Article management system, logistics system, server device, and article management method

Abstract

Provided is an article management system, a logistics system, a server device, and an article management method. An article management system (100) includes an automated warehouse (110) that stores a plurality of containers (210) each of which contains one or more articles (200), and that carries a container (211) that contains at least one article (201) received at a receiving area (103) to a picking area (102) adjacent to the receiving area (103), and a control device (120) that controls or assists picking of the at least one article (201) from the container (211) carried out of the automated warehouse (110) at the picking area (102).

Description

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-130474, filed on July 12, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to an item management system, a logistics system, server equipment, and item management methods. Background Technology

[0004] Patent document 1 describes the following technology: a robot is used to perform a product verification process that checks the goods delivered to the store against the shipping information, and then displays the delivered goods on the product display shelf.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-151923 Summary of the Invention

[0008] (The technical problem the invention aims to solve)

[0009] In existing stores, customers remove items from display shelves and take them to the checkout counter. Therefore, it's essential to ensure ample aisles around the shelves for easy access, and the shelves must be at a height easily reachable by hand. Consequently, the number of items that can be displayed within the store's floor space—the density of goods relative to the space—is limited.

[0010] The purpose of this disclosure is to increase the density of goods relative to the area of ​​the site.

[0011] (Technical means used to solve technical problems)

[0012] One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an item management system comprising an automated warehouse and a control device. The automated warehouse stores multiple containers, each containing one or more items, and transports containers containing at least one item received in a receiving area to a picking area adjacent to the receiving area. The control device controls or supports the picking of the at least one item from the container moved out of the automated warehouse in the picking area.

[0013] The server device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a server device connected to an article management system that includes an automated warehouse that stores a plurality of containers each of which stores one or more articles and that carries out a container storing at least one article received at a receiving area to a picking area adjacent to the receiving area, and a control device that controls or assists picking of the at least one article from the container carried out from the automated warehouse to the picking area, and is characterized by including a communication unit that communicates with a terminal device of a user and a control unit that receives designation or pre-order of the at least one article via the communication unit, refers to inventory information of the article management system set at each of a plurality of locations, selects a location at which a container storing the at least one article is stored in the automated warehouse from the plurality of locations, and notifies the selected location to the terminal device via the communication unit.

[0014] The article management method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is characterized by an automated warehouse that stores a plurality of containers each of which stores one or more articles and that carries out a container storing at least one article received at a receiving area to a picking area adjacent to the receiving area, and a control device that controls or assists picking of the at least one article from the container carried out from the automated warehouse to the picking area.

[0015] (EFFECTS OF INVENTION)

[0016] According to the present application, it is possible to increase the density of the number of goods with respect to the area of the site. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 A block diagram showing the configuration of the article management system according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 A perspective view of a store provided with the article management system according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 3 A perspective view of the article management system according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 4 A perspective view of a robot of the article management system according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 5 A perspective view of a shelf of the article management system according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 6 A perspective view of a crane of the article management system according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 7 A flowchart showing the action of the article management system according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 8 A block diagram showing the configuration of the article management system according to the second embodiment.

[0025] Figure 9 A flowchart showing the action of the article management system according to the second embodiment.

[0026] Figure 10 A block diagram showing the configuration of the article management system according to the third embodiment.

[0027] Figure 11 A perspective view of a store provided with the article management system according to the third embodiment.

[0028] Figure 12 A perspective view of the article management system according to the third embodiment.

[0029] Figure 13 A flowchart showing the action of the article management system according to the third embodiment.

[0030] Figure 14 A block diagram showing the configuration of the article management system according to the fourth embodiment.

[0031] Figure 15 A flowchart showing the action of the article management system according to the fourth embodiment.

[0032] Figure 16 A block diagram showing the configuration of the article management system according to the fifth embodiment.

[0033] Figure 17 A flowchart showing the action of the server device according to the fifth embodiment.

[0034] Figure 18 A diagram showing the processing performed in the article management system according to the sixth embodiment.

[0035] Figure 19 A diagram showing the processing performed in the article management system according to the seventh embodiment.

[0036] Figure 20 A diagram showing part of the configuration of the article management system according to the eighth embodiment.

[0037] Figure 21 A diagram showing part of the configuration of the article management system according to the ninth embodiment.

[0038] Reference Signs List

[0039] 100 article management system

[0040] 101 storage area

[0041] 102 picking area

[0042] 103 receiving area

[0043] 104 pre-purchase area

[0044] 110 automated warehouse

[0045] 111 shelf

[0046] 112 crane

[0047] 113 first conveyor

[0048] 114 second conveyor

[0049] 115 third conveyor

[0050] 116 shelf

[0051] 120 control device

[0052] 121 control section

[0053] 122 storage section

[0054] 123 communication section

[0055] 124 input section

[0056] 125 output section

[0057] 130 robot

[0058] 140 database

[0059] 150 input device

[0060] 160 output device

[0061] 170 conveyor

[0062] 171 first track

[0063] 172 second track

[0064] 173 conveyor

[0065] 174 third track

[0066] 175 fourth track

[0067] 180 receiving box

[0068] 190 storage library

[0069] 191 shelf

[0070] 192 crane

[0071] 200 article

[0072] 201 article

[0073] 202 article

[0074] 210 container

[0075] 211 container

[0076] 212 container

[0077] 213 container

[0078] 214 container

[0079] 215 container

[0080] 216 container

[0081] 217 container

[0082] 220 user

[0083] 230 store

[0084] 240 inventory information

[0085] 250 list

[0086] 260 order information

[0087] 270 authentication information

[0088] 271 authentication information

[0089] 280 mobile robot

[0090] 290 drone

[0091] 300 logistics system

[0092] 310 server device

[0093] 311 control section

[0094] 312 storage section

[0095] 313 communication section

[0096] 314 input section

[0097] 315 output section

[0098] 320 terminal device

[0099] 330 network

[0100] 340 mobile robot

[0101] 350 drone

[0102] 360 management device

[0103] 370 self-service terminal

[0104] 380 receiving terminal

[0105] 400 business transaction platform

[0106] 410 order queue

[0107] 411 sending queue

[0108] 412 pre-purchase queue

[0109] 420 sending process

[0110] 430 API

[0111] 440 priority level change DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0112] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0113] In the drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same parts or corresponding parts. In the description of each embodiment, the description of the same parts or corresponding parts is appropriately omitted or simplified.

[0114] (First Embodiment)

[0115] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 a summary of the present embodiment will be described.

[0116] In the article management system 100 related to the present embodiment, the automated warehouse 110 houses a plurality of containers 210, each of which contains one or more articles 200. The automated warehouse 110 carries out to the picking area 102 adjacent to the receiving area 103 a container 211 of the plurality of containers 210 containing at least one article 201 received in the receiving area 103. The control device 120 controls picking of at least one article 201 from the container 211 carried out from the automated warehouse 110 in the picking area 102.

[0117] In the present embodiment, instead of the user 220 who receives the article 201 at the receiving area 103 taking the article 201 out of the storage position by hand, the automated warehouse 110 automatically takes the container 211 in which the article 201 is stored out of the storage position. Therefore, the space around the storage position can be narrow to the extent that a person cannot pass through, and the height of the storage position can also be high to the extent that a person's hand cannot reach. Thus, the number of articles that can be stored can be increased according to the floor area of the site where the article management system 100 is installed, that is, the density of the number of articles with respect to the floor area.

[0118] The article management system 100 can be installed at any site where the user 220 can receive the article 201, but in the present embodiment, the article management system 100 is installed in the store 230 of a retailer such as a convenience store or a supermarket. As one modification of the present embodiment, the article management system 100 can be installed in any one of a gas station, a station, an office, an office building, and an apartment. As another modification of the present embodiment, the article management system 100 can be installed in a business district. As still another modification of the present embodiment, the article management system 100 can be mounted on a cargo bed of a vehicle such as a truck or an autonomous vehicle and transported, and can be used as a mobile store. As still another modification of the present embodiment, the article management system 100 can be installed in a head office having a function such as a micro DC. "DC" is an abbreviation for "distribution center". The head office stores goods before the goods are replenished to a plurality of branch stores. Each branch store is, for example, an automatic vending type unmanned store. Each branch store is, for example, installed in an apartment or an office building. A customer of each branch store reads a two-dimensional code unique to each branch store on a mobile device such as a smartphone, and causes a settlement system to know which store the customer is going to shop at. When the customer purchases a good, the customer can pay the price of the good by scanning a bar code of the good with the mobile device and making an online settlement.

[0119] In the present embodiment, each article 200 is a good sold in the store 230. As to the types of the articles 200, there are, for example, food, daily necessities, and magazines, and in addition thereto, there can be various types, or on the contrary, there can be only one or two types. In the present embodiment, the types of the articles 200 are distinguished by SKUs. "SKU" is an abbreviation for "stock keeping unit". In the present embodiment, the article 201 received by the user 220 is a good purchased by the user 220.

[0120] In the present embodiment, each container 210 is a handbag, but can be, for example, a carton, a bag, a box, a tray, a case, or a tub.

[0121] In the present embodiment, the robot 130 performs picking. Therefore, the control device 120 controls the picking of the robot 130. As a method of controlling picking, any method can be adopted, but in the present embodiment, a method of inputting identification information such as a bar code, a two-dimensional code, or an RFID attached to the article 201, or an image of the article 201 into the robot 130, causing the robot 130 to recognize the article 201 and take it out of the container 211 can be used. "RFID" is an abbreviation of "radio-frequency identification".

[0122] In the present embodiment, not only does the automated warehouse 110 automatically take out the container 211 holding the article 201 from the storage location, but also the robot 130 automatically takes out the article 201 from the container 211 taken out of the automated warehouse 110. Therefore, the user 220 does not need to take out the article 201 from the container 211 by hand, and convenience is improved. Alternatively, a clerk does not need to take out the article 201 from the container 211 by hand, and a problem of insufficient personnel in the store 230 can be solved.

[0123] As one modification of the present embodiment, instead of the robot 130, a person such as the user 220 or a clerk can take out the article 201 from the container 211 taken out of the automated warehouse 110 by hand. In this case, the control device 120 assists in picking. As a method of assisting in picking, any method can be used, but in the modification, a method of inputting identification information such as a bar code, a two-dimensional code, or an RFID attached to the article 201 into a reader, causing a person to recognize the article 201 by the reader and take it out of the container 211 can be used. Alternatively, a method of displaying an image of the article 201 on a display, causing a person to visually recognize the article 201 and take it out of the container 211 can be used.

[0124] In addition to Figures 1 to 3 , the configuration of the article management system 100 to which the present embodiment is applied will be described with reference to Figure 4 , Figure 5 , and Figure 6 .

[0125] In addition to the automated warehouse 110, the control device 120, and the robot 130, the article management system 100 includes a database 140, an input device 150, an output device 160, a conveyor 170, and a receiving box 180.

[0126] The automated warehouse 110 is provided in a storage area 101 for storing the respective articles 200. The storage area 101 is adjacent to a picking area 102 for picking the articles 201. The picking area 102 is adjacent to a receiving area 103 for receiving the articles 201. The automated warehouse 110 is also referred to as "AS / RS". In the present embodiment, the automated warehouse 110 is a crane-type AS / RS, but can be, for example, a rotary shelf-type AS / RS, a shuttle-type AS / RS, or a robot-type AS / RS.

[0127] A plurality of containers 210 each of which accommodates one or more articles 200 are carried into the automated warehouse 110. The automated warehouse 110 stores the plurality of containers 210 carried in.

[0128] One article 200 can be accommodated in each of the containers 210, or two or more articles 200 can be accommodated. In the case where two or more articles 200 are accommodated in the same container 210, the two or more articles 200 can be classified according to the kind of each article 200. As a classification method, any method can be used, but in the present embodiment, a method can be used in which the inside of the container 210 is divided into a plurality of spaces by a partition, and each article 200 is accommodated in a space corresponding to the kind. The classification work can be performed before the containers 210 are distributed to the stores 230, or can be performed after the containers 210 are distributed to the stores 230 and before the containers 210 are carried into the automated warehouse 110, or in the stores 230 using the robot 130.

[0129] A control device 120 is provided in the storage area 101, the picking area 102, the receiving area 103, or another area. The control device 120 is a computer.

