Storage

Abstract

The refrigerator (10) is an example of a storage cabinet, and is provided with an opening and closing sensor (15), a weight sensor (16), a wireless tag reader (17), a memory (18), and a microcomputer (19). The microcomputer (19) determines that an ID that can no longer be read by the wireless tag reader (17) after the weight increase detected by the weight sensor (16) during a first period from door opening to door closing determined based on the detection result of the opening and closing sensor (15) is the ID of a newly stored food, and adds the determined ID to the registration information in the memory (18).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a storage room. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there have been proposed technologies for storage cabinets for storing objects. Patent Document 1 discloses a refrigerator capable of managing the expiration date of food.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-329597 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] The present invention provides a storage library which improves the management accuracy of storage objects.

[0008] Means used to solve problems

[0009] A storage warehouse related to a technical solution of the present invention comprises a door and a shelf for placing objects, and the objects are placed on the shelf in a state where the door is open, wherein the storage warehouse comprises: an opening and closing sensor for detecting the opening and closing of the door; a weight sensor for detecting the weight applied to the shelf; a wireless tag reader for reading an ID from a wireless tag installed on the object; a memory for storing the ID of the object in storage read by the wireless tag reader as registration information; and a microcomputer; the microcomputer performs the following processing: determining a candidate ID that is not included in the registration information among the IDs that can be read by the wireless tag reader after a first period from opening to closing of the door determined based on the detection result of the opening and closing sensor as a first ID of a first object newly stored in the warehouse; determining an ID that can no longer be read by the wireless tag reader during the first period and just after the weight detected by the weight sensor increases as a second ID of a second object newly stored in the warehouse; and appending the determined first ID and second ID to the registration information.

[0010] Effects of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, a storage warehouse with improved management accuracy of storage objects is realized. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 It is an external view of a refrigerator related to the embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 It is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the refrigerator according to the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of registration information.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a timing chart for explaining an outline of the operation of the refrigerator according to the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the operation when food is stored in the refrigerator according to the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the operation of the wireless tag reader.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a flow chart of the operation of the weight sensor.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of storage management information.

[0020] Fig. 9 It is a diagram showing an example of the third wireless tag information.

[0021] Fig.10 This is a flowchart of the registration process of the wireless tag ID of the food stored in the warehouse.

[0022] Fig.11 This is a diagram showing an example of updated registration information.

[0023] Fig.12 This is a flowchart of the operation when food is taken out of the refrigerator according to the embodiment.

[0024] Fig.13 This is a diagram showing an example of delivery management information.

[0025] Fig.14 It is a diagram showing an example of the fifth wireless tag information.

[0026] Fig.15 This is a flowchart of the process of deregistering the wireless tag ID of food that has been shipped out.

[0027] Fig.16 This is a diagram showing an example of registration information related to Modification Example 1.

[0028] Fig.17 This is a diagram showing an example of inventory management information related to Modification Example 2.

[0029] Fig.18 This is a diagram showing an example of registration information related to Modification Example 2.

[0030] Fig.19 This is a diagram showing an example of inventory management information related to Modification 3.

[0031] Fig. 20 This is a diagram showing an example of third wireless tag information related to Modification 3.

[0032] Fig.21 This is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ingredient management system according to the second embodiment.

[0033] Fig. 22 This is a diagram showing an example of an image showing the arrangement of food in a refrigerator. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Hereinafter, the embodiments are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the embodiments described below all represent inclusive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, configuration positions and connection forms of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, among the components of the following embodiments, the components that are not described in the independent claims are described as arbitrary components.

[0035] In addition, each figure is a schematic diagram, and does not necessarily illustrate the exact figure. In addition, in each figure, the same reference numerals are given to substantially the same structure, and the repeated description may be omitted or simplified.

[0036] (Implementation Method 1)

[0037] [structure]

[0038] First, the structure of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 This is an external view of a refrigerator according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment.

[0039] The refrigerator 10 according to the first embodiment can manage the food 40 stored in the refrigerator 10 by reading the wireless tags attached to the food 40. Figure 1 As shown, the refrigerator 10 includes a main body 11, a door 13 for entering an internal space 12 of the main body 11, and a plurality of shelves 14 provided in the internal space 12. The user can place food 40 on each of the plurality of shelves 14 by opening the door 13.

[0040] In addition, if Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the refrigerator 10 includes an opening and closing sensor 15 , a plurality of weight sensors 16 , a wireless tag reader 17 , a memory 18 , a microcomputer 19 , and a notification unit 20 .

[0041] The opening / closing sensor 15 detects the opening / closing of the door 13. The opening / closing sensor 15 is a magnetic sensor implemented by, for example, a magnet attached to one of the door 13 and the main body 11 and a magnetic sensor attached to the other of the door 13 and the main body 11.

[0042] The weight sensor 16 detects the weight applied to the shelf 14. The weight sensor 16 is provided, for example, at the four corners of one shelf 14. Thus, the position of the food 40 can be determined based on the balance of the weights detected by the four weight sensors 16 when the food 40 is placed on the shelf 14. In addition, the determination of the position is not essential, and one weight sensor 16 may be provided on one shelf 14.

[0043] The wireless tag reader 17 reads the wireless tag ID from the wireless tag installed on the food 40. In other words, the wireless tag reader 17 is an RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) ​​tag reader, which reads the ID from the wireless tag through short-range wireless communication. The wireless tag is, for example, a passive RFID tag. The wireless tag reader 17 is arranged in the internal space 12. That is, the wireless tag reader 17 is arranged inside the main body 11. In addition, in addition to the wireless tag ID, the information that can be read from the wireless tag may also include an ingredient code indicating the weight of the ingredient, the category / name of the ingredient, etc. The wireless tag ID means a unique ID.

