signal (Yes in S115), the control device 20 performs error processing (S117).

When the identification information and the closing signal are received (Yes in S107), the control unit 21 generates a photographing command and a locking command (S108, S42 in FIG. 13). Next, the information processing unit 23 of the control unit 21 transmits a shooting command to the internal camera 40 (S109, S44 of FIG. 13), and the lock control unit 22 transmits a locking command to the lock mechanism 70 (S110, S50 in FIG. 13).

Next, the communication unit 26 transmits the first in-compartment image, the second in-compartment image, and the identification information (S111, S54 in FIG. 13). Note that the first and second internal images are images transmitted from the internal camera 40 as a response to the shooting command transmitted in each of steps S106 and S108. Although not shown, when an in-store image cannot be acquired from the in-store camera 40 within a predetermined period after the shooting command is transmitted, error processing described later is performed (S117).

The control device 20 waits until the communication unit 26 receives the billing information (No in S112 and No in S116). Here, when the predetermined period has elapsed or when an error notification is received within the predetermined period (Yes in S116), the control device 20 performs error processing (S117).

When the communication unit 26 receives the billing information (Yes in S112), the control unit 21 generates guidance information such as voice guidance or a guidance image based on the billing information, and causes the guidance unit 90 to output the guidance information (S113). Thereafter, the control device 20 returns to step S101 and waits for the next person information to be acquired.

<Error handling>
Subsequently, the error processing shown in step S117 of FIG. 14 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing error processing performed by the control device 20 of the article management system 1 according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 15, first, the control device 20 determines whether or not the housing 10 is in a closed state (S121). Specifically, the information processing unit 23 determines whether a close signal is received from the open / close sensor 80.

When the housing 10 is in a closed state (Yes in S121), the lock control unit 22 generates a lock command and transmits it to the lock mechanism 70 (S122). Thereafter, the lock control unit 22 maintains the lock state of the lock mechanism 70. That is, the lock control unit 22 prohibits unlocking of the lock mechanism 70 even when personal information or the like is acquired.

Next, the information processing unit 23 reports an error (S123). Specifically, the information processing unit 23 generates a guidance image, audio guidance, or warning sound indicating that an error has occurred, and outputs it to the guidance unit 90. The display unit 91 or the voice output unit 92 of the guide unit 90 outputs a guide image, voice guide, or warning sound to notify a person who is about to open the housing 10. Further, the information processing unit 23 may notify the management device 30 of the occurrence of an error via the communication unit 26.

This makes it impossible to open the housing 10 after an error has occurred once. Thereby, the article 2 in the housing 10 can be protected from a person who has caused an error with malicious intent. Moreover, when a malicious person causes an error, there is a possibility that some harm is given to the article 2 in the housing 10. For example, the case where the real article 2 is replaced with a fake is assumed. In this case, by preventing the case 10 from being opened, it is possible to prevent a bona fide person from purchasing a fake article by mistake.

When the housing 10 is not closed (No in S121), the lock control unit 22 notifies the error by the information processing unit 23 without outputting a locking command (S123). If a locking command is output with the housing 10 opened, the housing 10 may not be closed. In the present embodiment, it is possible to maintain the closed state of the casing 10 by outputting the locking command only when the casing 10 is closed.

<Verification processing (personal authentication processing)>
Next, a verification process (personal authentication process) among the operations performed by the management apparatus 30 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a collation process performed by the management device 30 of the article management system 1 according to the present embodiment. The collation process is the process of step S16 shown in FIG. 13 and is performed after receiving personal information via the communication unit 37.

As shown in FIG. 16, in the management apparatus 30, the collation unit 32 collates the person list 35 with the person indicated by the person information (S131). When the person indicated by the person information matches the person included in the person list 35 (Yes in S132), the matching unit 32 generates and outputs a matching result indicating matching of the person as a matching success notification (S133). The verification success notification is transmitted to the control device 20 via the communication unit 37 and is output to the billing unit 33.

If the person indicated by the person information does not match the person included in the person list 35 (No in S132), the collation unit 32 generates a collation result indicating a mismatch between the persons as a collation failure notification and outputs the collation failure notification (S134). The verification failure notification is transmitted to the control device 20 via the communication unit 37.

<Identification display reading process>
Next, the reading process of the identification display 51 by the code reader 50 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a code reading process performed by the code reader 50 and the control device 20 of the article management system 1 according to the present embodiment. The code reading process is the process of step S34 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 17, the code reader 50 waits until the identification display 51 is read (No in S141). When the code reader 50 reads the identification display 51 (Yes in S141), the information processing unit 23 acquires the read identification display 51 and determines whether or not it is the same as the previously read identification display ( S142). In order to make the determination, the information processing unit 23 includes a storage unit and stores an identification display read before. Only the identification display read immediately before may be memorize | stored in the said memory | storage part, and the some identification display read before the predetermined number of times from immediately before may be memorize | stored.

When the read identification display 51 is different from the read identification display (No in S142), the information processing unit 23 transmits the identification information included in the identification display 51 to the management apparatus 30 via the communication unit 26 (S143). ).

When the read identification display 51 is the same as the read identification display (Yes in S142), the information processing section 23 reports an error (S144). Specifically, the information processing unit 23 generates a warning sound or a guidance image or voice guidance that informs that the read identification display 51 is the same as the read identification display 51, and outputs it to the guide unit 90. The display unit 91 or the voice output unit 92 of the guide unit 90 can output a guide image or a voice guide to notify the user of an error.

For example, when the user takes out a plurality of articles 2 at a time, it is assumed that the user erroneously (or maliciously) causes the code reader 50 to read the identification display 51 of the same article 2 twice. In this case, by notifying the user of the error, it is possible to prompt the user to perform a correct operation.

It should be noted that the determination of the read identification display 51 may be performed by the code reader 50 instead of the information processing unit 23. Alternatively, the management device 30 may make the determination.

<Comparison and billing>
Next, comparison and billing processing among the operations performed by the management apparatus 30 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of comparison and billing processing performed by the management device 30 of the article management system 1 according to the present embodiment. Note that the comparison and billing processes are steps S56 and S58 shown in FIG. 13 and are performed after receiving the first detection information (internal image) and the second detection information (identification information) via the communication unit 37.

As shown in FIG. 18, first, the comparison unit 31 counts the increase / decrease number of the article 2 as the first number based on the first image in the first box and the second image in the box (S151). Specifically, the comparison unit 31 counts the number of articles 2 included in each image by performing image processing on each of the first and second image images.

For example, the comparison unit 31 performs a binarization process for each of the first and second internal images. The comparison unit 31 performs binarization processing on a pixel value of each image with a value higher than the median value (for example, 80% of the maximum value) as a threshold value. Thereby, for example, the white marker 44 can be emphasized in the image. Alternatively, when the marker 44 is colored such as blue, the comparison unit 31 can highlight the marker 44 in the image by extracting only the color of the marker 44 (for example, blue).

The comparison unit 31 obtains the number of articles 2 (first article number) before the housing 10 is opened by counting the number of highlighted markers 44 in the first image inside the cabinet. Similarly, the comparison unit 31 obtains the number of articles 2 (second article number) after the housing 10 is closed by counting the number of highlighted markers 44 in the second internal image. To do. The comparison unit 31 calculates the first number by subtracting the second number of items from the first number of items.

Next, the comparison unit 31 counts the number of identification information received by the communication unit 37 as a second number (S152). In the present embodiment, the number of identification information is the number of identification displays 51 read by the code reader 50. The number of pieces of identification information matches the number of articles 2 taken out from the housing 10 by the user as long as it is used according to the correct procedure.

Next, the comparison unit 31 compares the first number with the second number (S153). If the first number and the second number match (Yes in S153), the charging unit 33 calculates a charging amount based on the identification information (S154). Specifically, the billing unit 33 refers to the price list 36 stored in the storage unit 34 to acquire individual prices of the target article. The billing unit 33 calculates the total amount as the billing amount by multiplying and adding the price and the number of the target articles.

If the first number and the second number do not match (No in S153), the billing unit 33 multiplies the price of the highest article 2 by the larger of the first number and the second number, thereby charging the bill. Is calculated (S155). If the first number and the second number do not match, it is considered that some injustice has been performed by the Service-to-Self. For this reason, the billing unit 33 calculates the maximum amount that can be lost by the Service-to-Self as the billing amount.

After calculating the billing amount, the billing unit 33 generates billing information and transmits it to the control device 20 via the communication unit 37 (S156).

In the example shown in FIG. 18, the example in which the charging unit 33 charges the maximum amount when the first number and the second number are inconsistent and there is a suspicion of fraud is not limited to this. Instead of charging the maximum amount, an error (illegal) may be notified to the user.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing another example of comparison and charging processing performed by the management apparatus 30 of the article management system 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 19 differs from FIG. 18 in the processing when the first number and the second number do not match, and the other processing is the same.

As illustrated in FIG. 19, when the first number and the second number do not match (No in S153), the comparison unit 31 uses the comparison result indicating the mismatch as an error notification via the communication unit 37. To the control device 20 (S155a). The control device 20 that has received the error notification performs the error processing shown in FIG.

Note that both the maximum charge (S155 in FIG. 18) and the error notification (S155a in FIG. 19) may be performed.

[Effects, etc.]
As described above, the article management system 1 according to the present embodiment is configured to detect the plurality of articles 2 housed in the openable / closable casing 10 in the casing 10 (for example, The camera 40) and a second detection unit (for example, a code reader 50) that detects a target article that is at least one of the plurality of articles 2 outside the housing 10 are provided. Further, the article management system 1 includes an output unit (for example, the communication unit 26) that outputs first detection information indicating a detection result by the first detection unit and second detection information indicating a detection result by the second detection unit. Prepare.

As a result, the first detection information indicating the detection results inside the casing 10 of the plurality of articles 2 housed in the casing 10 and the second detection information indicating the detection results outside the casing 10 are output. Therefore, by performing the comparison based on the two pieces of information, the state of the article 2 inside and outside the casing 10 can be grasped. Therefore, for example, according to the article management system 1, it is possible to manage whether or not the article 2 is taken out from the casing 10, how many articles 2 are stored in the casing 10, and the like.

At this time, for example, the internal camera 40, which is an example of the first detection unit, and the code reader 50, which is an example of the second detection unit, may be attached to the case 10, and the dedicated case 10 is not required. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a highly versatile article management system 1 that can manage a plurality of articles 2 with a simple configuration.

Further, for example, the article management system 1 further includes the first number and the casing 10 which are the increase / decrease numbers of the plurality of articles 2 before and after the opening and closing of the casing 10 based on the first detection information and the second detection information. The comparison part 31 which compares with the 2nd number which is the number of the articles | goods 2 detected by the 2nd detection part outside is provided.

Thereby, by comparing the first number and the second number, it is possible to confirm whether the article 2 is correctly taken out. Therefore, the management of the article 2 can be made strict.

Further, for example, the article management system 1 further includes an acquisition unit (for example, a card reader 60) that acquires person information indicating a person who opens the housing 10, and the communication unit 26 further outputs the person information.

Thereby, the person who opens and closes the housing 10 can be specified by acquiring the person information. Therefore, for example, only the specified person can open and close the casing 10, and the casing 10 cannot be opened to an unspecified person. In this way, the management of the article 2 can be made more strict.

In addition, for example, the article management system 1 further collates a person list 35 indicating one or more persons registered in advance with a person indicated by the person information, and outputs a collation result indicating matching or mismatching of the persons. The unit 32 is provided.

Thus, by registering in advance the person who is permitted to open and close the casing 10 in the person list 35, it is possible to make it impossible for anyone other than the registered persons to open the casing 10. Therefore, management of the article 2 can be made more strict.

In addition, for example, the article management system 1 further includes a lock mechanism 70 that restricts opening and closing of the housing 10 and a lock control unit 22 that controls the lock mechanism 70. When the match is indicated, the lock mechanism 70 is unlocked.

Thereby, the opening and closing of the housing 10 can be restricted, so that the management of the article 2 can be made more strict.

Further, for example, the article management system 1 further includes a billing unit 33 that charges at least one consideration of the plurality of articles 2 to the person indicated by the person information.

This makes it possible to request the price of the item 2 taken out. That is, the article management system 1 can be used as an automatic sales system.

Also, for example, the billing unit 33 charges the price of the target article when the comparison result by the comparison unit 31 indicates a match between the first number and the second number.

Thus, by comparing the first number and the second number, it is possible to confirm that the act of taking out the article 2 is valid. Since a valid price is charged after this confirmation, the occurrence of a charging error can be suppressed.

Further, for example, when the comparison result by the comparison unit 31 indicates a mismatch between the first number and the second number, the billing unit 33 sets the first number to the price of the highest priced item among the plurality of items 2. A value obtained by multiplying the larger number of the second number is charged as a consideration.

Thus, if the first number and the second number do not match, it is assumed that some fraud has occurred. For example, it is conceivable that the Service-to-Self pretends that only the cheap article 2 has been taken out even though the article 2 with high price and the cheap article 2 have been taken out from the housing 10. In this case, since it is possible to charge the Service-to-Self as if the two highest-priced articles 2 were taken out of the plurality of articles 2 stored in the housing 10, there is a loss for the manager of the articles 2. Does not occur. In addition, the Service-to-Self are charged an amount that is greater than or equal to the actual charge amount of the extracted item 2. For this reason, for the Service-to-Self, a fine effect occurs and it also becomes a deterrent. Therefore, as a result, the management of the article 2 can be made more strict.

In addition, for example, the article management system 1 further includes a notification unit (for example, a guide unit 90) that notifies a person when the comparison result by the comparison unit 31 indicates a mismatch between the first number and the second number. Also good.

This makes it possible to notify the person who has taken out the article 2. If the person is a Service-to-Other person and the procedure is incorrect, the correct procedure can be performed. In addition, when the person is a Service-to-Self, it can be notified to other persons around the case 10, so that it becomes a deterrent to the Service-to-Self. Therefore, as a result, the management of the article 2 can be made more strict.

Further, for example, the first detection unit is one or more cameras (specifically, the internal camera 40) that captures the inside of the housing 10.

Thereby, since the camera may be attached to a location where the inside of the housing 10 can be photographed, a plurality of articles 2 stored in the housing 10 can be easily detected.

In addition, for example, the article management system 1 further includes a mirror 42 that is disposed inside the housing 10 and within the imaging range 41 of one or more in-house cameras 40 and reflects the blind spot of the imaging range 41. Good.

Thereby, since the articles 2 existing in the blind spot of the camera are reflected in the mirror 42, more articles 2 can be detected by one camera. For example, the article 2 located at the blind spot of the camera can be detected with a simple configuration as compared with the case where a pan head or the like for driving the camera is provided.

Further, for example, the article management system 1 may further include a marker 44 or a reflector having a predetermined color or a predetermined shape attached to each of the plurality of articles 2.

Thereby, for example, since the marker 44 can be emphasized by image processing such as binarization processing, the number of articles 2 can be easily counted. Therefore, since the occurrence of counting errors (for example, counting omissions or duplications) can be suppressed, the accuracy of management of the article 2 can be increased.

In addition, for example, the in-compartment camera 40 generates a first in-compartment image by photographing the inside of the housing 10 before the housing 10 is opened or immediately after the housing 10 is opened. The second interior image is generated by photographing the inside of the housing 10 after the body 10 is closed, and the communication unit 26 outputs the first interior image and the second interior image as the first detection information. And the comparison part 31 counts a 1st number by image-processing each of the 1st image in a container and the 2nd image in a container.

As a result, since two images taken before and after the case 10 is opened and after the case 10 is closed are used, the number of articles 2 before and after the case 10 is opened and closed is increased or decreased. Numbers can be counted easily. Therefore, since the occurrence of counting errors can be suppressed, the accuracy of management of the article 2 can be increased.

For example, the second detection unit is a code reader 50 that reads the identification display 51 attached to each of the plurality of articles 2.

Thereby, since the code reader 50 may be attached to the outer surface of the housing 10 or in the vicinity thereof, the article 2 taken out from the housing 10 can be easily detected.

Also, for example, the identification display 51 is a bar code or a two-dimensional code.

Thereby, the identification display 51 can be easily read using a barcode reader or a camera.

Further, for example, when the target article is in the same posture as the posture in which the target article is housed in the housing 10, the detection range 53 is such that the identification display 51 attached to the target article can be read. Have

This enables the code reader 50 to read the identification display 51 of the article 2 while maintaining the posture during storage. For example, when the article 2 is a lunch box, it is not necessary to incline the lunch box, so that scattering of ingredients and spilling of juice can be suppressed.

Further, for example, the identification display 51 is information unique to the attached article, and the article management system 1 further notifies the person when the code reader 50 reads the same identification display a plurality of times. (For example, a guide unit 90).

