Order delivery system for fruit, order delivery method for fruit, and fruit cultivation facility

Abstract

To provide a method and system for order delivery of fruit, for harvesting and delivering high-value-added fruit to a consumer.SOLUTION: A method that directly delivers a fruit grown in a fruit cultivation facility without passing through an intermediate organization, etc. after harvesting the fruit in response to an order from a consumer, has: an order waiting step of initiating a waiting state to await an order from a consumer for the fruit when the fruit has reached a state of maturity suitable for harvesting; a delivery destination confirmation step of confirming that the delivery destination is within a predetermined distance from the fruit cultivation facility by referring to the delivery destination information included in the order when the order is received from the consumer in the waiting state; a harvesting step of harvesting the fruit corresponding to the order on the condition that the delivery destination is confirmed to be within a predetermined distance in the delivery destination confirmation step; a packaging step of packaging the fruits harvested in the harvesting step; and a delivery step of directly delivering the fruit packages made in the packaging step to the consumer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ordering and delivery system and method for fresh produce and a fresh produce cultivation facility, and more specifically to an ordering and delivery method for fresh produce that can deliver fresh produce to consumers within an extremely short time after ordering. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been a demand for high added value for fresh produce (including vegetables and fruit; the same applies below) in terms of freshness, taste, safety, etc.

[0003] Regarding freshness, the traditional method of purchasing fruits and vegetables from retailers via wholesalers and other parties requires complex processes such as cultivation, harvesting, packing, delivery, storage, processing, storage, display, retailing, and delivery, and currently it generally takes more than 10 days from harvest to delivery to the dining table.In addition to this, not only does the cost of going through intermediate groups increase as an intermediate margin, but the freshness of fruits and vegetables is significantly lost due to damage caused during packaging, transportation, processing, and display, contamination by bacteria, and sudden temperature changes caused by refrigerated storage, and in most cases, by the time they are displayed in retail stores, their quality has deteriorated to the point where they are no different from "clearance items" or "damaged items."

[0004] In order to prevent this deterioration in quality, pesticides are used, but in Japan, pesticides that are banned worldwide are still consumed in large quantities as a matter of course, and during processing, the produce is soaked in large amounts of sodium hypochlorite for disinfection. It goes without saying that these products cause serious damage to the health of the people, who are the end consumers.

[0005] In this regard, one known way to obtain fresh fruit and vegetables is to have them picked that morning by contract farms in the suburbs, shipped on the same day, and picked up the next day. However, it still takes a certain amount of time from when the order is placed until the fruit and vegetables arrive at the consumer's kitchen, and this does not necessarily provide a high level of satisfaction to the consumer.

[0006] In terms of taste, fruits and vegetables grown in so-called plant factories have been attracting attention in recent years, especially due to improvements in the quality and performance of fertilizers. However, in terms of the construction and running costs of the plants, these are often unprofitable compared to outdoor or greenhouse vegetables, and there is a demand for further added value.

[0007] From the perspective of safety, a method has been proposed in which a traceability system would allow each business to create and keep records when handling fresh produce and other foods, thereby making it possible to know where the food came from and where it went. However, due to the time-consuming task of organizing and keeping these records and a lack of understanding of the need for such an initiative in the first place, the current situation is that adoption has not progressed, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-39767 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a fruit and vegetable ordering and delivery system, an ordering and delivery method, and a fruit and vegetable cultivation facility that have high added value that has not been available in the past. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above problems, the inventor has fundamentally reconsidered conventional fruit and vegetable logistics systems and has come up with an invention having the following configuration.

[0011] The method for ordering and delivering fresh produce of the present invention is a method for harvesting fresh produce grown in a fresh produce cultivation facility in accordance with an order from a consumer, and then delivering the fresh produce directly without going through an intermediate organization, etc., and is characterized by having an order waiting step in which, when the fresh produce has reached a state of maturity suitable for harvesting, the method enters a waiting state in which the method waits for an order from a consumer for the fresh produce; a delivery destination confirmation step in which, when an order is received from a consumer in the waiting state, the method refers to delivery destination information contained in the order and confirms that the delivery destination is within a predetermined distance from the fresh produce cultivation facility; a plant number confirmation step in which the number of mature fresh produce plants required to fulfill the order are present; a harvesting step in which the fresh produce corresponding to the order is harvested, provided that it is confirmed in the delivery destination confirmation step that the delivery destination is within a predetermined distance and that the number of mature fresh produce plants required are present in the plant number confirmation step; a packaging step in which the fresh produce harvested in the harvesting step is packaged; and a delivery step in which the fresh produce package created in the packaging step is delivered directly to the consumer.

