Information processing device and information processing method

Abstract

The invention relates to an information processing device and an information processing method. The information processing device includes a control unit that executes the operation of obtaining the inventory of the first commodity stored in the storage place based on the measured value indicating the cargo weight of the storage place obtained by a weight sensor installed in the storage place. The control unit executes: obtaining the weight of each of the first commodities; when the current measured value of the weight sensor increases or decreases compared with the previous measured value, judging whether the increase or decrease of the measured value is due to the addition or reduction of the first commodity based on each weight; updating the inventory of the first commodity when it is judged that the increase or decrease of the measured value is due to the addition or reduction of the first commodity, and not updating the inventory of the first commodity when it is judged that the increase or decrease of the measured value is not due to the addition or reduction of the first commodity. Thus, even when the storage place where the commodities to be stored are assumed to be stored is mixed with commodities that are not assumed, inventory management can be performed with higher accuracy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device and an information processing method. Background Art

[0002] A stock management system is disclosed that manages stock based on measurement data of a weight sensor that measures the weight of goods placed on a top plate of a box body, and orders the goods when the remaining quantity is less than the appropriate stock quantity (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-008331 Summary of the invention

[0005] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0006] However, the commodities placed on the top plate of the box are single commodities, and if other commodities are mixed in, the inventory quantity cannot be accurately grasped.

[0007] One object of the technical aspects of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing device and an information processing method that can perform inventory management with higher accuracy even when unintended commodities are mixed into a storage location (storage place) where assumed commodities are stored.

[0008] Technical solutions to solve problems

[0009] A technical solution disclosed in the present invention is an information processing device, which includes a control unit, which executes, based on the measurement value indicating the load weight of the storage place obtained by a weight sensor installed in the storage place, to obtain the inventory of the first commodity stored in the storage place, the control unit executes: obtaining the weight of each of the first commodities; in the case where the current measurement value of the weight sensor increases or decreases compared with the previous measurement value, based on the weight of each, determining whether the increase or decrease of the measurement value is attributed to the addition or reduction of the first commodity; and in the case where it is determined that the increase or decrease of the measurement value is attributed to the addition or reduction of the first commodity, updating the inventory, and in the case where it is determined that the increase or decrease of the measurement value is not attributed to the addition or reduction of the first commodity, not updating the inventory.

[0010] Another technical solution disclosed in the present invention is an information processing method, which enables a computer to execute an operation to obtain the inventory of the first commodity stored in the storage place based on a measurement value indicating the weight of the cargo in the storage place obtained by a weight sensor installed in the storage place, wherein the computer executes: obtaining the weight of each of the first commodities; in a case where the current measurement value of the weight sensor increases or decreases compared to the previous measurement value, based on the weight of each, determining whether the increase or decrease of the measurement value is attributed to the addition or reduction of the first commodity; and in a case where it is determined that the increase or decrease of the measurement value is attributed to the addition or reduction of the first commodity, updating the inventory, and in a case where it is determined that the increase or decrease of the measurement value is not attributed to the addition or reduction of the first commodity, not updating the inventory.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to one of the technical aspects of the present disclosure, even when unintended commodities are mixed in a storage location where commodities are supposed to be stored, inventory management can be performed with higher accuracy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the inventory management system according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the management server, sensor device, and user terminal according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the management server, the sensor device, and the user terminal according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 This is an example of information held in the inventory information database.

[0017] Figure 5 This is an example of a flowchart of a management process of the estimated inventory quantity of merchandise in the management server.

[0018] Figure 6 This is an example of a time chart showing changes in the estimated inventory quantity of products under inventory management by the inventory management system when products other than the products are not mixed into the storage location.

[0019] Figure 7 This is an example of a time chart of changes in the estimated inventory quantity of products based on inventory management based on the measurement value of the weight sensor when products other than the products are mixed.

[0020] Figure 8This is an example of a time chart of changes in the estimated inventory quantity of products in the inventory management by the inventory management system when products other than products are mixed into the storage location.

[0021] Fig. 9 This is an example of a flowchart of a management process of an estimated inventory quantity of a product by the management server according to Modification 1.

[0022] Fig.10 This is an example of a flowchart of a management process of the estimated inventory quantity of merchandise by the management server according to Modification 2.

[0023] Description of symbols

[0024] 1 management server; 2 sensor device; 3 user terminal; 4 external server; 11, 21 receiving unit; 12, 22 control unit; 13, 23 sending unit; 14 user information database (DB); 15 inventory information database; 100 inventory management system; 101, 201 CPU; 102, 202 memory; 103, 203 external storage device; 104 communication unit; 204 wireless communication unit; 205 weight sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] One technical solution disclosed in the present invention is an information processing device, which includes a control unit, wherein the control unit executes: based on the measurement value indicating the weight of the cargo in the storage place obtained by the weight sensor installed in the storage place, the inventory of the first commodity stored in the storage place is obtained. The control unit executes: obtaining the weight of each of the first commodities; when the current measurement value of the weight sensor increases or decreases compared to the previous measurement value, based on each weight, determining whether the increase or decrease of the measurement value is due to the addition or reduction of the first commodity. The control unit executes: when it is determined that the increase or decrease of the measurement value is due to the addition or reduction of the first commodity, the inventory of the first commodity is updated, and when it is determined that the increase or decrease of the measurement value is not due to the addition or reduction of the first commodity, the inventory of the first commodity is not updated.

[0026] The information processing device is, for example, a server. In addition, the information processing device may also be a personal computer (PC) located near the storage location or a computer connected to a weight sensor. The storage location may be, for example, a storage rack, a storage room (warehouse), or a box in a user's home, office, or factory.

[0027] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, when a product different from the first product is added to a storage location storing the first product, the stock quantity of the first product is not updated, so the stock quantity of the first product can be managed with higher accuracy.

