JP7539655B2 - Item receiving support system and item receiving support method - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a control device, an item receiving assistance system, and an item receiving assistance method.

Patent Document 1 describes a technology that, based on a received product order, picks the product and stores it in a storage box, issues a key to lock and unlock the storage box, and unlocks the storage box if the key is successfully verified, thereby enabling the product to be handed over to the user who placed the order.

JP 2019-175358 A

In conventional stores, it is common for users to take products from the store's product shelves, take them to the cash register, and pay at the cash register. Therefore, in order for a user to complete their shopping at a store, they need time after arriving at the store to select the products they want to purchase, take them from the product shelves, and then take the products to the cash register and pay for them. In addition, a user must wait until other users who lined up ahead of them at the cash register have completed their payments before they can begin paying for the products they have purchased.

The objective of this disclosure is to reduce the time it takes for users to receive items.

A control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes:
A communication unit that receives product information, which is information about the product, transmitted via a network;
When the communication unit receives the item information, it outputs, as a first instruction, an instruction to pick the item corresponding to the item information and store it in a storage area, and after outputting the first instruction, when a user inputs authentication information into a receiving terminal installed in a receiving area, it authenticates the user, and if the authentication is successful, it outputs, as a second instruction, an instruction to transport the item stored in the storage area from the storage area to the receiving area.

An article receiving assistance method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes:
A communication unit of the control device receives product information, which is information about the product, transmitted via the network;
The control unit of the control device outputs, as a first instruction, an instruction to pick an item corresponding to the item information and store it in a storage area, and after outputting the first instruction, when a user inputs authentication information into a receiving terminal installed in the receiving area, the user is authenticated, and if the authentication is successful, the control unit outputs, as a second instruction, an instruction to transport the item stored in the storage area from the storage area to the receiving area.

This disclosure can reduce the time it takes for users to receive items.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an item receiving assistance system according to a first embodiment; 1 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of an item receiving support system according to a first embodiment; 1 is an exterior view of a store in which an item receiving support system according to a first embodiment is installed. 1 is a perspective view of an item receiving assistance system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a manipulator of an item receiving assistance system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rack of an item receiving assistance system according to a first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 2 is an oblique view of a crane of the item receiving assistance system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an item reception support system according to a modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a store in which an article receiving support system according to a modified example of the first embodiment is installed. 11 is a perspective view of an item receiving support system according to a modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the goods receipt assistance system according to the first embodiment. A block diagram showing the configuration of an item reception support system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of an item receiving support system according to a second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the goods receipt assistance system according to the second embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing the configuration of an item receiving assistance system according to a third embodiment.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the figures.

In each figure, identical or corresponding parts are given the same reference numerals. In the description of each embodiment, the description of identical or corresponding parts will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

First Embodiment
The present embodiment will be outlined with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG.

In the item receiving support system 100 according to this embodiment, when the communication unit 123 of the control device 120 receives item information 230, which is information on the item 201, transmitted via a network, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 outputs, as a first instruction, an instruction to pick the item 201 from the container 211 containing the item 201 corresponding to the item information 230 among a plurality of containers 210 containing one or more items 200, and to store the item 201 in the storage area 103. After outputting the first instruction, when the user 220 inputs authentication information 231 for receiving the item 201 to the receiving terminal 170 installed in the receiving area 104, the control unit 121 authenticates the user 220, and when the authentication is successful, outputs, as a second instruction, an instruction to carry out the item 201 stored in the storage area 103 from the storage area 103 to the receiving area 104. In this embodiment, the user 220 receives the item 201 in the receiving area 104.

The configuration of the item receiving support system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7.

In this embodiment, the item receiving support system 100 includes at least a control device 120 and a receiving terminal 170.

The item receipt support system 100 may be installed in any location, but in this embodiment, as in the example of FIG. 3, it is installed in a retailer's store 260, such as a convenience store or supermarket. As a variation of this embodiment, the item receipt support system 100 may be installed in any facility among a gas station, a train station, an office, an office building, and an apartment building. As another variation of this embodiment, the item receipt support system 100 may be installed in a city. The item receipt support system 100 may have each component installed together in one location, but the control device 120 and the receiving terminal 170 of the item receipt support system 100 may be installed in separate locations.

In this embodiment, each item 200 is a product sold at store 260. The types of items 200 include, for example, food, daily necessities, and magazines, but there may be various other types, or conversely, there may be only one or two types. In this embodiment, item 201 is a product pre-ordered by user 220. In this embodiment, the types of items 200 and 201 are distinguished as SKUs. "SKU" is an abbreviation for stock keeping unit.

In this embodiment, the item information 230, which is information about the item 201, includes, for example, the type, price, number or amount of the product pre-ordered by the user 220, the date and time and place when the order was placed, the receiving store, and information about payment. As a variation of this embodiment, the item 201 may be a parcel delivered to the user 220, and the item information 230 may include information about the type, price, number or amount of the parcel delivered to the user 220, the name, address, and contact information of the recipient user 220, the name, address, and contact information of the sender, the date and time when the parcel was requested, the receiving store, the type of delivery, and payment.

In this embodiment, the means by which the user 220 places an advance order is not limited, but for example, as shown in FIG. 2, the user 220 may use a user terminal 180, which is a communication terminal such as a mobile phone or a personal computer, to order a product in advance via a website or application for product sales. As a variation of this embodiment, the user 220 may order a product using a reception terminal 190 that accepts the selection operation of the item 201, as shown in FIG. 2.