Thus, for example, when a plurality of articles 2 are taken out from the housing 10, the person can be informed when the identification display 51 of one article 2 is erroneously or maliciously read a plurality of times. . Therefore, when a Service-to-Other person makes a mistake, it is possible to make an error notice. In addition, when the Service-to-Self performs maliciously, it is possible to notify other people around the case 10 of unauthorized use. Therefore, as a result, the article 2 can be managed more strictly.

For example, the article management system 1 further includes a guide unit 90 that guides the target article to the person who opens the housing 10.

This makes it possible to guide articles recommended to the user, thereby improving user convenience.

For example, the guide unit 90 includes a display unit 91 that displays guide information for guiding the storage position of the target article.

This makes it easier to understand visually and improves the usability of the article management system 1. Further, by displaying the guidance information, the article management system 1 can be used even by a hearing-impaired person or the like. Therefore, the article management system 1 with high user accessibility can be realized.

Also, for example, the guide unit 90 includes a voice output unit 92 that outputs guidance information for guiding the storage position of the target article as a voice.

Thus, the article management system 1 can be used even by a low vision person or a color blind person by outputting the guidance information as sound. Therefore, the article management system 1 with high user accessibility can be realized.

Further, for example, the article management system 1 includes the control device 20 including the communication unit 26 and the management device 30 including the comparison unit 31, and the communication unit 26 transmits the first detection information and the first information by wireless communication or wired communication. By transmitting the two detection information to the management device 30, the first detection information and the second detection information are output to the comparison unit 31.

Thereby, for example, the control device 20 can be attached to the housing 10 and the management device 30 can be arranged in a remote place away from the housing 10. The management device 30 manages the person list 35, the price list 36, and the like, so that falsification by a Service-to-Self can be suppressed. Therefore, management of the article 2 can be made more strict.

For example, the article management system 1 further includes a housing 10.

Thus, for example, a dedicated housing 10 can be used according to the article 2 to be stored. Since the dedicated housing 10 is used, versatility is lowered, but strict management suitable for the article 2 can be performed.

(Modification of the first embodiment)
Below, the some modification of 1st Embodiment is demonstrated. Note that in the following modification examples, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and description of common points will be omitted or simplified.

[First Modification]
First, a first modification of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the housing 10a of the article management system according to this modification. The configuration of the housing 10a illustrated in FIG. 20 is substantially the same as the configuration of the housing 10 according to the first embodiment, and includes two

shelf members

13a and 13b instead of the two shelf members 13. Is different.

The

shelf members

13a and 13b are examples of partition members for dividing the storage space 11a in the main body 11 into a plurality of partial spaces, like the shelf member 13 according to the first embodiment. The

shelf members

13a and 13b are formed using a flat plate or a flat net.

As shown in FIG. 20, the shelf member 13a is arranged on the upper side of the shelf member 13b. Although not shown in FIG. 20, the in-compartment camera 40 is attached to the upper corner of the inner wall of the main body unit 11 as in the first embodiment. That is, the shelf member 13a is arranged at a position closer to the in-compartment camera 40 than the shelf member 13b.

The length in the depth direction is different between the shelf material 13a and the shelf material 13b. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 20, the length L1 of the shelf 13a in the depth direction is shorter than the length L2 of the shelf 13b in the depth direction. Therefore, the lunch box 2a disposed on the upper shelf 13a is disposed on the back side of the storage space 11a, and the lunch box 2c disposed on the floor surface of the lower body portion 11 is disposed on the front side of the storage space 11a. Can be arranged. That is, when the lunch boxes 2a to 2c are viewed from above, the lunch boxes 2a to 2c can be arranged so that part or all of them do not overlap.

Thus, when the storage space 11a is photographed from above by the internal camera 40, the lunch boxes 2a to 2c (a plurality of articles 2) can be prevented from overlapping in the photographed image. Therefore, it is easy to count the number of lunch boxes 2a to 2c (a plurality of articles 2) by image processing, and the occurrence of counting errors and the like can be suppressed.

[Second Modification]
Subsequently, a second modification of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the first embodiment, the internal camera 40 is shown as an example of the first detection unit, but in this modification, an example in which a detachable sensor is used as an example of the first detection unit will be described.

<Inside chamber sensor unit>
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the in-compartment sensor unit 140 of the article management system according to this modification. FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the detachable sensor 143 of the in-compartment sensor unit 140 according to this modification. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a state in which a plurality of articles 2 are attached to the in-compartment sensor unit 140 according to this modification. FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the article 2 is detached from the detachable sensor 143 according to the present modification.

The article management system according to the present modification includes an in-compartment sensor unit 140 shown in FIG. 21 as an example of the first detection unit instead of the in-compartment camera 40. The in-compartment sensor unit 140 includes a support plate 141, a plurality of electrode portions 142, a plurality of detachable sensors 143, and a plurality of wirings 144.

The support plate 141 supports a plurality of detachable sensors 143. As shown in FIG. 21, the support plate 141 is provided with a plurality of electrode portions 142, and the removable sensor 143 is supported in association with the electrode portions 142.

The support plate 141 is, for example, a flat plate having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, and is disposed inside the housing 10. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 23, the support plate 141 is fixed in an upright manner with respect to the floor surface of the main body 11 so as to be parallel to the inner surface of the back of the main body 11.

The plurality of electrode portions 142 are electrodes for applying a voltage to the corresponding detachable sensor 143. The electrode part 142 also functions as a detection electrode for detecting a detection signal (current during energization) of the detachable sensor 143. As shown in FIG. 23, each of the plurality of electrode portions 142 is connected to the wiring 144. The wiring 144 is a conductive wire for transmitting a detection signal to the control device 20 and is connected to the control device 20.

The plurality of wirings 144 are collectively connected to one connector (not shown), for example. The end of the cable connected to the control device 20 is exposed inside the housing 10, and the connector of the wiring 144 is connected to the end. Thereby, the in-compartment sensor unit 140 can be easily installed in the housing 10. That is, it is not necessary to connect each of the plurality of detachable sensors 143 to the control device 20.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21, a larger number of electrode portions 142 than the detachable sensor 143 are provided on the support plate 141. Thereby, one electrode part 142 is selected from the plurality of electrode parts 142 in accordance with the size, shape, arrangement, and the like of the article 2, and the removable electrode attached to the article 2 to the selected electrode part 142. The sensor 143 can be contacted and fixed.

For example, as shown in FIG. 23, the plurality of articles 2 are stacked on top of each other. Each of the plurality of detachable sensors 143 sandwiches the ends of the plurality of articles 2. Each of the plurality of detachable sensors 143 is fixed to the support plate 141 so as to be in contact with the electrode part 142 located at a position corresponding to the height of the article 2.

The plurality of detachable sensors 143 are sensors that are detachably attached to each of the plurality of articles 2. As shown in FIGS. 22 and 24, the detachable sensor 143 is a clip-type sensor. Specifically, the detachable sensor 143 includes a clip body 143a, a sandwiching part 143b, a conductive part 143c, and a guide part 143d. The detachable sensor 143 detects the detachment of the corresponding article 2 by energizing when the holding portions 143b come into contact with each other.

The clip main body 143a has a shape substantially along the side surface of the triangular prism, and a clamping portion 143b provided on one side is in contact. The clip body 143a has elasticity and elastically deforms when a force is applied. Specifically, when an object is inserted between the holding portions 143b, the clip body 143a is elastically deformed. The clip body 143a is formed using, for example, an insulating material such as a resin material.

The clamping part 143b clamps at least a part of the corresponding article 2. The sandwiching portion 143b is formed using a conductive material such as metal.

The conductive portion 143c is electrically connected to the sandwiching portion 143b. The conductive portion 143c contacts the electrode portion 142 when the detachable sensor 143 is attached to the support plate 141. When the holding portions 143b come into contact with each other, a current flows through the electrode portion 142 through the conductive portion 143c.

The guide part 143d is a part of the clip main body 143a, and is a part located on the tip side from the sandwiching part 143b. The guide parts 143d are formed so as to be separated from each other as they are separated from the holding part 143b. Thereby, the article 2 can be easily held by the holding part 143b by inserting it along the guide part 143d.

Each of the plurality of detachable sensors 143 is fixed to the support plate 141 so as to contact the corresponding electrode part 142. For example, the detachable sensor 143 may be screwed to the support plate 141 or may be bonded to the support plate 141 with an adhesive sheet. Alternatively, the detachable sensor 143 or the support plate 141 may be a magnetic body, and the detachable sensor 143 may be fixed to the support plate 141 by a magnetic force.

In the present modification, as shown in FIG. 24, when the article 2 is inserted between the sandwiching portions 143b, the clip body 143a is elastically deformed to apply an urging force to the sandwiching portion 143b so as to sandwich the article 2. . When the article 2 is formed using an insulating material, the holding portions 143b are insulated without being in contact with each other. For this reason, no current flows through the sandwiching portion 143b.

On the other hand, when the article 2 is taken out, the clamping part 143b comes into contact. At this time, since a voltage is applied to the clamping part 143b via the conductive part 143c and the electrode part 142, the clamping part 143b is energized. The current flowing through the sandwiching portion 143b is output to the control device 20 as a detection signal through the conductive portion 143c, the electrode portion 142, and the wiring 144.

<Operation>
Here, the operation of the article management system according to this modification will be described with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26. FIG.

FIG. 25 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the article management system according to this modification. As shown in FIG. 25, the article management system according to the present modification includes a detachable sensor 143 instead of the internal camera 40, as compared with the article management system according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. Prepare. In FIG. 25, only one detachable sensor 143 is shown. However, as shown in FIGS. 21 to 24, the article management system according to this modification includes a plurality of detachable sensors 143.

This modification is different from the first embodiment in that the control device 20 does not generate a shooting command. As shown in FIG. 25, in the control device 20, when the collation result indicates that the person matches (that is, when the personal authentication is successful), the lock control unit 22 generates an unlock command (S20a). The lock control unit 22 outputs an unlock command to the lock mechanism 70 (S28), and the lock mechanism 70 is released (S30).

Thereafter, when the article 2 is taken out by the user, the detachable sensor 143 detects the take-out of the article 2 (S33a). Specifically, when the article 2 is taken out, as shown in FIG. 24, the sandwiching portions 143b come into contact with each other and are energized. The detachable sensor 143 outputs the current flowing through the electrode portion 142 and the wiring 144 as a detection signal to the control device 20 (S33b).

In addition, when the user takes out a plurality of articles 2, a plurality of detachable sensors 143 output detection signals. For this reason, the information processing unit 23 of the control device 20 can determine the number of articles 2 taken out by counting the number of detection signals. The information processing unit 23 transmits the determined number as detection information together with the identification information to the management device 30 (S54a).

In this modification, the operations of the constituent elements other than the control device 20 and the detachable sensor 143 are the same as those in the first embodiment. In the comparison process (S56) performed by the management apparatus 30, the image process is not performed, and the comparison is performed using the number indicated in the detection information as the first number.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device 20 of the article management system according to this modification. Below, it demonstrates centering on difference with the flowchart shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 26, when the communication unit 26 receives a verification success notification (Yes in S103), the lock control unit 22 generates an unlock command (S204, S20a in FIG. 25), and the generated unlock command Is transmitted (S106, S28 in FIG. 25). At this time, the information processing unit 23 does not generate a shooting command.

Thereafter, the control unit 21 waits until receiving the detection signal, the identification information, and the close signal (No in S207 and No in S115). When the predetermined period has passed without receiving at least one of the detection signal, the identification information, and the closing signal (Yes in S115), the control device 20 performs error processing (S117).

When all of the detection signal, the identification information, and the closing signal are received (Yes in S207), the lock control unit 22 generates a locking command (S208). The subsequent processing is the same as the processing shown in FIG.

As described above, in the article management system according to this modification, for example, the first detection unit includes a plurality of detachable sensors 143 that are detachably attached to each of the plurality of articles 2.

As described above, in this modification, the inside of the casing 10 is not photographed before and after opening and closing, but the removal of the plurality of articles 2 is detected based on the detection signals from the individual detachable sensors 143. Thereby, since the some articles | goods 2 can be detected separately, the detection accuracy of the articles | goods 2 accommodated in the housing | casing 10 can be improved. Therefore, the accuracy of management of the article 2 can be increased.

In addition, for example, each of the plurality of detachable sensors 143 includes a sandwiching portion 143b that sandwiches at least a part of the corresponding article 2, and the corresponding article 2 is energized when the sandwiching sections 143b come into contact with each other. Detection of desorption.

Thereby, the attachment and detachment of the article 2 can be easily performed by using the clip-type detachable sensor 143.

Further, for example, the first detection unit further includes a support plate 141 that supports the plurality of detachable sensors 143.

Thus, by attaching the plurality of detachable sensors 143 together to the support plate 141, it is possible to easily perform the work of attaching the in-compartment sensor unit 140 to the housing 10.

[Third Modification]
Next, a third modification of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In this modification, an example using a detachable sensor will be described as in the second modification.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the in-compartment sensor unit 240 of the article management system according to this modification. FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the detachable sensor 243 of the in-compartment sensor unit 240 according to this modification. FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a state where a plurality of articles 2 are attached to the in-compartment sensor unit 240 according to the present modification. FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a state where the article 2 is detached from the detachable sensor 243 according to the present modification.

The article management system according to this modification includes an in-compartment sensor unit 240 shown in FIG. 27 as an example of the first detection unit instead of the in-compartment camera 40. The in-compartment sensor unit 240 includes a support plate 141, a plurality of electrode portions 142, a plurality of detachable sensors 243, and a plurality of wirings 144. The support plate 141, the electrode part 142, and the wiring 144 are the same as in the second modification.

The plurality of detachable sensors 243 are sensors that are detachably attached to each of the plurality of articles 2. As shown in FIGS. 28 and 30, the detachable sensor 243 is a hinge type sensor. Specifically, the detachable sensor 243 has two

plate portions

243a and 243b and a shaft portion 243c. The detachable sensor 243 detects detachment of the corresponding article 2 by energizing when the two

plate portions

243a and 243b come into contact with each other.

The two

plate portions

243a and 243b are combined so as to be rotatable with respect to one side as an axis. Each of the two

plate portions

243a and 243b is a flat plate having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, and is fixed to the shaft portion 243c so as to be rotatable about the shaft portion 243c. As shown in FIG. 29, one of the two

plate portions

243a and 243b is placed on the corresponding article 2. The other of the two

plate portions

243 a and 243 b is fixed to the support plate 141 in contact with the electrode portion 142.

The

plate portions

243a and 243b are formed using a conductive material such as metal, for example. The

plate portions

243a and 243b are connected via the shaft portion 243c, but are insulated at the connection portion. That is, the

plate portions

243a and 243b are energized when the main surfaces come into contact with each other, and a current flows. The sizes and shapes of the

plate portions

243a and 243b are, for example, the same as each other, but may be different.

In this modified example, as shown in FIG. 29, a plate portion 243b is placed on each of the stacked articles 2. In this case, the plate portion 243a and the plate portion 243b are not in contact with each other and are not energized. In addition, the detachable sensor 243 located at the uppermost position in FIG. 29 is not in contact with the article 2 and is in a state where the plate portion 243a and the plate portion 243b are energized.

As shown in FIG. 30, when the article 2 is taken out, the plate part 243b placed on the article 2 rotates around the shaft part 243c by gravity and contacts the plate part 243a. As a result, the plate portion 243a and the plate portion 243b are energized, and a current is output as a detection signal to the control device 20 via the electrode portion 142 and the wiring 144. Thus, when the state of the detachable sensor 243 changes from open to energized, the control unit 21 can determine that the article 2 has been taken out.

Note that the operation of the article management system according to this modification is the same as that of the second modification, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

As described above, in the article management system according to this modification, for example, each of the plurality of detachable sensors 243 is combined with each other so as to be rotatable about one side, and one is placed on the corresponding article 2. The two

plate portions

243a and 243b are connected to each other, and when the two

plate portions

243a and 243b come into contact with each other, energization is detected to detect the detachment of the corresponding article 2.

Thereby, the article 2 can be easily detached by using the hinge-type detachable sensor 243.

[Fourth Modification]
Next, a fourth modification of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In this modification, an example using a detachable sensor will be described as in the second modification.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the in-compartment sensor unit 340 of the article management system according to this modification. FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating a state where a plurality of articles 2 are attached to the in-compartment sensor unit 340 according to the present modification.

The article management system according to this modification includes an in-compartment sensor unit 340 shown in FIG. 31 as an example of the first detection unit instead of the in-compartment camera 40. The in-compartment sensor unit 340 includes a support plate 341, a rail part 342, a sensor part 343, and a wiring 344.