[0044] The wireless tag IDs read by the wireless tag reader 17 are stored in the memory 18 as the wireless tag IDs of the stored food 40. Hereinafter, information in which the wireless tag IDs of the stored food 40 are collected is also referred to as registration information. Figure 3 2 is a diagram showing an example of registration information. In addition, a computer program executed by a microcomputer is also stored in the memory 18. The memory 18 is implemented by, for example, a semiconductor memory.

[0045] The microcomputer 19 performs information processing related to the management of the food 40 in the refrigerator 10 by executing the computer program stored in the memory 18. Specifically, the microcomputer 19 includes a starter 19a, a determination unit 19b, an acquisition unit 19c, and a registration unit 19d.

[0046] The notification unit 20 notifies the user of the weight measurement start timing and weight measurement end timing of the weight sensor 16. The notification unit 20 is a sound device such as a speaker or a buzzer that notifies the timing by sound, but may also be a light emitting device that notifies the timing by light.

[0047] [Overview of the action]

[0048] Next, an overview of the operation of the refrigerator 10 is described. The refrigerator 10 can manage the food 40 stored in the refrigerator 10 by reading the wireless tags installed on the food 40 (hereinafter also referred to as detection). As described above, the wireless tag reader 17 for reading the wireless tags is arranged in the internal space 12 of the refrigerator 10. In the case where the main body 11 and the door 13 have the function of shielding (or attenuating) radio waves due to the inclusion of metal parts, etc., the wireless tag reader 17 can only read the wireless tags of the food 40 located in the internal space 12 when the door 13 is closed. On the other hand, when the door 13 is open, the wireless tag reader 17 can also read the wireless tags of the food 40 located outside the internal space 12 within the effective range of short-range wireless communication. Figure 4 This is a timing chart for explaining the outline of the operation of the refrigerator 10 . Figure 4 (a) shows the detection result of the opening / closing sensor 15, that is, the opening / closing state of the door 13. The first period T1 is a period from when the door 13 is opened to when it is closed. Figure 4 (b) shows the detection result of the weight sensor 16 , that is, the timing when the food 40 is placed on the shelf 14 .

[0049] like Figure 4 As shown in (c), the wireless tag A of the food 40 stored in the refrigerator 10 before the first period T1 can be detected by the wireless tag reader 17 from before the first period T1 to after the first period T1.

[0050] In addition, if Figure 4 As shown in (f), the wireless tag ID of the food 40 outside the refrigerator 10 can be detected by the wireless tag reader 17 only in the first period T1. That is, the food 40 outside the refrigerator 10 can be detected by the wireless tag reader 17 only during the period when the door 13 is open.

[0051] In addition, if Figure 4 As shown in (d) of FIG. 1 , the wireless tag of the food 40 stored in the refrigerator 10 (ie, placed on the shelf 14 ) at the timing t1 can be detected by the wireless tag reader 17 after the timing when the door 13 is opened.

[0052] Here, the wireless tag of the food 40 stored in the refrigerator 10 may not be detected due to contact with the shelf 14. For example, the shelf 14 includes a metal part. Specifically, Figure 4 The wireless tag ID shown in (e) can be detected by the wireless tag reader 17 from the time when the door 13 is opened to the time when the tag is placed on the shelf 14 at timing t2, but cannot be detected thereafter.

[0053] In this way, if only the wireless tags that can be detected after the door 13 is closed are regarded as the wireless tags of the food 40 stored in the refrigerator 10, then Figure 4 In the case of (e), there is a problem that the food 40 is not managed even though it is actually in the refrigerator 10. Therefore, in the refrigerator 10, a Figure 4 Even in the case of (e), the algorithm can appropriately manage the ingredients 40.

[0054] [Example of action when putting food into storage]

[0055] The following describes in detail such an algorithm (operation). Figure 5 1 is a flowchart of the operation of the refrigerator 10 when food 40 is stored. In addition, the following description assumes that when 10 food 40 with wireless tags recording IDs 201 to 210 have been stored, 3 food 40 with wireless tags recording IDs 101 to 103 are further stored. Assume that food 40 with wireless tags recording ID 101 and food 40 with wireless tags recording ID 102 are stored as described above. Figure 4 As shown in (d), the food 40 is put into storage as usual, and the wireless tag ID can be read even after the food is put into storage. Figure 4 As shown in (e), the wireless tag ID cannot be read after storage. For example, three food ingredients 40 are stored on one shelf 14.

[0056] First, the starter 19a starts the wireless tag reader 17 (S101) and starts the plurality of weight sensors 16 (S102) by sending a starter signal or the like. Figure 6 As shown, the activated wireless tag reader 17 repeatedly performs a process of reading the wireless tag ID of the wireless tag located in the communicable range and storing it in the internal memory (S11). Figure 6 is a flow chart of the operation of the wireless tag reader 17. Figure 7 As shown, each time the activated plurality of weight sensors 16 detect the entry of food 40, the weight and position of the entered food 40 are stored as entry information in the internal memory (S21). Figure 7 1 is a flowchart of the operation of the weight sensor 16 . In addition, the storage of the food 40 means that the food 40 is placed on the shelf 14 , and the unloading of the food 40 means that the food 40 is removed from the shelf 14 .