[0130] A robot 130 is provided in the picking area 102. The number of the robots 130 can be any number, but in the example of the present embodiment, is one. The robot 130 is, for example, a system including a multi-joint robot as shown in FIG. 2, a camera that photographs a picking target of the robot from above, and a motion controller that controls the motion of the robot. For example, the robot 130 recognizes the article 201 by analyzing a photographed image of the article 201 acquired by the camera using the motion controller. Then, the robot 130 takes out the article 201 from the container 211 by controlling the picking motion of the multi-joint robot by the motion controller. Figure 3 Figure 4

[0131] ​​As with the control device 120, the database 140 is also provided in the housing area 101, the picking area 102, the receiving area 103, or another area. The database 140 is, for example, an RDBMS. "RDBMS" is an abbreviation for "relational database management system". In the present embodiment, the database 140 is separate from the control device 120, but can be integrated with the control device 120.

[0132] The database 140 holds inventory information 240 of the automated warehouse 110. The inventory information 240 includes a combination of identification information such as a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or an RFID attached to each container 210, or information showing the housing position of each container 210 in the automated warehouse 110, and information showing the kind of the article 200 housed in each container 210. The inventory information 240 is updated when each container 210 is carried into the automated warehouse 110 and when each container 210 is carried out of the automated warehouse 110.

[0133] The input device 150 is provided in the receiving area 103, or another area into which the user 220 can enter. The input device 150 is, for example, provided on the front face of the store 230. The input device 150 is, for example, a physical key, a capacitive key, a click device, a touch screen provided integrally with a display, or a microphone. In the present embodiment, the input device 150 is separate from the control device 120, but can be integrated with the control device 120.

[0134] As with the input device 150, the output device 160 is also provided in the receiving area 103, or another area into which the user 220 can enter. The output device 160 is, for example, provided on the front face of the store 230. The output device 160 is, for example, a display or a speaker. The display is, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display. "LCD" is an abbreviation for "liquid crystal display". "EL" is an abbreviation for "electro luminescence". In the present embodiment, the output device 160 is separate from the control device 120, but can be integrated with the control device 120.

[0135] The conveyor 170 is provided in the picking area 102. The conveyor 170 is, for example, a belt conveyor, a chain conveyor, a conveyor applying universal wheels, a robot-type transfer device, or any combination thereof.

[0136] The receiving box 180 is provided in the receiving area 103. The receiving box 180 is, for example, a box that can be automatically opened / closed or manually opened / closed.

[0137] The automated warehouse 110 is equipped with one or more racks 111 and one or more cranes 112.

[0138] The number of units in shelf 111 can be any number, but... Figure 3 The example shows two units. Shelf 111 can be configured to hold any number of containers 210, but in... Figure 3 The example is configured as a high-density shelving unit capable of accommodating 12 containers 210 in the longitudinal direction, 12 containers 210 in the transverse direction, and 1 container 210 in the depth direction. A portion of the shelving unit 111 can be converted into space for a robotic arm 130. Figure 3 In the example, the space of one of the two shelves 111, which can hold 6 containers 210 in the longitudinal direction and 4 containers 210 in the transverse direction, is replaced with the space for setting up the robotic arm 130.

[0139] The number of cranes 112 is determined by the number of racks 111. Figure 3 In this example, there is one crane. Crane 112 is positioned on the aisle facing the rack 111. Figure 7 In the example, a crane 112 is positioned in the aisle between two racks 111. This aisle can be any width sufficient to accommodate the crane 112, and can be so narrow as to impassable a person. In this embodiment, the crane 112 is a light-duty crane, but it could also be, for example, a container crane or a medium-duty crane.

[0140] In the present embodiment, the shelves 111, the cranes 112, or a combination thereof are handled as a module, whereby the expandability of the automated warehouse 110 can be improved. That is, the configuration of the automated warehouse 110 can be simply decided or changed according to various necessary conditions such as the floor area of the store 230 in which the article management system 100 is installed and the number of articles required. Further, by handling the elements other than the automated warehouse 110 of the article management system 100 or a combination of the elements of the article management system 100 as a module, the expandability of the article management system 100 as a whole can be improved. That is, the overall configuration of the article management system 100 can be simply decided or changed according to various necessary conditions of the store 230 in which the article management system 100 is installed. For example, by configuring the automated warehouse 110 or other elements of the article management system 100 with a small number of modules or small-scale modules, the article management system 100 can be simply introduced into a convenience store along the way of the store 230, a small convenience store in a gas station, a business office, an office building, or an apartment, or a small sales booth in a station. Alternatively, by configuring the automated warehouse 110 or other elements of the article management system 100 with a large number of modules or large-scale modules, the article management system 100 can be simply introduced into a large convenience store or a large supermarket as the store 230. In addition, in the case where the store 230 in which the article management system 100 is introduced is closed, the modules of the article management system 100 can be secondarily used in another store or other place.

[0141] In the present embodiment, the automated warehouse 110 separately stores the plurality of containers 210 that are carried in, in two or more regions in which the temperature is set to be different from each other, according to the kind of the articles 200 housed in the respective containers 210. For example, two shelves 111 are divided into four regions corresponding to four temperature zones of freezing, refrigeration, constant temperature, and normal temperature, and the plurality of containers 210 that are carried in are separately stored in the four regions according to the kind of the articles 200 housed in the respective containers 210. In this case, the containers 210 housing goods such as frozen foods that need to be stored in freezing are stored in the freezing region. The containers 210 housing goods that need to be stored in refrigeration are stored in the refrigeration region. The containers 210 housing goods such as wine that need to be stored at constant temperature are stored in the constant temperature region. The containers 210 housing other goods are stored in the normal temperature region.

[0142] The control device 120 includes a control section 121, a storage section 122, a communication section 123, an input section 124, and an output section 125.

[0143] The control unit 121 includes one or more processors, one or more special-purpose circuits, or a combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or a special-purpose processor dedicated to a specific process. The "CPU" is an abbreviation of "central processing unit". The special-purpose circuit is, for example, an FPGA or an ASIC. The "FPGA" is an abbreviation of "field-programmable gate array". The "ASIC" is an abbreviation of "application specific integrated circuit". The control unit 121 performs information processing related to the operation of the control device 120 while controlling each part of the control device 120.

[0144] The storage unit 122 includes one or more semiconductor memories, one or more magnetic memories, one or more optical memories, or a combination of at least two of them. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM or a ROM. The "RAM" is an abbreviation of "random access memory". The "ROM" is an abbreviation of "read only memory". The RAM is, for example, an SRAM or a DRAM. The "SRAM" is an abbreviation of "static random access memory". The "DRAM" is an abbreviation of "dynamic random access memory". The ROM is, for example, an EEPROM. The "EEPROM" is an abbreviation of "electrically erasable programmable read only memory". The storage unit 122 functions as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 122 stores information for controlling the operation of the control device 120 and information acquired through the operation of the control device 120.

[0145] The communication section 123 includes one or more communication interfaces. The communication interface is, for example, a LAN interface or an interface corresponding to 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 section 123 receives information for controlling the action of the device 120 from the database 140 or another external device, or transmits information acquired by the action of the device 120 to the database 140 or another external device.

[0146] The input section 124 includes one or more input interfaces. The input interface is, for example, a USB interface. "USB" is an abbreviation for "universal serial bus". The input section 124 accepts an operation for inputting information for controlling the action of the device 120 via the input device 150.

[0147] The output section 125 includes one or more output interfaces. The output interface is, for example, a USB interface. The output section 125 outputs information acquired by the action of the device 120 via the output device 160.

[0148] The functions of the device 120 are realized by a processor included in the control section 121 executing a control program related to the present embodiment. That is, the functions of the device 120 are realized by software. The control program is a program that causes a computer to execute processing of steps included in the action of the device 120, thereby causing the computer to realize functions corresponding to the processing of the steps. That is, the control program is a program for causing a computer to function as the device 120.

[0149] The program can be recorded in advance on a recording medium that can be read by a computer. The recording medium that can be read by a computer is, for example, a magnetic recording device, an optical disk, a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. The distribution of the program is performed, for example, by selling, transferring, or renting a portable recording medium such as a DVD or a CD-ROM on which the program is recorded. "DVD" is an abbreviation for "digital versatile disc". "CD-ROM" is an abbreviation for "compact disc readonly memory". The program can be distributed by storing the program in advance in a memory of a server and transferring the program from the server to another computer. The program can be provided as a program product.

[0150] For example, the computer temporarily stores a program recorded on a portable recording medium or a program transmitted from a server in a main storage device. Then, the computer reads the program stored in the main storage device by the processor, and performs processing by the processor according to the read program. The computer can directly read the program from the portable recording medium and perform processing according to the program. The computer can sequentially perform processing according to the received program each time the program is transmitted from the server to the computer. The processing can be performed by a so-called ASP-type server that realizes a function only by performing an instruction and result acquisition without transmitting the program from the server to the computer. "ASP" is an abbreviation for "application service provider". The program includes information for the computer to process, that is, information according to the program. For example, data having a property of specifying the computer processing, not a direct instruction to the computer, corresponds to "information according to the program".

[0151] Part or all of the functions of the control device 120 can be realized by a dedicated circuit included in the control section 121. That is, part or all of the functions of the control device 120 can be realized by hardware.

[0152] Reference Signs Figure 7 An operation of the article management system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. The operation corresponds to an article management method according to the present embodiment. The operation starts when the user 220 visits the store 230 Figure 8 .

[0153] In step S101, the control section 121 of the control device 120 searches the database 140 and generates a list 250 of the kinds of the articles 200 housed in the plurality of containers 210 housed in the automated warehouse 110. As a method of generating the list 250, any method can be used, but in the present embodiment, a method of extracting the information of the product name, the presence or absence of stock, and the number, and the like from the stock information 240 saved in the database 140 for each SKU of the products sold in the store 230, and generating a page group in which the extracted information is described and which has a hierarchical structure as the list 250 can be used. The control section 121 causes the output device 160 to output the generated list 250 via the output section 125. That is, the output device 160 is controlled to output the list 250 of the kinds of the articles 200 housed in the plurality of containers 210 housed in the automated warehouse 110 to the user 220. For example, a display included in the output device 160 displays the list 250 on a screen.

[0154] In step S102, the input device 150 accepts the order operation of at least one article 201 by the user 220.

[0155] As a part of the ordering operation, the input device 150 accepts an operation in which the user 220 selects at least one item 201 from the list 250 output from the output device 160. For example, a touch screen included in the input device 150 and provided integrally with the display accepts an operation in which the user 220 adds a product to be purchased on a page displayed on the display to a shopping cart. The ordering operation is completed by an operation in which the user 220 pays for the product added to the shopping cart or the like. As a method of settlement of the product price, any method can be used, for example, settlement using cash, a credit card, electronic money, points, or virtual money via a settlement system such as a POS system provided in the store 230. "POS" is an abbreviation of "point of sale". The settlement system identifies the user 220 by reading identification information such as a bar code or a two-dimensional code displayed on a mobile device such as a smartphone or a tablet of the user 220 or printed on a membership card of the user 220. Alternatively, the settlement system can identify the user 220 by reading identification information such as an ID recorded on a mobile device or a membership card of the user 220. "ID" is an abbreviation of "identifier". The settlement system can be provided as a part of the item management system 100 or can be provided as another system connected in cooperation with the item management system 100. In the former case, the settlement system can be a system connected in cooperation with an existing system of a retailer or can be an independent system operated without connection to the existing system of the retailer. In the latter case, that is, in the case where the settlement system is a system different from the item management system 100, the settlement system can be a new type of system not included in the existing system of the retailer or an existing type of system included in the existing system of the retailer.

[0156] In the present embodiment, the control section 121 of the control device 120 predicts the item 202 ordered by the ordering operation before the ordering operation is completed. As a method of predicting the ordered item 202, any method can be used, but in the present embodiment, a method of predicting that a product is purchased when the user 220 adds the product to a shopping cart can be used. The control section 121 moves the crane 112 in accordance with a storage position of the container 212 in which the predicted item 202 is stored among the plurality of containers 210 stored in the automated warehouse 110 in the shelf 111. In the case where the crane 112 has reached a position at which the container 212 can be taken out before the ordering operation is completed, the control section 121 causes the crane 112 to stand by until the ordering operation is completed.