The support plate 341 supports the sensor unit 343. As shown in FIG. 31, the support plate 341 is provided with a plurality of rail portions 342, and the sensor portion 343 is supported on each of the plurality of rail portions 342.

The support plate 341 is, for example, a flat plate having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, and is disposed inside the housing 10. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 32, the support plate 341 is fixed upright with respect to the floor surface of the main body 11 so as to be parallel to the inner surface of the back of the main body 11.

The rail part 342 forms a track when the sensor part 343 moves. In this modification, the rail portion 342 is a through-hole that penetrates the support plate 341 in the thickness direction, and is a long slit-like shape that extends along the height direction when the support plate 341 is fixed to the main body portion 11. It is a through hole. The sensor unit 343 is supported so as to be movable along the direction in which the rail unit 342 extends (that is, the height direction).

In addition, instead of the support plate 341 and the rail portion 342, a support rod may be fixed vertically with respect to the floor surface of the main body portion 11. The sensor unit 343 may be supported so as to be movable in the height direction along the support bar so as to grasp the support bar.

The sensor unit 343 is movable along the rail unit 342 and detects a position in the rail unit 342. Specifically, the sensor unit 343 detects the distance along the rail unit 342 from the floor surface of the main body unit 11 to the sensor unit 343, that is, the height. The sensor unit 343 is connected to the wiring 344 and outputs position information (specifically, height information) indicating the position of the sensor unit 343 to the control device 20.

32, the sensor unit 343 includes a guide unit 343a and a plate unit 343b. The guide portion 343a extends obliquely upward from the tip of the plate portion 343b. The plate portion 343b is placed on the article 2.

FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the article 2 is attached to the in-compartment sensor unit 340 according to the present modification. As shown in FIG. 33, by sliding the article 2 along the floor surface, the end of the article 2 comes into contact with the guide portion 343a. By pushing the article 2 into the back as it is, the guide part 343a is pushed up to the end of the article 2 and the sensor part 343 is lifted. Accordingly, the plate portion 343b is placed on the end portion of the article 2, and the height of the sensor portion 343 substantially coincides with the height of the article 2.

In this modification, as shown in FIG. 32, the plurality of articles 2 are stacked and stored inside the housing 10. The in-compartment sensor unit 340 detects the height of the article 2 located at the uppermost stage among the plurality of stacked articles 2. Specifically, since the sensor unit 343 is placed on the article 2 positioned at the uppermost stage, the height of the sensor unit 343 changes according to the number of articles 2. That is, as the number of stacked articles 2 increases, the height of the sensor unit 343 increases. As the number of stacked articles 2 decreases, the height of the sensor unit 343 decreases.

In this modification, the information processing unit 23 or the comparison unit 31 calculates a decrease in height before and after the article 2 is taken out based on the position information output from the sensor unit 343, and reduces the calculated height. The number of articles 2 taken out can be determined based on the minute and the height of one article 2.

FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating a state where the article 2 is removed from the in-compartment sensor unit 340 according to the present modification. For example, as shown in FIG. 34, the height before taking out the article 2 is h1, and by taking out the article 2, the height is reduced to h2. The decrease in height is represented by h2-h1. The number of articles 2 is calculated by dividing the decrease by the height of one article 2.

Here, the case where the height h1 before taking out the article 2 is 35 cm, the height h2 after taking out is 25 cm, and the height of one article 2 is 5 cm is taken as an example. The decrease in height is 10 (= 35-25) cm. Therefore, the number of articles 2 taken out is 2 (= 10 cm ÷ 5 cm).

As described above, in the article management system according to the present modification, for example, a plurality of articles 2 are stacked and stored inside the housing 10, and the first detection unit (in-house sensor unit 340) is stacked. In addition, the height of the article 2 located at the uppermost stage among the plurality of articles 2 is detected.

Thereby, the number of articles 2 taken out can be determined by detecting a change in height. At this time, in the second modification and the third modification, only the uppermost article 2 can be taken out, but according to the present modification, the middle article among the stacked articles 2 is used. The article 2 located or the article 2 located in the lower stage can be extracted. In this way, the article 2 that the user wants to take out can be freely taken out from the stacked articles 2.

In this modification, in order to easily count the number of articles 2, the same kind of articles 2, that is, the articles 2 having the same height are stacked, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of types of articles 2 having different heights may be stacked. For example, an article A having a height of Ha and an article B having a height of Hb may be stacked.

The control unit 21 can estimate the taken-out article 2 according to the height reduction. For example, when the decrease in height is Ha, the control unit 21 can estimate that the removed article 2 is the article A. Similarly, when the decrease in height is Hb, the control unit 21 can estimate that the removed article 2 is the article B. Moreover, when the amount of decrease in height is Ha + Hb, the control unit 21 can estimate that the article A and the article B have been taken out. When the decrease in height is twice Ha, the control unit 21 can estimate that two articles A have been taken out.

At this time, the heights Ha and Hb may be equal to or higher than the height of the storage space 11a of the housing 10 (height from the floor surface to the ceiling surface). In this case, the heights of the combinations of the articles A and B stacked in the storage space 11a are all different. Therefore, it is possible to determine the type and the number of the articles 2 taken out based on the height reduction.

For example, it is assumed that the height of the storage space 11a of the housing 10 is 30 cm, the height Ha of the article A is 5 cm, and the height Hb of the article B is 7 cm. At this time, the least common multiple of Ha and Hb is 35 cm, which is larger than the height of the storage space 11a.

In this case, the combinations of the articles 2 stored in the storage space 11a and the heights of the articles 2 stacked according to the combinations are as follows.

(Number of articles A, number of articles B, height) = (0,0,0), (1,0,5), (1,1,12), (1,2,19), (1, 3, 26), (2, 0, 10), (2, 1, 17), (2, 2, 24), (3, 0, 15), (3, 1, 22), (3, 2, 29), (4,0,20), (4,1,27), (5,0,25), (6,0,30)
Thus, the height of the stacked articles 2 is different for each combination. Therefore, even if one or more articles 2 are taken out, the type and number of the taken-out articles 2 can be determined by comparing the heights before and after taking out the articles 2.

On the other hand, when the least common multiple of Ha and Hb is smaller than the height of the storage space 11a, the number and type of the articles 2 taken out may not be determined. For example, when the height Ha of the article A is 2 cm and the height Hb of the article B is 3 cm, the least common multiple of Ha and Hb is 6 cm. For this reason, when the decrease in height is 6 cm, it is not possible to determine whether three articles A or two articles B have been taken out.

In such a case, the number of articles 2 taken out may be limited. For example, the guide unit 90 notifies the user that the number of articles 2 taken out at one time is two or less. Thereby, the number and kind of taken-out articles 2 can be determined.

In the present modification, the height of the uppermost article 2 is detected based on the position of the sensor unit 343 on the rail unit 342. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The first detection unit may be realized by a distance measuring device. For example, the distance measuring device may be fixed to the ceiling surface of the housing 10 so as to measure the distance from itself to the floor surface of the housing 10. The distance measuring device uses a TOF (Time Of Flight) method or a stereo method. A plurality of articles 2 are stacked and arranged between the distance measuring device and the floor surface of the housing 10.

Thus, the greater the number of articles 2 is, the shorter the distance from the distance measuring device to the uppermost article 2 is. When the article 2 is taken out, the distance from the distance measuring device to the uppermost article 2 is increased. Therefore, the number of the articles 2 can be calculated by dividing the increase in the distance to the uppermost article 2 by the height of one article 2.

[Fifth Modification]
Next, a fifth modification of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In this modification, a weight sensor is used in place of the internal camera 40.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a positional relationship between the weight sensor 440 and the article 2 in the article management system according to this modification. As shown in FIG. 35, the article management system according to this modification includes a weight sensor 440 as the first detection unit.

The weight sensor 440 detects the weight of the plurality of articles 2. In this modification, the weight sensor 440 is disposed on the floor surface of the main body 11 of the housing 10. In addition, as shown in 1st Embodiment, when the storage space 11a is divided by the shelf material 13, the weight sensor 440 may be further arrange | positioned on the shelf material 13. FIG. An example in which a weight sensor is arranged for each shelf member 13 will be described later in the third embodiment.

The weight sensor 440 detects the weight (total weight) of the plurality of articles 2 placed on the weight sensor 440 and outputs it to the control device 20. When the weight per article 2 is substantially equal, the total weight detected by the weight sensor 440 is divided by the weight per piece to calculate the number of articles 2 placed on the weight sensor 440. be able to.

For this reason, in this modification, the weight sensor 440 outputs the total weight before and after taking out the article 2 to the control device 20. For example, as in the first embodiment, the total weight may be measured based on a measurement command (corresponding to a shooting command) from the control unit 21, and the measured total weight may be output to the control unit 21. . Alternatively, the weight sensor 440 may output the measured total weight to the control unit 21 every time a change occurs in the measured total weight.

As described above, in the article management system according to the present modification, for example, the first detection unit (weight sensor 440) detects the weights of the plurality of articles 2.

Thereby, the number of articles 2 taken out can be determined by detecting a change in weight. At this time, similarly to the fourth modified example, the article 2 that the user wants to take out can be freely taken out from the stacked articles 2. Alternatively, since the article 2 only needs to be placed on the weight sensor 440, the article 2 may not be stacked when there is a sufficient space. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of the damage of the articles | goods 2 by stacking can be suppressed.

As in the case of the fourth modification for detecting the height, when the weights of the plurality of types of articles 2 are different, the type and number of the articles 2 can be specified from the change in the total weight.

[Sixth Modification]
Next, a sixth modification of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In this modification, a contact type sensor is used instead of the internal camera 40. In the first embodiment and the first to fifth modifications, a plurality of articles 2 are stacked. In this modification, the articles are stored in an individual storage unit having a contact sensor. Above, each individual storage unit is stored in the housing 10.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the individual storage unit 540 of the article management system according to this modification. FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the individual storage unit 540 in which the articles 2 are stored in the article management system according to this modification.

The individual storage unit 540 includes a film body 541 and a contact sensor 543, as shown in FIG. A plurality of through holes 542 are provided in the film body 541.

As shown in FIG. 37, the film main body 541 accommodates one article 2 therein. The shape of the film body 541 is, for example, a cylindrical shape having openings at both ends, but may be a bag shape having an opening at one end and the other end closed. The opening is provided to put the article 2 and may be closed after the article 2 is put. For example, a fastener or the like may be provided in the opening.

The film body 541 is formed using, for example, a highly flexible material. The film body 541 is made of, for example, an insulating resin material.

One or more through holes 542 are provided in the film main body 541. The through hole 542 is a ventilation hole for allowing air in the housing 10 to pass through the individual housing unit 540 when the individual housing unit 540 is put in the housing 10. Thereby, for example, the article 2 can be cooled in a state of being stored in the individual storage unit 540 using the cool air in the housing 10.

Contact sensor 543 detects contact and non-contact of article 2. The contact sensor 543 is provided on the inner side surface of the film main body 541. When the article 2 is stored in the film main body 541, the article 2 comes into contact with the contact sensor 543.

Although not shown, wiring is connected to the contact sensor 543. An end portion of a cable connected to the control device 20 is disposed inside the housing 10. By connecting the wiring connected to the contact sensor 543 to the end of the cable (for example, connector connection), the detection result by the contact sensor 543 can be output to the control device 20. The contact sensor 543 outputs a detection signal to the control device 20 when, for example, the article 2 is taken out from the individual storage unit 540, that is, when the contact between the article 2 and the contact sensor 543 is lost.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view showing a state before and after taking out the article 2 from the individual storage unit 540 in the article management system according to this modification. As shown in FIG. 38, in the present modification, the plurality of articles 2 can be stacked while being stored in the individual storage unit 540. FIG. 38 shows an example in which three individual storage units 540 are stacked.

Here, the article 2 is taken out from the individual storage unit 540 located in the middle stage. In this case, since the film main body 541 has flexibility, the middle individual storage unit 540 is crushed and deformed by the gravity of the upper individual storage unit 540.

Note that the film body 541 may have rigidity. In this case, the shape of the film main body 541 is maintained even after the article 2 is taken out.

[Seventh Modification]
Next, a seventh modification of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 39 and 40. FIG. In the first embodiment, a plurality of articles 2 are stored together in the housing 10, whereas in this modification, there is an individual storage space for storing the plurality of articles 2 individually. Is provided. Each of the plurality of individual storage spaces is provided with a sensor that detects an article 2 to be stored.

FIG. 39 is a front view of the individual storage shelf 610 in the article management system according to this modification. FIG. 40 is a perspective view showing a part of the individual storage shelf 610 according to this modification. FIG. 39 shows a state in which the article 2 is stored in the individual storage space 613a of the individual storage shelf 610. FIG. 40 shows an individual storage space 613a in which the article 2 is not stored.

The individual storage shelf 610 is a storage shelf for forming a plurality of individual storage spaces 613a for storing a plurality of articles 2 individually. The individual storage shelf 610 is disposed inside the housing 10, and thus a plurality of individual storage spaces 613 a are provided inside the housing 10.

39, the individual storage shelf 610 includes a frame body portion 611 and a plurality of shelf portions 613. In addition, as shown in FIG. 40, an individual sensor 640 is disposed on each shelf 613. A plurality of light emitting portions 691 are provided in the frame body portion 611.

The frame body portion 611 is a main body housing of the individual storage shelf 610. The frame body part 611 supports the plurality of shelf parts 613. The means for supporting the shelf portion 613 is, for example, the same as the means for supporting the shelf material 13 by the main body portion 11 in the first embodiment.

The shape of the frame body portion 611 is, for example, a rectangular tube that is long in the vertical direction. The frame body portion 611 has an upper surface portion, a floor surface portion, a left side surface portion, and a right side surface portion, and an opening is provided in the front-rear direction. The “front” in the front-rear direction is the side on which the light emitting unit 691 is provided, and is the door 12 side when it is arranged inside the housing 10. “Backward” in the front-rear direction is the opposite side of the front side, and is the back side when arranged inside the housing 10. The frame body portion 611 does not have to have an upper surface portion and a floor surface portion. Further, the frame body portion 611 may not have one of the left side surface portion and the right side surface portion.

The shelf part 613 is an example of a partition part for forming the individual storage space 613a. The shelf part 613 is a net shelf formed using a flat net, for example. In this modification, an individual storage space 613a is formed by two adjacent shelf portions 613 and a frame body portion 611. The size of the individual storage space 613 a may be changeable according to the size of the article 2. For example, the shelf 613 can be changed stepwise in the vertical direction or to an arbitrary position.

The individual sensor 640 is an example of a first detection unit arranged for each individual storage space 613a. The individual sensor 640 detects the article 2 arranged in the corresponding individual storage space 613a. The individual sensor 640 is, for example, a capacitance type sensor, a weight sensor, or an infrared sensor, but is not particularly limited.

A wiring (not shown) is connected to each of the plurality of individual sensors 640. A plurality of wirings connected to each of the plurality of individual sensors 640 are collectively fixed to the frame body portion 611 or the like. An end portion of a cable connected to the control device 20 is disposed inside the housing 10. A plurality of wirings connected to each of the plurality of individual sensors 640 are collected and connected to an end portion of the cable (for example, connector connection), so that detection results from the plurality of individual sensors 640 are output to the control device 20. be able to.

The plurality of light emitting units 691 is an example of the display unit 91 provided in the guide unit 90. The plurality of light emitting units 691 are provided in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of individual storage spaces 613a. In this modification, as shown in FIGS. 39 and 40, the frame body portion 611 is disposed in the vicinity of the corresponding individual storage space 613a. The lighting state of the light emitting units 691 changes according to the article 2 stored in the corresponding individual storage space 613a. For example, the light emitting unit 691 is realized by a light emitting element such as an LED.

For example, the light emitting unit 691 is turned on when the article 2 is stored in the corresponding individual storage space 613a, and is turned off when the article 2 is not stored. Further, when the stored article 2 is a special article directed to a specific person, the light emitting unit 691 may perform blinking lighting. The light emitting unit 691 may be capable of changing the emission color.

As described above, in the article management system according to this modification, for example, a plurality of individual storage spaces 613a for individually storing a plurality of articles 2 are provided in the housing 10, and the first detection unit is configured as follows. It has the some individual sensor 640 which detects the articles | goods 2 arrange | positioned for every individual storage space 613a arrange | positioned in the corresponding individual storage space 613a.

Thereby, since the article 2 can be detected for each individual storage space 613a, the accuracy of management of the article 2 can be improved.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. Below, it demonstrates centering on difference with 1st Embodiment, and description of a common point is abbreviate | omitted or simplified.