[0057] Next, the determination unit 19b resets the number of stored items to 0 (S103), and determines whether the door 13 is open based on the detection result of the opening / closing sensor 15 (S104). This determination is continued until the door 13 is opened (No in S104).

[0058] If the determination unit 19b determines that the door 13 is open (Yes in S104), it determines whether the entry of the food 40 (increase in weight) is detected by the weight sensor 16 (S105). If the determination unit 19b determines that the entry of the food 40 is detected (Yes in S105), the acquisition unit 19c acquires the entry information (weight information and position information) of the food 40 entered from the internal memory of the weight sensor 16 (S106). In addition, the acquisition unit 19c acquires the first wireless tag information indicating the wireless tag ID read just before the entry is detected from the wireless tag reader 17 (S107), and acquires the second wireless tag information indicating the wireless tag ID read just after the entry is detected (S108). In addition, the acquisition unit 19c associates the entry information, the first wireless tag information, and the second wireless tag information, and stores them in the memory 18 as the entry management information (S109). Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of storage management information. Figure 8 As shown in the figure, in the warehouse management information, a temporary ID is assigned to each warehouse information. A temporary ID is assigned to a location information, in other words, a location ID. The temporary ID can also be called location information. Figure 8 Although not shown in the figure, the weight and food code can be read from the wireless tag in addition to the wireless tag ID, and this information is also included in the storage management information (specifically, the first wireless tag information and the second wireless tag information). Then, the determination unit 19b adds 1 to the storage number (S110).

[0059] After step S110 and when no entry is detected in step S105 (No in S105), the determination unit 19b determines whether the door 13 is closed (S111). If the determination unit 19b determines that the door 13 is not closed (No in S111), the process returns to the determination process of step S105.

[0060] On the other hand, when the determination unit 19b determines that the door 13 is closed (Yes in S111), the acquisition unit 19c acquires the third wireless tag information indicating the wireless tag ID read immediately after the door 13 is closed, and stores it in the memory 18 (S112). Fig. 9 FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of third wireless tag information. Fig. 9 In the example of , in addition to the wireless tag ID, the third wireless tag information also includes the weight and the food code of the food 40. As described above, the information such as the weight and the food code is also included in the wireless tag.

[0061] After step S112, the registration unit 19d performs a process of registering the wireless tag ID of the food 40 stored (S113). Fig.10This is a flowchart of the registration process of the wireless tag ID of the food 40 stored in the warehouse.

[0062] First, the registering unit 19d determines whether the number of items in stock is greater than 0 (S114). If it is determined that the number of items in stock is 0 (No in S114), the operation ends. If the registering unit 19d determines that the number of items in stock is greater than 0 (Yes in S114), the storage management information is selected (refer to Figure 8 ) in a temporary ID (S115).

[0063] Next, the registering unit 19d compares the registration information stored in the memory 18 with the third wireless tag information ( Fig. 9 ) is compared, and the wireless tag ID included in the third wireless tag information but not included in the registration information is determined as the candidate ID (S116). In other words, this process can be said to be a process of determining the wireless tag ID of the newly stored food 40. Fig. 9 ) but not in the registration information (refer to Figure 3 ) The wireless tag IDs in are ID101 and ID102.

[0064] Next, the registering unit 19d determines the wireless tag ID corresponding to the temporary ID selected in step S115 from the candidate IDs determined in step S116 based on the weight of the food 40 (S117). For example, when temporary ID 1001 is selected in step S115, its weight is 100 g (refer to Figure 8 ). Therefore, it can be determined that the wireless ID corresponding to the temporary ID 1001 is in the third wireless tag information (refer to Fig. 9 ) is not ID102 that corresponds to 200g, but ID101 that corresponds to 100g.

[0065] When the wireless tag ID is determined as described above (Yes in S118), the registration unit 19d integrates the information associated with the determined wireless tag ID (weight and ingredient code) and the information associated with the temporary ID (weight and location), adds them to the registration information (S119), subtracts 1 from the number of items put into storage (S120), and returns to the determination process of step S114.

[0066] On the other hand, in step S117, there is a case where the wireless tag ID corresponding to the temporary ID cannot be determined. For example, in step S115, when temporary ID 1003 is selected, its weight is 400g (refer to Figure 8 ). Therefore, since there is no wireless tag ID associated with 400g among the candidate IDs (ID101, ID102) determined in step S116, the wireless tag ID corresponding to the temporary ID 1003 cannot be determined.

[0067] Thus, when the wireless tag ID corresponding to the temporary ID cannot be identified in step S117 (No in S118), the registration unit 19d adds the temporary ID to the storage management information (see Figure 8 ), the first wireless tag information and the second wireless tag information associated with the selected temporary ID are compared, and the wireless tag ID (in Figure 8 In the example of ID103, the wireless tag ID is determined to be equivalent to the temporary ID (S121). The registration unit 19d integrates the information associated with the determined wireless tag ID (weight and food code) and the information associated with the temporary ID (weight and location) and adds them to the registration information (S119), subtracts 1 from the number of items in storage (S120), and returns to the determination process of step S114.

[0068] As a result of the above registration process, the registration information is Figure 2 The status is as Fig.11 Update like that. Fig.11 This is a diagram showing an example of updated registration information.

[0069] As described above, in step S121, the refrigerator 10 identifies the ID that can no longer be read by the wireless tag reader 17 after the weight increase detected by the weight sensor 16 during the first period T1 as the wireless tag ID of the newly stored food 40. In this way, the ID of the food 40 whose wireless tag cannot be read because it is placed on the shelf 14 can be managed. That is, the refrigerator 10 with improved management accuracy of the food 40 is realized.