[0028] In one technical solution of the present disclosure, the control unit may also determine whether the increase or decrease in the measured value is due to the addition or reduction of the first commodity, based on whether the increase or decrease in the measured value is a multiple of each weight. Thus, even without using a sensor other than a weight sensor, the addition or reduction of the first commodity to the storage place can be detected with higher accuracy. In addition, the addition or reduction of commodities other than the first commodity to the storage place can be detected.

[0029] In one technical solution of the present disclosure, the control unit may also confirm with the user associated with the storage location whether the increase or decrease in the measured value is reflected in the inventory amount when it is determined that the increase or decrease in the measured value is not due to the addition or reduction of the first commodity. It is possible to make commodities that are different from the first commodity but of the same type as the first commodity as the object of inventory management based on the requirement that commodities that are different from the first commodity but of the same type as the first commodity are stored in the same storage location. Commodities of the same type refer to commodities that are of the same variety as the first commodity although the brand is different. Specifically, in the case where the first commodity is brand A soy sauce, the commodity that is different from the first commodity but of the same type is brand B soy sauce.

[0030] In one technical solution of the present disclosure, the control unit may also determine whether the amount of increase or decrease in the measured value is a multiple of the weight of each of the other commodities when it is determined that the increase or decrease in the measured value is not due to the addition or reduction of the first commodity. The control unit may also notify the user associated with the storage place that other commodities are mixed into the storage place when the amount of increase or decrease in the measured value is a multiple of the weight of each of the other commodities. Thereby, it is possible to remind the user that other commodities are mixed into the storage place. For example, when the other commodities are commodities stored in other storage places with other weight sensors associated with the user, the user can be made aware of the error in the storage place.

[0031] In one technical solution of the present disclosure, the control unit may further send a signal for replenishing the first commodity when the inventory is less than a predetermined value. The signal for replenishing the first commodity may be, for example, a signal for placing an order for the first commodity. Alternatively, the signal for replenishing the first commodity may be a signal for notifying a user associated with the storage location that the inventory has become less than a predetermined value. Thus, assistance for maintaining the inventory of the first commodity at a certain amount can be provided.

[0032] In one technical solution of the present disclosure, the first commodity and the second commodity may be stored in a mixed manner in a storage place. In this case, the control unit may further obtain the weight of each of the second commodities. The control unit may determine whether the increase or decrease in the measured value is attributed to the addition or reduction of at least one of the first commodity and the second commodity based on the weight of each of the first commodity and the second commodity when the current measured value of the weight sensor increases or decreases compared to the previous measured value. In addition, the control unit may update at least one of the inventory of the first commodity and the inventory of the second commodity when it is determined that the increase or decrease in the measured value is attributed to the addition or reduction of at least one of the first commodity and the second commodity, and not update either of the inventory of the first commodity and the inventory of the second commodity when it is determined that the increase or decrease in the measured value is not attributed to the addition or reduction of the first commodity or the second commodity. The control unit may determine that the increase or decrease in the measured value is not due to the addition or reduction of the first and second commodities when the amount of increase or decrease in the measured value does not match the weight of any combination of the number of the first and second commodities. Thus, when the first and second commodities are mixed in the storage place, the inventory of the first commodity and the inventory of the second commodity can be managed without using a sensor other than a weight sensor.

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. The configurations of the following embodiments are illustrative only, and the present invention is not limited to the configurations of the embodiments.

[0034] <First embodiment>

[0035] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the inventory management system 100 according to the first embodiment. The inventory management system 100 is a system for managing the inventory of purchased goods stored in a predetermined storage location at a user's home or the like. The inventory management system 100 includes a management server 1, a sensor device 2 installed in a storage location 200, and a user terminal 3 of a user associated with the sensor device 2. Figure 1 In the example shown, the storage place 200 is a storage room or a shelf in the user's home. However, the storage place 200 is not limited thereto, and may be a box or a mat provided with the sensor device 2. In addition, the storage place 200 may be provided in an office or a factory, for example.

[0036] In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the commodities 500 stored in the storage place 200 are limited to a single commodity registered in advance. In addition, in the first embodiment, it is assumed that the commodities 500 are not spread over multiple stages but are placed on a single board whose weight can be detected by a single weight sensor.

[0037] The network N1 is, for example, a public network such as the Internet. The management server 1, the sensor device 2, and the user terminal 3 are connected to the network N1. The sensor device 2 and the user terminal 3 can communicate with the management server 1 through the network N1.

[0038] The sensor device 2 is, for example, a control device having a weight sensor for measuring the weight of an article placed in the storage place 200. The sensor device 2 may be a device sold integrally with the storage place 200, or may be a device sold separately and later installed in the storage place 200. The sensor device 2 is connected to the network N1 by wirelessly connecting to a relay device installed at home, for example.

[0039] The commodities 500 stored in the storage place 200 are, for example, beverages, food, condiments and other side dishes, daily necessities, detergents, etc. However, the items stored in the storage place 200 are not limited to these. For example, when the sensor device 2 measures the weight of the items placed in the storage place 200 at a predetermined period, the sensor device 2 sends the measured value to the management server 1. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the sensor device 2 may also send the measured value to the management server 1 when the weight of the items placed in the storage place 200 changes.

[0040] When receiving the measured value of the weight from the sensor device 2, the management server 1 updates the inventory of the commodities 500 stored in the storage place 200 when the amount of increase or decrease compared to the last measured value is a multiple of the weight of each commodity 500. On the other hand, when the amount of increase or decrease compared to the last measured value is not a multiple of the weight of each commodity 500, it is determined that commodities other than the commodity 500 have been added or reduced, and the inventory of the commodities 500 stored in the storage place 200 is not updated. Since the inventory of the commodities 500 stored in the storage place 200 grasped by the management server 1 is an estimated value, it is hereinafter referred to as the estimated inventory of the commodities 500.

[0041] When the estimated stock quantity of the commodity 500 is less than a predetermined value, the management server 1 transmits a signal for replenishing the commodity 500. The signal for replenishing the commodity 500 is, for example, a signal for ordering a predetermined quantity of the commodity 500 from the external server 4 or a signal for notifying the user that the stock of the commodity 500 is low. The signal for ordering the commodity 500 from the external server 4 and the signal for notifying the user that the stock of the commodity 500 is low are examples of the “signal for replenishing the first commodity”. The external server 4 is a server for managing a physical store or an online store.