The user 220 may complete payment by means of a credit card or the like when ordering in advance, or may make payment when visiting the store. In this case, the payment means is not limited, but for example, payment can be made by cash, credit card, electronic money, points, or virtual currency.

In this embodiment, the item 200 is stored in a warehouse area 101. The type of the warehouse area 101 is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, an automated warehouse 110 is installed in the warehouse area 101. The automated warehouse 110 stores multiple containers 210, each of which contains one or more items 200. The automated warehouse 110 automatically removes from the storage position a container 211 that contains an item 201 corresponding to the item information 230 among the containers 210, and transports it to the picking area 102. The warehouse area 101 may be any place or space capable of storing the item 201, and may be a warehouse, a store, or the like.

Each container 210 is a tote in this embodiment, but may also be, for example, a carton, bag, box, pallet, case, or bucket.

In this embodiment, the picking area 102 is adjacent to the warehouse area 101. In this embodiment, when the user 220 orders a product to be purchased and the communication unit 123 receives the product information 230 of the product transmitted via the network, the control unit 121 outputs a first instruction to pick the product 201 corresponding to the product information 230 and store it in the storage area 103. Therefore, after the user 220 orders the product to be purchased, picking of the product 201 can be started before arriving at the receiving area 104. As a result, for example, for a product ordered by the user 220 at home or other outside the store, picking of the product 201 can be completed or halfway progressed by the time the user 220 arrives at the store 260 and starts the procedure for receiving the product 201 in the receiving area 104. Therefore, the user 220 does not have to wait for the time to pick up the item 201 after coming to the store, and the time required in the store to receive the item 201 can be shortened, thereby shortening the waiting time of the user 220. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by shortening the waiting time per user 220 to receive the item 201 in the receiving area 104, the number of users 220 who can receive the item 201 in the receiving area 104 per unit time can be increased, and the receiving boxes 160 installed in the receiving area 104 can be used efficiently.

In this embodiment, after the communication unit 123 receives the item information 230 transmitted via the network, the control unit 121 may immediately output a first instruction to pick the item 201 corresponding to the item information 230 and store it in the storage area 103, or may output the first instruction in response to the approach of the user 220 to the store 260 or the arrival of the scheduled time of the user 220's arrival at the store, or may output the first instruction taking into consideration the status of resources such as the equipment or people who will perform the picking.

In this embodiment, the manipulator 130 performs the picking. Therefore, the control device 120 controls the picking by the manipulator 130. Any method may be used to control the picking, but in this embodiment, a method can be used in which identification information such as a barcode, two-dimensional code, or RFID attached to the item 201, or an image of the item 201 is input to the manipulator 130 to cause the manipulator 130 to identify the item 201 and remove it from the container 211. "RFID" is an abbreviation for radio-frequency identification.

In this embodiment, the automated warehouse 110 not only automatically removes from a storage position a container 211 containing an item 201 corresponding to item information 230 from among a plurality of containers 210 containing one or more items 200, but also the manipulator 130 automatically removes the item 201 from the container 211 removed by the automated warehouse 110. This eliminates the need for the user 220 to manually remove the item 201 from the container 211, improving convenience. Alternatively, it eliminates the need for a store clerk to manually remove the item 201 from the container 211, thereby resolving staff shortages in the store 260.

As a variation of this embodiment, instead of the manipulator 130, a person such as a store clerk may manually remove the item 201 from the container 211 removed by the automated warehouse 110. In this case, the control device 120 supports the picking by the person. Any method may be used to support the picking, but in this embodiment, a method may be used in which identification information such as a barcode, two-dimensional code, or RFID attached to the item 201 is input into a reader, and the person identifies the item 201 with the reader and removes it from the container 211. Alternatively, a method may be used in which an image of the item 201 is displayed on a display, and the person visually identifies the item 201 and removes it from the container 211.

In this embodiment, the storage area 103 is adjacent to the picking area 102. The storage area 103 may be a place or space capable of temporarily storing the item 201 corresponding to the item information 230 retrieved by picking. The storage area 103 may have functions necessary for storing the item 201, such as temperature and humidity adjustment functions. There may be one or more storage areas 103, or multiple storage areas 103 may be arranged in multiple locations.

As a modification of this embodiment, as shown in the example of FIG. 8, the storage 150 installed in the storage area 103 may be divided into a plurality of storage compartments 152, each of which can be set to an internal temperature. In this modification, there are two storage compartments 152 corresponding to two internal temperature zones, refrigerated and room temperature, but there may be three or more storage compartments 152, and for example, there may be four storage compartments 152 corresponding to four internal temperature zones, freezer, refrigerated, room temperature, and fixed temperature. In this modification, when the item 201 corresponding to the item information 230 is two or more items 201 managed in different temperature zones, the control unit 121 controls the temperature of the plurality of storage compartments 152 installed in the storage area 103. Also, in this modification, the control unit 121 instructs, in the first instruction, to store the plurality of items 201 separately in the plurality of storage compartments 152 whose internal temperatures correspond to the temperature zones in which the plurality of items 201 are managed. Furthermore, in this modified example, the control unit 121 instructs in the second instruction to store the multiple items 201 stored in the multiple storage compartments 152 in multiple containers 214 that are different for each storage compartment, and after the storage, to transport the multiple containers 214 to the receiving area 104. Alternatively, the control unit 121 may instruct in the second instruction to store the multiple items 201 stored in the multiple storage compartments 152 together in one container 214 immediately before transporting to the receiving area 104, and after the storage, to transport the container 214 to the receiving area 104. According to this modified example, the waiting time per user 220 to receive the items 201 in the receiving area 104 can be shortened while performing appropriate temperature management for the multiple items 201 having different storage temperatures from picking to receipt by the user 220.