[0070] In the above step S116, the wireless tag ID included in the third wireless tag information but not included in the registration information is determined as the candidate ID. However, the wireless tag ID included in the first wireless tag information and the third wireless tag information but not included in the registration information may be determined as the candidate ID.

[0071] In addition, in the above-mentioned step S117, when there is only one candidate ID, it is not necessary to determine the wireless tag ID corresponding to the temporary ID based on the weight.

[0072] [Example of action when taking food out of the warehouse]

[0073] Next, the operation of taking food 40 out of refrigerator 10 will be described. Fig.12 1 is a flowchart showing the operation of the refrigerator 10 when the food 40 is taken out of the refrigerator. In the following description, it is assumed that three food 40 to which the wireless tags ID101 to 103 are attached are taken out of the refrigerator.

[0074] First, the activation unit 19a activates the wireless tag reader 17 (S201) and activates the plurality of weight sensors 16 (S202) by transmitting an activation signal or the like.

[0075] Next, the determination unit 19b resets the number of items shipped out to 0 (S203), and determines whether the door 13 is open based on the detection result of the opening / closing sensor 15 (S204). This determination is continued until the door 13 is opened (No in S204).

[0076] If the determination unit 19b determines that the door 13 is open (Yes in S204), it determines whether the weight sensor 16 detects the outgoing of the food 40 (i.e., the decrease in weight) (S205). If the determination unit 19b determines that the outgoing of the food 40 is detected (Yes in S205), the acquisition unit 19c acquires the outgoing information (weight and position) of the outgoing food 40 based on the change in the measured value of the weight sensor 16 (S206). In addition, the acquisition unit 19c acquires the fourth wireless tag information indicating the wireless tag ID read immediately after the outgoing is detected from the wireless tag reader 17 (S207).

[0077] Then, the acquisition unit 19c associates the shipment information with the fourth wireless tag information, and stores the information in the memory 18 as shipment management information (S208). Fig.13 is a diagram showing an example of outbound management information. Fig.13 As shown, in the outbound management information, a temporary ID is assigned to each outbound information. Fig.13 The fourth wireless tag information shown is information about the situation where the food 40 with the smallest temporary ID is taken out of the warehouse in order. That is, Fig.13 The fourth wireless tag information shown is information indicating that the food 40 assigned with the temporary ID 2003 was last shipped out. Then, the determination unit 19b adds 1 to the number of shipped items (S209).

[0078] After step S209 and when no outbound movement is detected in step S205 (No in S205), the determination unit 19b determines whether the door 13 is closed (S210). If the determination unit 19b determines that the door 13 is not closed (No in S210), the process returns to the determination process in step S205.

[0079] On the other hand, when the determination unit 19b determines that the door 13 is closed (Yes in S210), the acquisition unit 19c acquires fifth wireless tag information indicating the wireless tag ID read immediately after the door 13 is closed, and stores it in the memory 18 (S211). Fig.14 It is a diagram showing an example of the fifth wireless tag information.

[0080] After step S211, the registration unit 19d performs a registration cancellation process of the wireless tag ID of the food 40 that has been shipped out (S212). Fig.15 This is a flowchart of the registration cancellation process of the wireless tag ID of the food 40 that has been shipped out.

[0081] First, the registering unit 19d determines whether the number of outgoing items is greater than 0 (S213). If it is determined that the number of outgoing items is 0 (No in S213), the operation ends. If the registering unit 19d determines that the number of outgoing items is greater than 0 (Yes in S213), the outgoing item management information is selected (refer to Fig.13 ) in a temporary ID (S214).

[0082] Next, the registering unit 19d stores the registration information (see Fig.11 ), the fourth wireless tag information and the fifth wireless tag information associated with the temporary ID of the object (refer to Fig.14 ) is compared, and the wireless tag ID included in the registration information and also included in the fourth wireless tag information, but not included in the fifth wireless tag information, is determined as the candidate ID (S215). In other words, this process can be said to be a process of determining the wireless tag ID of the food 40 to be shipped out. The wireless tag ID that is included in the registration information and also included in the fourth wireless tag information, but not included in the fifth wireless tag information ( Fig.14 The wireless tag IDs in the reference) are ID101 and ID102.

[0083] In addition, even if the food 40 is placed on the shelf 14 and the wireless tag cannot be read, the wireless tag can be identified just after the food 40 is taken out. Therefore, by confirming that the wireless tag ID is also included in the fourth wireless tag information, the taken-out food 40 can be identified with high accuracy. The wireless tag ID of the food 40 whose wireless tag cannot be read because it is placed on the shelf 14 is not included in the fourth wireless tag information unless it is taken out, and neither ID101 nor ID102 corresponds to such a wireless tag ID.

[0084] Next, the registering unit 19d determines the wireless tag ID corresponding to the temporary ID selected in step S214 from the candidate IDs determined in step S215 based on the weight of the food 40 (S216). For example, when temporary ID 2001 is selected in step S214, its weight is 100 g (refer to Fig.13 ). Then, it can be determined that the wireless ID corresponding to the temporary ID 2001 is in the registration information (refer to Fig.11 ) is not ID102 that corresponds to 200g, but ID101 that corresponds to 100g.