[0157] In step S103, the control section 121 of the control device 120 determines the article 201 selected by the order operation accepted by the input device 150 via the input section 124. The control section 121 searches the database 140 and determines the container 211 in which the determined article 201 is stored. As a method of determining the container 211, any method can be used, but in the present embodiment, a method of extracting the identification information of the container 211 in which the article 201 is stored from the inventory information 240 held in the database 140 or displaying the information of the storage location can be used. The control section 121 causes the automated warehouse 110 to carry out the determined container 211 to the picking area 102 via the communication section 123. That is, the automated warehouse 110 is controlled to carry out the container 211 in which at least one article 201 received in the receiving area 103 is stored from among the plurality of containers 210 stored to the picking area 102 in response to the order operation accepted by the input device 150. Specifically, the crane 112 moves in the passage facing the shelf 111, thereby taking out the container 211, and carries out the taken-out container 211 to the picking area 102.

[0158] In step S104, the control section 121 of the control device 120 controls the picking of the robot arm 130 via the communication section 123. That is, the robot arm 130 is controlled to perform picking. The picking is an action of taking out at least one article 201 from the container 211 carried out from the automated warehouse 110 in the picking area 102. The order operation accepted by the input device 150 directly or indirectly specifies the identification information of the bar code, the two-dimensional code, or the RFID or the like attached to the article 201, or the image of the article 201 input to the robot arm 130 for controlling the picking.

[0159] In the present embodiment, the robot arm 130 learns the appearance of a plurality of articles 200 before performing the picking. As a method of learning the appearance, any method such as machine learning or other AI learning can be used, but in the present embodiment, a method of storing the image of the product for each SKU of the products sold in the store 230 in the memory can be used. "AI" is an abbreviation of "artificial intelligence". The robot arm 130 observes the appearance of the article 200 stored in the container 211 carried out from the automated warehouse 110 when performing the picking. As a method of observing the appearance, any method can be used, but in the present embodiment, a method of photographing the article 200 stored in the container 211 with a camera can be used. The robot arm 130 identifies at least one article 201 on the basis of the result of learning and observation. As a method of identifying the article 201, any method can be used, but in the present embodiment, a method of comparing the image stored in the memory with the image photographed by the camera, thereby identifying the target article 201 from the article 200 photographed by the camera can be used.

[0160] In step S105, the control section 121 of the control device 120 causes the conveyer 170 to drop the at least one article 201 picked up by the picking into the receiving box 180 via the communication section 123. The receiving box 180 is used for the user 220 to receive the article 201 in the receiving area 103. That is, the conveyer 170 is controlled to convey the at least one article 201 picked up by the picking to the receiving area 103.

[0161] As a modification of the present embodiment, in step S104, even in the case where the control section 121 of the control device 120 assists the manual picking, in step S105, the conveyer 170 conveys the at least one article 201 picked up by the picking to the receiving area 103.

[0162] According to the present embodiment, the user 220 who purchased the article does not need to take the article from the article display shelf by hand and bring it to the cash register, but can receive the article in the receiving area 103 and directly take it home.

[0163] As described above, in the present embodiment, the automated warehouse 110 houses a plurality of containers 210 each of which contains one or more articles 200. In the automated warehouse 110, the container 211 containing the at least one article 201 received in the receiving area 103 is carried out from the automated warehouse 110 to the picking area 102 adjacent to the receiving area 103. The control device 120 controls the picking of the at least one article 201 from the container 211 carried out from the automated warehouse 110 to the picking area 102.

[0164] Accordingly, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to increase the density of the number of articles with respect to the area of the site.

[0165] In the present embodiment, a light crane takes over the work of loading and unloading the tote bags housed on the high-density shelves. The light crane is provided with a horizontal moving rail and a vertical moving platform. The horizontal moving rail is used to carry the tote bags while moving in the space between the high-density shelves. The vertical moving platform is provided with a telescopic mechanism for picking up the tote bags from the high-density shelves. The high-density shelves can house two or more tote bags in the depth direction.

[0166] The multi-joint robot is provided with an arm-end tool that can be automatically replaced. The arm-end tool is specifically a suction-type gripper, which can be automatically changed to other types of grippers or hands depending on the article. The multi-joint robot takes over the picking work of directly picking up the article from the tote bag to process the order submitted using a display with a touch screen, i.e., a front user panel.

[0167] According to the present embodiment, therefore, the shopping process can be fully automated. That is, the store 230 can be fully unattended. However, the store 230 can be operated in a hybrid of a manned store and an unmanned store. For example, the article management system 100 according to the present embodiment can be provided in a convenience store that is open 24 hours a day together with conventional merchandise shelves and cash registers, and the convenience store can be open as a manned store from early in the day to late in the day and as an unmanned store at night.

[0168] According to the present embodiment, orders can be processed by robots and automated modules instead of personnel working in stores or kiosks in commercial districts where the floor space is narrow.

[0169] According to the present embodiment, in the store 230, merchandise can be brought from the storage area 101 to the receiving area 103 without human hands. Further, the article density of the storage area 101 can be increased.

[0170] As one modification of the present embodiment, an API can be prescribed for connecting and cooperating the article management system 100 with various systems of a retailer, such as a settlement system like a POS system, an IMS, and an ERP system. "IMS" is an abbreviation of "inventory management system". "ERP" is an abbreviation of "enterprise resource planning". "API" is an abbreviation of "application programming interface". According to this modification, the article management system 100 can be provided as a turnkey system via the API.

[0171] As one modification of the present embodiment, the control section 121 of the control device 120 can change the storage position of each container 210 according to the order frequency of the articles 200 stored in each container 210. Specifically, the control section 121 can store a handbag storing merchandise frequently ordered on a shelf 111 close to the robot 130. According to this modification, the cycle time can be shortened.

[0172] As one modification of the present embodiment, when a handbag is delivered from a distribution center, the handbag is placed at a loading point by a store clerk or a truck driver, and a bar code or the like identification label attached to the handbag is scanned using a scanner provided at the loading point. In this case, the control section 121 of the control device 120 decides the storage position of the handbag in the automated warehouse 110 according to the contents of the handbag identified by the scanner. The crane 112 stores the handbag at the storage position decided by the control section 121.

[0173] As a modification of the present embodiment, when the first tote bag is delivered from the distribution center, the clerk can perform the sorting work while transferring the contents of the first tote bag to another tote bag, i.e., a second tote bag. Then, the clerk can place the second tote bag at the in-feed point and scan the identification tag such as the two-dimensional code attached to the second tote bag using the scanner provided at the in-feed point. In this case, the control section 121 of the control device 120 determines the storage position of the second tote bag in the automated warehouse 110 based on the contents of the second tote bag identified by the scanner. The crane 112 stores the second tote bag at the storage position determined by the control section 121. The control section 121 updates the inventory information 240 and adds the identification information of the second tote bag or the combination of the information showing the storage position and the information showing the SKU in the second tote bag to the database 140. The information showing the SKU in the second tote bag is acquired, for example, by scanning the identification tag such as the bar code attached to the goods in the second tote bag during the sorting work.

[0174] (Second Embodiment)

[0175] Reference Figure 8 An overview of the present embodiment will be described.

[0176] In the first embodiment, the user 220 receives at least one article 201 taken out by the picking at the reception area 103, but in the present embodiment, the mobile robot 280 or the drone 290 receives the article 201 at the reception area 103 and delivers it to the user 220.

[0177] Reference Figure 9 The configuration of the article management system 100 related to the present embodiment will be described. The description of the parts common to the configuration of the article management system 100 related to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0178] The article management system 100 is provided with at least one of the mobile robot 280 and the drone 290.

[0179] The mobile robot 280 is, for example, a four-wheel robot or a six-wheel robot.

[0180] The drone 290 is, for example, a multi-copter drone.

[0181] Reference Figure 9 The operation of the article management system 100 related to the present embodiment will be described. The operation is equivalent to the article management method related to the present embodiment. The description of the parts common to the operation of the article management system 100 related to the first embodiment will be omitted. The operation is started when the user 220 orders at least one article 201 on an e-commerce website. Figure 7

[0182] ​In step S201, the control section 121 of the control device 120 receives order information 260 of at least one article 201 transmitted via the network 330 such as the Internet via the communication section 123. The order information 260 includes identification information such as a bar code, a two-dimensional code, or an RFID attached to the article 201 ordered by the user 220 on an e-commerce website or an image of the article 201.

[0183] In step S202, the control section 121 of the control device 120 determines the article 201 corresponding to the received order information 260. The control section 121 searches the database 140 to thereby determine the container 211 in which the determined article 201 is stored. The control section 121 causes the automated warehouse 110 to carry out the determined container 211 to the picking area 102 via the communication section 123. That is, the automated warehouse 110 is controlled to carry out the container 211 in which at least one article 201 received by the receiving area 103 is stored among the plurality of containers 210 housed therein to the picking area 102 in response to the order information 260 received by the control device 120.

[0184] The process of step S203 is the same as that of step S104 of Figure 10 The process of step S203 is the same as that of step S104 of

[0185] In step S204, the control section 121 of the control device 120 causes the conveyer 170 to mount at least one article 201 picked by the picking on the mobile robot 280 or the drone 290 waiting in the receiving area 103 via the communication section 123. That is, the conveyer 170 is controlled to carry at least one article 201 picked by the picking to the receiving area 103. The mobile robot 280 or the drone 290 receives the article 201 in the receiving area 103.

[0186] In step S205, the control section 121 of the control device 120 causes the mobile robot 280 or the drone 290 to deliver the mounted article 201 to the user 220 via the communication section 123. That is, the mobile robot 280 or the drone 290 is controlled to deliver the article 201 received in the receiving area 103 to the user 220. Destination information such as a home address of the user 220 or an arbitrary delivery address designated by the user 220 is directly or indirectly specified by the order information 260 received by the control device 120.

[0187] According to the present embodiment, the user 220 who purchased the product does not need to visit the store 230 in order to receive the product, and convenience is improved.

[0188] (Third Embodiment)

[0189] Reference Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figures 10 to 12 An outline of the present embodiment will be described.

[0190] In the first embodiment, the user 220 makes a selection when visiting the store 230, whereas in the present embodiment, the user 220 makes a selection before visiting the store 230.

[0191] Reference Figure 13 , the configuration of the article management system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. The description of the parts common to the configuration of the article management system 100 according to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0192] The article management system 100 is provided with a storage 190.

[0193] The storage 190 is provided in the pre-purchase area 104, and is used to temporarily store the article 201 received by the user 220. The storage 190 is a crane-type AS / RS in the present embodiment, and can also be, for example, a rotary shelf-type, a shuttle-type, or a robot-type AS / RS, or can also be a warehouse other than an AS / RS.

[0194] Reference Figure 13 The operation of the article management system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. The operation is equivalent to the article management method according to the present embodiment. The description of the parts common to the operation of the article management system 100 according to the first embodiment or the second embodiment will be omitted. The operation starts when the user 220 has ordered at least one article 201 on the e-commerce website, and stops when the article 201 has been stored, and starts again when the user 220 visits the store 230. Figure 9

[0195] The processes of steps S301 to S303 are the same as the processes of steps S201 to S203 of the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted. Figure 14

[0196] ​​In step S304, the control section 121 of the control device 120 causes the storage warehouse 190 to temporarily store the at least one article 201 taken out by the order picking, via the communication section 123. That is, the storage warehouse 190 is controlled to temporarily store the at least one article 201 taken out by the order picking. Specifically, the crane of the storage warehouse 190 moves in the aisle facing the shelf of the storage warehouse 190, and stores the container 213 into which the article 201 is moved at the time of the order picking. The database 140 associates and stores the identification information such as the bar code, the two-dimensional code, or the RFID attached to the container 213, or the information showing the storage position of the container 213 in the storage warehouse 190, with the authentication information 271 such as the exchange number, and notifies the user 220 of the information via the network 330 such as the Internet. The authentication information 271 can be provided from the e-commerce site as a part of the order information 260 received by the control device 120, or can be newly generated by the control section 121 when the container 213 is moved into the storage warehouse 190, and notified to the user 220 via the network 330.

[0197] As a modification of the present embodiment, in the case where the control section 121 of the control device 120 assists the manual order picking in step S303, the storage warehouse 190 temporarily stores the at least one article 201 taken out by the order picking in step S304.

[0198] In step S305, the input device 150 accepts the input operation of the authentication information 270 by the user 220 for receiving the at least one article 201. For example, the touch screen provided integrally with the display included in the input device 150 accepts the operation of the user 220 to input the exchange number notified from the e-commerce site or the control device 120 via the network 330. The control section 121 of the control device 120 acquires the authentication information 270 input by the input operation accepted by the input device 150, via the input section 124.