[0042] According to the first embodiment, the estimated inventory quantity of the commodities 500 stored in the storage place 200 can be managed with high accuracy without using any sensor other than the weight sensor.

[0043] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the management server 1, the sensor device 2, and the user terminal 3 according to the first embodiment. The management server 1 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a memory 102, an external storage device 103, and a communication unit 104 as a hardware configuration. The memory 102 and the external storage device 103 are computer-readable recording media. The management server 1 is an example of an "information processing device".

[0044] The external storage device 103 stores various programs and data used by the CPU 101 when executing each program. The external storage device 103 is, for example, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM) and / or a hard disk drive (Hard Disk Drive). The programs stored in the external storage device 103 include, for example, an operating system (OS), a control program for the inventory management system 100, and various other application programs. The control program for the inventory management system 100 is a program for performing inventory management of the storage location 200.

[0045] The memory 102 is a storage device that provides a storage area and a work area for loading a program stored in the external storage device 103 or is used as a buffer for the CPU 101. The memory 102 includes semiconductor memories such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), for example.

[0046] The CPU 101 executes various processes by loading an operating system and various application programs stored in the external storage device 103 into the memory 102 and executing the programs. The number of CPUs 101 is not limited to one, and a plurality of CPUs 101 may be provided. The CPU 101 is an example of a "control unit".

[0047] The communication unit 104 is an interface for inputting and outputting information with the network. The communication unit 104 is, for example, a local area network (LAN) card. However, the communication unit 104 is not limited thereto, and may be, for example, an optical network unit (ONU) interface of an optical line. The hardware structure of the management server 1 is not limited to Figure 2 The structure shown.

[0048] The sensor device 2 includes a CPU 201, a memory 202, an external storage device 203, a wireless communication unit 204, and a weight sensor 205 as a hardware configuration. The CPU 201, the memory 202, and the external storage device 203 are the same as the CPU 101, the memory 102, and the external storage device 103, respectively.

[0049] The wireless communication unit 204 is an interface for inputting and outputting information with the network. The wireless communication unit 204 performs wireless communication such as WiFi or BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy), for example, by connecting to a relay device such as an access point installed in the user's home, accessing the network N1, and communicating with the management server 1.

[0050] The weight sensor 205 measures the weight of the articles placed in the storage place 200 at a predetermined period, for example. The measurement period of the weight sensor 205 is arbitrarily set, for example, within a range of 100 milliseconds to 1 minute. The weight sensor 205 outputs the measured value to the CPU 201. In addition, there may be multiple weight sensors 205 connected to the sensor device 2. For example, in the case where the storage place 200 is a storage rack including multiple shelves, each shelf is equipped with a weight sensor 205, and the estimated inventory of the goods 500 stored on each shelf is summed up, thereby managing the estimated inventory of the goods 500 stored in the storage place 200.

[0051] Next, the user terminal 3 includes a CPU 301, a memory 302, an external storage device 303, a wireless communication unit 304, and a touch panel display 305 as a hardware structure. The CPU 301, the memory 302, and the external storage device 303 are the same as the CPU 101, the memory 102, and the external storage device 103. The client application of the inventory management system 100 is stored in the external storage device 303.

[0052] The wireless communication unit 304 is connected to the network N1 by a predetermined wireless communication method. The wireless communication unit 304 performs wireless communication such as mobile wireless communication methods such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-Advanced, and 5G, or WiFi.

[0053] The touch panel display 305 receives operation input from the user and outputs it to the CPU 301. In addition, the touch panel display 305 displays an image input from the CPU 301. Figure 2 The hardware configurations of the management server 1 , the sensor device 2 , and the user terminal 3 shown are examples, and are not limited thereto.

[0054] Figure 31 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the management server 1, the sensor device 2, and the user terminal 3 according to the first embodiment. First, the sensor device 2 includes a receiving unit 21, a control unit 22, and a transmitting unit 23 as functional configurations. These functional configuration elements are implemented by the CPU 201 of the sensor device 2 executing a predetermined program in the external storage device 203.

[0055] The receiving unit 21 and the transmitting unit 23 are interfaces with the management server 1. The transmitting unit 23 transmits data input from the control unit 22 to the management server 1 via the wireless communication unit 204. The receiving unit 21 receives data from the management server 1 via the wireless communication unit 204 and outputs the received data to the control unit 22.

[0056] The control unit 22 receives an input of a measured value obtained by measuring the weight of the article placed in the storage place 200 at a predetermined period from the weight sensor 205. When receiving the input of the measured value of the weight of the article placed in the storage place 200 from the weight sensor 205, the control unit 22 generates weight information and transmits it to the management server 1 through the transmission unit 23. The weight information includes, for example, a time stamp, identification information of the weight sensor 205, and a measured value.

[0057] Next, the management server 1 includes a receiving unit 11, a control unit 12, a transmitting unit 13, a user information DB 14, and a stock information DB 15 as functional components. These functional components are implemented by the CPU 101 executing a control program of the stock management system 100.

[0058] The receiving unit 11 and the transmitting unit 13 are interfaces with the network N1. The receiving unit 11 receives data from, for example, the sensor device 2, the user terminal 3, and the external server 4 via the network N1, and outputs the data to the control unit 12. The transmitting unit 13 transmits the data input from the control unit 12 to the user terminal 3 via the network N1.