In the article management system 1 according to the first embodiment, if the person is permitted to open the casing 10, the article 2 stored in the casing 10 can be taken out freely. On the other hand, in the article management system according to the present embodiment, a special article directed to a specific person is included in the plurality of articles 2 housed in the casing 10, and only a specific person is included. Is a system that can take out the special article. In other words, in the present embodiment, one housing 10 is used in two ways of usage: reserved use (sales) and general use.

[Constitution]
First, the configuration of the article management system according to the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 41 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an article management system 701 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 41, the article management system 701 according to the present embodiment is different from the article management system 1 according to the first embodiment in that the control device 720 and the management device 30 are replaced with the control device 720 and the management device 30. The point provided with the management device 730 is different from the point that one or more individual casings 710 are arranged in the casing 10.

Throughout this specification, the casing 10 and the control device 720 are collectively referred to as an article management device (including other embodiments and modifications thereof).

<Individual housing>
First, the individual casing 710 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 42 is a perspective view of individual casing 710 in article management system 701 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 43 is a front view showing the housing 10 in which a plurality of individual housings 710 according to the present embodiment are arranged.

The individual casing 710 is an openable casing that forms an individual storage space 713 that individually stores at least one of the plurality of articles 2. As shown in FIG. 42, an individual lock mechanism 770 that restricts opening and closing of the individual case 710 is attached to the individual case 710. In addition, an individual sensor 640 that detects the article 2 to be stored is provided inside the individual casing 710.

In the present embodiment, at least one of the plurality of individual casings 710 is assigned to a predetermined person (hereinafter referred to as a specific person). The individual case 710 to which the specific person is assigned is a dedicated case for the assigned specific person, and only the specific person can be opened and closed. For example, the individual casing 710 stores an article 2 (for example, a special lunch box that matches the constitution of the specific person) specified in advance by the specific person. Since the individual lock mechanism 770 is provided in the individual casing 710, it is prohibited for a person other than the specific person to take out.

The plurality of individual casings 710 are arranged inside the casing 10 as shown in FIG. 43, the individual storage shelves 610 shown in the seventh modification of the first embodiment are stored in the housing 10, and three individual housings 710 are arranged in the lower three stages of the individual storage shelves 610. An example is shown.

In this case, it is possible to notify that the individual casing 710 is dedicated to a specific person using the light emitting units (individual light emitting units) 691 arranged in the vicinity of the three individual casings 710. Specifically, the individual light emitting unit 691 is lit in a lighting state different from that of the normal light emitting unit 691. For example, the individual light emitting unit 691 and the normal light emitting unit 691 emit light with different emission colors (such as red and green).

Also, the light emitting unit 691 blinks when a specific person opens the housing 10. Thereby, the location of the individual casing 710 dedicated to a specific person can be notified.

42, the individual casing 710 includes a frame body portion 711 and a drawer portion 712.

The frame body portion 711 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing whose front surface is open, and accommodates the drawer portion 712 in a removable manner. A concave portion 772 into which the claw portion 771 a of the electronic lock 771 of the individual lock mechanism 770 is inserted is provided inside the frame body portion 711. The frame body part 711 is, for example, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped casing formed from a resin or a metal material, but the material, shape, and size of the frame body part 711 are not particularly limited. Note that the frame body portion 711 may be provided with a vent hole for allowing the cool air in the housing 10 to pass therethrough.

The drawer part 712 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing having an open upper surface. The opened upper surface is covered with the upper surface of the frame body part 711 when inserted into the frame body part 711. Thereby, an individual storage space 713 is formed by the frame body portion 711 and the drawer portion 712. On the front surface of the drawer portion 712, a grip portion 714 for facilitating the drawer portion 712 is provided. The grip portion 714 is a convex portion (knob) protruding from the front surface of the drawer portion 712, but may be a concave portion provided on the front surface of the drawer portion 712.

An individual sensor 640 is provided on the floor surface of the drawer portion 712. The individual sensor 640 is the same as that shown in the seventh modification of the first embodiment. The individual sensor 640 is connected to the control device 720 by a cable. For example, the cable may be embedded in the drawer 712 (such as a side plate or a bottom plate).

42 shows an example in which the opening / closing method of the individual casing 710 is a drawer type, but the present invention is not limited to this. As with the case 10 according to the first embodiment, the opening / closing method of the individual case 710 may be a lateral opening method using a door. Alternatively, the opening / closing method of the individual casing 710 may be a vertical opening, a sliding type, a double door opening, or the like.

<Individual locking mechanism>
The individual lock mechanism 770 is attached to each of the plurality of individual housings 710 and restricts the opening and closing of the attached individual housings 710. The individual lock mechanism 770 includes an electronic lock 771 and a recess 772 as shown in FIG.

The electronic lock 771 includes a claw portion 771a and a holding housing 771b, similarly to the electronic lock 71 according to the first embodiment. When a predetermined voltage is applied from the outside, the claw portion 771a is housed in the holding housing 771b, and when the voltage application is stopped, the claw portion 771a protrudes from the holding housing 771b. By inserting the protruding claw portion 771a into the recess 772, the individual casing 710 is locked.

The recess 772 corresponds to a female key. Instead of the recess 772, a female key 72 may be attached to the frame body portion 711 as in the first embodiment.

Although not shown, the electronic lock 771 is connected to the control device 720 by a cable. For example, the cable may be embedded in the drawer 712 (such as a side plate or a bottom plate).

<Control device>
The control device 720 is different from the control device 20 according to the first embodiment in that the control unit 21 newly includes an individual lock control unit 727.

The individual lock control unit 727 controls a plurality of individual lock mechanisms 770. The individual lock control unit 727 is assigned to a specific person among the plurality of individual lock mechanisms 770 when the collation result transmitted from the management device 730 indicates a match with a predetermined person (specific person). The individual lock mechanism 770 corresponding to the individual casing 710 is unlocked. That is, when the person who intends to open the casing 10 is a specific person, the individual lock control unit 727 unlocks the individual lock mechanism 770 attached to the individual casing 710 dedicated to the specific person.

<Management device>
Compared with the management apparatus 30 according to the first embodiment, the management device 730 includes a collation unit 732 instead of the collation unit 32, and the storage unit 34 has a person list 735 instead of the person list 35. Is different from the stored point.

FIG. 44 is a diagram showing a person list 735 in the article management system 701 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 44, in the person list 735, reservation information is further added to the person list 35 shown in FIG.

Reservation information includes flag information and individual case information. The flag information is information indicating whether or not the corresponding person is a specific person. In FIG. 44, a circle mark (O) indicates that the corresponding person is a specific person, and a cross mark (X) indicates that the corresponding person is not specific information. The individual case information is information for specifying the individual case 710 assigned to the specific person, and indicates the position of the individual case 710, for example.

The collation unit 732 collates the person list 735 with the person indicated by the person information. Furthermore, when the person indicated by the person information matches the person included in the person list 735, the collation unit 732 refers to the person list 735 to determine whether or not the person is a specific person. Based on the flag information of the person list 735, the collation unit 732 reads the individual case information when the person is a specific person. The collation unit 732 transmits, via the communication unit 37, the person is a specific person and the individual case information assigned to the specific person to the control device 720 as a collation result.

[Operation]
Next, the operation of the article management system 701 according to this embodiment will be described. Here, the collation processing by the management device 730, the operation of the control device 720, and the operation of the individual lock mechanism 770 will be described. The operation of the other components constituting the article management system 701 is as shown in FIG.

<Verification processing (personal authentication processing)>
FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing collation processing performed by the management device 730 of the article management system 701 according to the present embodiment. The collation process is the process of step S <b> 16 shown in FIG. 25 and is performed after receiving the personal information via the communication unit 37. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 45, the same reference numerals are given to the same processes as those in the verification process of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 16, and the description will be simplified.

45, in the management device 730, the collation unit 732 collates the person list 735 with the person indicated by the person information (S131). If the person indicated by the person information matches the person included in the person list 735 (Yes in S132) and is a specific person (Yes in S332), the matching unit 732 obtains the individual case information from the person list 735. Obtain (S333). The collation unit 732 generates a collation result indicating a person match as a collation success notification and outputs the collation result together with the individual case information (S334). The verification success notification and the individual case information are transmitted to the control device 720 via the communication unit 37 and are output to the charging unit 33.

When the person indicated by the person information matches the person included in the person list 735 (Yes in S132) and is not a specific person (No in S332), the matching unit 732 collates the matching result indicating the matching of the person. Generate and output as a success notification (S133). The verification success notification is transmitted to the control device 720 via the communication unit 37 and is output to the charging unit 33.

If the person indicated by the person information does not match the person included in the person list 735 (No in S132), the collation unit 732 generates and outputs a collation result indicating a person mismatch as a collation failure notification (S134). The verification failure notification is transmitted to the control device 720 via the communication unit 37.

<Operation of control device>
FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device 720 of the article management system 701 according to the present embodiment. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 46, processes similar to those performed by the control device 20 according to the second modification of the first embodiment shown in FIG. To do.

As shown in FIG. 46, in the control device 20, when the communication unit 26 receives the verification success notification (Yes in S103), the individual lock control unit 727 determines whether or not the person indicated by the person information is a specific person. Determination is made (S303). Specifically, the individual lock control unit 727 determines whether individual housing information has been received together with a verification success notification.

When the individual case information is received, that is, when the person indicated by the person information is a specific person (Yes in S303), the individual lock control unit 727 generates an individual unlock command (S304). Specifically, the individual lock control unit 727 generates an individual unlock command for unlocking the individual lock mechanism 770 attached to the individual case 710 indicated by the individual case information. In the present embodiment, the individual lock control unit 727 supplies a predetermined voltage to be applied to the electronic lock 771 of the individual lock mechanism 770 as an individual unlock command, for example.

Thereafter, the lock control unit 22 generates an unlock command (S204), and transmits the generated unlock command to the lock mechanism 70 (S106). Similarly, when the person indicated by the person information is not a specific person (No in S303), similarly, the lock control unit 22 generates an unlock command (S204), and transmits the generated unlock command to the lock mechanism 70. (S106). The subsequent processing is the same as that in the first embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the information processing unit 23 may change the lighting state of the light emitting unit 691 when the person indicated by the person information is a specific person. For example, when the person indicated by the person information is a specific person, the information processing unit 23 blinks and lights the light emitting unit 691 corresponding to the individual case 710 indicated by the individual case information. Thereby, the position of the individual casing 710 assigned to the specific person can be guided to the specific person who opened the casing 10.

In addition to or in addition to changing the lighting state of the light emitting unit 691, the information processing unit 23 controls the audio output unit 92 to notify the position of the individual casing 710 by voice guidance. May be. For example, the information processing unit 23 may generate a voice guidance such as “Your things are in the bottom box” and have the voice output unit 92 output the voice guidance.

[Effects, etc.]
As described above, the article management system 701 according to the present embodiment forms, for example, one or more individual storage spaces 713 that are arranged inside the housing 10 and individually store at least one of the plurality of articles 2. One or more individual casings 710 that can be opened and closed, one or more individual locking mechanisms 770 that limit the opening and closing of each of the one or more individual casings 710, and an individual lock control unit that controls the one or more individual locking mechanisms 770 727. One of the one or more individual casings 710 is assigned to a predetermined person, and the individual lock control unit 727 displays one or more individual lock mechanisms when the collation result indicates a match with the predetermined person. In 770, the individual lock mechanism 770 corresponding to the individual casing 710 assigned to a predetermined person is unlocked.

Thereby, the article 2 dedicated to a specific person can be stored in the housing 10. That is, one housing 10 can be divided and used for a part shared by a plurality of persons (general use) and a part used personally (reserved use).

In the present embodiment, the individual casing 710 and the individual lock mechanism 770 prohibit the removal of the article 2 other than the specific person, but the present invention is not limited to this. The individual housing 710 may not be provided with a door or the like. For example, the individual lock mechanism 770 may be directly attached to the article 2.

Specifically, the individual lock mechanism 770 may include a chain or string such as a chain lock and an electronic lock attached to the end of the chain or string. For example, the individual lock mechanism 770 may be fixed to the individual casing 710 or the casing 10 through a ring member attached to the article 2 or a through-hole provided in the article 2.

(Third embodiment)
Subsequently, a third embodiment will be described. Below, it demonstrates centering on difference with 1st Embodiment, and description of a common point is abbreviate | omitted or simplified.

In the first embodiment, the article management system 1 includes the second detection unit that detects the article 2 outside the housing 10, whereas the article management system according to the present embodiment includes the second detection unit. Does not have a part. In the article management system according to the present embodiment, the position where the article 2 is stored is determined in advance, and the extracted article 2 is specified based on the storage position of the extracted article 2.

FIG. 47 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an article management system 801 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 47, the article management system 801 according to the present embodiment replaces the control device 20, the management apparatus 30, and the in-compartment camera 40 as compared with the article management system 1 according to the first embodiment. The difference is that the control device 820, the management device 830, and the plurality of weight sensors 841 to 843 are provided, and the code reader 50 is not provided.

Throughout this specification, the casing 10 and the control device 820 are collectively referred to as an article management device (including other embodiments and modifications thereof).

In the present embodiment, a plurality of articles 2 are stored in a predetermined position in the housing 10. Each storage position of the plurality of articles 2 may be determined in advance, or a storage position may be determined for each type of the article 2.

FIG. 48 is a diagram showing an example of storing a plurality of articles 2 (lunch boxes 2a to 2c) in the casing 10 in the article management system 801 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 48, for example, the lunch box 2a is a Western-style lunch box and is arranged in the upper stage. The lunch box 2b is a Chinese lunch box and is arranged in the middle stage. The lunch box 2c is a Japanese-style lunch box and is arranged in the lower stage.

The control device 820 controls the plurality of weight sensors 841 to 843. Specifically, the control device 820 receives a detection signal output from any of the plurality of weight sensors 841 to 843, generates position information of the extracted article 2 based on the received detection signal, The generated position information is transmitted to the management apparatus 30.

47, the control unit 821 of the control device 820 includes an information processing unit 823. When a detection signal is transmitted from at least one of the plurality of weight sensors 841 to 843, the information processing unit 823 identifies the weight sensor that transmitted the detection signal. In the present embodiment, as schematically shown in FIG. 48, control device 820 (information processing unit 823) and a plurality of weight sensors 841 to 843 are connected to each other through different cables. Therefore, the information processing unit 823 specifies the weight sensors 841 to 843 that are the transmission source of the detection signal by specifying the cable through which the detection signal is transmitted.

The communication unit 26 is an example of an output unit that outputs detection information indicating detection results from the plurality of weight sensors 841 to 843. When any of the weight sensors 841 to 843 detects that the target article that is at least one of the plurality of articles 2 has been moved from the position where the communication unit 26 has moved, the communication unit 26 displays position information indicating the position of the target article. Output as detection information.

In the present embodiment, the position information is the detection result (that is, the total weight) of each of the plurality of weight sensors 841 to 843. In the present embodiment, since the plurality of weight sensors 841 to 843 and the position of the article 2 are associated with each other, the position information can indicate the position of the article 2 by indicating the weight sensor. A change in the total weight of any of the weight sensors 841 to 843 indicates the position of the removed article 2 (target article). Alternatively, the position information may be information that explicitly indicates the position of the target article such as an upper stage, a middle stage, or a lower stage.

Compared with the management apparatus 30 according to the first embodiment, the management apparatus 830 includes a specifying unit 831 instead of the comparison unit 31, and a storage position table 836 is provided in the storage unit 34 instead of the price list 36. The point that is memorized is different.

The identifying unit 831 identifies the article 2 taken out from the housing 10 based on the position information transmitted from the control device 820. Specifically, the specifying unit 831 specifies the type and the number of articles 2 taken out from the housing 10. For example, when the total weight detected by the weight sensor 841 changes, the specifying unit 831 refers to the storage position table 836 so that the taken-out article 2 is arranged in the upper stage where the weight sensor 841 is installed. The lunch box 2a is specified. Furthermore, the specifying unit 831 specifies the number of lunch boxes 2a that have been taken out according to the decrease in the total weight. Based on the identification result by the identification unit 831, the accounting unit 33 performs accounting processing for the extracted person.

In the present embodiment, the correspondence relationship between the type of the article 2 and the storage position is managed by the management device 830. Specifically, a storage position table 836 indicating the correspondence between the article 2 and the storage position is stored in the storage unit 34 of the management device 830.

FIG. 49 is a diagram showing a storage position table 836 showing the relationship between the article 2 and the storage position in the article management system 801 according to the present embodiment.

49, in the storage position table 836, the type of the article 2 and the storage position are associated with each other. The storage position table 836 also serves as the price list 36 according to the first embodiment. For this reason, in the storage position table 836, the type of the article 2 and the price are associated with each other.