[0085] When the registration unit 19d determines the wireless tag ID as described above (yes in S217), the information associated with the determined wireless tag ID (weight, position and ingredient code) is deleted from the registration information (S218), the number of items shipped out is subtracted by 1 (S219), and the process returns to the determination process of step S213.

[0086] On the other hand, there is a case where the wireless tag ID corresponding to the temporary ID cannot be determined in step S216. For example, in the case where the temporary ID 2003 is selected in step S214, its weight is 400g (refer to Fig.13 ). Therefore, since there is no wireless tag ID corresponding to 400g among the candidate IDs (ID101, ID102) determined in step S215, the wireless tag ID equivalent to temporary ID2003 cannot be determined. In addition, such a situation may occur when the wireless tag in the refrigerator 10 is separated from the food 40, and although the food 40 is taken out of the warehouse, only the wireless tag is still stored.

[0087] Thus, when the wireless tag ID corresponding to the temporary ID cannot be identified in step S216 (No in S217), the registration unit 19d records the temporary ID in the delivery management information (refer to Fig.13 ), the shipment information (weight and location) associated with the temporary ID will be included in the registration information (refer to Fig.11 ) in the wireless tag IDs that are most similar to the temporary ID (i.e., ID103) is determined to be the wireless tag ID equivalent to the temporary ID (S220). The registration unit 19d deletes the information (weight, location, and ingredient code) associated with the determined wireless tag ID from the registration information (S218), subtracts 1 from the number of items shipped out (S219), and returns to the determination process of step S213.

[0088] As a result of the above registration release process, the registration information is changed from Fig.11 The status is as Figure 2 Update like that.

[0089] As described above, even when the wireless tag is separated from the food 40 and only the wireless tag is stored even though the food 40 is shipped out, the refrigerator 10 can delete the wireless tag ID of the food 40 from the registration information.

[0090] In addition, the action when leaving the warehouse can also be simplified. For example, the registration information before the door 13 is opened (see Fig.11 ) but not the fifth wireless tag information after the door 13 is closed (refer to Fig.14) as the wireless tag ID of the food 40 to be shipped out. That is, the refrigerator 10 may also determine the wireless tag ID included in the information registered before the second period (the period from step S204 to step S210) from the opening to the closing of the door 13 determined based on the detection result of the opening and closing sensor 15, which cannot be read by the wireless tag reader 17 after the second period, as the ID of the food 40 to be shipped out. In addition, the refrigerator 10 may also delete the determined wireless tag ID from the registration information.

[0091] [Variation 1 of the operation when putting food into storage]

[0092] In addition, Fig.10 In step S117, since the temporary registration information (refer to Figure 8 ) and the weight corresponding to temporary ID 1002 in the warehouse management information are different, so the wireless tag ID (candidate ID) corresponding to temporary ID 1001 can be determined based on the weight. However, if the weight corresponding to temporary ID 1001 in the warehouse management information and the weight corresponding to temporary ID 1002 in the warehouse management information are the same, the wireless tag ID corresponding to temporary ID 1001 cannot be determined based on the weight.

[0093] In such a case, the registration unit 19d may place the wireless tag ID corresponding to the temporary ID in a pending state. Fig.16 1 is a diagram showing an example of registration information of a wireless tag ID equivalent to a temporary ID being pending. In this case, if one of the food 40 of ID101 and the food 40 of ID102 is shipped out, the weight of the food 40 shipped out becomes 100g lighter, and the ID of the food 40 shipped out cannot be read after the door 13 is closed, so the registration unit 19d can determine the wireless tag ID equivalent to the temporary ID when shipping out.

[0094] As described above, when there are a plurality of candidate IDs and another food 40 of the same weight as a certain food 40 is stored in the first period T1, when the other food 40 is taken out of the warehouse, the microcomputer 19 determines one of the plurality of candidate IDs as the wireless tag ID of the certain food 40. Thus, even if two or more food 40 of the same weight are stored in the first period T1, the refrigerator 10 can distinguish the food 40.

[0095] [Variation 2 of the operation when putting food into storage]

[0096] The weight sensor 16 recognizes the weight increase amount during the period from the start timing of the weight increase detected by the weight sensor 16 to the end timing of the increase convergence as the weight of the food 40. Therefore, if a plurality of food 40 are stored simultaneously or successively, Figure 5 In step S105, there is a case where the weight sensor 16 detects a plurality of ingredients 40 as one ingredient 40. For example, there is a case where although 100 g of ingredients 40 and 200 g of ingredients 40 are stored at the same time, they are regarded as one ingredient 40 of 300 g being stored. Fig.17 1 is a diagram showing an example of storage management information when two ingredients 40 are detected as one ingredient 40 .

[0097] In such a case, Fig.10 In step S117, since the weight corresponding to the temporary ID 1004 and the weight corresponding to the candidate ID do not match, a wireless tag ID corresponding to the temporary ID 1004 cannot be determined. Fig.10 The wireless tag ID cannot be determined in step S121 either.

[0098] In such a case, the registration unit 19d may associate two or more wireless tag IDs with the temporary ID 1004 in the registration information. Fig.18 1 is a diagram showing an example of such registration information. Specifically, the registration unit 19d specifies a combination of two or more wireless tag IDs whose total weight and weight associated with the temporary ID 1004 match from among the plurality of candidate IDs.