[0199] The control section 121 collates the acquired authentication information 270 with the database 140, and ends the operation in the case of authentication failure. That is, when the regular authentication information 271 coinciding with the acquired authentication information 270 is not saved in the database 140, the control section 121 ends the operation. On the other hand, when authentication is successful, that is, when the regular authentication information 271 coinciding with the acquired authentication information 270 is saved in the database 140, the control section 121 searches the database 140 in step S306, and determines the container 213 corresponding to the authentication information 271. As the method of determining the container 213, any method can be used, but in the present embodiment, a method of extracting the identification information of the container 213 associated with the authentication information 271 and saved in the database 140 or information showing the storage position can be used. The control section 121 causes the storage warehouse 190 to carry out the determined container 213 to the receiving area 103 via the communication section 123. That is, the storage warehouse 190 is controlled to carry out at least one article 201 to the receiving area 103 in response to the input operation accepted by the input device 150. Specifically, the crane of the storage warehouse 190 moves in the passage facing the shelves of the storage warehouse 190 to take out the container 213 storing the article 201, and carries out the taken-out container 213 to the receiving area 103.

[0200] According to the present embodiment, the user 220 who orders a commodity does not need to wait for the completion of the carrying-out of the automated warehouse 110 and the picking by the robot 130 at the store 230, and can receive the commodity in a short time from arrival at the store 230.

[0201] (Fourth Embodiment)

[0202] Reference Figure 15 An outline of the present embodiment will be described.

[0203] In the first embodiment, the article management system 100 is provided in the store 230 of a retailer, and in the present embodiment, the article management system 100 is provided in a delivery point of a delivery company.

[0204] In the present embodiment, each article 200 is a cargo consigned at the delivery point. In the present embodiment, the article 201 received by the user 220 is a cargo delivered to the user 220.

[0205] In the present embodiment, the inventory information 240 held in the database 140 includes a combination of identification information such as a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or an RFID attached to each container 210, or information showing the storage position of each container 210 in the automated warehouse 110, and identification information such as a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or an RFID attached to the article 200 housed in each container 210. In addition to the inventory information 240, the database 140 holds, for each article 200 housed in the plurality of containers 210 stored in the automated warehouse 110, regular authentication information 271. Specifically, the database 140 associates and holds the identification information such as a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or an RFID attached to each article 200 with the authentication information 271 such as an exchange number. The same information as the authentication information 271 can be notified to the user 220 who is the recipient of each article 200 by any method.

[0206] Referring to Figure 15 An operation of the article management system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. The operation corresponds to an article management method according to the present embodiment. For the portions common to the operation of the article management system 100 according to the first embodiment or the third embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted. The operation starts when the user 220 visits the distribution point. Figure 7

[0207] In step S401, the input device 150 accepts an input operation of the authentication information 270 by the user 220 for receiving at least one article 201. For example, a touch screen provided integrally with a display included in the input device 150 accepts an operation of the user 220 to input an exchange number. The control section 121 of the control device 120 acquires the authentication information 270 input by the input operation accepted by the input device 150 via the input section 124.

[0208] ​The control unit 121 compares the acquired authentication information 270 with the database 140. If authentication fails, the operation ends. That is, if a valid authentication information 271 matching the acquired authentication information 270 is not stored in the database 140, the control unit 121 ends the operation. On the other hand, if authentication is successful, that is, if a valid authentication information 271 matching the acquired authentication information 270 is stored in the database 140, the control unit 121 searches the database 140 in step S402 to determine the item 201 corresponding to the authentication information 271, and further determines the container 211 containing the determined item 201. Any method can be used to determine the item 201, but in this embodiment, the following method can be used: extracting the identification information of the item 201 associated with the authentication information 271 and stored in the database 140. As a method for identifying container 211, any method can be used, but in this embodiment, the following method can be used: extracting the identification information of container 211 containing item 201 from inventory information 240 stored in database 140, or information indicating the storage location. Control unit 121, via communication unit 123, causes automated warehouse 110 to move the identified container 211 to picking area 102. That is, automated warehouse 110 is controlled to move container 211 containing at least one item 201 received in receiving area 103 from among the multiple containers 210 stored in response to an input operation received by input device 150 to picking area 102.

[0209] For the processing of steps S403 and S404, due to the... Figure 16 The processes in steps S104 and S105 are the same, so their descriptions are omitted. The identification information such as barcodes, QR codes, or RFID tags affixed to the item 201, or the image of the item 201, which is input into the robot arm 130 for controlling picking, is associated with the authentication information 271 and stored in the database 140.

[0210] According to this embodiment, the user 220 designated as the recipient of the goods can receive the goods in the receiving area 103.

[0211] In this embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the user 220 receives at least one item 201 picked up by picking in the receiving area 103. However, as a variation of this embodiment, similar to the second embodiment, the mobile robot 280 or the drone 290 can receive the item 201 in the receiving area 103 and deliver it to the user 220.

[0212] As a modification of the present embodiment, as with the third embodiment, the user 220 can perform picking before visiting the delivery point, and the storage 190 can temporarily store the at least one article 201 taken out by the picking. In this case, when the user 220 visits the delivery point, the storage 190 moves out the at least one article 201 to the reception area 103 in response to the input operation accepted by the input device 150.

[0213] (Fifth Embodiment)

[0214] Reference Signs Figure 17 The configuration of the logistics system 300 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0215] The logistics system 300 includes the plurality of article management systems 100 according to the first embodiment or the third embodiment, the server apparatus 310, the terminal apparatus 320, the mobile robot 340, the drone 350, and the management apparatus 360.

[0216] The server apparatus 310 can be provided at any place, but is provided in a data center in the present embodiment. The server apparatus 310 is a computer. The server apparatus 310 is connected to each of the article management systems 100 via a network 330 such as the Internet.

[0217] The terminal apparatus 320 is used by the user 220. The terminal apparatus 320 is, for example, a portable device such as a smartphone or a tablet, or a PC. "PC" is an abbreviation for "personal computer".

[0218] The mobile robot 340 is, for example, a four-wheel robot or a six-wheel robot. The mobile robot 340 delivers the articles 200 stored in the automated warehouse 110 of each of the article management systems 100 to each of the article management systems 100.

[0219] The drone 350 is, for example, a multicopter drone. The drone 350 delivers the articles 200 stored in the automated warehouse 110 of each of the article management systems 100 to each of the article management systems 100.

[0220] The management apparatus 360 can be provided at any place, but is provided in a manned store such as a convenience store in the present embodiment. The management apparatus 360 is used by a manager of the manned store. The management apparatus 360 is, for example, a portable device such as a smartphone or a tablet, or a PC. The management apparatus 360 monitors and controls the plurality of article management systems 100.

[0221] The manned store provided with the management device 360 gradually develops into a head office, and the store 230 provided with a plurality of the article management systems 100 gradually develops into a branch store. According to the present embodiment, it is possible to realize a new type of franchise model that ensures the need for the function of the manned store, and at the same time, it is possible to increase the income of the dealer and reduce the burden of the dealer.

[0222] The server device 310 is provided with a control section 311, a storage section 312, a communication section 313, an input section 314, and an output section 315.

[0223] The control section 311 includes one or more processors, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or a dedicated processor dedicated to a specific process. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA or an ASIC. The control section 311 performs information processing related to the operation of the server device 310 while controlling each part of the server device 310.

[0224] The storage section 312 includes one or more semiconductor memories, one or more magnetic memories, one or more optical memories, or a combination of at least two of them. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM or a ROM. The RAM is, for example, an SRAM or a DRAM. The ROM is, for example, an EEPROM. The storage section 312 functions as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage section 312 stores information for the operation of the server device 310 and information acquired through the operation of the server device 310.

[0225] The communication section 313 includes one or more communication interfaces. The communication interface is, for example, a LAN interface or an interface corresponding to a mobile communication standard such as LTE, 4G, or 5G. The communication section 313 communicates with the control device 120 of each article management system 100 and the terminal device 320 of the user 220 and the like. The communication section 313 receives information for the operation of the server device 310 from the external device and transmits information acquired through the operation of the server device 310 to the external device.

[0226] The input section 314 includes one or more input interfaces. The input interface is, for example, a USB interface. The input section 314 accepts an operation for inputting information for the operation of the server device 310 via an input device.

[0227] The output section 315 includes one or more output interfaces. The output interface is, for example, a USB interface. The output section 315 outputs information acquired through the operation of the server device 310 via an output device.

[0228] The functions of the server apparatus 310 are realized by the processor included in the control section 311 executing the server program related to the present embodiment. That is, the functions of the server apparatus 310 are realized by software. The server program is a program that causes a computer to realize the functions corresponding to the processes of the steps included in the operation of the server apparatus 310 by causing the computer to execute the processes of the steps. That is, the server program is a program for causing a computer to function as the server apparatus 310.

[0229] Part or all of the functions of the server apparatus 310 can be realized by a dedicated circuit included in the control section 311. That is, part or all of the functions of the server apparatus 310 can be realized by hardware.

[0230] Reference Signs Figure 18 The operation of the server apparatus 310 related to the present embodiment is described. The operation corresponds to the service providing method related to the present embodiment.

[0231] In step S501, the control section 311 accepts the designation or the pre-order of at least one article 201 via the communication section 313. Specifically, the control section 311 accepts the designation or the pre-order of the article 201 by the user 220 on the e-commerce website.

[0232] In step S502, the control section 311 determines the place in the plurality of places where the container 211 housing the article 201 designated or ordered is stored in the automated warehouse 110, with reference to the inventory information 240 of the article management system 100 provided at each of the plurality of places. Specifically, the control section 311 communicates with the control device 120 of each article management system 100 via the communication section 313, searches the database 140 of each article management system 100, and thereby determines the container 211 housing the article 201 designated or ordered. As a method of determining the container 211, any method can be used, but in the present embodiment, a method of extracting the identification information of the container 211 housing the article 201 or information showing the storage position from the inventory information 240 saved in the database 140 can be used. The control section 311 determines the store 230 provided with the article management system 100 having the automated warehouse 110 in which the determined container 211 is stored.

[0233] When there are two or more places in the automated warehouse 110 where the container 211 containing the item 201 designated or ordered is stored, in step S503, the control section 311 detects the position of the user 220 via the communication section 313. Then, in step S504, the control section 311 selects a place to be notified to the terminal device 320 from among the two or more places, based on the distance between the detected position and the places. Specifically, in the case where the number of the determined stores 230 is two or more, the control section 311 acquires the position information of the terminal device 320 of the user 220 who designated or ordered the item 201. Then, the control section 311 selects the store 230 from among the determined stores 230 that is within the reference range from the position indicated by the acquired position information or the store 230 closest thereto.

[0234] When there is only one place in the automated warehouse 110 where the container 211 containing the item 201 designated or ordered is stored, in step S505, the control section 311 selects the one place. Specifically, in the case where the number of the determined stores 230 is one, the control section 311 selects the determined store 230.

[0235] In step S506, the control section 311 notifies the selected place to the terminal device 320 via the communication section 313. Specifically, the control section 311 transmits information about the selected store 230 to the terminal device 320 of the user 220 who designated the item 201, prompting the user 220 to purchase the item 201 at the store 230. Alternatively, the control section 311 transmits information about the selected store 230 to the terminal device 320 of the user 220 who ordered the item 201, prompting the user 220 to receive the item 201 at the store 230.

[0236] According to the present embodiment, the user 220 who is to purchase the product or has ordered the product can know the store 230 where the product is available and is close to the user 220, improving convenience.

[0237] (Sixth Embodiment)

[0238] Reference Figure 18 The configuration of the item management system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. The description of the parts common to the configuration of the item management system 100 according to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0239] The item management system 100 includes a commercial transaction platform 400.

[0240] The commercial transaction platform 400 includes a server device 310, a terminal device 320, and a self-service terminal 370.

[0241] The server device 310 can be provided at any place, but is provided in a data center in the present embodiment. The server device 310 is a computer. The server device 310 sequentially inputs orders from the self-service terminal 370 and pre-purchase orders from the terminal device 320 into an order queue 410 in order of order kind. The server device 310 sequentially reads orders from the order queue 410. The server device 310 performs transmission processing 420 for each read order in accordance with the order kind, and calls an API 430 of the control device 120 via a network 330 such as the Internet.