The plurality of weight sensors 841 to 843 are an example of a detection unit that detects the plurality of articles 2 inside the housing 10. As shown in FIG. 48, the plurality of weight sensors 841 to 843 are provided in the upper, middle and lower stages, respectively. The plurality of weight sensors 841 to 843 detect the total weight of the articles 2 placed on each. Specifically, the weight sensor 841 is placed on the shelf 13 forming the upper stage, and detects the total weight of the one or more lunch boxes 2a arranged in the upper stage. The weight sensor 842 is placed on the shelf member 13 forming the middle stage, and detects the total weight of the one or more lunch boxes 2b arranged in the middle stage. The weight sensor 843 is placed on the floor surface of the main body 11 that forms the lower stage, and detects the total weight of the one or more lunch boxes 2c arranged on the lower stage. Based on the change in the total weight detected by each of the plurality of weight sensors 841 to 843, it is possible to determine the identification and the number of the lunch boxes 2a to 2c that have been taken out. The number specifying method is the same as that of the fifth modification of the first embodiment.

[Operation]
Subsequently, the operation of the article management system 801 according to the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 50 is a sequence diagram showing an operation of the article management system 801 according to the present embodiment. Here, it demonstrates centering on difference with the 2nd modification of 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. In FIG. 50, only the weight sensor 841 is shown, but the

weight sensors

842 and 843 operate in the same manner.

As shown in FIG. 50, the process until the lock mechanism 70 performs the unlocking process (S30) according to the unlocking command transmitted by the control device 820 is the second modification of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Is the same.

When the article 2 is taken out by the user after the lock mechanism 70 is unlocked, at least one of the plurality of weight sensors 841 to 843 detects a change in weight (S33c). For example, when the user takes out the lunch box 2a, the weight sensor 841 detects a change in weight.

The weight sensor 841 that has detected the change in weight outputs a detection signal (S33d). The detection signal includes information indicating the total weight of the lunch box 2a placed on the weight sensor 841.

Note that each of the plurality of weight sensors 841 to 843 may transmit the detected total weight to the control device 820 constantly (or periodically). The information processing unit 823 of the control device 820 or the specifying unit 831 of the management device 830 calculates the difference between the total weight transmitted immediately before and the newly transmitted total weight for each weight sensor. A change in weight may be calculated.

Alternatively, as in the case of the internal camera 40, each of the plurality of weight sensors 841 to 843 measures and measures the total weight based on a measurement command (corresponding to a shooting command) from the information processing unit 823. The total weight may be transmitted to the information processing unit 823. Specifically, the plurality of weight sensors 841 may measure and transmit the total weight twice before or after the housing 10 is opened and after the housing 10 is closed. .

After generating and outputting the locking command (S42 and S50), the control unit 820 transmits the position information included in the detection signal to the management device 830 (S54b). Specifically, the communication unit 26 transmits information indicating the weight sensor 841 that has detected a change in the total weight and information indicating the total weight as a detection result as position information.

The management device 830 receives the position information via the communication unit 37, and the specifying unit 831 performs the specifying process of the article 2 based on the position information (S56b). Specifically, the identifying unit 831 refers to the storage position table 836 to identify the type and number of articles 2 that have been taken out. For example, since the total weight detected by the weight sensor 841 has changed, the specifying unit 831 specifies that the removed article 2 is the lunch box 2a. Further, the specifying unit 831 calculates the change in the total weight, and divides the calculated change by the price of the lunch 2a, thereby determining the number of the lunch boxes 2a that have been taken out.

Thereafter, the charging unit 33 performs a charging process based on the identification result by the identifying unit 831 (S58). Specifically, the billing unit 33 calculates the billing amount by multiplying the price of the lunch box 2a by the number of the lunch boxes 2a taken out, and bills the person specified by the collation unit 32.

[Effects, etc.]
As described above, the article management system 801 according to the present embodiment detects a plurality of articles 2 stored in a predetermined position in the casing 10 that can be opened and closed. A detection unit (for example, weight sensors 841 to 843) and an output unit (for example, communication unit 26) that outputs detection information indicating a detection result by the detection unit are provided. When the detection unit detects that the target article that is at least one of the plurality of articles 2 has been moved, the output unit outputs position information indicating the position of the target article as detection information.

Thereby, since the plurality of articles 2 are stored in a predetermined position, the removed article 2 can be specified by detecting the position of the removed article 2. Therefore, in the article management system 801 according to the present embodiment, a means for detecting the article 2 outside the housing 10 such as the code reader 50 is not necessary, so that the configuration can be further simplified. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a highly versatile article management system 801 that can manage a plurality of articles 2 with a simple configuration.

[Modification]
Subsequently, a modification of the third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, the plurality of articles 2 stored in the housing 10 are detected using the plurality of weight sensors 841 to 843. On the other hand, the article management system according to the present modification includes the in-compartment camera 40 as an example of a detection unit, as in the first embodiment.

FIG. 51 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the article management system according to this modification. As shown in FIG. 51, since the code reader 50 is not provided, the control device 820 generates and outputs the shooting command and the locking command (S42, S44, and S50), and then the communication unit 26 performs the first operation. The internal image and the second internal image (that is, position information) are transmitted to the management device 830 (S54c).

In the management device 830, the specifying unit 831 specifies the type and number of the extracted articles 2 based on the first and second image images (S56c). Specifically, the specifying unit 831 specifies the position and the number of the articles 2 taken out by performing image processing on each of the first and second image images. For example, when the markers 44 are attached to the plurality of articles 2, by specifying the positions and the number of the markers 44 that are included in the first internal image and are not included in the second internal image, The position and the number of the articles 2 taken out are specified. The identifying unit 831 can identify the type of the removed article 2 from the position of the article 2 by referring to the storage position table 836.

As described above, even when the in-compartment camera 40 is provided as an example of a detection unit, a means for detecting the article 2 outside the housing 10 such as the code reader 50 is not provided, and the taken-out article 2 is removed. The type and number can be specified.

In addition, although the article management system 801 according to the present embodiment and the modification thereof includes the weight sensors 841 to 843 or the internal camera 40 as an example of the detection unit, the present invention is not limited thereto. The article management system 801 may include the in-

compartment sensor unit

140, 240, or 340 shown in the second to fourth modifications of the first embodiment as a detection unit. Alternatively, the article management system 801 may include the plurality of contact sensors 543 or the plurality of individual sensors 640 shown in the sixth modification example or the seventh modification example of the first embodiment as a detection unit. . For example, by providing a sensor in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of articles 2, the taken-out article 2 can be easily identified.

(Fourth embodiment)
Subsequently, a fourth embodiment will be described.

The article management system according to the present embodiment is different in that the control device 20 and the management device 30 further manage the state of power supplied to the housing 10. Below, it demonstrates centering on difference with 1st Embodiment, and description of a common point is abbreviate | omitted or simplified.

FIG. 52 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the article management system 901 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 52, the article management system 901 according to the present embodiment is different from the article management system 1 according to the first embodiment in place of the control device 20 and the management device 30. And the point provided with the management apparatus 930 is different.

The control device 920 manages the power state supplied to the housing 10. The housing 10 is an openable / closable housing that receives power supply. Specifically, the housing 10 includes a temperature adjustment unit 14 that adjusts the temperature of the storage space 11a (for example, cooling and heat insulation) using supplied power.

Throughout this specification, the casing 10 and the control device 920 are collectively referred to as an article management device (including other embodiments and modifications thereof).

In the present embodiment, the control device 920 is different from the control device 20 according to the first embodiment in that a control unit 921 is provided instead of the control unit 21. The control device 920 includes a power receiving unit 24 and a power feeding unit 25 as in the first embodiment. The power receiving unit 24 receives power from the outside and supplies it to the control unit 921. The power feeding unit 25 supplies the power received by the power receiving unit 24 to the housing 10. That is, common power is supplied to the control device 920 and the housing 10.

The control unit 921 includes an information processing unit 923 as shown in FIG. The information processing unit 923 is an example of a transmission unit that transmits a power reception signal indicating a common power reception state. Specifically, the information processing unit 923 generates an alive signal when power is received by the power receiving unit 24. The information processing unit 923 transmits the generated alive signal to the management device 930 via the communication unit 26.

The alive signal is a signal indicating that the common power is correctly received. That is, the alive signal is a signal indicating that the control device 920 and the housing 10 are receiving normal power and are operating normally.

In the present embodiment, the information processing unit 923 periodically generates and transmits an alive signal while the power receiving unit 24 receives common power. For example, the information processing unit 923 transmits an alive signal at a time interval of several minutes or less. The transmission interval of the alive signal may be 1 minute or less, for example, a short time such as 1 second. The shorter the time interval, the more accurately the power supply state can be detected.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 921 includes a lock control unit 922. The lock control unit 922 controls the lock mechanism 70 in the same manner as the lock control unit 22 of the first embodiment. The lock control unit 922 further prohibits the unlocking of the lock mechanism 70 when it is determined that the common power is cut off. Since the lock mechanism 70 includes the normally-off type electronic lock 71, the lock mechanism 70 is not unlocked when the power is cut off, but can be unlocked when the power supply is restored. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the lock control unit 922 prohibits unlocking of the lock mechanism 70 even when the supply of power is restored. Thereby, even if collation (personal authentication) of the person who is going to open the housing | casing 10 succeeds, the lock | rock mechanism 70 cannot be taken out without being unlocked.

Thereby, it is possible to prevent the article 2 from being taken out after the power supply to the housing 10 is interrupted. When power supply to the housing 10 is stopped, the temperature adjustment by the temperature adjustment unit 14 cannot be performed. For this reason, there exists a possibility that the quality of the goods 2 may deteriorate, when the goods 2 are lunch boxes. According to the article management system 901 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the article 2 having deteriorated quality from being taken out.

The management device 930 is different from the management device 30 according to the first embodiment in that it further includes a determination unit 938. The determination unit 938 receives the power reception signal, and determines the interruption of the common power based on the received power reception signal. In the present embodiment, the determination unit 938 determines that the common power is cut off when the alive signal is not received for a predetermined period. The predetermined period is, for example, a time longer than the transmission interval of the alive signal and shorter than twice the transmission interval.

During the period when normal power is supplied to the control device 920, the communication unit 37 of the management device 930 receives the alive signal at substantially constant time intervals. That is, as long as the communication unit 37 continues to receive the alive signal at substantially constant time intervals, the determination unit 938 determines that the control device 920 is receiving normal common power. On the other hand, when the communication unit 37 does not receive the alive signal for a period longer than the time interval, the determination unit 938 determines that the control device 920 cannot receive normal power and cannot transmit the alive signal.

[Operation]
Here, the operation of the article management system 901 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 53 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the article management system 901 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 53, only the control device 920 and the management device 930 related to the determination of the power state are illustrated among a plurality of components constituting the article management system 901.

53, the control device 920 generates an alive signal at a substantially constant time interval (S402) and transmits it to the management device 930 (S403). In the management device 930, since the communication unit 37 receives the alive signal at substantially constant intervals, the determination unit 938 determines that the power has been normally supplied.

Here, for example, a power failure or disconnection of the power cord due to intention or negligence occurs, and the power supply to the control device 920 is cut off (S410). As a result, the control device 920 does not transmit the alive signal, and thus the management device 930 cannot receive the alive signal. By not receiving the alive signal for a predetermined period or longer, the determination unit 938 determines that the common power is cut off (S411). At this time, the management apparatus 930 may notify the administrator that power has been cut off.

After the power is restored (S420), in the control device 920, the information processing unit 923 generates an alive signal (S423) as before the power supply is cut off (S423), and the control unit 920 transmits the alive signal to the management device 930. Transmit (S424). In the management device 930, when the communication unit 37 receives the alive signal, the determination unit 938 determines that the common power supply to the control device 920 and the housing 10 has been recovered. In response to the recovery of power supply, the determination unit 938 generates an unlocking prohibition instruction for prohibiting unlocking of the lock mechanism 70 (S425). The determination unit 938 transmits an unlocking prohibition instruction to the control device 920 via the communication unit 37 (S426).

The lock control unit 922 of the control device 920 receives the unlock prohibition instruction and prohibits the unlocking of the lock mechanism 70 (S427). Thereby, even if the user holds the ID card over the card reader 60, the lock mechanism 70 is not unlocked and the casing 10 cannot be opened.

The information processing unit 923 notifies the error by controlling the guide unit 90 (S428). For example, the display unit 91 displays a guidance image indicating that the quality of the article 2 stored in the housing 10 is not guaranteed because the power supply is cut off. Alternatively, the voice output unit 92 may output voice guidance or a warning sound indicating that the quality of the article 2 is not guaranteed.

In the present embodiment, the management device 930 transmits an unlocking prohibition instruction to the control device 920 after receiving the alive signal after the restoration of power supply. The prohibition instruction may be repeatedly transmitted. As a result, the control device 920 can receive the unlock prohibition instruction as soon as power is restored, and prohibit the unlocking of the lock mechanism 70.

In addition, although an example in which the management device 930 transmits an unlocking prohibition instruction to the control device 920 has been described, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the control device 920 may voluntarily prohibit the unlocking after the power supply is restored.

<Case status (power) confirmation processing>
FIG. 54 is a flowchart showing a state confirmation process performed by the management apparatus 930 of the article management system 901 according to the present embodiment.

In the management device 930, the determination unit 938 determines whether an alive signal is received within a predetermined period (S430). As long as the alive signal is received within the predetermined period (Yes in S430), the management device 930 determines that the power supply to the housing 10 and the control device 920 is normal, and performs normal operations (comparison, verification, and verification). Billing).

If the alive signal is not received within the predetermined period (No in S430), the determination unit 938 determines that the common power is cut off (S432). Thereafter, the determination unit 938 waits until the communication unit 37 receives the alive signal again (No in S434). When the communication unit 37 receives the alive signal (Yes in S434), the determination unit 938 performs error notification and transmits an unlocking prohibition instruction (S436).

In this embodiment, after determining that the power supply is cut off, it waits until an unlock prohibition instruction is transmitted until an alive signal is received again. As a result, it is possible to prevent the unlocking prohibition instruction from being transmitted during a period in which the unlocking prohibition instruction cannot be received by the control device 920 without recovering the power supply to the control device 920.

[Effects, etc.]
As described above, the article management system 901 according to the present embodiment is an article management system that manages a plurality of articles 2 housed in the openable / closable casing 10 that receives power supply, and is common to the casing 10. Power receiving unit 24 that receives the received power, a transmission unit (for example, information processing unit 923) that transmits a power reception signal indicating a power reception state of the common power, and a common power based on the received power reception signal. And a determination unit 938 for determining whether or not to block.

There is a case where power is supplied to the casing 10 and the power is used to maintain the quality of the article 2. In such a case, when the power supply is interrupted, the quality of the article 2 may be deteriorated. In other words, the quality of the article 2 may not be guaranteed after power interruption. According to the article management system 901 according to the present embodiment, since it is possible to determine the interruption of power supply, when the quality of the article 2 is not guaranteed, unlocking is prohibited, or reporting to the user or the administrator, etc. Measures can be taken. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, a highly reliable article management system 901 can be provided.

Further, for example, the information processing unit 923 periodically transmits an alive signal while the power receiving unit 24 receives the common power, and the determination unit 938 receives the alive signal for a predetermined period. It is determined that the common power is cut off.

Thereby, since it is possible to determine the power supply based on whether or not the alive signal is received, it is possible to determine the interruption of the power supply with a simple configuration.

Further, for example, the power receiving unit 24 receives power from the outside as common power, and the article management system 1 further includes a power feeding unit 25 that supplies the power received by the power receiving unit 24 to the housing 10.

Thereby, power is supplied to the housing 10 via the control device 920. For this reason, the supply state of power to the housing 10 can be determined by detecting the power reception state to the control device 920.

In addition, for example, the article management system 901 further includes a lock mechanism 70 that restricts opening and closing of the housing 10 and a lock control unit 922 that controls the lock mechanism 70, and the lock control unit 922 is shared by the determination unit 938. When it is determined that the power of the lock mechanism 70 is cut off, the unlocking of the lock mechanism 70 is prohibited.

Thereby, once it is determined that the power supply is cut off, the unlocking of the lock mechanism 70 is prohibited, so that the opening of the housing 10 can be prohibited. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the article 2 whose quality is not guaranteed from being taken out.

Also, for example, the lock mechanism 70 has an electronic lock 71 that unlocks when a predetermined voltage is applied and maintains a locked state when no voltage is applied.

As a result, the electronic lock 71 maintains a locked state when a predetermined voltage is not supplied, so that when the power supply to the housing 10 is interrupted, the voltage to the electronic lock 71 is not applied. The locked state is maintained. Therefore, when the power supply to the housing 10 is interrupted, the housing 10 cannot be opened and closed, so that the article 2 can be protected.