In this embodiment, a storage 150 is installed in the storage area 103 to temporarily store the item 201 that has been picked and removed by the manipulator 130 and transported to the storage area 103. The method of transporting the item 201 removed by picking from the picking area 102 to the storage area 103 is not particularly limited, but for example, the item 201 may be transported to the storage area 103 by a person or a conveyor. As a variation of this embodiment, an empty space near the picking area 102 may be used as the storage area 103, and the item 201 removed by picking may be temporarily stored in that space.

In this embodiment, one or more receiving boxes 160 and one or more receiving terminals 170 are installed in the receiving area 104. The receiving boxes 160 and the receiving terminals 170 are associated, for example, one-to-one, N-to-one, or one-to-N. When a user 220 is authenticated to receive an item 201 at a specific receiving terminal 170, the item 201 is stored in one or more receiving boxes 160 associated with the receiving terminal 170, and the user 220 may receive the item 201 from the receiving box 160. Alternatively, the receiving boxes 160 and the receiving terminals 170 may be operated without being associated with each other. The number of receiving boxes 160 and receiving terminals 170 installed in the receiving area 104 may be arbitrary, but in the example of FIG. 2, the illustration of the receiving boxes 160 and receiving terminals 170 other than the two sets of receiving boxes 160 and receiving terminals 170 is omitted on the drawing, but the receiving area 104 has two or more receiving boxes 160 and receiving terminals 170 installed in the same number. In the example of FIG. 2, one receiving box 160 and one receiving terminal 170 are associated with each other, and there are two or more sets of receiving boxes 160 and receiving terminals 170. In the example of FIG. 2, when the user 220 selects one receiving terminal 170 and operates the receiving terminal 170 to perform authentication for receiving the item 201, the user 220 receives the item 201 from the receiving box 160 corresponding to the receiving terminal 170. In FIG. 3, the illustration of the receiving boxes 160 and receiving terminals 170 other than the one set of receiving boxes 160 and receiving terminals 170 is omitted.

In this embodiment, the receiving box 160 stores the items 201 that are removed from the storage area 103. The receiving box 160 is, for example, a box that can be opened and closed automatically or manually.

In this embodiment, the receiving terminal 170 accepts input of authentication information 231 for the user 220 to receive the item 201, and transmits the authentication information 231 to the control unit 121. To accept input of the authentication information 231, the receiving terminal 170 is equipped with, for example, a physical key, a capacitive key, a pointing device, a touch screen integrated with a display, or a microphone. As a variation of this embodiment, a terminal such as a smartphone owned by the user 220 may be used as the receiving terminal 170.

In this embodiment, when the user 220 inputs authentication information 231 for receiving the item 201 to the receiving terminal 170 installed in the receiving area 104, the control unit 121 authenticates the user 220, and if the authentication is successful, outputs a second instruction to transport the item 201 stored in the storage area 103 from the storage area 103 to the receiving area 104. In this embodiment, when the control unit 121 outputs the second instruction, the item 201 stored in the storage 150 is transported from the storage area 103 to the receiving area 104 by the conveyor 151. The conveyor 151 is, for example, a belt conveyor or a chain conveyor. In the example of FIG. 10, the conveyor 151 transports the item 201 stored in the storage 150 to the receiving box 160 installed in the receiving area 104. In one variation of this embodiment, instead of the conveyor 151, a person such as a store clerk may carry the item 201 stored in the storage 150 from the storage area 103 to the receiving area 104 in accordance with the second instruction. If the user 220 inputs the authentication information 231 for receiving the item 201 into the receiving terminal 170 before the item 201 corresponding to the item information 230 is completely stored in the storage area 103, the item 201 may be carried directly to the receiving area 104 without being stored in the storage area 103.

In this embodiment, the item 201 that is carried out from the storage area 103 to the receiving area 104 is stored in a receiving box 160 installed in the receiving area 104. A user 220 who has been successfully authenticated can take out and receive the item 201 from the receiving box 160.

In this embodiment, the control device 120 includes a control unit 121, a memory unit 122, a communication unit 123, an input unit 124, and an output unit 125.

The control unit 121 includes at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination of these. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. "CPU" is an abbreviation for central processing unit. "GPU" is an abbreviation for graphics processing unit. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA or ASIC. "FPGA" is an abbreviation for field-programmable gate array. "ASIC" is an abbreviation for application specific integrated circuit. The control unit 121 executes information processing related to the operation of the control unit 120 while controlling each part of the control unit 120.

The memory unit 122 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or a combination of at least two of these. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM or a ROM. "RAM" is an abbreviation for random access memory. "ROM" is an abbreviation for read only memory. The RAM is, for example, an SRAM or a DRAM. "SRAM" is an abbreviation for static random access memory. "DRAM" is an abbreviation for dynamic random access memory. The ROM is, for example, an EEPROM. "EEPROM" is an abbreviation for electrically erasable programmable read only memory. The memory unit 122 functions, for example, as a main memory device, an auxiliary memory device, or a cache memory. The memory unit 122 stores information used in the operation of the control device 120 and information obtained by the operation of the control device 120.