[0242] The terminal device 320 is used by the user 220. The terminal device 320 is, for example, a portable device such as a smartphone or a tablet, or a PC.

[0243] The self-service terminal 370 can be provided at any place, but is provided in or near the store 230 in the present embodiment. The self-service terminal 370 is provided with an input device 150 such as a touch screen and an output device 160 such as a display, which are provided integrally with the display.

[0244] Reference Signs Figure 7 The processing performed in the article management system 100 related to the present embodiment will be described.

[0245] The processing flow related to an order from the self-service terminal 370 will be described. The flow includes steps corresponding to steps S101 to S105 of Figure 7 The processing common to each step of Figure 7 will be appropriately omitted or simplified in the description.

[0246] In a step corresponding to step S101 of Figure 7 , the control section 121 of the control device 120 searches the database 140 and generates a list 250 of kinds of articles 200 housed in the plurality of containers 210 housed in the automated warehouse 110. The control section 121 causes the output device 160 of the self-service terminal 370 to output the generated list 250 via the communication section 123 or the output section 125. That is, the self-service terminal 370 is controlled to output the list 250 of kinds of articles 200 housed in the plurality of containers 210 housed in the automated warehouse 110 to the user 220. For example, the display of the self-service terminal 370 displays the list 250 on the screen.

[0247] In a step corresponding to step S102 of Figure 7In the step of step S102, the input device 150 of the self-service terminal 370 accepts the order operation of the user 220 on the at least one article 201. The order operation includes a first operation of the user 220 selecting the at least one article 201 and a second operation of the user 220 determining to purchase the at least one article 201. The self-service terminal 370 accepts the operation of the user 220 selecting the at least one article 201 from the list 250 output from the self-service terminal 370 as the first operation. In the present embodiment, the first operation is the operation of the user 220 adding the at least one article 201 to the virtual shopping cart. For example, the touch screen of the self-service terminal 370 accepts the operation of the user 220 adding the product to be purchased on the page displayed on the display to the shopping cart. The self-service terminal 370 accepts the operation of the user 220 paying the price of the product added to the shopping cart or the like as the second operation to determine to purchase the product. In the present embodiment, the second operation is the operation of the user 220 settling the at least one article 201. For example, the touch screen of the self-service terminal 370 accepts the operation of settling by cash, credit card, electronic money, points, or virtual money via a settlement system such as a POS system provided in the store 230.

[0248] In the step of step S103, Figure 7 In the step of step S103, whenever the self-service terminal 370 accepts the first operation, the server device 310 receives the information of the article 201 selected in the first operation via the network 330. The server device 310 inputs the received information as a self-service terminal order into the order queue A. Whenever a self-service order is read from the order queue A, the server device 310 performs the transmission process A, calling the API 430 of retrieve_tote_by_order_line via the network 330. When retrieve_tote_by_order_line is called, the control section 121 of the control device 120 searches the database 140 to determine the container 211 in which the article 201 selected in the first operation is stored. The control section 121 causes the automated warehouse 110 to take out the determined container 211 from the storage position via the communication section 123. That is, the automated warehouse 110 is controlled to take out the container 211 storing the at least one article 201 received in the receiving area 103 from among the plurality of containers 210 stored in the storage position in the shelf 111 by the crane 112 in response to the first operation accepted by the self-service terminal 370.

[0249] When the self-service terminal 370 accepts the second operation, the server device 310 receives information of the article 201 purchased in the second operation via the network 330. The server device 310 inputs the received information as a self-service terminal order in which the settlement has been completed into the order queue B. When the article 201 purchased in the second operation was selected in the first operation, the self-service order input into the order queue A is left as it is without being read from the order queue A, in which case the server device 310 deletes the order from the order queue A. That is, in a case where the settlement of the self-service terminal order corresponding to the first operation is completed by the second operation before the server device 310 reads the self-service terminal order from the order queue A, the server device 310 virtually moves the self-service terminal order as a self-service terminal order in which the settlement has been completed from the order queue A to the order queue B. On the other hand, in a case where the settlement of the self-service terminal order corresponding to the first operation is completed by the second operation after the server device 310 reads the self-service terminal order from the order queue A, the server device 310 only inputs the self-service terminal order in which the settlement has been completed into the order queue B. In a case such as one-touch purchase of goods, if there is a self-service terminal order that is completed by the second operation without the first operation, the server device 310 also inputs the self-service terminal order in which the settlement has been completed into the order queue B. Every time the self-service terminal order in which the settlement has been completed is read from the order queue B, the server device 310 performs the transmission process B to thereby call the API 430 of retrieve_tote_and_picking via the network 330. When retrieve_tote_and_picking is called, the control section 121 of the control device 120 searches the database 140 to thereby determine the container 211 in which the article 201 purchased in the second operation is stored. If the determined container 211 has not been taken out from the storage position, the control section 121 causes the automated warehouse 110 to take out the determined container 211 from the storage position via the communication section 123. That is, the automated warehouse 110 is controlled to take out the container 211 in which at least one article 201 received in the receiving area 103 is stored from the storage position in the shelf 111 by the crane 112 in response to the second operation accepted by the self-service terminal 370.

[0250] In a step corresponding to step S104 of Figure 7 In the step corresponding to step S104 of

[0251] In a step corresponding to step S104 of Figure 9In step S105, the control unit 121 of the control device 120, via the communication unit 123, causes the conveyor 170 to place at least one item 201, which has been picked up, into a receiving box 180, which is used by the user 220 to receive the item 201 in the receiving area 103. In other words, the conveyor 170 is controlled to transport at least one item 201, which has been picked up, to the receiving area 103.

[0252] The processing flow related to pre-orders from terminal device 320 is described. This flow includes, equivalent to... Figure 9 Step S201 Figure 15 Step S202 Figure 15 Step S401 Figure 7 Step S402 Figure 7 Step S104 and Figure 7 Step S105. For... Figure 9 , Figure 15 as well as Figure 9 The common parts of each step are omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0253] When user 220 orders at least one item 201 on an e-commerce website, terminal device 320 sends the order information 260 for the item 201 to server device 310 via network 330. The order information 260 includes identification information such as barcodes, QR codes, or RFID tags affixed to the item 201 ordered by user 220 on the e-commerce website, or an image of the item 201.

[0254] In equivalent to Figure 9 In step S201, when order information 260 is sent from terminal device 320, server device 310 receives order information 260 via network 330. (This is equivalent to...) Figure 15In step S202, the server device 310 inputs the received order information 260 as a pre-order into the order queue C. The server device 310 associates the order information 260 with authentication information 271, such as a redemption number, and saves it. The authentication information 271 can be provided from the e-commerce website as part of the order information 260, or it can be regenerated by the server device 310 and notified to the user 220 via the network 330. The authentication information 271 can be in any form, but in this embodiment it is a QR code. Whenever a pre-order is read from the order queue C, the server device 310 executes the sending process C and calls the retrieve_tote function of API 430 via the network 330. When retrieve_tote is called, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 searches the database 140 to determine the container 211 containing the item 201 corresponding to the order information 260. The control unit 121 causes the automated warehouse 110 to retrieve the determined container 211 from the storage location via the communication unit 123. In other words, the automated warehouse 110 is controlled to retrieve, in response to order information 260 sent from terminal device 320, a container 211 containing at least one item 201 received in receiving area 103 from a storage location in a shelf 111 using a crane 112.

[0255] In equivalent to Figure 15 In step S401, the input device 150 of the self-service terminal 370 accepts input from the user 220 when the user 220 visits the store 230, for receiving authentication information 270 for at least one item 201. For example, the touchscreen of the self-service terminal 370 accepts input from the user 220 via the network 330 from an e-commerce website or server device 310.

[0256] When the self-service terminal 370 accepts input, the server device 310 receives authentication information 270 via network 330. The server device 310 verifies the received authentication information 270 against the valid authentication information 271. If authentication is successful, i.e., if authentication information 270 matches the valid authentication information 271, the server device 310 inputs the order information 260 corresponding to the authentication information 271 as a completed pre-order into order queue B. (This is equivalent to...) Figure 7In step S402, whenever a pre-order that has been authenticated is read from the order queue B, the server device 310 executes the sending process B and calls the retrieve_tote_and_picking API 430 via the network 330. When retrieve_tote_and_picking is called, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 searches the database 140 to determine the container 211 containing the item 201 corresponding to the authentication information 270. If the determined container 211 has not yet been removed from the storage location, the control unit 121 causes the automated warehouse 110 to remove the determined container 211 from the storage location via the communication unit 123. That is, the automated warehouse 110 is controlled to remove the container 211 containing at least one item 201 received in the receiving area 103 from the storage location of the multiple containers 210 stored in response to the order information 260 sent from the terminal device 320, using the crane 112.

[0257] In equivalent to Figure 7 In step S104, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 controls the picking of the robot arm 130 via the communication unit 123. That is, the robot arm 130 is controlled to perform picking.

[0258] In equivalent to Figure 19 In step S105, the control unit 121 of the control device 120, via the communication unit 123, causes the conveyor 170 to place at least one item 201, which has been picked up, into the receiving box 180. The receiving box 180 is used for the user 220 to receive the item 201 in the receiving area 103. That is, the conveyor 170 is controlled to transport at least one item 201, which has been picked up, to the receiving area 103.

[0259] As described above, in the present embodiment, the control section 121 of the control device 120 causes the automated warehouse 110 to perform the process of carrying out the container 211 in which the at least one article 201 is loaded to the picking area 102 in response to each of the order operation of the at least one article 201 by the user 220 and the order information 260 of the at least one article 201 transmitted via the network 330. In a case where the order information 260 from another user 220 is transmitted during the order operation by a certain user 220, the control section 121 prioritizes the user 220 who is performing the order operation and performs the process. For example, the server device 310 can perform the transmission process C only when the transmission process A and the transmission process B are not performed. The transmission process A is considered to be in the execution state from the start of the call of the API 430 of retrieve_tote_by_order_line until the reception of the "accept" as a response. The transmission process B is considered to be in the execution state from the call of the API 430 of retrieve_tote_and_picking until the reception of the "accept" as a response, and further until the carrying out of all the containers 211 to the picking area 102. The transmission process C is considered to be in the execution state from the call of the API 430 of retrieve_tote until the reception of the "accept" as a response, and further until the taking out of all the containers 211 from the storage position.

[0260] According to the present embodiment, it is possible to allocate the idle time of the process of the self-service terminal order to the process of the pre-order, and to improve the processing efficiency of the order.

[0261] As one modification of the present embodiment, it is possible to control the number of times of repeating the transmission of the order of each of the order queue A, the order queue B, and the order queue C. For example, the server device 310 can limit the number of times of repeating the transmission process A to three. The server device 310 can limit the number of times of repeating the transmission process B to two. The server device 310 can perform the transmission process C once each time.

[0262] As one modification of the present embodiment, it is possible to control the total number of times of repeating the transmission of the order of the order queue A, the order queue B, and the order queue C. For example, the server device 310 can limit the total number of times of simultaneously performing the transmission process 420 to four. Since it is possible to define the maximum number of times of repeating as a whole, it is possible to prevent the capacity overload and the queue stagnation.

[0263] As a further variation, the number of repetitions can be dynamically adjusted as needed. For various instructions, such as those for receiving goods or for removing goods from e-commerce websites, queues similar to order queue 410 and parallel dispatch processes similar to dispatch process 420 can be prepared. By dynamically adjusting the number of repetitions for each dispatch process relative to various processing requirements, processes can be executed in the optimal priority order as needed. For example, when there are fewer self-service terminal orders and pre-orders, more instructions for receiving goods can be processed.

[0264] As a variation of this implementation, the order of orders can be rearranged in each of the order queues A, B, and C.

[0265] As a variation of this implementation, instead of processing orders by calling API 430 via network 330, orders can be processed through other communication methods such as MQ. "MQ" is an abbreviation for "message queuing".

[0266] As a variation of this embodiment, the server device 310 can be integrated into the control device 120.

[0267] (Seventh Implementation)

[0268] Reference Figure 7 The processes performed in the item management system 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Details common to the processes performed in the item management system 100 according to the sixth embodiment will be omitted.

[0269] The processing flow related to orders from self-service terminal 370 is explained.