(Modification of the fourth embodiment)
Below, the some modification of 4th Embodiment is demonstrated. Note that in the following modification, differences from the fourth embodiment will be mainly described, and description of common points will be omitted or simplified.

[First Modification]
First, a first modification of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 55 to 57. FIG.

<Configuration>
FIG. 55 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an article management system 1001 according to this modification. As shown in FIG. 55, the article management system 1001 according to this modification further includes a temperature sensor 1010 and a point provided with a control device 1020 and a management device 1030 instead of the control device 920 and the management device 930. Is different.

The temperature sensor 1010 is an example of a temperature measurement unit that measures the temperature inside the housing 10. The temperature sensor 1010 outputs temperature information indicating the measured temperature to the control device 1020. For example, the temperature sensor 1010 measures the temperature inside the housing 10 at a substantially constant time interval, and outputs the measurement result (temperature information) to the control device 1020. For example, the timing at which the temperature information is output is synchronized with the timing at which the control device 1020 outputs the alive signal. Specifically, the time interval for outputting the temperature information and the time interval for outputting the alive signal are substantially the same.

Throughout this specification, the casing 10 and the control device 1020 are collectively referred to as an article management device (including other embodiments and modifications thereof).

The control device 1020 includes a control unit 1021 instead of the control unit 921 as compared with the control device 920 according to the fourth embodiment. The control unit 1021 includes a lock control unit 1022 and an information processing unit 923.

When the determination unit 1038 determines that the common power is cut off, the lock control unit 1022 (i) the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 1010 after the estimated time when the common power is estimated to be cut off is a predetermined value. The lock mechanism 70 is prohibited from being unlocked when it is outside the range of (ii), and (ii) when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 1010 after the estimated time is maintained within a predetermined range, Unlocking is not prohibited. In this modification, the determination unit 1038 of the management device 1030 determines whether or not the temperature is within a predetermined range. For this reason, the lock control unit 1022 prohibits the unlocking of the lock mechanism 70 when the unlocking prohibition command transmitted from the management device 1030 is received.

The management device 1030 includes a determination unit 1038 instead of the determination unit 938 as compared to the management device 930 according to the fourth embodiment. The determination unit 1038 performs not only the reception determination of the alive signal but also the temperature determination. Specifically, the determination unit 1038 determines whether or not the temperature inside the housing 10 indicated by the temperature information transmitted via the control device 1020 is maintained within a predetermined range. The predetermined range is, for example, a range in which the quality of the article 2 stored in the housing 10 can be maintained. For example, when the article 2 is a lunch box, the predetermined range is a range of 5 ° C. or more and 20 ° C. or less.

The determination unit 1038 does not generate an unlocking prohibition instruction when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 1010 is maintained within a predetermined range after the estimated time when the power is estimated to be cut off. When the temperature inside the housing 10 is maintained within a predetermined range, the quality of the article 2 is maintained. For example, even if the cooling and heat retaining functions of the temperature adjusting unit 14 are lost due to a power failure or the like, the period may be sufficiently short and the quality of the article 2 may not be affected. In this case, the determination unit 1038 can cause the article 2 to be taken out from the housing 10 as usual without generating an unlocking prohibition instruction.

On the other hand, the determination unit 1038 generates an unlocking prohibition instruction when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 1010 is outside a predetermined range after the estimated time when the power is estimated to be cut off. For example, the determination unit 1038 generates an unlocking prohibition instruction when the temperature has once deviated from a predetermined range even after the estimated time.

As a result, even if the temperature inside the housing 10 returns to within a predetermined range due to power recovery, the quality of the article 2 cannot be guaranteed if the temperature deviates from the predetermined range. The opening and closing of 10 can be prohibited. For this reason, the quality control accuracy of the article 2 can be further increased.

<Operation>
Next, the operation of the article management system 1001 according to this modification will be described.

FIG. 56 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the article management system 1001 according to this modification. In FIG. 56, only the temperature sensor 1010, the control device 1020, and the management device 1030 related to the determination of the power state and the temperature state are illustrated among the plurality of constituent elements constituting the article management system 1001.

In this modification, the temperature sensor 1010 measures the temperature inside the housing 10 (S400), and transmits temperature information indicating the measured temperature to the control device 1020 (S401). The timing at which the temperature sensor 1010 transmits temperature information is synchronized with the timing at which the control device 1020 transmits an alive signal. For this reason, for example, the control device 1020 includes the temperature information in the alive signal generated in step S402 and transmits the temperature information to the management device 1030 (S403).

In the management device 1030, the communication unit 37 receives the alive signal, and the determination unit 1038 determines the temperature based on the temperature information included in the alive signal (S405). Specifically, the determination unit 1038 determines whether or not the temperature indicated by the temperature information, that is, the temperature inside the housing 10 is within a predetermined range.

The temperature measurement, the generation of the alive signal, and the temperature determination are repeated until the power supply is interrupted (S410). When the power supply is interrupted, the determination unit 1038 cannot receive the alive signal within a predetermined period, and therefore determines that the power is interrupted (S411).

After the power is restored (S420), in the case 10, the temperature sensor 1010 measures the temperature (S421) and transmits the temperature information to the control device 1020 (S422) as before the power supply is cut off. The control device 1020 generates an alive signal (S423) and transmits it to the management device 1030 (S424).

In the management device 1030, when the communication unit 37 receives the alive signal, the determination unit 1038 determines that the common power supply to the control device 1020 and the housing 10 has been recovered. The determination unit 1038 performs temperature determination in response to the recovery of power supply, and generates an unlocking prohibition instruction if the temperature inside the housing 10 is outside the predetermined range (S425). The determination unit 1038 transmits the generated unlocking prohibition instruction to the control device 1020 via the communication unit 37 (S426). Subsequent processing is the same as in the fourth embodiment.

<Confirmation process of chassis status (power and temperature)>
FIG. 57 is a flowchart showing a state confirmation process performed by the management apparatus 1030 of the article management system 1001 according to this modification. Compared with the flowchart shown in FIG. 54, a difference is that a process for determining temperature (S435) is added.

In the present modification, after the communication unit 37 receives the alive signal (Yes in S434), the determination unit 1038 determines whether or not the temperature is within a predetermined range (S435). When the temperature is not within the predetermined range (No in S435), the determination unit 1038 performs error notification and transmits an unlocking prohibition instruction (S436).

When the temperature is within the predetermined range (Yes in S435), the determination unit 1038 shifts to a standby state for receiving an alive signal without generating an unlocking prohibition instruction (returns to S430). That is, when the temperature is within the predetermined range, the unlocking prohibition instruction is not transmitted to the control device 1020, and thus the control device 1020 returns to the same state (normal state) as before the power supply is shut off. Therefore, when the card reader 60 reads the person information, the lock mechanism 70 is unlocked according to the collation result.

<Effects>
For example, when unlocking of the lock mechanism 70 is prohibited, it is necessary for an authorized administrator to perform recovery, and there is a possibility that time and effort are required for recovery. Until the product is restored, the article 2 cannot be taken out, which is inconvenient for the user.

On the other hand, the article management system 1001 according to the present modification includes a temperature sensor 1010 that measures the temperature inside the housing 10, and the lock control unit 1022 determines that the common power is cut off by the determination unit 1038. In the case where it is, the following processing is performed. That is, the lock control unit 1022 (i) unlocks the lock mechanism 70 when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 1010 after the estimated time when the common power is estimated to be cut off is outside the predetermined range. (Ii) When the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 1010 after the estimated time is maintained within a predetermined range, the unlocking of the lock mechanism 70 is not prohibited.

Thereby, when the temperature in the housing 10 is maintained within a predetermined range, the quality of the article 2 is not deteriorated, so that the unlocking of the lock mechanism 70 may not be prohibited. Therefore, when there is no problem in the quality of the article 2, even if the power supply is interrupted due to a power failure or the like, the article 2 can be taken out as usual after the power is restored.

In addition, in this modification, although the management apparatus 1030 showed about the example which performs temperature management, the control apparatus 1020 may perform temperature management. In this case, the communication unit 26 does not have to transmit the temperature information to the management device 1030. Therefore, the amount of information to be transmitted can be reduced, and the power consumption can be reduced.

The article management system according to the present modification includes the temperature sensor 1010, but includes a sensor that detects a state other than the temperature of the housing 10 instead of or in addition to the temperature sensor 1010. Also good. For example, the article management system according to this modification may include a humidity sensor. Further, when an air flow or a water flow is formed in the housing 10, an air flow or water flow sensor may be provided.

[Second Modification]
Then, the 2nd modification of 4th Embodiment is demonstrated.

In the fourth embodiment, the alive signal is periodically transmitted from the control device 920 to the management device 930. On the other hand, in the present modification, the control device 920 does not regularly transmit the alive signal. Instead of periodic transmission of the alive signal, the control device 920 transmits a reboot signal after the power is restored.

FIG. 58 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the article management system according to this modification. Note that the configuration of the article management system according to the present modification is the same as that of the fourth embodiment.

In this modified example, as shown in FIG. 58, the processing relating to the power state is not particularly performed until the power supply is cut off. After power supply is cut off and power is restored (S420), the control device 920 generates a reboot signal (S450) and transmits the reboot signal to the management device 930 via the communication unit 26 (S451). .

Note that the reboot signal is an example of a power reception signal indicating that power supply has been restored. Specifically, the reboot signal is a signal indicating that the power supply is restored and the control device 920 is restarted (rebooted) after the power supply is cut off and the operation of the control device 920 is stopped. As described above, in the present modification, the information processing unit 923 transmits a reboot signal only when the reception of the common power is stopped and then restarted.

In the management device 930, when the communication unit 37 receives the reboot signal, the determination unit 938 determines that the common power to the control device 920 and the housing 10 is cut off (S452). The determination unit 938 generates an unlocking prohibition instruction (S425) and transmits it to the control device 920 (S426). Subsequent processing is the same as in the fourth embodiment.

As described above, in the article management system according to the present modification, for example, the information processing unit 923 transmits a reboot signal only when power reception by the power reception unit 24 is stopped and then restarted, and the determination unit 938. Determines that the common power is cut off when the reboot signal is received.

This makes it possible to reduce power consumption because it is not necessary to perform periodic signal transmission like an alive signal.

The article management system may include an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). The

control device

920 or 1020 may transmit that the power supply from the uninterruptible power supply has been received to the

management device

930 or 1030 instead of the reboot signal.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, a fifth embodiment will be described.

In the article management system according to the first embodiment, an example is shown in which the lock mechanism 70 is unlocked when a predetermined voltage is applied. However, in the article management system according to the present embodiment, only voltage application is performed. In this case, a lock mechanism is provided that is not unlocked but is unlocked when a control signal for unlocking is received together.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the lock mechanism of the article management system according to the present embodiment will be mainly described. Other components included in the article management system according to the present embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[Constitution]
FIG. 59 is a diagram showing a connection relationship between the control device 1120 and the lock mechanism 1170 of the article management system 1101 according to the present embodiment. The article management system 1101 according to the present embodiment is a system that manages a plurality of articles 2 housed in the case 10 that can be opened and closed, as in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 59, the article management system 1101 includes a wiring 1110, a control device 1120, a lock mechanism 1170, and an open / close sensor 80. Although not shown, the article management system 1101 further includes a management device 30, an internal camera 40, a code reader 50, a card reader 60, and a guide unit 90.

FIG. 59 schematically illustrates the housing 10 so that the positional relationship between the control device 1120 and the lock mechanism 1170 with respect to each housing 10 is clarified. Specifically, the control device 1120 is installed outside the housing 10, and the lock mechanism 1170 is installed inside the housing 10.

The wiring 1110 is a cable that electrically and physically connects the control device 1120 and the lock mechanism 1170. In this embodiment mode, the wiring 1110 includes two

power supply lines

1111 and 1112 and a control line 1113.

The

power lines

1111 and 1112 are wires for supplying a predetermined voltage (for example, 12 V) to the electronic lock 71 of the lock mechanism 1170. The

power lines

1111 and 1112 connect the power supply unit 25 of the control device 1120 and the electronic lock 71. A relay circuit 1173 (switch) is inserted between the power supply unit 25 and the electronic lock 71 in the power line 1112. In the present embodiment, a predetermined voltage for unlocking the electronic lock 71 is applied between the power supply line 1111 and the power supply line 1112.

The control line 1113 is a wiring for transmitting a control signal. The control line 1113 is connected to the lock control unit 1122 of the control device 1120 and the decode circuit 1174 of the lock mechanism 1170.

In the present embodiment, the housing 10 is not a dedicated product, and the control device 1120 and the lock mechanism 1170 are attached to the ready-made housing 10, so that the wiring 1110 is exposed to the outside of the housing 10. For this reason, the wiring 1110 can be cut or processed by a Service-to-Self. For example, the Service-to-Self can disconnect the

power lines

1111 and 1112 and apply a predetermined voltage to unlock the electronic lock 71 illegally. In the present embodiment, in order to prevent this fraud, the lock mechanism 1170 includes a relay circuit 1173 and a decode circuit 1174, and unlocks the electronic lock 71 based on a control signal transmitted from the control device 1120.

The control device 1120 controls the lock mechanism 1170. As shown in FIG. 59, the control device 1120 includes a lock control unit 1122.

The lock control unit 1122 generates a control signal (unlock signal) for unlocking the lock mechanism 1170. Specifically, the lock control unit 1122 generates an unlock signal when the collation result indicates that the person matches (that is, when the personal authentication is successful). The lock control unit 1122 outputs the generated unlock signal to the decode circuit 1174 of the lock mechanism 1170 via the control line 1113 of the wiring 1110.

Specifically, the lock control unit 1122 generates and outputs a signal modulated based on the bit pattern 1122b including a plurality of bits as an unlock signal. For example, the lock control unit 1122 outputs a voltage signal that changes between high (H) and low (L) based on the bit pattern 1122b via the control line 1113 as an unlock signal.

In the present embodiment, the bit pattern 1122b is stored in the storage unit 1122a included in the lock control unit 1122. The bit pattern 1122b is the same as the bit pattern 1174b stored in the storage unit 1174a of the decode circuit 1174. FIG. 59 shows an 8-bit pattern represented by “11010010” as an example of the bit pattern 1174b, but is not limited thereto.

The lock mechanism 1170 restricts the opening and closing of the housing 10. As shown in FIG. 59, the lock mechanism 1170 includes an electronic lock 71, a relay circuit 1173, and a decode circuit 1174. Although not shown, the lock mechanism 1170 includes a female key 72.

Similar to the electronic lock 71 shown in the first embodiment, the electronic lock 71 is an electronic lock that is unlocked when a predetermined voltage is applied and that maintains a locked state when no voltage is applied. is there. That is, the electronic lock 71 is a normally-off type electronic lock. The electronic lock 71 is fixed to the inner surface of the main body 11 of the housing 10. When no voltage is applied, the claw portion 71a protrudes and is inserted into the hole 72a (not shown) of the female key 72 fixed to the door 12, whereby the lock mechanism 1170 is locked. When a predetermined voltage is applied, the claw portion 71a is housed in the holding housing 71b and the claw portion 71a and the female key 72 are not locked, so that the lock mechanism 1170 is unlocked.

The relay circuit 1173 is a circuit that switches between application and non-application of a predetermined voltage to the electronic lock 71. The relay circuit 1173 includes a switch 1173a that is controlled to be turned on / off by the decode circuit 1174.

The decoding circuit 1174 decodes the control signal transmitted from the control device 1120, and causes the relay circuit 1173 to apply a predetermined voltage to the electronic lock 71 when the decoded control signal indicates the unlocking of the electronic lock 71. Specifically, the decode circuit 1174 includes a storage unit 1174a that stores a bit pattern 1174b. The decode circuit 1174 demodulates the control signal transmitted via the control line 1113, and determines whether or not the bit pattern included in the control signal matches the bit pattern 1174b.

When the bit pattern included in the control signal matches the bit pattern 1174b, the decode circuit 1174 turns on the switch 1173a of the relay circuit 1173. Thereby, a predetermined voltage is applied to the electronic lock 71 and the electronic lock 71 is unlocked.

When the bit pattern included in the control signal does not match the bit pattern 1174b, the decode circuit 1174 does not turn on the switch 1173a of the relay circuit 1173. For this reason, even if any signal is added to the control line 1113 by an unauthorized process, the lock mechanism 1170 is not unlocked unless it matches the bit pattern 1174b.

[Operation]
Next, the operation of the article management system 1101 according to this embodiment will be described.

FIG. 60 is a flowchart showing an operation performed by the lock mechanism 1170 of the article management system 1101 according to this embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 60 is a detailed version of the unlocking process (S30) shown in FIG. That is, it is performed when an unlock signal is received from the control device 1120.