[0059] The control unit 12 receives weight information from the sensor device 2 through the receiving unit 11. The control unit 12 compares the last measured value with the current measured value, and determines whether the current measured value is increased or decreased compared with the previous measured value. In the case where the current measured value is increased or decreased compared with the previous measured value, the control unit 12 determines whether the weight increased or decreased compared with the previous measured value is a multiple of the weight of each commodity 500. In the case where the weight increased or decreased compared with the previous measured value is a multiple of the weight of each commodity 500, the control unit 12 determines that commodities 500 are added or reduced in the storage place 200, and updates the estimated inventory of commodities 500 in the inventory information DB15. In the case where the current measured value is increased compared with the previous measured value, the estimated inventory is updated by adding an amount corresponding to the increased weight. In the case where the current measured value is decreased compared with the previous measured value, the estimated inventory is updated by subtracting an amount corresponding to the decreased weight. In addition, the estimated inventory quantity may be expressed by weight or by the number of commodities 500.

[0060] In the first embodiment, when the current measurement value is not increased or decreased from the previous measurement value, and when the weight increased or decreased from the previous measurement value is not a multiple of the weight of each commodity 500, the control unit 12 does not update the estimated inventory quantity of the commodity 500. This is because the control unit 12 determines that commodities other than the commodity 500 are added or reduced in the storage place 200 when the weight increased or decreased from the previous measurement value is not a multiple of the weight of each commodity 500.

[0061] When the estimated stock quantity of the commodity 500 is less than a predetermined value, the control unit 12 executes a process of ordering a predetermined quantity of the commodity 500 from the external server 4, for example, and notifies the user terminal 3 that the stock quantity of the commodity 500 is low. The threshold value of the stock quantity used in this process may be different for each commodity 500. In addition, the threshold value used in this process may be specified by the user.

[0062] The user information DB 14 and the inventory information DB 15 are created in the storage area of ​​the external storage device 103 of the management server 1. The user information DB 14 stores user information related to the user. The user information includes, for example, the user's identification information, the user's name, the user's address, and the identification information of the weight sensor 205. The user information may also include information related to automatic ordering. The information related to automatic ordering includes, for example, the identification information of the target product of the automatic ordering and the order quantity for one delivery.

[0063] The stock information DB 15 stores information on the commodities 500 stored in the storage location 200 where the sensor device 2 is installed. Details of the information stored in the stock information DB 15 will be described later.

[0064] Next, the user terminal 3 includes a receiving unit 31, a control unit 32, and a transmitting unit 33 as functional components. These functional components are implemented by the CPU 301 executing a client application of the inventory management system 100.

[0065] The receiving unit 31 and the transmitting unit 33 are interfaces with the management server 1. The transmitting unit 33 transmits data input from the control unit 32 to the management server 1 via the wireless communication unit 304. The receiving unit 31 receives data from the management server 1 via the wireless communication unit 304 and outputs the received data to the control unit 32.

[0066] The control unit 32 displays the notification received from the management server 1 via the reception unit 31 on, for example, the touch panel display 305. In addition, the response input by the user via the touch panel display 305 is transmitted to the management server 1 via the transmission unit 33.

[0067] In addition, the functional configurations of the management server 1, the sensor device 2, and the user terminal 3 are not limited to Figure 3 For example, the sensor device 2 may perform a part of the processing of the management server 1.

[0068] Figure 4 This is an example of information stored in the inventory information DB 15. The inventory information DB 15 stores an inventory information table for each user. The inventory information table includes fields for sensor ID, product ID, weight of each product, and estimated inventory quantity.

[0069] The sensor ID field stores identification information of the weight sensor 205. The commodity ID field stores identification information of the commodity 500 stored in the storage location 200 corresponding to the weight sensor 205. The weight of each commodity 500 is stored in the weight field. The estimated inventory field stores the estimated inventory of the commodity 500 stored in the storage location 200 corresponding to the weight sensor 205. Either the weight or the number of commodities can be stored in the estimated inventory field.

[0070] The values ​​of the sensor ID, product ID, and individual weight fields of the inventory information table are registered by the user, for example, via the user terminal 3. Alternatively, the value of the individual weight field may be acquired from the Web by the control unit 12 based on the value of the product ID field.

[0071] The estimated inventory field is updated by the control unit 12 based on the weight information from the sensor device 2. In addition, for example, when a commodity 500 is stored on a plurality of shelves and the inventory is managed by a plurality of weight sensors 205, the estimated inventory of the commodity 500 is the sum of the values ​​of the estimated inventory fields of the entries whose commodity ID fields are the identification information of the commodity 500.

[0072] In addition, the information stored in the inventory information table is not limited to Figure 4 The information shown. In addition, the method of registering, updating and deleting entries in the inventory information table is not limited to the above-mentioned method. For example, the inventory information table may also have a field for maintaining the threshold value of the inventory quantity of the product 500. The threshold value of the inventory quantity of the product 500 may also be specified by the user, for example. In addition, the inventory information table may also have a field for specifying an action to be performed when the estimated inventory quantity of the product 500 is less than the threshold value. The action to be performed when the estimated inventory quantity of the product 500 is less than the threshold value is, for example, automatic ordering of the product 500 and notification of the low inventory of the product 500.

[0073] <Processing Flow>

[0074] Figure 5 This is an example of a flowchart of a management process of the estimated inventory quantity of the merchandise 500 by the management server 1 . Figure 5 The processing shown is repeatedly executed in a predetermined cycle. Figure 5 The processing shown is mainly executed by the CPU 101, but for the sake of convenience, the functional components are mainly described. The same applies to the following flowcharts.

[0075] In OP101, the control unit 12 determines whether the weight information is received from the sensor device 2 through the receiving unit 11. When the weight information is received from the sensor device 2 (OP101: Yes), the process proceeds to OP102. When the weight information is not received from the sensor device 2 (OP101: No), Figure 5 The processing shown ends. In addition, when weight information is received, the control unit 12 stores the received weight information in a predetermined storage area of ​​the memory 102. At this time, the weight information received last time can be overwritten (rewritten) with the weight information received this time to update the weight information, or the weight information of the most recent predetermined number of times including the weight information received this time can be kept.