[0270] In equivalent to Figure 9 In step S103, whenever the self-service terminal 370 accepts the first operation, the server device 310 receives information about the item 201 selected in the first operation via the network 330. The server device 310 inputs the received information as a self-service terminal order into the dispatch queue 411. Whenever a self-service terminal order is read from the dispatch queue 411, the server device 310 executes the dispatch process 420, thereby calling the retrieve_tote_by_order_line of the control device 120's API 430 via the network 330. The process executed by the control device 120 when retrieve_tote_by_order_line is called is the same as that in the sixth embodiment, and therefore its description is omitted.

[0271] When the self-service terminal 370 accepts the second operation, the server device 310 receives information about the item 201 purchased in the second operation via the network 330. The server device 310 inputs the received information as a self-service terminal order that has been settled into the sending queue 411. Whenever a self-service terminal order that has been settled is read from the sending queue 411, the server device 310 executes the sending process 420, thereby calling the retrieve_tote_and_picking API 430 via the network 330. The process executed by the control device 120 when retrieve_tote_and_picking is called is the same as that in the sixth embodiment, so its description is omitted.

[0272] In this embodiment, server device 310 performs a priority level change 440, thereby prioritizing self-service terminal orders that have already been settled over those that have not yet been settled. For example, if there is an unsettled self-service terminal order A that was entered into the dispatch queue 411 before a self-service terminal order B that has already been settled, then server device 310 moves self-service terminal order B to the front of the dispatch queue 411 before self-service terminal order A.

[0273] The processing flow related to pre-orders from terminal device 320 is explained.

[0274] In equivalent to Figure 9 In step S201, when order information 260 is sent from terminal device 320, server device 310 receives order information 260 via network 330. Order information 260 includes information about the time when user 220 receives the item 201 ordered from the e-commerce website at store 230, i.e., the receipt time. (This is equivalent to...) Figure 15 In step S202, the server device 310 inputs the received order information 260 as a pre-order into the pre-order queue 412. The server device 310 associates the order information 260 with authentication information 271 such as the redemption number and saves it. The server device 310 reads the pre-orders from the pre-order queue 412 in the order of receipt time and inputs the read pre-orders into the sending queue 411. Whenever a pre-order is read from the sending queue 411, the server device 310 executes the sending process 420, thereby calling the retrieve_tote function of API 430 via the network 330. The process executed by the control device 120 when retrieve_tote is called is the same as that in the sixth embodiment, so its description is omitted.

[0275] When the self-service terminal 370 accepts the input operation, the server device 310 receives the authentication information 270 via the network 330. The server device 310 collates the received authentication information 270 with the regular authentication information 271. In the case where the authentication is successful, that is, in the case where the authentication information 270 coincides with the regular authentication information 271, if the pre-order corresponding to the authentication information 271 has not been input into the sending queue 411, the server device 310 reads the pre-order from the pre-order queue 412 and inputs the read pre-order into the sending queue 411 as a pre-order for which the authentication is completed, regardless of the time of reception. In the case where the pre-order for which the authentication is completed is read from the sending queue 411, the server device 310 executes the sending process 420 to call the API 430 of retrieve_tote_and_picking via the network 330. Figure 20 In the step corresponding to step S402 of the above-described first embodiment, the server device 310 executes the sending process 420 to call the API 430 of retrieve_tote_and_picking via the network 330 every time the pre-order for which the authentication is completed is read from the sending queue 411.

[0276] In the present embodiment, the server device 310 executes the priority level change 440 to give priority to the self-service terminal order over the pre-order for which the authentication is not completed. For example, if there is an un-sent pre-order Y that was input into the sending queue 411 before the self-service terminal order C and for which the authentication is not completed, the server device 310 moves the self-service terminal order C ahead of the pre-order Y on the head side of the sending queue 411.

[0277] In the present embodiment, the server device 310 executes the priority level change 440 to give the highest priority to the pre-order for which the authentication is completed. For example, if there is an un-sent order that was input into the sending queue 411 before the pre-order Z for which the authentication is completed, the server device 310 moves the pre-order Z ahead on the sending queue 411.

[0278] According to the present embodiment, by giving priority to the order for which the reception is completed earlier, it is possible to shorten the waiting time of the user 220 when visiting the store 230.

[0279] As one modification of the present embodiment, in the sending queue 411, in the case where the number of times a certain self-service terminal order is overtaken in order by the pre-order for which the authentication is completed exceeds a certain number of times, the priority level of the self-service terminal order can be raised for processing.

[0280] (Eighth Embodiment)

[0281] Referring to Figure 20 , the configuration of the article management system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. The description of the parts common to the article management system 100 according to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0282] The article management system 100 is provided with a conveyor 173 separate from the conveyor 170 and a reception terminal 380.

[0283] The conveyor 170 can have only a single track, but in the present embodiment has a first track 171 and a second track 172. The conveyor 170 is independently driven for each track.

[0284] In the present embodiment, the conveyor 173 is provided below the conveyor 170, but can also be provided above the conveyor 170. The conveyor 173 is, for example, a belt conveyor, a chain conveyor, a conveyor applying universal wheels, a robot-type transfer device, or any combination thereof. The conveyor 173 can have only a single track, but in the present embodiment has a third track 174 and a fourth track 175. The conveyor 173 is independently driven for each track.

[0285] The reception terminal 380 is provided in the reception area 103. The reception terminal 380 is provided with an input device 150 such as a touch screen provided integrally with a display, an output device 160 such as a display, and a reception box 180 that can be opened / closed automatically or manually.

[0286] In the present embodiment, the automated warehouse 110 is a rotary rack type AS / RS. The automated warehouse 110 is provided with a plurality of shelves 116 that are each independently rotatable longitudinal rotary shelves.

[0287] The number of shelves 116 can be any number as long as it is two or more, but in the example of Figure 20 is five on each of the left and right sides, for a total of ten. The shelves 116 can be configured to be able to store any number of containers 210, but in the example of Figure 20 are configured to be able to store 11 containers 210 in the longitudinal direction, 1 container 210 in the lateral direction, and 2 containers 210 in the depth direction. Two opening portions, a withdrawal port for withdrawing the containers 210 and a return port for inserting the containers 210, are provided in the shelves 116.

[0288] The automated warehouse 110 is provided with a first conveyor 113, a second conveyor 114, and a third conveyor 115 in addition to the shelves 116.

[0289] The first conveyor 113 is provided adjacent to the shelves 116. The first conveyor 113 is provided in a manner corresponding to the position of the withdrawal port of the shelves 116 in the longitudinal direction of the shelves 116. The first conveyor 113 is, for example, a belt conveyor, a chain conveyor, a conveyor applying universal wheels, a robot-type transfer device, or any combination thereof.

[0290] The second conveyer 114 is provided adjacent to the first conveyer 113. The second conveyer 114 is, for example, a belt conveyer, a chain conveyer, a conveyer using universal wheels, a robot-type transfer device, or any combination thereof. The second conveyer 114 can have a single track, but in the present embodiment has multiple tracks, and in the example has two tracks. The second conveyer 114 is independently driven for each track. Figure 20

[0291] In the present embodiment, the third conveyer 115 is provided adjacent to the shelves 116 below the first conveyer 113 and the second conveyer 114, but can be provided adjacent to the shelves 116 above the first conveyer 113 and the second conveyer 114. The third conveyer 115 is provided so as to correspond to the positions of the return ports of the shelves 116 in the longitudinal direction of the shelves 116. The third conveyer 115 is, for example, a belt conveyer, a chain conveyer, a conveyer using universal wheels, a robot-type transfer device, or any combination thereof.

[0292] Referring to Figure 7 An operation of the article management system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. The operation corresponds to the article management method according to the present embodiment. For portions common to the operation of the article management system 100 according to the first embodiment, the description thereof will be appropriately omitted or simplified.

[0293] In a step corresponding to step S101 of Figure 7 In a step corresponding to step S101 of

[0294] In a step corresponding to step S101 of Figure 7 ​In the step of the step S102, the input device 150 of the reception terminal 380 accepts the order operation of the user 220 on the at least one article 201. The order operation includes a first operation of the user 220 selecting the at least one article 201 and a second operation of the user 220 determining to purchase the at least one article 201. The reception terminal 380 accepts the operation of the user 220 selecting the at least one article 201 from the list 250 output from the reception terminal 380 as the first operation. In the present embodiment, the first operation is the operation of the user 220 adding the at least one article 201 to the virtual shopping cart. For example, the touch screen of the reception terminal 380 accepts the operation of the user 220 adding the product to be purchased on the page displayed on the display to the shopping cart. The reception terminal 380 accepts the operation of the user 220 paying the price of the product added to the shopping cart or the like as the second operation of determining to purchase the product. In the present embodiment, the second operation is the operation of the user 220 settling the at least one article 201. For example, the touch screen of the reception terminal 380 accepts the operation of settling by cash, credit card, electronic money, points, or virtual money via the settlement system such as the POS system provided in the store 230 through the communication unit 123 of the control device 120.

[0295] In the step of the step S103, the control section 121 of the control device 120 moves the container 211 housing the at least one article 201 from the shelves 116 to the first conveyor 113 as the container 212 housing the article 201 selected in the first operation in response to the first operation. Figure 20

[0296] Specifically, the control section 121 of the control device 120 determines the article 201 selected in the first operation accepted by the reception terminal 380 via the input section 124. The control section 121 searches the database 140 to determine the container 212 housing the determined article 201. The control section 121 causes the automated warehouse 110 to take out the specific container 212 from the shelves 116 via the communication section 123. That is, the automated warehouse 110 is controlled to rotate the shelves 116 housing the container 212 housing the article 201 selected in the first operation in response to the first operation accepted by the reception terminal 380 to discharge the container 212 from the outlet of the shelves 116 to the first conveyor 113. The control section 121 stores information showing the position of the container 212 in the first conveyor 113 to the storage section 122.

[0297] The control section 121 of the control device 120 moves the container 211 housing the article 201 determined to be purchased in the second operation from the first conveyor 113 to the second conveyor 114 in response to the second operation.

[0298] ​Specifically, the control section 121 of the control device 120 determines the article 201 purchased in the second operation accepted by the reception terminal 380 via the input section 124. The control section 121 determines the position of the container 211 housing the determined article 201 in the first conveyer 113 with reference to the information stored in the storage section 122. The control section 121 causes the automated warehouse 110 to move the container 211 located at the specific position from the first conveyer 113 to the second conveyer 114 via the communication section 123. That is, the automated warehouse 110 is controlled to move the container 211 housing the article 201 determined to be purchased in the second operation from the first conveyer 113 to the second conveyer 114 in response to the second operation accepted by the reception terminal 380.

[0299] The control section 121 of the control device 120 drives the second conveyer 114, thereby causing the container 211 housing the article 201 determined to be purchased to reach the position where the picking is performed.

[0300] Specifically, the control section 121 of the control device 120 independently drives each track of the second conveyer 114, thereby causing the container 211 housing the article 201 determined to be purchased to reach the position where the picking is performed. That is, the second conveyer 114 is controlled to be independently driven for each track, thereby causing the container 211 housing the article 201 determined to be purchased to reach the position where the picking is performed.

[0301] In the present embodiment, in a case where a plurality of users 220 simultaneously perform the ordering operation, the control section 121 of the control device 120 causes the containers 212 housing the articles 201 selected by the respective users 220 to be moved from the shelves 116 to the positions corresponding to the respective users 220 in the first conveyer 113 in response to the first operations of the respective users 220. In a case where a first user of the plurality of users 220 performs the second operation prior to a second user, the control section 121 causes the container 212 housing the article 201 selected by the first user to be moved to the second conveyer 114 prior to the container 212 housing the article 201 selected by the second user.

[0302] In the first embodiment, the control section 121 of the control device 120 drives the second conveyer 114 in a direction orthogonal to the driving direction of the first conveyer 113. In Figure 20 In the example of FIG. 10, when the container 211 is moved from the first conveyer 113 to the second conveyer 114, the control section 121 drives the first conveyer 113 in the forward direction. In a case where the container 211 is moved to the track on the front side of the second conveyer 114, the control section 121 also drives the second conveyer 114 in the forward direction. As for which track of the front and back of the second conveyer 114 the container 211 is moved to, an arbitrary method such as round robin can be used. In Figure 20In the example, when container 211 reaches the picking position, control unit 121 drives second conveyor 114 to the right.