[0099] In this way, when there are a plurality of candidate IDs and the total weight of the plurality of ingredients 40 is actually detected as the weight of the ingredient 40, the microcomputer 19 determines two or more of the plurality of candidate IDs as the wireless tag IDs of the ingredient 40. In this case, if one of the ingredient 40 of ID101 and the ingredient 40 of ID102 is shipped out, the weight of the location of the shipped ingredient 40 becomes lighter, and after the door 13 is closed, the ID of the shipped ingredient 40 cannot be read, so the registration unit 19d can determine the wireless tag ID when shipping out. That is, even if two or more ingredients 40 of the same weight are stored simultaneously or continuously in the first period T1, the refrigerator 10 can distinguish these ingredients 40.

[0100] In addition, as described above, in order to suppress the simultaneous or continuous storage of the food 40, the refrigerator 10 may also notify the user of the storage timing of the food 40. For example, the microcomputer 19 causes the notification unit 20 to output a notification sound at the start timing of the weight increase detected by the weight sensor 16, and also causes the notification unit 20 to output a notification sound at the end timing when the weight increase converges. Thus, if the user starts to load the food 40 on the shelf 14, the notification sound sounds twice at the start timing and the end timing, so the user can perform the operation of not loading other food 40 on the shelf 14 before the second notification sound sounds. That is, the user can pay attention to not storing the food 40 simultaneously or continuously by listening to the notification sound.

[0101] [Variation 3 of the operation when putting food into storage]

[0102] In addition, it is conceivable that a rule such as placing vegetables on the top shelf 14 and placing dairy products on the second shelf 14 is stored in advance in the memory 18. In such a case, Fig.10 In step S117 , the registration unit 19 d may identify the wireless tag ID corresponding to the temporary ID 1001 by comparing the food code associated with the candidate ID in the third wireless tag information with the category of the food 40 set for the shelf 14 .

[0103] Fig.19 is a diagram showing an example of storage management information related to Modification Example 3. Fig. 20 This is a diagram showing an example of third wireless tag information related to Modification 3.

[0104] like Fig.19 As shown, the storage management information of the variant 3 includes information indicating the shelf on which the product is stored. Fig.19 In the example of , 100 g of food 40 corresponding to temporary ID 1001 is stored in the upper shelf 14 , and 100 g of food 40 corresponding to temporary ID 1002 is stored in the second shelf 14 .

[0105] like Fig. 20 As shown, the candidate IDs included in the third wireless tag information are ID101 and ID102, but both ID101 and ID102 are associated with a weight of 100 g. Therefore, the candidate ID corresponding to the temporary ID cannot be determined based on the weight. However, the registration unit 19d can determine the candidate ID corresponding to the temporary ID by comparing the category of the food 40 to be stored in the shelf 14 that is associated with the temporary ID in the storage management information and the food code that is associated with the candidate ID in the third wireless tag information (i.e., the category of the food 40 read from the wireless tag). Fig.19 and Fig. 20In the example of , the registration unit 19d can specifically determine that ID101 corresponds to temporary ID1001 and ID102 corresponds to temporary ID1002.

[0106] Thus, when there are a plurality of candidate IDs, the microcomputer 19 determines one of the plurality of candidate IDs as the wireless tag ID of the food 40 based on the food codes (i.e., the categories of the food 40) respectively associated with the plurality of candidate IDs. Thus, the refrigerator 10 can distinguish the plurality of food 40 without using weight.

[0107] [Other Modifications]

[0108] In the first embodiment, the refrigerator 10 may be a refrigerator for ordinary household use, a refrigerator for displaying goods used in a small store such as a convenience store, or a refrigerator for other business use.

[0109] In the first embodiment, a plurality of weight sensors 16 are provided for one shelf 14 in order to manage the position of the food 40 in the refrigerator 10, but it is not necessary to manage the position of the food 40. If it is not necessary to manage the position of the food 40, it is sufficient to provide one weight sensor 16 for one shelf 14. If it is not necessary to manage the position of the food 40, the weight information may not be included in the wireless tag.

[0110] In addition, when a single type of food 40 is stored in the refrigerator 10, the food code (information indicating the type of the food 40) may not be included in the wireless tag.

[0111] In addition, the refrigerator 10 is an example of a storage room, and the present invention can also be implemented as other storage rooms that do not have a refrigeration function. In addition, the items (i.e., objects) stored in the storage room are not limited to the food 40, but can also be other items. It is also conceivable that items other than the food 40 are stored in the refrigerator 10.

[0112] [Effects, etc.]

[0113] As described above, the refrigerator 10 includes a door 13 and a shelf 14 for placing an object, and the object is placed on the shelf 14 in a state where the door 13 is open. The refrigerator 10 is an example of a storage cabinet, and the object is specifically a food material 40 or the like. The refrigerator 10 includes an opening and closing sensor 15 for detecting the opening and closing of the door 13, a weight sensor 16 for detecting the weight applied to the shelf 14, a wireless tag reader 17 for reading an ID from a wireless tag attached to the object, a memory 18 for storing the ID of the object being stored read by the wireless tag reader 17 as registration information, and a microcomputer 19. The microcomputer 19 determines, as a candidate ID not included in the registration information, an ID that can be read by the wireless tag reader 17 after the first period T1 from the opening to the closing of the door 13 determined based on the detection result of the opening and closing sensor 15 as the first ID of the first object newly entered into the warehouse, and determines, as a candidate ID of the ID that can no longer be read by the wireless tag reader 17 just after the weight detected by the weight sensor 16 increases during the first period T1, an ID that is not included in the registration information as the second ID of the second object newly entered into the warehouse, and adds the determined first ID and second ID to the registration information.