The communication unit 123 includes at least one communication interface. The communication interface is, for example, a LAN interface, or an interface compatible with a mobile communication standard such as LTE, 4G, or 5G. "LAN" is an abbreviation for local area network. "LTE" is an abbreviation for Long Term Evolution. "4G" is an abbreviation for 4th generation. "5G" is an abbreviation for 5th generation. The communication unit 123 receives information used in the operation of the control device 120 from the database 140 or other external devices, and transmits information obtained by the operation of the control device 120 to the database 140 or other external devices.

The input unit 124 includes at least one input interface. The input interface is, for example, a USB interface. "USB" is an abbreviation for universal serial bus. The input unit 124 accepts an operation to input information used in the operation of the control device 120 via the input device 141.

The output unit 125 includes at least one output interface. The output interface is, for example, a USB interface. The output unit 125 outputs information obtained by the operation of the control device 120 via the output device 142.

The functions of the control device 120 are realized by executing the control program according to this embodiment in a processor corresponding to the control unit 121. That is, the functions of the control device 120 are realized by software. The control program causes a computer to execute the operations of the control device 120, thereby causing the computer to function as the control device 120. That is, the computer functions as the control device 120 by executing the operations of the control device 120 in accordance with the control program.

The program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Examples of the non-transitory computer-readable medium include a magnetic recording device, an optical disk, a magneto-optical recording medium, or a ROM. The program may be distributed, for example, by selling, transferring, or lending a portable medium such as a DVD or CD-ROM on which the program is stored. "DVD" is an abbreviation for digital versatile disc. "CD-ROM" is an abbreviation for compact disc read only memory. The program may be distributed by storing the program in the storage of a server and transferring the program from the server to another computer. The program may be provided as a program product.

For example, a computer temporarily stores a program stored in a portable medium or a program transferred from a server in a main storage device. The computer then reads the program stored in the main storage device with a processor and executes processing according to the read program with the processor. The computer may read the program directly from the portable medium and execute processing according to the program. The computer may execute processing according to the received program each time a program is transferred from the server to the computer. Processing may be executed by a so-called ASP-type service that does not transfer a program from the server to the computer and achieves functions only by issuing execution instructions and obtaining results. "ASP" is an abbreviation for application service provider. Programs include information used for processing by a computer that is equivalent to a program. For example, data that is not a direct command to a computer but has properties that define computer processing falls under "something equivalent to a program."

Some or all of the functions of the control device 120 may be realized by a dedicated circuit equivalent to the control unit 121. In other words, some or all of the functions of the control device 120 may be realized by hardware.

The manipulator 130 is a system including, for example, an articulated robot as shown in FIG. 5, a camera that photographs an object to be picked by the robot from above, and a motion controller that controls the operation of the robot. For example, the manipulator 130 identifies the object 201 by analyzing the image of the object 200 captured by the camera using the motion controller. The manipulator 130 then removes the object 201 from the container 211 by controlling the picking operation of the articulated robot using the motion controller.

The automated warehouse 110 is also called an "AS/RS." In this embodiment, the automated warehouse 110 is a crane-type AS/RS, but it may also be, for example, a rotating shelf-type or shuttle-type AS/RS.

The automated warehouse 110 includes one or more racks 111 and one or more cranes 112.

The number of racks 111 may be any number, but in the example of FIG. 4, there are two. The rack 111 may be configured to store any number of containers 210, but in the example of FIG. 4, it is configured as a high-density rack that can store nine containers 210 vertically, eleven containers 210 horizontally, and two containers 210 in the depth direction. As a modification of this embodiment, as in the example of FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, part of the space of the rack 111 may be replaced with a space for installing the manipulator 130. In the example of FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the space of one of the two racks 111 that can store six containers 210 vertically and four containers 210 horizontally is replaced with a space for installing the manipulator 130. The rack 111 may have any structure, but in this embodiment, it has a structure in which vertical shelves are combined horizontally as shown in FIG. 6.

The number of cranes 112 is determined by the number of racks 111, and is one in the example of FIG. 4. The cranes 112 are installed in the aisle facing the racks 111. In the example of FIG. 4, one crane 112 is installed in the aisle between two racks 111. This aisle may be narrow enough for a person to pass through, as long as it is wide enough to accommodate the crane 112. In this embodiment, the crane 112 is a mini-load crane as shown in FIG. 7, but it may also be, for example, a unit load crane or a mid-load crane.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the rack 111, the crane 112, or a combination thereof is treated as a module to enhance the scalability of the automated warehouse 110. That is, the configuration of the automated warehouse 110 can be easily determined or changed according to various requirements such as the site area of the store 260 in which the item receiving support system 100 is installed and the number of items required. Furthermore, the scalability of the entire item receiving support system 100 may be enhanced by treating components of the item receiving support system 100 other than the automated warehouse 110, or a combination of components of the item receiving support system 100, as a module. That is, the overall configuration of the item receiving support system 100 may be easily determined or changed according to various requirements of the store 260 in which the item receiving support system 100 is installed. For example, by configuring the automated warehouse 110 or other components of the item receiving support system 100 with a small number of modules or small modules, the item receiving support system 100 can be easily introduced not only to the store 260, but also to a roadside convenience store, a small convenience store in a gas station, an office, an office building, or an apartment building, or a small kiosk at a station. Alternatively, by configuring the automated warehouse 110 or other components of the item receiving support system 100 with a large number of modules or large modules, the item receiving support system 100 can be easily introduced to a large convenience store or large supermarket as the store 260. In addition, if the store 260 in which the item receiving support system 100 is installed is closed, each module of the item receiving support system 100 can be reused in another store or other location.