[0076] In OP102, the control unit 12 compares the measured value contained in the received weight information with the measured value contained in the previous weight information from the sensor device 2 to determine whether the measured value this time has increased or decreased compared to the previous measured value. If the measured value this time has increased or decreased compared to the previous measured value (OP102: Yes), the processing proceeds to OP103. If the measured value this time has not increased or decreased compared to the previous measured value (OP102: No), Figure 5 The processing shown ends. In addition, when the weight information is received for the first time, since there is no previous measurement value, the previous measurement value is regarded as 0, and since the measurement value increases, the determination of OP102 is affirmative.

[0077] In OP103, the control unit 12 determines whether the amount of increase or decrease in the current measurement value compared to the previous measurement value is a multiple of the weight of each commodity 500. The weight of each commodity 500 is obtained from the following value: the value of the weight field of each entry in the inventory information table in the inventory information DB15 that matches the identification information of the user included in the received weight information, and the value of the sensor ID field that matches the identification information of the weight sensor included in the received weight information. In a case where the amount of increase or decrease in the current measurement value compared to the previous measurement value is a multiple of the weight of each commodity 500 (OP103: Yes), the processing proceeds to OP104. In a case where the amount of increase or decrease in the current measurement value compared to the previous measurement value is not a multiple of the weight of each commodity 500 (OP103: No), Figure 5 The shown processing ends.

[0078] In OP104, the control unit 12 updates the estimated inventory of the commodity 500 managed by the corresponding weight sensor based on the measured value included in the weight information received in OP101. More specifically, the control unit 12 updates the value of the estimated inventory field of the entry in the inventory information table in the inventory information DB15 that matches the identification information of the user included in the received weight information and in which the value of the sensor ID field matches the identification information of the weight sensor included in the received weight information. When the estimated inventory is weight, the control unit 12 updates the value of the estimated inventory field of the corresponding entry in the inventory information DB15 by adding the increase in the measured value or subtracting the decrease in the measured value. When the estimated inventory quantity is the number of items, the control unit 12 updates the value of the estimated inventory quantity field of the corresponding entry in the inventory information DB 15 by adding a value obtained by dividing the amount of increase in the current measurement value compared to the previous measurement value by the weight of each item 500, or by subtracting a value obtained by dividing the amount of decrease in the current measurement value compared to the previous measurement value by the weight of each item 500 from the value of the estimated inventory quantity field of the corresponding entry in the inventory information DB 15.

[0079] In OP105, the control unit 12 determines whether the estimated inventory quantity of the commodity 500 is less than a predetermined value. In the case where the commodity 500 is managed by a plurality of weight sensors 205, that is, in the case where there are a plurality of entries whose commodity ID field values ​​match the identification information of the commodity 500 in the inventory information table of the corresponding user in the inventory information DB 15, the total value of the estimated inventory quantity field values ​​of the plurality of entries is used as the estimated inventory quantity of the commodity 500 in OP105.

[0080] If the estimated inventory quantity of the product 500 is less than the predetermined value (OP105: Yes), the process proceeds to OP106. If the estimated inventory quantity of the product 500 is greater than the predetermined value (OP105: No), Figure 5 The shown processing ends.

[0081] In OP106, the control unit 12 orders a predetermined amount of merchandise 500 from the external server 4. Figure 5 The processing shown ends. Figure 5 The processing shown is an example, and the management processing of the estimated inventory quantity of the product 500 by the management server 1 is not limited to Figure 5 For example, the processing in OP106 may be processing for issuing a signal for replenishing the product 500, and may be, for example, notifying the user terminal 3 that the stock is low. The signal for automatically ordering the product 500 and the signal for notifying that the stock of the product 500 is low are each an example of a "signal for replenishing the product 500".

[0082] use Figure 6 to Figure 8, a specific example of the change in the amount of commodities stored in the storage place 200 will be described. Figure 6 This is an example of a time chart of the change of the estimated inventory quantity of the commodity 500 based on the inventory management of the inventory management system 100 when all commodities stored in the storage place 200 are commodities 500, that is, when commodities other than the commodity 500 are not mixed into the storage place 200. Times T0 to T5 are respectively the timings at which the quantity of the commodity 500 stored in the storage place 200 is measured.

[0083] First, for Figure 6 to Figure 8 In general, the following conditions are assumed: (1) each product 500 weighs 50 g (grams); (2) the threshold for sending a signal for replenishing the product 500 is 75 g, and the order quantity for one automatic order is 3 products 500 (150 g); (3) at time T0, 100 g (2 products) of the product 500 are stored in the storage place 200. The solid line graph is the actual weight of the product 500 stored in the storage place 200 (the measured value of the weight sensor 205), and the value in the brackets indicates the actual inventory of the product 500 stored in the storage place 200.

[0084] exist Figure 6 At time T1, one (50 g) commodity 500 is added to the storage location 200, and the measured value of the weight sensor 205 increases by 50 g ( Figure 5 OP102: Yes). The management server 1 calculates the increase in the measured value (50 g) as the weight of each product 500 (50 g) ( Figure 5 OP103: Yes), so the estimated inventory quantity is updated by adding the increase in the measured value of the weight sensor 205 (50g) ( Figure 5 The estimated inventory at time T1 is 150 g.

[0085] At time T2 and time T3, one commodity 500 is taken out from the storage place 200. The measured values ​​of the weight sensor 205 at time T2 and time T3 are 100g and 50g, respectively, and are reduced by 50g ( Figure 5 OP102: Yes). At each of time T2 and T3, the management server 1 calculates the weight (50 g) of each commodity 500 because the decrease in the measured value (50 g) is ( Figure 5 OP103: Yes), so the estimated inventory quantity is updated by subtracting the decrease (50g) in the measured value of the weight sensor 205 ( Figure 5 OP104). The estimated inventory amount at time T2 becomes 100 g. The estimated inventory amount at time T3 becomes 50 g.

[0086] At time T3, the estimated inventory quantity (50 g) of the product 500 is less than the inventory threshold of 75 g ( Figure 5 OP105 : Yes), therefore, the management server 1 orders 3 commodities 500 from the external server 4 .