[0303] In this embodiment, when user 220 performs a third operation to deselect at least one item 201, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 responds to the third operation by returning the container 212 containing the item 201 from the first conveyor 113 to the shelf 116. Specifically, in response to the third operation, the control unit 121 drives the first conveyor 113 to return the container 212 to the shelf 116. That is, the automated warehouse 110 is controlled to insert the container 212 containing the item 201 deselected in the third operation from the first conveyor 113 into the return port of the shelf 116 in response to the third operation received by the receiving terminal 380. In this embodiment, the third operation is the operation of user 220 deleting at least one item 201 from the virtual shopping cart. Figure 7 In the example, when returning container 212 from the first conveyor 113 to the shelf 116, the control unit 121 drives the first conveyor 113 in a backward direction.

[0304] In equivalent to Figure 20 In step S104, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 controls the picking performed by the robot arm 130 via the communication unit 123. That is, the robot arm 130 is controlled to perform picking. In this embodiment, when the picking is performed, at least one item 201 is taken from a container 211 moved from the automated warehouse 110 within the picking area 102, and the taken item 201 is transferred to another container 215.

[0305] The control unit 121 of the control device 120 causes the third conveyor 115 to return the container 211 containing at least one item 201 to the storage position after picking. In other words, the third conveyor 115 is controlled to return the container 211 containing at least one item 201 to the storage position after picking.

[0306] Specifically, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 moves a container 211 from the second conveyor 114 to the third conveyor 115 as a picked container 214 containing at least one item 201. The control unit 121 drives the third conveyor 115, thereby returning the container 214 to the shelf 116. In other words, the automated warehouse 110 is controlled to insert the picked container 214 from the third conveyor 115 into the return port of the shelf 116. Figure 7 In the example, when container 214 is returned from third conveyor 115 to shelf 116, control unit 121 drives third conveyor 115 backward, or leftward and backward.

[0307] In a step corresponding to Figure 20 In a step corresponding to step S105, the control section 121 of the control device 120 causes the conveyer 170 to drop the at least one article 201 taken out by the picking into the receiving box 180 of the receiving terminal 380 via the communication section 123. That is, the conveyer 170 is controlled to carry the at least one article 201 taken out by the picking to the receiving region 103.

[0308] Specifically, the control section 121 of the control device 120 appropriately drives each track of the conveyer 170, thereby dropping the container 215 holding the at least one article 201 taken out by the picking into the receiving box 180 of the receiving terminal 380. As a method of dropping the container 215, any method can be used, but in the present embodiment, a method of moving the container 215 into the receiving box 180 from the conveyer 170 via an opening section provided on the back of the receiving box 180 can be used.

[0309] In an example of Figure 20 In an example of

[0310] The control section 121 of the control device 120 causes the conveyer 173 to return the container 215 holding the at least one article 201 taken out by the picking to the picking region 102 after the receiving region 103 receives the article 201. That is, the conveyer 173 is controlled to return the container 215 holding the at least one article 201 taken out by the picking to the picking region 102 after the receiving region 103 receives the article 201.

[0311] Specifically, the control section 121 of the control device 120 moves the container 216, from which the user 220 has taken out the at least one article 201 as the container 216 of which the receiving is completed, from the receiving box 180 to the conveyor 173. As a method of moving the container 216 to the conveyor 173, any method can be used, but in the present embodiment, a method of inclining a plate provided in the receiving box 180 to the rear side and causing the container 216 to slide from the receiving box 180 to the conveyor 173 via an opening provided on the back of the receiving box 180 can be used. The control section 121 drives the conveyor 173, thereby returning the container 216 to the original position. The so-called original position is a position at which the container 216 is stored until it is used again as the container 215 for picking.

[0312] In Figure 20 the example, the control section 121 of the control device 120 drives the fourth track 175 of the conveyor 173 in the rear direction, thereby moving the container 216, which is left empty, to the third track 174 of the conveyor 173. The control section 121 drives the third track 174 in the left direction, thereby returning the container 216 to the original position.

[0313] As described above, in the present embodiment, the plurality of shelves 116 each of which accommodates a plurality of containers 210 are longitudinal rotation type shelves, and each of the shelves 116 is independently rotated. Therefore, simultaneous processing can be performed with respect to the number of shelves 116. In Figure 20 the example, a maximum of ten processes can be simultaneously performed.

[0314] In the first embodiment, the cycle time can be shortened by increasing the moving speed of the crane 112. Also in the present embodiment, the cycle time can be shortened by increasing the rotating speed of the shelf 116, but even if the speed is lower than that of the crane 112, the cycle time does not decrease. Therefore, the possibility of damaging the articles can be reduced.

[0315] In the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the automated warehouse 110 accommodates the plurality of containers 210, which are carried in, in two or more regions in which the temperature settings are different from each other, in accordance with the kinds of the articles 200 accommodated in the respective containers 210. For example, ten shelves 116 are divided into four regions corresponding to four temperature zones of freezing, refrigeration, constant temperature, and normal temperature, and the plurality of containers 210, which are carried in, are accommodated in the four regions in accordance with the kinds of the articles 200 accommodated in the respective containers 210. By dividing the temperature zones for each of the shelves 116, the management of the temperature zones becomes easy. By limiting the opening of the shelf 116 to only the two of the taking-out port and the returning port, the management of the temperature zones becomes even easier. At least any one of the taking-out port and the returning port can be configured to be openable / closable.

[0316] In the present embodiment, the conveyor 113 adjacent to the shelf 116 that houses the plurality of containers 210 each of which contains one or more articles 200 receives the container 211 containing the at least one article 201 from the plurality of containers 210 in the shelf 116 in response to the first operation of the user 220 selecting the at least one article 201. The second conveyor 114 adjacent to the first conveyor 113 receives the container 211 containing the at least one article 201 from the first conveyor 113 in response to the second operation of the user 220 determining to purchase the at least one article 201. Then, the second conveyor 114 carries the container 211 containing the at least one article 201 to a position where the picking of the at least one article 201 is performed.

[0317] Accordingly, according to the present embodiment, the container 211 can be taken out of the shelf 116 before the purchase of the article 201 is determined. In addition, even if the order for the article 201 previously determined to be purchased is overtaken in the order operation started later, the picking of the article 201 can be performed first. Thus, the time from the order to the picking can be shortened.

[0318] In the present embodiment, with respect to the second conveyor 114, each track is independently driven so that the container 211 containing the article 201 determined to be purchased reaches the position where the picking is performed. The third conveyor 115 returns the container 211 to the housing position after the picking is performed.

[0319] Accordingly, according to the present embodiment, in the second conveyor 114, the container 214 that has already been picked up in one track can be removed during the picking in another track, and the container 211 to be picked up next can be brought to the picking position.

[0320] As a modification of the present embodiment, instead of the receiving terminal 380, the self-service terminal can output a list 250 of the kinds of the articles 200 contained in the plurality of containers 210 housed in the automated warehouse 110. In this case, the self-service terminal accepts the order operation. For example, there are a plurality of self-service terminals, and when an item is added to a shopping cart through any one of the self-service terminals, a handbag containing the item is taken out of the shelf 116 and placed on the first conveyor 113. The position of the handbag in the first conveyor 113 corresponding to the order from which self-service terminal or from which user 220 is always managed. When the settlement is completed through any one of the self-service terminals, the handbag located in the position corresponding to the self-service terminal is transferred from the first conveyor 113 to the second conveyor 114. Then, the handbag is carried by the second conveyor 114 to the vicinity of the robot 130 to be picked up. According to the modification, regardless of which self-service terminal the settlement is completed first, the picking can be started immediately after the settlement.

[0321] As a modification of the present embodiment, in a case where the user 220 performs the third operation of canceling selection of at least one article 201, the control section 121 of the control device 120 returns the container 212 containing the article 201 to the shelf 116 via the third conveyer 115 instead of directly returning it from the first conveyer 113 to the shelf 116. In this case, the control section 121 moves the container 212 containing the article 201 canceled in selection in the third operation from the first conveyer 113 to the third conveyer 115 in response to the third operation. The control section 121 drives the third conveyer 115 to return the container 212 to the shelf 116. For example, the control section 121 drives the third conveyer 115 in the backward direction when returning the container 212 from the third conveyer 115 to the shelf 116.

[0322] As a modification of the present embodiment, the multi-joint robot of the robot hand 130 can be configured in a manner such as a crane beam type that can be arranged in the air, whereby the first conveyer 113, the second conveyer 114, and the third conveyer 115 can be extended in the space left vacant. Alternatively, a sorting area instead of the first conveyer 113, the second conveyer 114, and the third conveyer 115 can be provided in the space left vacant.

[0323] As a modification of the present embodiment, the robot hand 130 can be movable. According to this modification, flexibility around the sorting area 102 can be increased.

[0324] As a modification of the present embodiment, a small handbag can be packed in a handbag delivered from a distribution center, and the small handbag can be stored in the automated warehouse 110.

[0325] As a modification of the present embodiment, a small handbag can be packed in a handbag delivered from a distribution center, and the small handbag can be stored in the automated warehouse 110. Figure 21 As a modification of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, five shelves 116 on the left side of the five shelves 116 directly facing each other can be provided with, for example, five shelves of the same configuration to share the first conveyer 113, the second conveyer 114, and the third conveyer 115.

[0326] (Ninth Embodiment)

[0327] Referring to Figure 21 , the configuration of the article management system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. The description of the parts common to the configuration of the article management system 100 according to the third embodiment will be omitted.

[0328] The article management system 100 is provided with the automated warehouse 110, the conveyer 170, the conveyer 173, and the reception terminal 380, which are the same as those of the article management system 100 according to the eighth embodiment.

[0329] The storage warehouse 190 has one or more shelves 191 and one or more cranes 192.

[0330] The number of shelves 191 can be any number, but in the example of Figure 21 , the number is one. The number of cranes 192 is determined by the number of shelves 191, and in the example of Figure 21 , the number is one. The crane 192 is disposed on a passage facing the shelf 191. In the example of Figure 21 , one crane 192 is disposed on a passage in front of one shelf 191. The passage can be as narrow as to be impassable by a person as long as it is wide enough to dispose the crane 192. In the present embodiment, the crane 192 is a light crane, but can be, for example, a container crane or a medium crane.

[0331] The storage warehouse 190 is disposed closer to the receiving area 103 than the plurality of shelves 116 of the automated warehouse 110. In the present embodiment, at least a part of the storage warehouse 190 is disposed above the second conveyer 114, but can be disposed below the second conveyer 114. In the example of Figure 21 , the shelves 191 of the storage warehouse 190 are disposed above the first conveyer 113 adjacent to the five shelves 116 on the left and the second conveyer 114 adjacent to the first conveyer 113.

[0332] The operation of the article management system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 13 . The operation corresponds to the article management method according to the present embodiment. As for the operation related to the order from the receiving terminal 380 or the self-service terminal, the description thereof is omitted because it is the same as the operation of the article management system 100 according to the eighth embodiment. In the following, the operation related to the pre-order from the terminal device such as the smartphone of the user 220 will be described, and as for the part common to the operation of the article management system 100 according to the third embodiment, the description thereof is appropriately omitted or simplified.

[0333] In a step corresponding to step S301 of Figure 13 , the control section 121 of the control device 120 receives the order information 260 of at least one article 201 transmitted via the network 330 such as the Internet via the communication section 123.

[0334] In a step corresponding to step S302 of Figure 13In step S302, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 determines the item 201 corresponding to the received order information 260. The control unit 121 searches the database 140 to determine the container 211 containing the determined item 201. The control unit 121, via the communication unit 123, causes the automated warehouse 110 to remove the determined container 211 from the shelf 116. The control unit 121, via the communication unit 123, causes the automated warehouse 110 to move the container 211 from the first conveyor 113 to the second conveyor 114. The control unit 121 independently drives each track of the second conveyor 114 to bring the container 211 to the picking position. That is, the automated warehouse 110 is controlled to rotate the shelf 116 containing the container 211 containing at least one item 201 received in the receiving area 103 in response to the order information 260 received by the control device 120, thereby discharging the container 211 from the pick-up outlet of the shelf 116 to the first conveyor 113. The automated warehouse 110 is controlled to move the container 211 from the first conveyor 113 to the second conveyor 114. The second conveyor 114 is controlled to independently drive each track, thereby bringing the container 211 to the picking position.