[0114] Such a refrigerator 10 can manage the ID of the food 40 whose wireless tag cannot be read because the food 40 is placed on the shelf 14. That is, the refrigerator 10 with improved management accuracy of the food 40 is realized.

[0115] In addition, for example, the microcomputer 19 determines the wireless tag ID included in the registration information and also included in the fourth wireless tag information, but not included in the fifth wireless tag information, as the candidate ID. Such processing is equivalent to Fig.15 Step S215.

[0116] The wireless tag of the food 40 whose wireless tag cannot be read due to being placed on the shelf 14 cannot be read at two times: when the food 40 itself is in storage and other food 40 is out of storage, immediately after other food 40 is taken out, and after other food 40 is out of storage and the door 13 is closed, so it can be determined that it is not other food 40 that has been out of storage. That is, through the above-mentioned processing, the refrigerator 10 with improved determination accuracy of food 40 that has been out of storage is realized.

[0117] In addition, for example, the wireless tag reader 17 reads the ID and the weight of the object from the wireless tag, and when there are multiple candidate IDs, the microcomputer 19 determines one of the multiple candidate IDs as the first ID of the first object based on the weight of the first object detected by the weight sensor 16. Such processing is equivalent to Fig.10 Step S117.

[0118] Such a refrigerator 10 can distinguish between the objects even if two or more objects are stored in the first period T1.

[0119] In addition, for example, when there are multiple candidate IDs and another object of the same weight as the first object is stored in the first period T1, the microcomputer 19 determines one of the multiple candidate IDs as the first ID of the first object when the other object is taken out of the warehouse. Such processing is equivalent to the above-mentioned modification example 1 of the action when storing the food 40.

[0120] Such a refrigerator 10 can distinguish between two or more objects of the same weight even if the objects are stored in the first period T1.

[0121] In addition, for example, the weight sensor 16 recognizes the weight increase amount during the period from the start timing of the weight increase detected by the weight sensor 16 to the end timing of the weight increase convergence as the weight of the first object. When there are multiple candidate IDs and the total weight of the multiple objects is actually detected as the weight of the first object, the microcomputer 19 determines two or more of the multiple candidate IDs as the first ID of the first object. Such processing is equivalent to the above-mentioned modification example 2 of the action when the food 40 is put into storage.

[0122] Such a refrigerator 10 can manage these objects even if two or more objects of the same weight are stored simultaneously or successively in the first period T1.

[0123] Moreover, for example, the refrigerator 10 further includes a notification unit 20 for notifying the user of the start timing and the end timing.

[0124] Such a refrigerator 10 can notify the user of the timing at which only one object should be stored. In other words, the refrigerator 10 can assist the user so that the user does not store the objects simultaneously or successively.

[0125] In addition, for example, the category of the object to be placed on the shelf 14 is set for the shelf 14, the wireless tag reader 17 reads the ID and the category of the object from the wireless tag, and the microcomputer 19 determines one of the plurality of candidate IDs as the first ID of the first object based on the categories corresponding to the plurality of candidate IDs when there are a plurality of candidate IDs. Such processing is equivalent to the third modification of the operation when the food 40 is put into storage. In the first embodiment described above, the category of the object is determined by the food code.

[0126] Such a refrigerator 10 can distinguish a plurality of objects by comparing the types of objects to be placed on the shelf 14 with the types of objects read by the wireless tag reader 17 .

[0127] In addition, for example, the refrigerator 10 includes a plurality of weight sensors 16 for one shelf 14. The microcomputer 19 associates the position information of the first object detected by the plurality of weight sensors 16 with the determined first ID and stores it in the memory 18. The position information of the second object detected by the plurality of weight sensors 16 is associated with the determined second ID and stores it in the memory 18.

[0128] Such a refrigerator 10 can manage the position information of an object.

[0129] In addition, for example, the microcomputer 19 determines that the ID included in the registration information before the second object period from opening to closing of the door 13 determined based on the detection result of the opening and closing sensor 15 and the ID that cannot be read by the wireless tag reader 17 after the second period is the ID of the object being shipped out of the warehouse, and deletes the determined ID from the registration information.

[0130] Such a refrigerator 10 can manage the shipment of objects.

[0131] (Implementation Method 2)

[0132] [structure]

[0133] Next, the food management system according to the second embodiment will be described. Fig.21 This is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ingredient management system according to the second embodiment.

[0134] like Fig.21 As shown, the food management system 100 according to the second embodiment includes a refrigerator 10 , a server device 50 , and an information terminal 60 .

[0135] The refrigerator 10 sequentially uploads the registration information stored in the memory 18 to the server device 50. The detailed structure of the refrigerator 10 is as described in Embodiment 1. The refrigerator 10 and the server device 50 communicate via a wide area communication network 70 such as the Internet.

[0136] The server device 50 is a so-called cloud server, stores the registration information uploaded by the refrigerator 10, and provides the registration information to the information terminal 60 in response to a request from the information terminal 60. The server device 50 and the information terminal 60 communicate via a wide area communication network 70 such as the Internet.

[0137] The information terminal 60 is a portable information terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, but may also be a fixed information terminal such as a personal computer. The information terminal 60 includes a display unit, and an image showing the arrangement of the food 40 in the refrigerator 10 is displayed on the display unit based on the registration information provided from the server device 50. Fig. 221 is a diagram showing an example of an image showing the arrangement of food 40 in refrigerator 10 .

[0138] Fig. 22 The image shown is an image in which icons corresponding to the food 40 (for example, an apple icon and a milk icon) are superimposed in the virtual interior space 12. The superimposed position of the icon can be changed according to the position information in the registration information.