[0087] At time T4, three commodities 500 are delivered to the user's home through automatic ordering, and the three commodities 500 are added to the storage place 200. The measured value of the weight sensor 205 becomes 200g, which increases by 150g ( Figure 5 OP102: Yes). The management server 1 determines that the increase in the measured value (150 g) is three times the weight of each item 500 (50 g). Figure 5 OP103: Yes), so the estimated inventory quantity is updated (150g) using the increase in the measured value of the weight sensor 205. Figure 5 The estimated inventory at time T4 is 200 g.

[0088] Therefore, in Figure 6 In the example shown, when no commodity other than the commodity 500 is mixed into the storage place 200 , the measurement value of the weight sensor 205 and the estimated inventory quantity of the commodity 500 grasped by the management server 1 change to the same value.

[0089] Figure 7 This is an example of a time chart showing changes in the estimated inventory quantity of the product 500 based on inventory management based on the measurement value of the weight sensor when a product other than the product 500 is mixed in. Figure 7 In this case, the inventory management of the inventory management system 100 is not applied, and the inventory management is performed only based on the measurement value of the weight sensor.

[0090] exist Figure 7 At time T1, it is assumed that one commodity A with a weight different from that of commodity 500 is added to storage place 200. It is assumed that each commodity A weighs 90 g. At this time, the measured value of the weight sensor of storage place 200 becomes 190 g. In addition, the inventory of commodity 500 at time T1 is 100 g.

[0091] At time T2, one commodity 500 is taken out from the storage place 200, and the measured value of the weight sensor of the storage place 200 becomes 140g. On the other hand, the inventory of commodity 500 at time T2 is 50g. Since the inventory of commodity 500 at time T2 (50g) is less than the inventory threshold (75g), it is reasonable to send a signal for replenishing commodity 500. However, at Figure 7, the measured value of the weight sensor at time T2 is 140 g, and the measured value of the weight sensor is recognized as the inventory of commodity 500. Therefore, it is not recognized that the inventory of commodity 500 is lower than the threshold value (75 g), and since a signal for replenishing commodity 500 is not sent, commodity 500 is not replenished.

[0092] At time T3, one commodity 500 is taken out from the storage place 200, and the measured value of the weight sensor of the storage place 200 becomes 90g. In this case, as in time T2, although the inventory quantity (0g) of the commodity 500 at time T3 is lower than the inventory quantity threshold value (75g), the measured value of the weight sensor at time T3 is 90g, which is not lower than the inventory quantity threshold value (75g), and thus the commodity 500 is not replenished.

[0093] Therefore, in Figure 7 In the example shown, when inventory management is performed based on the measured value of the weight sensor, if a commodity other than the commodity 500 is mixed into the storage place 200, the inventory amount of the commodity 500 actually stored in the storage place 200 and the inventory amount of the commodity 500 grasped by the system side may deviate. As a result, for example, there is a possibility that the replenishment of the commodity 500 is not performed as the user expects.

[0094] Figure 8 This is an example of a time chart of changes in the estimated inventory quantity of the commodity 500 based on the inventory management of the inventory management system 100 when commodities other than the commodity 500 are mixed into the storage place 200. Figure 8 In FIG. 1 , the solid line graph represents the measurement value of the weight sensor 205 . The dotted line graph represents the estimated inventory quantity of the commodity 500 grasped by the management server 1 .

[0095] exist Figure 8 At time T1, a commodity A (90 g) different from commodity 500 is added to storage location 200, and the measured value of weight sensor 205 becomes 190 g, an increase of 90 g ( Figure 5 OP102: Yes). The management server 1 determines that the increase in the measured value (90 g) is not the weight (50 g) of each product 500. Figure 5 OP103: No), the estimated inventory quantity (100 g) of the product 500 is not updated. Accordingly, the estimated inventory quantity at time T1 is 100 g.

[0096] At time T2, one commodity 500 is taken out from the storage place 200. The measured value of the weight sensor 205 at time T2 becomes 140g, which is reduced by 50g ( Figure 5OP102: Yes). At time T2, the management server 1 calculates the weight of each commodity 500 (50 g) because the decrease in the measured value (50 g) is equal to ( Figure 5 OP103: Yes), so the estimated inventory quantity is updated by subtracting the decrease (50g) in the measured value of the weight sensor 205 ( Figure 5 The estimated inventory amount at time T2 becomes 50 g.

[0097] At time T2, the estimated inventory quantity (50 g) of the product 500 is less than the inventory threshold value of 75 g ( Figure 5 OP105 : Yes), therefore, the management server 1 orders 3 commodities 500 from the external server 4 .

[0098] At time T3, three commodities 500 are delivered to the user's home through automatic ordering, and the three commodities 500 are added to the storage place 200. As a result, the measured value of the weight sensor 205 becomes 290g, which increases by 150g ( Figure 5 OP102: Yes). The management server 1 determines that the increase in the measured value (150 g) is three times the weight of each product 500 (50 g). Figure 5 OP103: Yes), so the estimated inventory quantity is updated by adding the increase in the measured value of the weight sensor 205 (150g) ( Figure 5 The estimated inventory at time T4 is 200 g.

[0099] Therefore, in Figure 8 In the example shown, even if goods other than the goods 500 are mixed into the storage place 200, according to the inventory management of the inventory management system 100, the measured value of the weight sensor 205 and the estimated inventory quantity of the goods 500 known by the management server 1 also shift by the same value.

[0100] <Functions and Effects of the First Embodiment>

[0101] According to the first embodiment, the estimated inventory quantity of the commodities stored in the storage place 200 is updated according to whether the amount of increase or decrease in the measured value of the weight sensor 205 installed in the storage place 200 is a multiple of the weight of each commodity 500. As a result, the inventory quantity of the commodities 500 stored in the storage place 200 can be managed with higher accuracy. Highly accurate means that the quantity of the commodities 500 stored in the storage place 200 grasped by the management server 1 matches the quantity of the commodities 500 actually stored in the storage place 200.