[0335] In equivalent to Figure 13 In step S303, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 controls the picking of the robot arm 130 via the communication unit 123. That is, the robot arm is controlled to perform picking. In this embodiment, when the picking is performed, at least one item 201 is taken from the container 211 moved from the automated warehouse 110 within the picking area 102, and the taken item 201 is transferred to another container 213.

[0336] In equivalent to Figure 13 In step S304, the control unit 121 of the control device 120, via the communication unit 123, causes the storage warehouse 190 to temporarily store at least one item 201 retrieved through picking. That is, the storage warehouse 190 is controlled to temporarily store at least one item 201 retrieved through picking. Specifically, the crane 192 of the storage warehouse 190 moves in the aisle facing the shelf 191 of the storage warehouse 190 to store the container 213 into which the item 201 was moved during picking. The database 140 associates and stores identification information such as barcodes, QR codes, or RFID tags affixed to the container 213, or information indicating the storage location of the container 213 in the storage warehouse 190, with authentication information 271 such as redemption numbers.

[0337] In equivalent to Figure 13In the step of the step S305, the input device 150 of the reception terminal 380 accepts the input operation of the authentication information 270 by the user 220 to receive the at least one article 201. For example, the touch screen of the reception terminal 380 accepts the operation of the user 220 to input the exchange number notified from the electronic commerce site or the control device 120 via the network 330. The control section 121 of the control device 120 acquires the authentication information 270 input by the input operation accepted by the input device 150 via the input section 124.

[0338] The control section 121 collates the acquired authentication information 270 with the database 140, and ends the operation in the case of authentication failure. That is, when the regular authentication information 271 coinciding with the acquired authentication information 270 is not saved in the database 140, the control section 121 ends the operation. On the other hand, in the case of authentication success, that is, when the regular authentication information 271 coinciding with the acquired authentication information 270 is saved in the database 140, the control section 121 searches the database 140 corresponding to the step S306. Figure 21 In the step of the step S306, the control section 121 searches the database 140 to determine the container 213 corresponding to the authentication information 271. The control section 121 causes the storage 190 to carry out the determined container 213 to the reception area 103 via the communication section 123. That is, the storage 190 is controlled to carry out the at least one article 201 to the reception area 103 in response to the input operation accepted by the input device 150. Specifically, the crane 192 of the storage 190 moves in the passage facing the shelf 191 of the storage 190 to take out the container 213 housing the article 201, and carries out the taken-out container 213 to the reception area 103.

[0339] The control section 121 of the control device 120 causes the conveyer 170 to drop the container 213 carried out from the storage 190 into the reception box 180 of the reception terminal 380 via the communication section 123. That is, the conveyer 170 is controlled to drop the container 213 carried out from the storage 190 into the reception box 180.

[0340] Specifically, the control section 121 of the control device 120 moves the container 213 taken out by the crane 192 of the storage 190 from the crane 192 to the second rail 172 of the conveyer 170. The control section 121 drives the second rail 172 to drop the container 213 into the reception box 180 of the reception terminal 380. As a method of dropping the container 213, any method can be used, but in the present embodiment, a method of moving the container 213 into the reception box 180 from the conveyer 170 via an opening section provided at the back of the reception box 180 can be used.

[0341] In the step of the step S306, the control section 121 searches the database 140 to determine the container 213 corresponding to the authentication information 271. The control section 121 causes the storage 190 to carry out the determined container 213 to the reception area 103 via the communication section 123. That is, the storage 190 is controlled to carry out the at least one article 201 to the reception area 103 in response to the input operation accepted by the input device 150. Specifically, the crane 192 of the storage 190 moves in the passage facing the shelf 191 of the storage 190 to take out the container 213 housing the article 201, and carries out the taken-out container 213 to the reception area 103. Figure 21In the example, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 drives the second track 172 of the conveyor 170 to the right, thereby causing the container 213 taken out by the crane 192 of the storage bin 190 to reach the position corresponding to the receiving terminal 380. The control unit 121 drives the second track 172 forward, thereby putting the container 213 into the receiving box 180 of the receiving terminal 380.

[0342] The control unit 121 of the control device 120 causes the conveyor 173 to return to the picking area 102 after receiving the item 201 contained in the container 213 taken from the storage warehouse 190 in the receiving area 103. In other words, the conveyor 173 is controlled so that the container 213 taken from the storage warehouse 190 returns to the picking area 102 after receiving the item 201 contained in the container 213 in the receiving area 103.

[0343] Specifically, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 causes the user 220 to remove at least one item 201 from the container 213 as a completed receiving container 216 and move it from the receiving box 180 to the conveyor 173. Any method can be used to move the container 216 to the conveyor 173, but in this embodiment, the following method can be used: tilting an angle-adjustable plate provided in the receiving box 180 rearward, and sliding the container 216 through an opening provided on the back of the receiving box 180 to the conveyor 173. The control unit 121 drives the conveyor 173, thereby returning the container 216 to its original position. The original position is the position where the empty container 216 is stored until it is used again as a picking container 213.

[0344] exist Figure 21 In the example, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 drives the fourth track 175 of the conveyor 173 backward, thereby moving the vacant container 216 to the third track 174 of the conveyor 173. The control unit 121 then drives the third track 174 to the left, thereby returning the container 216 to its original position.

[0345] As described above, in this embodiment, if at least one item 201 retrieved through picking is not temporarily stored in the storage bin 190, the first track 171 of the conveyor 170 transports the item 201 to the receiving area 103. If at least one item 201 retrieved through picking is temporarily stored in the storage bin 190, the second track 172 of the conveyor 170 transports the item 201 to the receiving area 103.

[0346] Therefore, according to this embodiment, items 201 that are received immediately after being picked and items 201 that are temporarily stored in the storage compartment 190 and then received can be transported to the receiving port simultaneously.

[0347] In the present embodiment, the storage library 190 is disposed in a position close to the reception area 103, as compared with the plurality of shelves 116 of the automated warehouse 110. Therefore, the reception time can be shortened.

[0348] In the present embodiment, at least a part of the storage library 190 is disposed above the second conveyer 114. Therefore, the vacant space can be effectively utilized.

[0349] In the present embodiment, the storage library 190, like the automated warehouse 110, separately stores each container 213 in two or more regions having different temperature settings, according to the kind of the article 201 housed in each container 213. For example, one or more shelves 191 are divided into four regions corresponding to four temperature zones of freezing, refrigeration, constant temperature, and normal temperature, and each container 213 is separately stored in the four regions, according to the kind of the article 200 housed in each container 213. Since the storage library 190 is disposed independently of the automated warehouse 110, the management of the temperature zones becomes easy without frequent opening / closing.

[0350] In the present embodiment, the storage library 190 can also store articles such as baggage deposited by the user 220. The control section 121 of the control device 120 drives the second track 172 in a direction opposite to the direction in which at least one article 201 is conveyed to the reception area 103, thereby conveying the article deposited by the user 220 to the storage library 190. That is, the second track 172 is controlled to be driven in a direction opposite to the direction in which at least one article 201 is conveyed to the reception area 103, thereby conveying the article deposited by the user 220 to the storage library 190. In the example of Figure 20 , the control section 121 moves the container 217 housing the article deposited by the user 220 from the reception box 180 to the conveyer 173. The control section 121 drives the conveyer 173 in the left direction, thereby conveying the container 217 to the storage library 190. The storage library 190 stores the container 217. The article deposited by the user 220 can be received by the user 220 in the same order as the articles 201 ordered by the user 220 and temporarily stored in the storage library 190.

[0351] Figure 21 The example of Figure 21 differs from the example of Figure 21 , in that the storage library 190 for the pre-order is present. In the example of ​ , the container 213 housing at least one article 201 taken out in advance by the picking is stored in the storage library 190. In the case where the user 220 receives the article 201, the article 201 is conveyed to the reception terminal 380 directly from the storage library 190 without passing through the picking area 102.

[0352] As one modification of the present embodiment, each container 213 can be attached with a temperature zone management function. For example, among four temperature zones of freezing, refrigeration, constant temperature, and normal temperature, the temperature zone to which each container 213 corresponds can be different. According to this modification, the temperature zones can be managed more reliably.

[0353] As one modification of the present embodiment, a dedicated receiving box can be provided, and the container 213 taken out from the storage 190 can be directly put into the receiving box without passing through the conveyor 170.

[0354] As one modification of the present embodiment, after a pre-order from a terminal device such as a smartphone of the user 220, the position of the terminal device can be confirmed, the arrival time of the user 220 can be predicted, and the item 201 received by the user 220 can be prepared according to the preparation time in advance calculated from the arrival time.

[0355] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and for example, a plurality of blocks described in the block diagram can be integrated, or one block can be divided. Instead of performing a plurality of steps described in the flowchart in time series according to the description, a plurality of steps described in the flowchart can be performed simultaneously or in different orders according to the processing capacity of the device that performs each step, or as needed. In addition, other changes can be made within the spirit of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An item management system, characterized in that, have: An automated warehouse has shelves for storing multiple containers each containing one or more items, a first conveyor adjacent to the shelves, and a second conveyor adjacent to the first conveyor, and transports containers containing at least one item received in a receiving area to a picking area adjacent to the receiving area. A control device controls or supports the picking of at least one item from a container moved from the automated warehouse in the picking area, moves a container containing the at least one item from the shelf to a first conveyor in response to a first operation by a user selecting the at least one item, and moves a container containing the at least one item from the first conveyor to a second conveyor in response to a second operation by the user confirming the purchase of the at least one item, and drives the second conveyor to bring the container containing the at least one item to the picking position.

2. The item management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Furthermore, it is equipped with a robotic arm, which performs the picking. The control device controls the picking process of the robotic arm.

3. The item management system according to claim 2, characterized in that, Before picking, the robotic arm learns the appearance of various items. When picking, the robotic arm observes the appearance of the items in the container being moved from the automated warehouse and identifies at least one item based on the learning and observation results.

4. The item management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The automated warehouse separates the multiple containers into two or more areas with different temperature settings, based on the types of items contained in each container.

5. The item management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Furthermore, it includes a database that stores the inventory information of the automated warehouse. The control device searches the database, identifies a container containing the at least one item, and causes the automated warehouse to move the identified container to the picking area.

6. The item management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes an input device that accepts both the first operation and the second operation. The first operation is the user adding the at least one item to the virtual shopping cart. The second operation is the user's settlement operation for the at least one item.

7. The item management system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The input device further accepts a third operation from the user to deselect the at least one item. The control device, in response to the third operation, returns the container containing the at least one item from the first conveyor to the shelf.

8. The item management system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The third operation is the user canceling the at least one item from the virtual shopping cart.

9. The item management system according to claim 6, characterized in that, Furthermore, it includes an output device that outputs a list of the types of items contained in the plurality of containers to the user. The input device accepts the following operation as part of the first operation: the user selects the at least one item from the list output by the output device.

10. The item management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The item management system is installed within the retailer's store.

11. The item management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The item management system can be installed in any facility, such as a gas station, train station, office building, or apartment.

12. The item management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shelf is a longitudinal rotating shelf.

13. The item management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The system further includes a third conveyor, which is arranged adjacent to the shelf below the first conveyor and below the second conveyor.

14. The item management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The system further includes a third conveyor, which is arranged adjacent to the shelf above the first conveyor and above the second conveyor.

15. A logistics system, characterized in that, The system comprises an item management system and a mobile robot according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the mobile robot delivers items moved into the automated warehouse to the item management system.

16. A logistics system, characterized in that, The system comprises an item management system according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and a drone, wherein the drone delivers items brought into the automated warehouse to the item management system.

17. A logistics system, characterized in that, The system comprises multiple item management systems and management devices, wherein the multiple item management systems are item management systems according to any one of claims 1 to 14, and the management devices perform unified monitoring and control of the multiple item management systems.

18. A method for managing items, characterized in that, An automated warehouse equipped with shelves for storing multiple containers, each containing one or more items, a first conveyor adjacent to the shelves, and a second conveyor adjacent to the first conveyor, moves containers containing at least one item received in a receiving area to a picking area adjacent to the receiving area. The control device controls or supports the picking of at least one item from a container moved out of the automated warehouse in the picking area. In response to a user's first operation of selecting the at least one item, the control device moves a container containing the at least one item from the shelf toward the first conveyor. In response to a second operation by the user confirming the purchase of the at least one item, the control device moves a container containing the at least one item from the first conveyor to the second conveyor. The control device drives the second conveyor to bring the container containing the at least one item to the picking position.

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