The lock mechanism 1170 waits until the decode circuit 1174 receives the unlock signal (No in S510). When the unlock signal is received (Yes in S510), the decode circuit 1174 decodes the unlock signal to acquire the bit pattern included in the unlock signal. The decode circuit 1174 determines whether or not the acquired bit pattern matches the bit pattern 1174b stored in the storage unit 1174a (S512).

When the bit patterns match (Yes in S512), that is, when the unlock signal indicates unlocking of the electronic lock 71, the decode circuit 1174 causes the relay circuit 1173 to apply a predetermined voltage to the electronic lock 71. Specifically, the switch 1173a of the relay circuit 1173 is turned on, a voltage is applied to the electronic lock 71, and the claw portion 71a is housed in the holding housing 71b, whereby the lock mechanism 1170 is unlocked (S514). ).

If the bit patterns do not match (No in S512), the decode circuit 1174 does not turn on the switch 1173a of the relay circuit 1173 and maintains the off state. For this reason, the lock mechanism 1170 is not unlocked and the locked state is maintained (S516).

Note that if the bit patterns do not match, some unauthorized processing may have been performed. For this reason, the lock mechanism 1170 may notify the person in the vicinity of the housing 10 or the control device 1120 or the management device 30 of the error. For example, the lock mechanism 1170 may notify the controller 1120 of an error via the control line 1113. Alternatively, the lock mechanism 1170 may be connected to the guide unit 90 inside the housing 10 and cause the display unit 91 or the audio output unit 92 to output an error display or a warning sound.

[Effects, etc.]
As described above, the article management system 1101 according to the present embodiment is an article management system that manages a plurality of articles 2 housed in the openable / closable casing 10, and is installed in the casing 10. The lock mechanism 1170 that restricts the opening and closing of the housing 10, the control device 1120 that is installed outside the housing 10 and controls the lock mechanism 1170, and the lock mechanism 1170 and the control device 1120 are electrically and physically connected. Wiring 1110 to be connected is provided. The lock mechanism 1170 unlocks when a predetermined voltage is applied, and maintains the locked state when no voltage is applied, and applies and does not apply a predetermined voltage to the electronic lock 71. The relay circuit 1173 to be switched and the control signal transmitted from the control device 1120 are decoded. When the decoded control signal indicates the unlocking of the electronic lock 71, the relay circuit 1173 applies a predetermined voltage to the electronic lock 71. Circuit 1174. The wiring 1110 includes

power supply lines

1111 and 1112 for supplying a predetermined voltage to the electronic lock 71, and a control line 1113 for transmitting a control signal.

Thus, even if a Service-to-Self disconnects the wiring 1110 and tries to apply a voltage to the electronic lock 71 from the outside, no voltage is applied to the electronic lock 71 by the relay circuit 1173. For this reason, since the locking mechanism 1170 is not unlocked, it is possible to prevent the article 2 stored in the housing 10 from being stolen.

Also, for example, the control device 1120 outputs a signal modulated based on a bit pattern 1122b composed of a plurality of bits as an unlock signal.

This makes it possible to increase the complexity of the unlock signal by using a bit pattern composed of a plurality of bits. For this reason, the security of the lock mechanism 1170 can be increased and the protection level of the article 2 can be increased.

In the present embodiment, a signal modulated based on a bit pattern composed of a plurality of bits is used as the unlock signal, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the unlock signal may be a single pulse signal.

(Modification of the fifth embodiment)
Hereinafter, a plurality of modifications of the fifth embodiment will be described. In the following modified example, differences from the fifth embodiment will be mainly described, and description of common points will be omitted or simplified.

[First Modification]
First, a first modification of the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 61 is a diagram showing a connection relationship between the control device 1220 and the lock mechanism 1270 of the article management system 1201 according to this modification. Compared with the article management system 1101 according to the fifth embodiment, the article management system 1201 according to this modification includes a control device 1220 and a lock mechanism 1270 instead of the control device 1120 and the lock mechanism 1170. Is different.

The control device 1220 includes a lock control unit 1222. The lock control unit 1222 includes a random number generator 1228.

The random number generator 1228 is an example of a first random number generator that generates random numbers. For example, the random number generator 1228 generates an M-sequence random number, but is not limited thereto. The random number generator 1228 generates different random numbers over time. For example, the random number generator 1228 generates different random numbers at short time intervals of 1 minute or less.

The lock control unit 1222 generates a bit pattern based on the random number generated by the random number generator 1228, and outputs a signal modulated based on the generated bit pattern as an unlock signal. The bit pattern is composed of a plurality of bits, and the number of bits is not particularly limited.

The lock mechanism 1270 includes a decode circuit 1274. The decoding circuit 1274 includes a random number generator 1275.

The random number generator 1275 is an example of a second random number generator that generates random numbers. The random number generator 1275 is synchronized with the random number generator 1228 of the control device 1220. Specifically, the random number generator 1275 generates the same random number at the same timing as the random number generator 1228.

The decoding circuit 1274 decodes the unlock signal based on the random number generated by the random number generator 1275. Specifically, the decoding circuit 1274 generates a bit pattern based on the random number generated by the random number generator 1275. The decode circuit 1274 compares the generated bit pattern with a bit pattern obtained by demodulating the unlock signal.

When the two bit patterns match, the decode circuit 1274 turns on the switch 1173a of the relay circuit 1173 to apply a predetermined voltage to the electronic lock 71. Thereby, the lock mechanism 1270 is unlocked. If the two bit patterns do not match, the decode circuit 1274 maintains the off state without turning on the switch 1173a of the relay circuit 1173. Thereby, the lock mechanism 1270 is not unlocked.

As described above, in the article management system 1201 according to this modification, for example, the control device 1220 includes the random number generator 1228, generates a bit pattern based on the random number generated by the random number generator 1228, and generates the generated bit. A signal modulated based on the pattern is output as an unlock signal.

Thus, by using a random number, the complexity of the unlock signal can be increased, and the security of the lock mechanism 1270 can be increased.

Further, for example, the random number generator 1228 generates different random numbers over time, and the decoding circuit 1274 has a random number generator 1275 synchronized with the random number generator 1228, and generates random numbers generated by the random number generator 1275. Based on this, the unlock signal is decoded.

Because of this, the random number changes over time, so even if the bit pattern of the unlock signal at a certain timing is known to the Service-to-Self, the bit pattern can be used only for a short time. For this reason, unauthorized unlocking of the lock mechanism 1270 by the Service-to-Self can be suppressed, and the security of the lock mechanism 1270 can be further enhanced.

[Second Modification]
Next, a second modification of the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 62 is a diagram showing a connection relationship between the control device 1320 and the lock mechanism 1170 of the article management system 1301 according to this modification. The article management system 1301 according to the present modification is different from the article management system 1101 according to the fifth embodiment in that a control device 1320 is provided instead of the control device 1120.

Similar to the article management system 1101 according to the fifth embodiment, also in the article management system 1301 according to this modification, the wiring 1110 that connects the control device 1320 and the lock mechanism 1170 is exposed to the outside of the housing 10. ing. For this reason, there is a possibility that an illegal act such as cutting or processing by a Service-to-Self is performed.

The control device 1320 includes a notification unit 1321. The notification unit 1321 notifies the management device 30 of an error when the opening / closing sensor 80 does not detect that the housing 10 has been opened within a predetermined period after instructing the unlocking of the electronic lock 71. For example, when the wiring 1110 is disconnected, the lock mechanism 1170 is not unlocked even if the lock control unit 1122 transmits an unlock signal. For this reason, the casing 10 is not unlocked, and the open signal is not transmitted from the open / close sensor 80 to the control device 1320. Therefore, the notification unit 1321 notifies the management device 30 of an error by outputting an unlocking signal when the housing 10 cannot be opened although the housing 10 should normally be opened. As a result, the management device 30 can notify the administrator of the abnormality of the housing 10 and the control device 1320.

As described above, the article management system 1301 according to the present modification includes, for example, the opening / closing sensor 80 that detects opening / closing of the housing 10, and the control device 1320 instructs the unlocking of the electronic lock 71 for a predetermined period. The notification unit 1321 that notifies the management device 30 of an error when the opening / closing sensor 80 does not detect that the housing 10 has been opened is provided.

Thereby, when an abnormality occurs in the control device 1320, the casing 10, or the like, an error can be notified to the management device 30.

Note that the lock mechanism 1170 may periodically transmit an alive signal to the control device 1320 as in the fourth embodiment. For example, the lock mechanism 1170 transmits an alive signal to the control device 1320 using the control line 1113. When the wiring 1110 is disconnected by a Service-to-Self, the alive signal cannot be received by the control device 1320. In the control device 1320, the notification unit 1321 may notify the management device 30 of an error when the alive signal is not received within a predetermined period.

(Modification)
Here, a modified example of the article management system will be described. This modification is different from the above embodiments in that a purchase process (payment process) is performed before opening / closing the housing 10 using a user's communication terminal. Hereinafter, differences from the respective embodiments will be mainly described, and description of common points will be omitted or simplified.

[Constitution]
FIG. 63 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an article management system 1401 according to this modification. As shown in FIG. 63, the article management system 1401 according to this modification includes a communication terminal 1410. Further, the article management system 1401 is different from the article management system 1 according to the first embodiment in that it does not include the card reader 60. In this modification, instead of the card reader 60, the code reader 50 functions as an acquisition unit that acquires personal information.

The communication terminal 1410 is a portable information terminal such as a smartphone or a mobile phone. Alternatively, the communication terminal 1410 may be a stationary device such as a personal computer (PC). As illustrated in FIG. 63, the communication terminal 1410 includes a display unit 1411, a control unit 1412, and a communication unit 1413.

The display unit 1411 is a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL display device, and includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix. The display unit 1411 displays images and videos generated by the control unit 1412. Specifically, the display unit 1411 displays a purchase screen or a reservation screen for the article 2. The display unit 1411 is, for example, a touch panel display, and various displayed screens can be operated by the user.

The control unit 1412 controls the operation of the communication terminal 1410. The control unit 1412 includes, for example, a nonvolatile memory in which a program is stored, a volatile memory that is a temporary storage area for executing the program, an input / output port, and a processor that executes the program.

The control unit 1412 executes an operation program (application program) of the article management system 1401, for example. By executing the operation program, the control unit 1412 generates a selection screen, a settlement screen, an unlock code display screen, an error display screen, and the like of the article 2 and causes the display unit 1411 to display them. Note that the control unit 1412 may activate a web browser, and various screens displayed on the display unit 1411 may be images generated by the management device 30.

The communication unit 1413 transmits and receives various types of information by communicating with the communication unit 37 of the management device 30. The communication unit 1413 performs wireless communication or wired communication. For example, the communication unit 1413 performs wireless communication based on a communication standard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), 3G, 4G, or LTE.

[Operation]
Next, the operation of the article management system 1401 according to this modification will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 64 is a flowchart showing the operation of the communication terminal 1410 of the article management system 1401 according to this modification.

In this modification, the user purchases the article 2 by operating the communication terminal 1410. That is, the article 2 is purchased before the housing 10 is opened. Specifically, the user activates the operation program of the article management system 1401 by operating the communication terminal 1410. Note that a web page for purchasing the article 2 by the article management system 1401 may be accessed.

In the communication terminal 1410, the control unit 1412 starts an operation program based on an operation by the user. The control unit 1412 generates a selection screen for the article 2 and displays it on the display unit 1411 (S600). Specifically, the control unit 1412 acquires information indicating the types, prices, and the like of the plurality of articles 2 stored in the housing 10 from the management device 30, and generates a selection screen based on the acquired information. . The user selects one or more desired articles 2 while viewing the selection screen.

The control unit 1412 performs a settlement process for the article 2 selected by the user (S602). Specifically, information indicating the type and number of selected articles 2 is transmitted to the management apparatus 30 via the communication unit 1413. The charging unit 33 of the management device 30 determines a charging amount based on information transmitted from the communication terminal 1410 and charges the user. The billing process may be performed by the communication terminal 1410 instead of the management device 30.

Note that the purchase (settlement) may be completed simultaneously with the selection, or the control unit 1412 may generate a purchase confirmation screen and the display unit 1411 may display the confirmation screen. If payment information such as a credit card or a bank account is not registered in advance, the control unit 1412 may generate a registration screen at this time and display the registration screen on the display unit 1411.

After the settlement is completed, the control unit 1412 is based on information indicating the selected item 2 (information unique to the item 2) and personal information (card information) indicating the user (owner) of the communication terminal 1410. For example, as shown in FIG. 65, an unlock code display screen 1500 including identification information such as QR code (registered trademark) 1501 is generated and displayed on the display unit 1411 (S604). The identification information is information used for unlocking the lock mechanism 70 of the housing 10. FIG. 65 is a diagram showing an example of the unlock code display screen 1500 according to the present modification.

Specifically, the user causes the code reader 50 of the housing 10 to read the QR code (registered trademark) 1501 displayed on the display unit 1411. Thereby, the information processing unit 23 of the control unit 21 transmits the information included in the read QR code (registered trademark) 1501 to the management apparatus 30 via the communication unit 26. The verification unit 32 of the management device 30 performs personal authentication based on the personal information included in the QR code (registered trademark) 1501.

Note that identification information such as a QR code (registered trademark) 1501 displayed on the display unit 1411 is information with limited use conditions. For example, it may disappear when the code reader 50 cannot read it within a predetermined period (within 1 minute) after being displayed on the display unit 1411, and an error display screen or the like may be displayed.

The subsequent processing is the same as in the first embodiment. When the personal authentication is successful, the lock mechanism 70 is unlocked, and the user can take out the purchased article 2 from the housing 10. it can. When the user causes the code reader 50 to read the identification display 51 attached to the taken-out article 2, the management apparatus 30 determines whether the purchased article 2 and the article 2 taken out by the user match. Can be determined.

As described above, according to the article management system 1401 according to the present modification, the purchase process can be performed in advance, so that the management of the article 2 can be made more strict. Further, for example, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of damage to the administrator due to unauthorized processing. Further, since the card reader 60 need not be provided, the configuration can be further simplified. Moreover, since it becomes unnecessary to provide the internal camera 40, the configuration can be further simplified.

When the communication terminal 1410 is a stationary computer or the like, the communication terminal 1410 may include an output unit that outputs a QR code (registered trademark) 1501 instead of the display unit 1411. For example, the communication terminal 1410 may output a QR code (registered trademark) 1501 to an output device such as a printer. For example, the printer prints QR code (registered trademark) 1501 on paper. The user can unlock the housing 10 by holding the QR code (registered trademark) 1501 printed on paper over the code reader 50.

(Other embodiments)
Although the article management system according to one or more aspects has been described based on the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. Unless it deviates from the main point of this indication, the form which carried out various deformation | transformation which those skilled in the art thought to this embodiment, and the structure constructed | assembled combining the component in different embodiment is also included in the scope of this indication. It is.

For example, the article 2 is not limited to the lunch boxes 2a to 2c. The article 2 may be anything that can be stored in the housing 10. Specifically, the article 2 may be fresh food such as fish, vegetables, meat, or drinking water or frozen food. Alternatively, the article 2 may be an article that does not require the refrigeration function or the freezing function of the housing 10. For example, the article 2 is a food product such as bread, retort food, and sweets. In addition, the article 2 may not be food, but may be jewelry, clothing, books or magazines, stationery, or the like.

Also, for example, the opening / closing method of the housing 10 is not particularly limited. Horizontal opening, vertical opening, sliding type, double doors, etc. may be used. Further, the opening / closing method of the housing 10 may be a pull-out type as in the case of the individual housing 710 shown in FIG.

Further, for example, the internal camera 40 may be used as the code reader 50. For example, the internal camera 40 is attached to the back side of the door 12, and when the door 12 is closed, the inside of the housing 10 is photographed, and when the door 12 is opened, the code is It may function as the reader 50.

Further, for example, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the code reader 50 and the guide unit 90 are attached to the housing 10 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a portable information terminal such as a smartphone or a mobile phone possessed by the user may function as at least one of the code reader 50 and the guide unit 90. The mobile information terminal may also have a function as an identification card for personal authentication, for example.

Here, the operation of the user and the operation of the article management system 1 when using the portable information terminal will be described with reference to FIG.

For example, the user installs an application program for the article management system in the portable information terminal in advance. The user activates the application program by operating the portable information terminal, and selects the item 2 (lunch) to be purchased. Here, the article 2 may be selected on the web page instead of the application program. Application programs, web pages, and the like are created and managed by the management device 30, for example. The selection of the article 2 is arbitrary and may not be performed.

The user performs personal authentication by holding the portable information terminal over the card reader 60 (S1). Thereby, since the lock mechanism 70 is unlocked (S2), the user opens the housing 10 and takes out the article 2 (S3). At this time, the user may close the housing 10 (door 12) (S5).