[0102] In the first embodiment, even without using any sensor other than the weight sensor 205, the inventory amount of the commodities 500 stored in the storage place 200 can be managed with higher accuracy, and therefore the configuration of the sensor device 2 can be further simplified.

[0103] In the first embodiment, when the estimated stock quantity of the commodity 500 is less than a predetermined value, the management server 1 transmits a signal for replenishing the commodity 500. This increases the possibility of replenishing the commodity 500 to the storage place 200, and thus makes it possible to facilitate the stock management of the commodity 500.

[0104] <Variation 1>

[0105] In the first embodiment, when the amount of increase or decrease in the measurement value of the weight sensor 205 installed in the storage place 200 is not a multiple of the weight of each commodity 500, the estimated inventory quantity of the commodity 500 is not updated. However, there is a case where the commodity corresponding to the amount of increase or decrease in the measurement value is the same type of commodity as the commodity 500, and the user wants to manage the commodity in the same manner as the commodity 500.

[0106] Therefore, in the first modification, when the amount of increase or decrease in the measured value of the weight sensor 205 installed in the storage place 200 is not a multiple of the weight of each commodity 500, the management server 1 inquires the user whether to make a commodity corresponding to the amount of increase or decrease in the measured value a management target. When the user answers that the commodity is to be made a management target, the management server 1 reflects the amount of increase or decrease in the measured value on the estimated inventory quantity of the commodity 500.

[0107] Fig. 9 FIG. 1 is an example of a flowchart of a management process of an estimated inventory quantity of a product 500 by the management server 1 according to the first modification. Fig. 9 In the first embodiment, the management process of the estimated inventory quantity of the commodity 500 of the management server 1 is performed ( Figure 5 ) The same processing is assigned the same number.

[0108] exist Fig. 9 In the case where weight information is received from the sensor device 2 (OP101: Yes), the current measurement value increases or decreases compared to the previous measurement value (OP102: Yes), and the amount of increase or decrease in the measurement value is not a multiple of the weight of each commodity 500 (OP103: No), the processing proceeds to OP201.

[0109] In OP201, the control unit 12 sends an inquiry to the user terminal 3 as to whether the commodity to be added or reduced is to be managed in the storage place 200. In OP202, the control unit 12 determines whether an affirmative answer is received from the user terminal 3. When an affirmative answer is received from the user terminal 3 (OP202: Yes), the process proceeds to OP104, and the estimated inventory quantity of the commodity 500 is updated (OP104).

[0110] According to Modification 1, when the commodity mixed in the storage place 200 is a commodity that the user wishes to manage together with the commodity 500, the commodity mixed in the storage place 200 can be managed.

[0111] <Variation 2>

[0112] For example, consider a case where one shelf in a storage rack having a plurality of shelves is the storage location 200 for commodity 500 and another shelf is used as a storage location for another commodity B, and commodity B is mistakenly placed in the storage location for commodity 500. In variation 2, in this case, the management server 1 sends an error to the user terminal 3 to alert the user to the mistake in the storage location for commodity B.

[0113] Fig.10 FIG. 2 is an example of a flowchart of a management process of an estimated inventory quantity of a product 500 by the management server 1 according to Modification 2. Fig.10 In the first embodiment, the management process of the estimated inventory quantity of the commodity 500 of the management server 1 is performed ( Figure 5 ) The same processing is assigned the same number.

[0114] exist Fig.10 In the case where weight information is received from the sensor device 2 (OP101: Yes), the current measurement value increases or decreases compared to the previous measurement value (OP102: Yes), and the amount of increase or decrease in the measurement value is not a multiple of the weight of each commodity 500 (OP103: No), the processing proceeds to OP301.

[0115] In OP301, the control unit 12 determines whether the amount of increase or decrease in the measured value is a multiple of the weight of each commodity associated with other sensors in the user's inventory information table included in the weight information in the inventory information DB 15. In the case where the amount of increase or decrease in the measured value is a multiple of the weight of each commodity associated with other sensors (OP301: Yes), the processing proceeds to OP302. In the case where the amount of increase or decrease in the measured value is not a multiple of the weight of each commodity associated with other sensors (OP301: No), Fig.10 The shown processing ends.

[0116] In OP302, the control unit 12 sends an error message to the user terminal 3 indicating that a commodity that should be stored in another storage location has been mixed in. Fig.10 The shown processing ends.

[0117] According to Modification 2, for example, when a user mistakenly stores a product, the user can be alerted to this fact.

[0118] <Other embodiments>

[0119] The above-described embodiment is merely an example, and the present invention can be implemented with appropriate modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0120] In the first embodiment and the modified example, it is assumed that a single commodity 500 is stored in a storage place 200. Without limitation to this, when the weight of each of the two commodities is different and the weight of each of the two commodities is not a multiple of the weight of each of the other commodities, a plurality of commodities may be stored in a storage place 200. For example, a case where commodity #1 and commodity #2 are stored in a storage place will be described. In this case, for example, the control unit 12 Figure 5 It is sufficient to determine in OP103 whether the increase or decrease in the measured value of weight sensor 205 is equivalent to the weight of the combination of the number of goods #1 and goods #2. The combination of the number of goods #1 and goods #2 is a combination within the range where the total weight of goods #1 and goods #2 does not exceed the increase or decrease in the measured value. In addition, the combination of the number of goods #1 and goods #2 also includes the case where the number of goods #1 is 0 or the number of goods #2 is 0. In addition, inventory management can be performed in the same manner even when three or more different goods are stored in the storage place 200.

[0121] The processes and units described in the present disclosure can be implemented in combination as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

[0122] In addition, a process described as being performed by one device may be shared and executed by multiple devices. Alternatively, a process described as being performed by different devices may be executed by one device. The hardware structure (server structure) by which each function is implemented in the computer system can be flexibly changed.