In this embodiment, the automated warehouse 110 stores the multiple containers 210 that have been brought in, in two or more compartments with different temperature settings according to the type of goods 200 contained in each container 210. For example, the two racks 111 are divided into four compartments corresponding to the four temperature zones of freezing, refrigeration, fixed temperature, and room temperature, and the multiple containers 210 that have been brought in are stored in these four compartments according to the type of goods 200 contained in each container 210. In this case, the freezing compartment stores containers 210 that contain goods 200 that need to be frozen, such as frozen foods. The refrigerating compartment stores containers 210 that contain goods 200 that need to be refrigerated. The fixed temperature compartment stores containers 210 that contain goods 200 that need to be kept at a fixed temperature, such as alcoholic beverages. The room temperature compartment stores containers 210 that contain other goods 200.

The operation of the item receipt assistance system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 11. This operation corresponds to the item receipt assistance method according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the operation of FIG. 11 is initiated when the communication unit 123 receives item information 230 related to an item ordered by the user 220, which is transmitted via the network.

As a modified example of this embodiment, the control unit 121 may predict the item 201 to be ordered by the ordering operation based on the item information 230 received by the communication unit 123 before the user 220 completes the order for the item, and start the operation of FIG. 11. Any method may be used to predict the ordered item 201, but in this embodiment, a method may be used in which the user 220 predicts that the item will be purchased when the user 220 adds the item to a shopping cart displayed on the user terminal 180. The control unit 121 moves the crane 112 according to the storage position on the rack 111 of the container 210 containing the predicted item 200 among the multiple containers 210 stored in the automated warehouse 110. If the crane 112 reaches a position where it can take out the container 210 before the ordering operation is completed, the control unit 121 causes the crane 112 to wait until the ordering operation is completed. As a variation of this embodiment, the operation of FIG. 11 may be started according to the scheduled date and time of receipt of the item 201 included in the item information 230, or the location information of the user 220 may be acquired and the operation of FIG. 11 may be started when the user 220 approaches the store 260 by a certain distance or more.

In step S101, the communication unit 123 of the control device 120 receives item information 230, which is information about the item 201, transmitted via the network.

In step S102, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 uses the item information 230 received by the communication unit 123 to identify the item 201 ordered by the user 220. The control unit 121 searches the database 140 to identify the container 211 containing the identified item 201. Any method may be used to identify the container 211, but in this embodiment, a method of extracting identification information of the container 211 containing the item 201 or information indicating the storage location from the inventory information 240 held in the database 140 can be used. The control unit 121 causes the automated warehouse 110 to transport the identified container 211 to the picking area 102 via the communication unit 123. That is, the automated warehouse 110 is controlled to transport, to the picking area 102, the container 211 containing at least one item 201 to be received in the receiving area 104 among the multiple containers 210 stored according to the item information 230 received by the communication unit 123. Specifically, the crane 112 moves along the aisle facing the rack 111, removes the container 211, and transports the removed container 211 to the picking area 102.

In step S103, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 controls the picking by the manipulator 130 via the communication unit 123. That is, the manipulator 130 is controlled to perform picking. Picking is an operation of taking out at least one item 201 from a container 211 carried out by the automated warehouse 110 in the picking area 102. Identification information such as a barcode, two-dimensional code, or RFID attached to the item 201, or an image of the item 201, which is input to the manipulator 130 to control the picking, is directly or indirectly specified by the item information 230 received by the communication unit 123.

In step S104, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 temporarily stores at least one item 201 taken out by picking in a storage 150 installed in the storage area 103 via the communication unit 123. That is, the storage 150 is controlled to temporarily store at least one item 201 taken out by picking. Specifically, the crane of the storage 150 moves along the aisle facing the rack of the storage 150 to store the container 213 into which the item 201 was moved when picked. The database 140 stores identification information such as a barcode, two-dimensional code, or RFID attached to the container 213, or information indicating the storage position of the container 213 in the storage 150, in association with authentication information 231 such as an exchange number. The authentication information 231 may be provided by an electronic commerce site as part of the item information 230 received by the communication unit 123, or may be newly generated by the control unit 121 when the container 213 is brought into the storage facility 150 and notified to the user 220 via a network such as the Internet.

In step S105, the receiving terminal 170 installed in the receiving area 104 accepts an input operation of authentication information 231 by the user 220 to receive at least one item 201. For example, a touch screen that is integrated with a display included in the receiving terminal 170 accepts an operation by the user 220 to input an exchange number notified via a network from the electronic commerce site or the control device 120 or the biometric identification information of the user 220. The control unit 121 of the control device 120 acquires the authentication information 231 input by the input operation accepted by the receiving terminal 170 via the communication unit 123.

The control unit 121 compares the acquired authentication information 231 with the database 140, and ends the operation if the authentication fails. That is, the control unit 121 ends the operation if the authentic authentication information 232 that matches the acquired authentication information 231 is not held in the database 140. On the other hand, if the authentication is successful, that is, if the authentic authentication information 232 that matches the acquired authentication information 231 is held in the database 140, the control unit 121 searches the database 140 in step S106 to identify the container 213 corresponding to the authentication information 231. Any method may be used to identify the container 213, but in this embodiment, a method of extracting identification information of the container 213 or information indicating the storage position held in the database 140 in association with the authentication information 231 can be used. The control unit 121 causes the storage 150 to carry out the identified container 213 to the receiving area 104 via the communication unit 123. That is, the storage 150 is controlled by the control unit 121 to transport at least one item 201 to the receiving area 104 in response to an input operation received by the receiving terminal 170. Specifically, the crane of the storage 150 moves along the passage facing the rack 111 of the storage 150 to remove the identified container 213 from the storage 150. Thereafter, the conveyor 151 transports the container 213 containing the item 201 removed from the storage 150 to the receiving area 104 and stores it in the receiving box 160 installed in the receiving area 104. That is, the conveyor 151 is controlled by the control unit 121 to transport at least one item 201 to be received by the user 220 to the receiving area 104 and store it in the receiving box 160. In this embodiment, the user 220 removes the item 201 from the receiving box 160 in the receiving area 104 and receives it.