[0139] [Effects, etc.]

[0140] In this way, the food management system 100 can visualize the arrangement of the food 40 in the refrigerator 10. For example, if the information terminal 60 is a portable terminal held by the user and the refrigerator 10 is a household refrigerator arranged in the user's home, the user can confirm the contents of the refrigerator 10 at home through the information terminal 60 from a place outside.

[0141] (Other embodiments)

[0142] As mentioned above, although embodiment was described, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment.

[0143] For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the process executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. In addition, the order of a plurality of processes may be changed, or a plurality of processes may be executed in parallel.

[0144] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiments, each component can also be implemented by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component can also be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing the software program recorded in a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

[0145] In addition, each component may also be implemented by hardware. For example, each component may also be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may constitute one circuit as a whole, or they may be different circuits. In addition, these circuits may be general circuits or dedicated circuits.

[0146] In addition, the overall or specific technical solutions of the present invention may also be implemented by a system, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or computer-readable CD-ROM or other recording medium. In addition, the overall or specific technical solutions of the present invention may also be implemented by any combination of systems, devices, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs, and recording media.

[0147] For example, the present invention may be implemented as a method for managing an object executed by a computer, or as a program for causing a computer to execute the method for managing an object. The present invention may also be implemented as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium recording such a program.

[0148] In addition, various modifications that can be conceived by those skilled in the art to the embodiments, or embodiments achieved by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of the embodiments without departing from the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention.

[0149] Description of symbols

[0150] 10 Refrigerator (Storage)

[0151] 11 Main body

[0152] 12. Internal Space

[0153] 13 Doors

[0154] 14 Shelves

[0155] 15 Open / Close Sensor

[0156] 16 Weight sensor

[0157] 17 Wireless Tag Reader

[0158] 18 Memory

[0159] 19 Microcomputer

[0160] 19a Startup

[0161] 19b Judgment Department

[0162] 19c Acquisition

[0163] 19d Registration Department

[0164] 20 Notification Department

[0165] 40 Food (object)

[0166] 50 Server Devices

[0167] 60 Information Terminal

[0168] 70 Wide Area Communication Network

[0169] 100 Food Management System

Claims

1. A storage room comprising a door and a shelf for placing objects, wherein the objects are placed on the shelf in a state where the door is open, wherein: have: An opening and closing sensor detects the opening and closing of the door; a weight sensor for detecting a weight applied to the shelf; A wireless tag reader that reads an ID from a wireless tag attached to the object; a memory for storing the ID of the object in storage read by the wireless tag reader as registration information; as well as Microcomputer; The above-mentioned microcomputer performs the following processing: determining, as a first ID of a first object newly entered in the warehouse, a candidate ID that is not included in the registration information, among the IDs that can be read by the wireless tag reader after a first period from opening to closing of the door determined based on the detection result of the opening and closing sensor; determining an ID that can no longer be read by the wireless tag reader immediately after the weight detected by the weight sensor increases during the first period as a second ID of a second object newly put into storage; The determined first ID and second ID are added to the registration information.

2. The storage room according to claim 1, wherein: Determine an ID that can be read by the wireless tag reader during the first period, immediately after the weight detected by the weight sensor decreases, but can no longer be read by the wireless tag reader immediately after the door is closed, as the third ID of the third object being removed from the warehouse; The determined third ID is deleted from the registration information.

3. The storage room according to claim 1, wherein: The wireless tag reader reads the ID and the weight of the object from the wireless tag; When there are a plurality of the candidate IDs, the microcomputer specifies one of the plurality of the candidate IDs as the first ID of the first object based on the weight of the first object detected by the weight sensor.

4. The storage room according to claim 3, wherein: When there are a plurality of candidate IDs and other objects of the same weight as the first object are stored in the first period, the microcomputer determines one of the plurality of candidate IDs as the first ID of the first object when the other objects are stored.

5. The storage room according to claim 3, wherein: The weight sensor recognizes the amount of weight increase during a period from a start timing of weight increase detected by the weight sensor to an end timing of convergence of the weight increase as the weight of the first object; When there are a plurality of the candidate IDs and a total of weights of the plurality of objects is actually detected as the weight of the first object, the microcomputer specifies two or more of the plurality of the candidate IDs as the first ID of the first object.

6. The storage room according to claim 5, wherein: The storage further includes a notification unit that notifies a user of the start timing and the end timing.

7. The storage room according to claim 1, wherein: For the shelf, the type of the object to be placed on the shelf is set; The wireless tag reader reads the ID and the type of the object from the wireless tag; When there are a plurality of the candidate IDs, the microcomputer specifies one of the plurality of candidate IDs as the first ID of the first object based on the categories respectively associated with the plurality of the candidate IDs.

8. The storage room according to claim 1, wherein: The storage room includes a plurality of weight sensors for one shelf; The above-mentioned microcomputer performs the following processing: Corresponding the position information of the first object detected by the plurality of weight sensors with the determined first ID and storing the information in the memory; The position information of the second object detected by the plurality of weight sensors is associated with the determined second ID and stored in the memory.

9. The storage according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The above-mentioned microcomputer performs the following processing: Determine, among the IDs included in the registration information before a second period from the opening to the closing of the door determined based on the detection result of the opening and closing sensor, an ID that cannot be read by the wireless tag reader after the second period as the ID of the object that has been removed from the warehouse; The determined ID is deleted from the above registration information.

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