[0123] The present invention can also be implemented by providing a computer with a computer program having the functions described in the above embodiments, and one or more processors of the computer reading and executing the program. Such a computer program can be provided to the computer via a non-transient computer-readable storage medium that can be connected to the system bus of the computer, or can be provided to the computer via a network. Non-transient computer-readable storage media include, for example, any type of disk (floppy disk (registered trademark), hard disk drive (HDD), etc.), optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD disk / Blu-ray disk, etc.), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic card, flash memory, optical card, and any type of medium suitable for storing electronic commands.

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising a control unit, the control unit executing, based on a measurement value indicating a load weight of the storage place obtained by a weight sensor provided in the storage place, obtaining a stock quantity of a first commodity stored in the storage place, The control unit performs: Obtaining the weight of each of the first commodities; When the current measurement value of the weight sensor increases or decreases compared to the previous measurement value, determining whether the increase or decrease in the measurement value is due to the addition or reduction of the first product based on the weight of each product; and if it is determined that the increase or decrease in the measured value is due to the addition or reduction of the first product, the inventory quantity is updated, and if it is determined that the increase or decrease in the measured value is not due to the addition or reduction of the first product, the inventory quantity is not updated, The control unit, determining whether the increase or decrease in the measured value is due to the addition or reduction of the first product based on whether the increase or decrease in the measured value is a multiple of the weight of each product; If it is determined that the increase or decrease in the measured value is not due to the addition or reduction of the first product, determining whether the amount of increase or decrease in the measured value is a multiple of the weight of each of the other products, When the amount of increase or decrease in the measured value is a multiple of the weight of each of the other commodities, a user associated with the storage location is notified that the other commodities have been mixed in the storage location.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, When the control unit determines that the increase or decrease in the measured value is not due to the addition or reduction of the first product, the control unit confirms with a user associated with the storage location whether the increase or decrease in the measured value is reflected in the inventory amount.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1, The other commodity is a commodity associated with the user and stored in another storage location equipped with another weight sensor.

4. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The control unit further executes transmission of a signal for replenishing the first product when the inventory amount is less than a predetermined value.

5. The information processing device according to claim 4, The control unit transmits, as the signal, a signal for placing an order for the first product.

6. The information processing device according to claim 4, The control unit transmits, as the signal, a signal for notifying a user associated with the storage location that the inventory amount has become smaller than a predetermined value.

7. The information processing device according to claim 1, When the first product and the second product are stored together in the storage place, The control unit performs: further obtaining the weight of each of the second commodities; When the current measurement value of the weight sensor increases or decreases compared to the previous measurement value, based on the weight of each of the first product and the second product, determining whether the increase or decrease in the measurement value is due to the addition or reduction of at least one of the first product and the second product; and When it is determined that the increase or decrease of the measured value is attributed to the addition or reduction of at least one of the first product and the second product, at least one of the inventory quantity of the first product and the inventory quantity of the second product is updated; when it is determined that the increase or decrease of the measured value is not attributed to the addition or reduction of the first product or the second product, neither the inventory quantity of the first product nor the inventory quantity of the second product is updated.

8. The information processing device according to claim 7, The control unit determines that the increase or decrease in the measured value is not due to the addition or reduction of the first product and the second product when the amount of increase or decrease in the measured value does not match the weight of any combination of the number of the first product and the second product.

9. An information processing method, comprising causing a computer to execute a process of obtaining the inventory amount of a first commodity stored in a storage location based on a measurement value indicating the weight of cargo in the storage location obtained by a weight sensor installed in the storage location, The computer executes: Obtaining the weight of each of the first commodities; When the current measurement value of the weight sensor increases or decreases compared to the previous measurement value, determining whether the increase or decrease in the measurement value is due to the addition or reduction of the first product based on the weight of each product; and if it is determined that the increase or decrease in the measured value is due to the addition or reduction of the first product, the inventory quantity is updated, and if it is determined that the increase or decrease in the measured value is not due to the addition or reduction of the first product, the inventory quantity is not updated, In the information processing method, determining whether the increase or decrease in the measured value is due to the addition or reduction of the first product based on whether the increase or decrease in the measured value is a multiple of the weight of each product; If it is determined that the increase or decrease in the measured value is not due to the addition or reduction of the first product, determining whether the amount of increase or decrease in the measured value is a multiple of the weight of each of the other products, When the amount of increase or decrease in the measured value is a multiple of the weight of each of the other commodities, a user associated with the storage location is notified that the other commodities have been mixed in the storage location.

10. The information processing method according to claim 9, If it is determined that the increase or decrease in the measured value is not due to the addition or reduction of the first product, a user associated with the storage location is asked to confirm whether the increase or decrease in the measured value is reflected in the inventory amount.

11. The information processing method according to claim 9, The other commodity is a commodity associated with the user and stored in another storage location equipped with another weight sensor.

12. The information processing method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, When the inventory amount is less than a predetermined value, a signal for replenishing the first product is further transmitted.

13. The information processing method according to claim 12, As the signal, a signal for placing an order for the first product is transmitted.

14. The information processing method according to claim 12, As the signal, a signal for notifying a user associated with the storage location that the inventory amount has become smaller than a predetermined value is transmitted.

15. The information processing method according to claim 9, When the first product and the second product are stored together in the storage place, executing: further obtaining the weight of each of the second commodities; When the current measurement value of the weight sensor increases or decreases compared to the previous measurement value, based on the weight of each of the first product and the second product, determining whether the increase or decrease in the measurement value is due to the addition or reduction of at least one of the first product and the second product; and When it is determined that the increase or decrease of the measured value is attributed to the addition or reduction of at least one of the first product and the second product, at least one of the inventory quantity of the first product and the inventory quantity of the second product is updated; when it is determined that the increase or decrease of the measured value is not attributed to the addition or reduction of the first product or the second product, neither the inventory quantity of the first product nor the inventory quantity of the second product is updated.

16. The information processing method according to claim 15, If the amount of increase or decrease in the measured value does not match the weight of any combination of the number of the first product and the second product, it is determined that the increase or decrease in the measured value is not due to the addition or reduction of the first product and the second product.

Images