As a variation of this embodiment, even if the control unit 121 of the control device 120 assists in manual picking in step S104, in step S105 the conveyor 151 transports at least one item 201 to be picked up by the user 220 from the storage area 103 to the receiving area 104.

As a modified example of this embodiment, the storage area 103 may simply be a space in which the storage 150 is not installed. In this case, in step S104, instead of the crane of the storage 150, a person such as a store clerk removes the container 213 from the picking area 102 and stores it in the storage area 103 in accordance with the storage instruction included in the first instruction. Also in this case, in step 105, instead of the crane and conveyor 151 of the storage 150, a person removes the identified container 213 from the storage area 103 in accordance with the second instruction and stores it in the receiving box 160 installed in the receiving area 104. In this case, the control unit 121 supports the removal of the container 213 from the picking area 102 and storage in the storage area 103 by a person, and the removal of the container 213 from the storage area 103 to the receiving area 104.

According to this embodiment, the user 220 who has ordered the product does not have to wait at the store 260 for the automated warehouse 110 to finish removing the product and the manipulator 130 to finish picking it up, and can receive the product in a short time after arriving at the store 260. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by shortening the waiting time per user 220 to receive the item 201 in the receiving area 104, the maximum number of users 220 who can receive the item 201 in the receiving area 104 per unit time can be increased, and the receiving boxes 160 installed in the receiving area 104 can be used efficiently.

Second Embodiment
The outline of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 12 and FIG.

In the first embodiment, the user 220 receives the item 201 that he or she has ordered in advance in the receiving area 104. In addition, in this embodiment, the user 221 operates an input terminal 171 installed in an input area 105 different from the receiving area 104 to order the item 201, and receives the item 201 in the input area 105. In this embodiment, the user 220 can also receive the item 201 in the input area 105 by inputting authentication information 231 for receiving the item 201 that he or she has ordered in advance into the input terminal 171.

The configuration of the item receipt support system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13. Descriptions of parts common to the configuration of the item receipt support system 100 according to the first embodiment will be omitted.

In this embodiment, the item receiving assistance system 100 includes at least a control device 120, a receiving terminal 170, and an input terminal 171.

In this embodiment, the input area 105 is located near the inside or outside wall of a retailer's store 260, such as a convenience store or supermarket. In this embodiment, the input area 105 is located near the storage area 103, but as long as it is possible to transport the item 201 from the storage area 103 to the input area 105, the input area 105 may be located away from the storage area 103. In addition, the input area 105 and the receiving area 104 may be located close to each other or at separate locations. As long as the input terminal 171 installed in the input area 105 and the communication unit 123 of the control device 120 can communicate via a network, the input area 105 and the control device 120 may be located close to each other or at separate locations.

In this embodiment, the input area 105 includes one or more receiving boxes 161 and one or more input terminals 171. The receiving boxes 161 and the input terminals 171 are associated with each other, for example, one-to-one, N-to-one, or one-to-N. When the user 221 operates a specific input terminal 171 to order an item 201, the item 201 is stored in one or more receiving boxes 161 associated with the input terminal 171, and the user 221 may receive the item 201 from the receiving box 161. Alternatively, the receiving boxes 161 and the input terminals 171 may be operated without being associated with each other. There is no limit to the number of receiving boxes 161 and input terminals 171 installed in the input area 105, but in the example of FIG. 13, the description of receiving boxes 161 and input terminals 171 other than the two sets of receiving boxes 161 and input terminals 171 is omitted.

In this embodiment, the receiving box 161 stores the items 201 that are removed in accordance with instructions from the control unit 121. The receiving box 161 is, for example, a box that can be opened and closed automatically or manually.

In this embodiment, the input terminal 171 accepts an order operation for a product by the user 221. When the user 221 inputs the item information 230 related to the product order into the input terminal 171, the control unit 121 outputs a third instruction to pick the item 201 corresponding to the item information 230 and transport it to the input area 105. In this embodiment, when the control unit 121 outputs the third instruction, not only does the automated warehouse 110 automatically take out the container 211 containing the item 201 from the storage position, but the manipulator 130 automatically takes out the item 201 from the container 211 taken out by the automated warehouse 110. In this embodiment, the conveyor 151 then transports the item 201 to the input area 105 in accordance with the instruction of the control unit 121. As a modified example of this embodiment, a person such as a store clerk may pick the item 201 instead of the manipulator 130. As a variation of this embodiment, instead of the conveyor 151, a person such as a store clerk may carry the item 201 stored in the storage 150 from the storage area 103 to the receiving area 104 in accordance with the second instruction.

In this embodiment, when a user 220 inputs authentication information 231 for receiving an item 201 that has been ordered in advance into an input terminal 171, the control unit 121 performs authentication, and if the authentication is successful, the control unit 121 outputs an instruction to remove the item 201 from the storage area 103 to the input area 105, and the user 220 can receive the item 201 in the input area 105.