The user reads the QR code (registered trademark) (identification display 51) of the taken-out article 2 using the camera of the portable information terminal (S4). On the display of the portable information terminal, for example, a confirmation screen is displayed as to whether or not the article 2 taken out by the user is correct for purchase. On the confirmation screen, information about the article 2 and a transmission button for transmitting the information to the management apparatus 30 are displayed. At this time, the confirmation screen includes a selection button (for example, a Yes / No button) that allows the user to select whether the purchase target is correct in place of or in addition to the transmission button. Also good. When the user presses the transmission button, the identification information included in the identification display 51 is transmitted to the management apparatus 30.

After that, guidance information such as billing information is displayed on the display of the portable information terminal. In addition, when the number in the cabinet 10 is different from the number of articles 2 taken out, an error screen is displayed on the display.

Further, for example, as a second detection unit that detects a plurality of articles 2 outside the housing 10, an RFID (Radio Frequency IDentifier) may be used. For example, the article management system may include an RFID reader having a communication range in a predetermined range including the housing 10 as the second detection unit, and an RFID attached to each of the plurality of articles 2. The RFID reader can detect that the RFID attached to the article 2 has come out of the communication range.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which only a person (that is, a specific person) registered in the person list 35 in advance can take out (purchase) the article 2 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. . For example, an unspecified number of people may be able to use without performing authentication processing. Alternatively, it may be possible to register in the person list 35 at the first use. For example, the card reader 60 may read payment information such as a credit card and register the read information in the person list 35.

Further, for example, in the above-described embodiment, the example in which the article management system 1 includes the control device 20 and the management device 30 has been described, but the article management system 1 may not include the management device 30. Specifically, the control device 20 may include each component included in the management device 30. For example, the control device 20 includes a comparison unit 31 and the like. Note that the control device 20 does not need to include the communication unit 26 and includes an output unit that outputs a signal within the control device 20.

Also, for example, the article management system can be watched and applied to the system. Specifically, the article management system may be applied to a family living alone. For example, the article management system is applied using a household refrigerator as the housing 10. When the article 2 is taken out from the refrigerator, it can be seen that the resident lives as usual. On the other hand, normally, when the article 2 is not taken out during the time when the article 2 is taken out, it can be determined that some kind of abnormality (physical condition, unexpected accident, etc.) has occurred in the resident.

When applied to the watching system, the management device 30 stores the takeout history of the article 2 as time series data. Based on the retrieval history, the management device 30 determines that a change has occurred in the life of the resident, and notifies the medical personnel or the manager. Thereby, for example, it can be used for early detection of a resident's change.

In such a case, it is not necessary to perform charging processing and verification (personal authentication) processing. That is, the article management system may not include the billing unit 33 and the matching unit 32.

Further, each of the above-described embodiments can be variously changed, replaced, added, omitted, etc. within the scope of the claims or an equivalent scope thereof.

(Other embodiments)
In the present disclosure, the inventors recognize that the following aspects are also independent aspects.

(First aspect)
An article management system for managing one or more articles housed in an openable / closable casing, wherein the lock management mechanism is installed inside the casing and restricts opening / closing of the casing; A control device that is installed outside and controls the lock mechanism, and wiring that electrically and physically connects the lock mechanism and the control device. The locking mechanism unlocks when a predetermined voltage is applied, and maintains an unlocked state when no voltage is applied, and applies and does not apply the predetermined voltage to the electronic lock. A relay circuit to be switched, and a decoding unit that decodes a control signal transmitted from the control device and causes the relay circuit to apply the predetermined voltage to the electronic lock when the decoded control signal indicates unlocking of the electronic lock Circuit. The wiring includes a power supply line for supplying the predetermined voltage to the electronic lock and a control line for transmitting the control signal.

(Second aspect)
The article management system according to the first aspect, wherein the control device outputs a signal modulated based on a bit pattern including a plurality of bits as the control signal.

(Third aspect)
The control device includes a first random number generator, generates the bit pattern based on a random number generated by the first random number generator, and outputs a signal modulated based on the generated bit pattern as the control signal. The article management system according to the second aspect.

(Fourth aspect)
The first random number generator generates different random numbers over time, and the decoding circuit includes a second random number generator synchronized with the first random number generator, and the second random number generator generates The article management system according to the third aspect, wherein the control signal is decoded based on a random number to be transmitted.

(5th aspect)
The article management system further includes an opening / closing sensor for detecting opening / closing of the casing, and the control device causes the casing to be opened by the opening / closing sensor within a predetermined period after instructing the unlocking of the electronic lock. The article management system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, comprising a notification unit that notifies the management device of an error when it is not detected that the opening has been made.

(Sixth aspect)
A first detection unit that detects one or more articles stored in an openable / closable casing inside the casing, and a target article that is at least one of the one or more articles Article comprising: a second detection unit that detects externally; an output unit that outputs first detection information indicating a detection result by the first detection unit; and second detection information indicating a detection result by the second detection unit Management system.

(Seventh aspect)
The article management system further includes, based on the first detection information and the second detection information, a first number that is an increase / decrease number of the one or more articles before and after opening / closing of the casing, The article management system according to the sixth aspect, further comprising a comparison unit that performs comparison with a second number that is the number of articles detected by the second detection unit.

(Eighth aspect)
The article management system according to the seventh aspect, wherein the article management system further includes an acquisition unit that acquires person information indicating a person who opens the casing, and the output unit further outputs the person information.

(Ninth aspect)
The article management system further includes a collation unit that collates a person list indicating one or more persons registered in advance with a person indicated by the person information, and outputs a matching result indicating matching or mismatching of the persons. The article management system according to the eighth aspect.

(Tenth aspect)
The article management system further includes a lock mechanism that restricts opening and closing of the housing;
A lock control unit that controls the lock mechanism, wherein the lock control unit unlocks the lock mechanism when the collation result indicates that the person matches.

(Eleventh aspect)
The article management system further includes at least one openable / closable individual casing disposed inside the casing and forming at least one individual storage space for individually storing at least one of the one or more articles. And one or more individual lock mechanisms for restricting the opening and closing of each of the one or more individual casings, and an individual lock control unit for controlling the one or more individual lock mechanisms. Is assigned to a predetermined person,
The individual lock control unit corresponds to an individual case assigned to the predetermined person among the one or more individual lock mechanisms when the collation result indicates a match with the predetermined person. The article management system according to the ninth aspect or the tenth aspect, wherein the individual locking mechanism is unlocked.

(Twelfth aspect)
The article management system according to any one of the eighth to eleventh aspects, further comprising a billing unit that charges at least one consideration of the one or more articles to a person indicated by the person information. Goods management system.

(13th aspect)
The article management system according to a twelfth aspect, wherein the billing unit charges the price of the target article when a comparison result by the comparison unit indicates that the first number matches the second number.

(14th aspect)
When the comparison result by the comparison unit indicates a mismatch between the first number and the second number, the billing unit sets the first number and the price of the highest priced item among the one or more items. The article management system according to the twelfth aspect or the thirteenth aspect, in which a value obtained by multiplying the larger one of the second numbers is charged as the consideration.

(15th aspect)
The article management system further includes a notification unit that notifies the person when a comparison result by the comparison unit indicates a mismatch between the first number and the second number. The article management system according to any one of the above.

(Sixteenth aspect)
The said 1st detection part is an article | item management system as described in any one from the 7th aspect to the 15th aspect which is one or more cameras which image | photograph the inside of the said housing | casing.

(17th aspect)
The article management system according to the sixteenth aspect, further comprising a mirror that is disposed inside the casing and within a photographing range of the one or more cameras and reflects a blind spot of the photographing range. .

(18th aspect)
The article management system according to the sixteenth aspect or the seventeenth aspect, further comprising a marker or a reflecting material having a predetermined color or a predetermined shape attached to each of the one or more articles.

(19th aspect)
The first detector generates a first interior image by photographing the inside of the casing before the casing is opened or immediately after the casing is opened. The second interior image is generated by photographing the inside of the housing after being closed, and the output unit outputs the first interior image and the second interior image as the first detection information. And
The comparing unit performs any one of the sixteenth aspect to the eighteenth aspect for counting the first number by performing image processing on each of the first internal image and the second internal image. The article management system described.

(20th aspect)
The article management system according to any one of the seventh to fifteenth aspects, wherein the first detection unit includes one or more detachable sensors that are detachably attached to each of the one or more articles.

(21st aspect)
Each of the one or more detachable sensors has a holding part that holds at least a part of the corresponding article, and detects the detachment of the corresponding article by energizing when the holding parts come into contact with each other. The article management system according to the twentieth aspect.

(Twenty-second aspect)
Each of the one or more detachable sensors is rotatably combined with one side as an axis, and one of the two or more detachable sensors has two plate portions placed on a corresponding article, and the two plate portions are The article management system according to the twentieth aspect, wherein the detachment of the corresponding article is detected by energizing when they contact each other.

(23rd aspect)
The said 1st detection part is an article | item management system as described in any one from the 20th aspect to the 22nd aspect which has a support plate which supports the said 1 or more detachable sensor further.

(24th aspect)
The one or more articles are stacked and stored inside the casing, and the first detection unit detects a height of an article positioned at the top of the one or more stacked articles. The article management system according to any one of the above aspects to the fifteenth aspect.

(25th aspect)
The article management system according to any one of the seventh to fifteenth aspects, wherein the first detection unit detects the weight of the one or more articles.

(26th aspect)
In the housing, one or more individual storage spaces for individually storing the one or more articles are provided, and the first detection unit is arranged for each individual storage space. The article management system according to any one of the seventh to fifteenth aspects, which includes one or more sensors that detect articles arranged in the area.

(27th aspect)
The article management system according to any one of the seventh aspect to the twenty-sixth aspect, wherein the second detection unit is a code reader that reads an identification display attached to each of the one or more articles.

(28th aspect)
The article management system according to the twenty-seventh aspect, wherein the identification display is a barcode or a two-dimensional code.

(29th aspect)
The second detection unit has a detection range in which the identification display attached to the target article can be read when the target article has the same attitude as the attitude stored in the housing. The article management system according to 27th aspect or 28th aspect.

(Thirty aspect)
The identification display is information unique to the attached article, and the article management system further includes a notification unit that notifies the person when the second detection unit reads the same identification display a plurality of times. The article management system according to any one of the twenty-seventh aspect to the twenty-ninth aspect.

(Thirty-first aspect)
The article management system according to any one of the seventh to thirty aspects, further comprising a guide unit that guides the target article to a person who opens the casing.

(Thirty-second aspect)
The article management system according to the thirty-first aspect, wherein the guide unit includes a display unit that displays guidance information for guiding a storage position of the target article.

(Thirty-third aspect)
The article management system according to the thirty-first or thirty-second aspect, wherein the guide unit includes a voice output unit that outputs guidance information for guiding a storage position of the target article as a voice.

(34th aspect)
The article management system includes a control device including the output unit and a management device including the comparison unit, and the output unit receives the first detection information and the second detection information by wireless communication or wired communication. The article management system according to any one of the seventh aspect to the 33rd aspect, in which the first detection information and the second detection information are output to the comparison unit by being transmitted to the management device.

(35th aspect)
The article management system according to any one of the sixth to thirty-fourth aspects further comprising the housing.

(Thirty-sixth aspect)
A detection unit that detects one or more articles stored in a predetermined position inside the case that can be opened and closed, and an output that outputs detection information indicating a detection result by the detection unit. And the output unit indicates the position of the target article when the detection unit detects that the target article, which is at least one of the one or more articles, has been moved from the stored position. An article management system that outputs position information as the detection information.

The present disclosure can be used as a highly versatile article management system, an article management apparatus, a management apparatus, and an article management method that can manage a plurality of articles with a simple configuration. For example, the present disclosure can be used in a vending system. it can.

1,701,801,901,1001,1101,1201,1301,1401 Goods management system 2

Goods

2a, 2b, 2c Lunch box 3

User

10, 10a Case 11 Main body 11a Storage space 12

Doors

13, 13a, 13b Shelf 14 Temperature adjuster 15

Power cord

20, 720, 820, 920, 1020, 1120, 1220, 1320

Controller

21, 921, 1021, 1412

Controller

22, 922, 1022, 1122, 1222

Lock controller

23, 823, 923 Information processing unit 24 Power receiving unit 25

Power feeding unit

26, 37, 1413

Communication unit

30, 730, 830, 930, 1030 Management device 31

Comparison unit

32, 732 Verification unit 33 Charging

unit

34, 1122a, 1174a

Storage unit

35, 735 Person list 36 Price List 40 Inside Camera (First Detection Unit)
41 Shooting range 42 Mirror 43 Range 44 Marker 50 Code reader (second detection unit)
51 Identification Display 52 Label 53 Detection Range 60 Card Reader (Acquisition Unit)
70, 1170, 1270

Lock mechanism

71, 771

Electronic lock

71a,

771a Claw part

71b, 771b Holding housing 72 Female key 72a Hole 73 Connection cable 80 Opening / closing sensor 90

Guide part

91, 1411 Display part 92

Audio output part

140, 240 , 340

Inside sensor unit

141, 341 Support plate 142

Electrode part

143, 243 Detachable sensor

143a Clip body

143b Holding part 143c

Conductive part

143d,

343a Guide part

144, 344

Wiring

243a, 243b, 343b Plate part 243c Shaft part 342 Rail 343

Sensor unit

440, 841, 842, 843 Weight sensor 540 Individual storage unit 541 Film body 542 Through hole 543 Contact sensor 610

Individual storage shelf

611, 711 Frame body 613

Shelves

613a, 713 Individual storage space 64 Individual sensor 691 Light emitting unit 710 Individual housing 712 Drawer 714 Gripping unit 727 Individual lock control unit 770 Individual lock mechanism 772 Recess 831 Specific unit 836 Storage position table 938, 1038 Judgment unit 1010 Temperature sensor 1110

Wiring

1111, 1112 Power line 1113

Control Line

1122b, 1174b Bit pattern 1173 Relay circuit 1173a Switch 1174, 1274

Decoding circuit

1228, 1275 Random number generator 1321 Notification unit 1410 Communication terminal 1500 Unlock code display screen 1501 QR code (registered trademark)

Claims

An article management system that manages one or more articles stored in an openable / closable casing that receives power supply,
A power receiving unit that receives power common to the housing;
A transmission unit for transmitting a power reception signal indicating a power reception state of the common power;
An article management system comprising: a determination unit that receives the power reception signal and determines the interruption of the common power based on the received power reception signal.
The transmission unit periodically transmits the power reception signal while the power reception unit receives the common power,
The article management system according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines that the common power is cut off when the power reception signal is not received for a predetermined period.
The transmission unit transmits the power reception signal only when receiving the common power by the power reception unit is stopped and then restarted,
The article management system according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines that the common power is cut off when the power reception signal is received.
The power receiving unit receives power from the outside as the common power,
The article management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the article management system further includes a power feeding unit that supplies power received by the power receiving unit to the housing.
The article management system further includes:
A lock mechanism for restricting opening and closing of the housing;
A lock control unit for controlling the lock mechanism,
The article management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the lock control unit prohibits unlocking of the lock mechanism when the determination unit determines that the common power is cut off.
The article management system according to claim 5, wherein the lock mechanism includes an electronic lock that unlocks when a predetermined voltage is applied and maintains a locked state when no voltage is applied.
The article management system further includes a temperature measurement unit that measures the temperature inside the housing.
When the determination unit determines that the common power is cut off, the lock control unit is measured by the temperature measurement unit after the estimated time when (i) the common power is estimated to be cut off. When the temperature is out of the predetermined range, the unlocking of the lock mechanism is prohibited, and (ii) the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit after the estimated time is maintained within the predetermined range The article management system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein unlocking of the lock mechanism is not prohibited.
An article management device that manages one or more articles stored in an openable / closable casing that receives power supply,
A power receiving unit that receives power common to the housing;
An article management apparatus comprising: a transmission unit that transmits a power reception signal indicating a power reception state of the common power.
A management device connected to an article management device having a power receiving unit,
A reception unit that receives a power reception signal indicating a power reception state of the power received by the power reception unit of the article management apparatus;
A management device comprising: a determination unit that determines interruption of the power based on the received power reception signal.
An article management method using an article management apparatus that includes an openable / closable casing for receiving power supply and manages one or more articles stored in the casing,
Receives the same power as the case,
An article management method for transmitting a power reception signal indicating a power reception state of the common power.
An article management method using a management apparatus connected to an article management apparatus having a power receiving unit,
Receiving a power reception signal indicating a power reception state of the power received by the power reception unit of the article management apparatus;
An article management method for determining interruption of the power based on the received power reception signal.