The operation of the item receipt support system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 14. This operation corresponds to the item receipt support method according to this embodiment. Explanations of parts common to the operation of the item receipt support system 100 according to the first embodiment will be omitted. In this embodiment, the operation of FIG. 14 is initiated when the user 221 starts the ordering operation on the input terminal 171.

In step S201, the input terminal 171 installed in the input area 105 accepts input of item information 230 for ordering a product by the user 221.

In step S202, the communication unit 123 of the control device 120 receives the item information 230 input to the input terminal 171. The control unit 121 of the control device 120 uses the item information 230 received by the communication unit 123 to identify the item 201 ordered by the user 221. The control unit 121 searches the database 140 to identify the container 211 containing the identified item 201. The control unit 121 causes the automated warehouse 110 to transport the identified container 211 to the picking area 102 via the communication unit 123. That is, the automated warehouse 110 is controlled to transport, to the picking area 102, the container 211 containing at least one item 201 to be received in the input area 105 among the multiple containers 210 stored according to the item information 230 input to the input terminal 171. Specifically, the crane 112 of the automated warehouse 110 moves along the aisle facing the rack 111, removes the container 211, and transports the removed container 211 to the picking area 102.

In step S203, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 controls picking by the manipulator 130 via the communication unit 123. That is, the manipulator 130 is controlled to perform picking. Picking is an operation of removing at least one item 201 from a container 211 that has been removed by the automated warehouse 110 in the picking area 102.

In step S204, the control unit 121 transports the container 213 into which the item 201 was transferred during picking to the input area 105. Specifically, the conveyor 151 transports the container 213 containing the item 201 removed by picking to the input area 105 and stores it in a receiving box 161 installed in the input area 105. That is, the conveyor 151 is controlled by the control unit 121 to transport at least one item 201 to be received by the user 220 to the input area 105. In this embodiment, the user 221 removes the item 201 from the receiving box 161 in the input area 105 and receives it.

According to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, not only can the receiving area 104 be used as a so-called fast lane exclusively for receiving the item 201 ordered in advance, but the input area 105 can be used for both receiving the item 201 ordered in advance and receiving the item 201 ordered in the input area 105. Therefore, the user 220 who has placed an order in advance can not only use the receiving terminal 170 installed in the receiving area 104 as a fast lane exclusively for receiving the item 201 ordered in advance, but can also select an available terminal from the input terminals 171 installed in the input area 105 and receive the ordered item 201. Therefore, the user 220 can receive the item 201 that was temporarily stored in the storage area 103 before coming to the store in a shorter time than if the input terminal 171 was not installed. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, only users 220 who have ordered products in advance can use the receiving area 104 exclusively for receiving products, and picking of the products can be completed by the time users 220 who have ordered products in advance arrive at the store. This satisfies the request of users 221 who want to order products in the input area 105 and receive the products on the spot without compromising the convenience of users 220 who have ordered products in advance, and allows efficient operation of the receiving terminal 170 and the input terminal 171.

Third Embodiment
The outline of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

In the first embodiment, the item receiving support system 100 is installed in a retailer's store 260, but in this embodiment, the item receiving support system 100 is installed in a delivery center of a delivery service company.

In this embodiment, each item 200 is a parcel stored at a delivery center. In this embodiment, the item 201 received by the user 220 is a parcel addressed to the user 220.

In this embodiment, the inventory information 240 stored in the database 140 includes identification information such as a barcode, two-dimensional code, or RFID attached to each container 210, or a combination of information indicating the storage location of each container 210 in the automated warehouse 110 and identification information such as a barcode, two-dimensional code, or RFID attached to the item 200 contained in each container 210. In addition to the inventory information 240, the database 140 stores regular authentication information 271 for each item 200 contained in the multiple containers 210 stored in the automated warehouse 110. Specifically, the database 140 stores identification information such as a barcode, two-dimensional code, or RFID attached to each item 200 in association with authentication information 271 such as an exchange number. It is assumed that the same information as the authentication information 271 has been notified to the user 220 to whom each item 200 is addressed by any method.

The operation of the item receipt assistance system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 15. This operation corresponds to the item receipt assistance method according to this embodiment. Explanations of parts common to the operation of the item receipt assistance system 100 according to the first or second embodiment will be omitted. The operation of FIG. 15 starts when the communication unit 123 receives item information 230 including the scheduled date and time of receipt by the user 220 of the item 201.

In step S301, the communication unit 123 of the control device 120 receives the item information 230, which is information about the package that the user 220 designated as the package destination will receive at the delivery center, transmitted via the network.

In step S302, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 uses the item information 230 received by the communication unit 123 to identify the parcel to be received at the delivery center by the user 220. The control unit 121 searches the database 140 to identify the container 211 containing the item 201 that is the identified parcel. The control unit 121 causes the automated warehouse 110 to transport the identified container 211 to the picking area 102 via the communication unit 123. That is, the automated warehouse 110 is controlled to transport, to the picking area 102, the container 211 that contains at least one item 201 to be received in the receiving area 104, out of the multiple containers 210 stored therein, in accordance with the item information 230 received by the communication unit 123.

The processing from step S303 to step S306 is the same as the processing from step S103 to step S106 in FIG. 11, and therefore the description will be omitted. In step S306, the user 220 designated as the destination of the package can receive the package in the receiving area 104 of the delivery center.

According to this embodiment, the user 220 designated as the destination of the package does not need to wait at the delivery center for the automated warehouse 110 to remove the package and for the manipulator 130 to pick it up, and can receive the package in a short time after it arrives at the delivery center.

The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, multiple blocks shown in the block diagram may be integrated, or one block may be divided. Instead of executing multiple steps shown in the flowchart in chronological order as described, each step may be executed in parallel or in a different order depending on the processing capacity of the device executing each step, or as needed. Other modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Item receiving support system 101 Warehouse area 102 Picking area 103 Storage area 104 Receiving area 105 Input area 110 Automated warehouse 111 Rack 112 Crane 120 Control device 121 Control unit 122 Memory unit 123 Communication unit 124 Input unit 125 Output unit 130 Manipulator 140 Database 141 Input device 142 Output device 150 Storage shed 151 Conveyor 152 Storage section 160 Receiving box 161 Receiving box 170 Receiving terminal 171 Input terminal 180 User terminal 190 Reception terminal 200 Item 201 Item 210 Container 211 Container 213 Container 214 Container 220 User 221 User 230 Item information 231 Authentication information 232 Authentication information 240 Stock information 260 Store

Claims (10)

an automated warehouse that stores a plurality of containers, each of which contains one or more products;
A receiving terminal installed in a receiving area used exclusively for receiving products pre-ordered by users;
an input terminal installed in an input area that is different from the receiving area and is used for both receiving products ordered in advance by the user and receiving products ordered in the input area by the user;
A communication unit that receives product information, which is information about a product , transmitted via a network ; and
When the communication unit receives information on a product ordered in advance by the user as the product information, the communication unit controls or assists in picking of the product corresponding to the product information from a container carried out from the automated warehouse , temporarily stores the product taken out by the picking in a storage warehouse , and stores the location where the product is stored in the storage warehouse in a database in association with regular authentication information ;
When the user inputs authentication information into the receiving terminal, the input authentication information is received from the receiving terminal, and if regular authentication information matching the received authentication information is stored in the database , the database is searched to identify a location in the storage warehouse that corresponds to the received authentication information, and the storage warehouse carries out the product stored in the identified location to the receiving area ,
When the user inputs authentication information into the input terminal, the input authentication information is received from the input terminal, and if regular authentication information matching the received authentication information is stored in the database, the database is searched to identify a location in the storage warehouse that corresponds to the received authentication information, and the product stored in the identified location is transported from the storage warehouse to the input area,
a control device including a control unit that, when the user performs an operation to order a product on the input terminal, receives information on the product ordered by the user on the input terminal as the product information from the input terminal, controls or assists in picking of the product corresponding to the product information from a container carried out from the automated warehouse, and controls or assists in carrying out the product taken out by the picking to the input area ; and
An item receiving support system comprising : The item receiving assistance system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls a manipulator to pick up an item corresponding to the item information from a container that has been transported from the automated warehouse . 3. The article receiving assistance system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls a conveyor to carry out the article picked by the picking to the input area. The goods receipt assistance system according to claim 1 , wherein the communication unit receives the goods information inputted using a user terminal which is a communication terminal used by the user. The goods receipt support system according to claim 1 , wherein the communication unit receives the goods information inputted using a reception terminal that accepts a product selection operation by the user. The goods receiving support system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls removal of containers containing goods corresponding to the goods information from the automated warehouse. The storage unit is divided into a plurality of storage compartments, each of which can have its own internal temperature settable;
An item receipt support system as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein when the item corresponding to the item information is two or more items managed in different temperature zones, the control unit controls the temperature of the multiple storage compartments, and when the items removed by the picking are temporarily stored in the storage facility , the control unit stores the two or more items separately in storage compartments whose internal temperatures correspond to the temperature zones in which each item is managed. The item receiving support system of claim 7, wherein the control unit, when causing the storage warehouse to transport the two or more items to the receiving area , stores the two or more items in a plurality of different containers for each storage section, and after the storage, transports the plurality of containers to the receiving area. The item receiving support system of claim 7, wherein the control unit, when causing the storage facility to transport the two or more items to the receiving area , stores the two or more items in a single container, and after the storage, transports the single container to the receiving area . The automated warehouse stores multiple containers, each containing one or more products.
A communication unit of the control device receives product information, which is information about the product , transmitted via the network,
When the communication unit receives information about a product ordered in advance by a user as the product information, a control unit of the control device controls or assists in picking of the product corresponding to the product information from a container carried out from the automated warehouse , temporarily stores the product taken out by the picking in a storage warehouse , and stores the location where the product is stored in the storage warehouse in a database in association with regular authentication information ;
When the user inputs authentication information into a receiving terminal installed in a receiving area used exclusively for receiving products that have been ordered in advance by the user , the control unit receives the input authentication information from the receiving terminal, and if regular authentication information matching the received authentication information is stored in the database , searches the database to identify a location in the storage unit that corresponds to the received authentication information, and causes the storage unit to carry out the products stored in the identified location to the receiving area ,
When the user inputs authentication information into an input terminal installed in an input area that is different from the receiving area and is used for both receiving products ordered in advance by the user and receiving products ordered in that area by the user, the control unit receives the input authentication information from the input terminal, and if regular authentication information matching the received authentication information is stored in the database, searches the database to identify a location in the storage facility that corresponds to the received authentication information, and causes the storage facility to carry out the products stored in the identified location to the input area,
When the user orders a product on the input terminal, the control unit receives information about the product ordered by the user on the input terminal as the product information from the input terminal, controls or assists in picking the product corresponding to the product information from a container that has been transported out of the automated warehouse, and controls or assists in the transport of the product removed by the picking to the input area .

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