[0012] This makes it possible to deliver harvest-ready fruits and vegetables to consumers in a very short time after an order is placed, making it possible to deliver fruits and vegetables to the dinner table that have extremely high added value in terms of freshness compared to conventional fruits and vegetables.

[0013] In addition, the fruit and vegetable cultivation facility in the fruit and vegetable ordering and delivery method of the present invention can be configured to include a hydroponic cultivation device.

[0014] As a result, whereas in the past, fresh produce had to be grown outdoors or in greenhouses in suburban fields before being harvested and delivered, with hydroponic cultivation, all that is needed is space large enough to assemble a hydroponic cultivation kit, so the fresh produce cultivation facilities themselves can be located in urban centers, enabling even faster delivery to consumers in urban centers and preventing deterioration in quality due to damage to the fresh produce and vegetables by shortening transportation time, thereby contributing to even higher added value.

[0015] Furthermore, the fruit and vegetable cultivation facility may be optionally configured to be maintained in a nearly sterile environment by installing a highly airtight structure and / or a ventilation system, and the number of people allowed inside the facility at one time may be limited to a maximum of one person.

[0016] With this configuration, the fruit and vegetable cultivation facility can be maintained in an almost sterile state while also preventing contamination by germs and other microorganisms caused by human contact, thereby making it possible to add high added value in terms of taste and shelf life.

[0017] Another form of the fruit and vegetable ordering and delivery method of the present invention is a method in which fruit and vegetable grown in a fruit and vegetable cultivation facility are harvested in response to an order from a consumer and then delivered directly without going through an intermediate organization, etc., and is characterized by having a delivery step of delivering images of the fruit and vegetable in the growing process taken by an imaging device installed in the fruit and vegetable cultivation facility via the Internet; a delivery destination confirmation step of confirming that the delivery destination is within a specified distance from the fruit and vegetable cultivation facility by referring to the delivery destination information included in the purchase reservation when a consumer who has viewed the images places a purchase reservation for the fruit and vegetable; a reservation acceptance step of accepting the reservation on the condition that it is confirmed in the delivery destination confirmation step that the delivery destination is within the specified distance; a harvest delivery time designation step of designating a harvest delivery time at the desired timing for the fruit and vegetable that the consumer has reserved to purchase; a harvesting step of harvesting the fruit and vegetable in accordance with the designated harvest delivery time; a packaging step of packaging the fruit and vegetable harvested in the harvesting step; and a delivery step of delivering the fruit and vegetable package created in the packaging step directly to the consumer.

[0018] With this configuration, consumers can check the state of the growing fruit and vegetables at any time through a video distribution site, etc., and can reserve the purchase of fruit and vegetables that they feel are growing better than other seedlings at an early stage, for example, and can also order the harvesting and delivery to be done at the desired time.

[0019] The fruit and vegetable cultivation device of the present invention is a fruit and vegetable cultivation facility which is equipped with at least a hydroponic cultivation device, a ventilation system, a harvesting area, a packaging area, and an area for removing fruit and vegetable packages, and which is constructed with a highly airtight structure, and which is characterized in that the number of people allowed inside the facility at the same time is controlled to a maximum of one by appropriate means.

[0020] In addition, the fruit and vegetable cultivation device of the present invention is equipped with an exhibition window through which the inside of the facility can be seen from the outside, and the hydroponic cultivation device can optionally be configured to have a unit installation section for removably installing multiple cultivation units, and further, the cultivation unit can be configured to consist of a nutrient solution tank and a planting panel placed on it, the planting panel having a predetermined number of planting holes, and the upper ends of the planting holes can be formed in an arched shape.

[0021] The above configuration, unlike conventional logistics, makes it possible to complete all processes from cultivation, harvesting, transportation, and sale of fresh produce in one place (within the fresh produce cultivation facility), which reduces deterioration of the quality of fresh produce from hygiene standpoints, and because the upper ends of the planting holes in the planting panel are curved, it also helps to suppress the growth of algae and prevent damage when inserting and removing fresh produce. Effect of the Invention

[0022] Thus, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an order delivery system, an order delivery method, and a fruit and vegetable cultivation facility that harvest and deliver high-added-value fruits and vegetables to consumers. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of an order delivery system according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a terminal used in the order delivery system according to the present invention, on which an order slip is output. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a hydroponic cultivation apparatus used in the order delivery system according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing the operation flow of the order delivery system according to the present invention. [Diagram 5] 1 is a front view showing an embodiment of a fruit and vegetable cultivation facility according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a hydroponic cultivation device provided in a fruit and vegetable cultivation facility according to the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a cultivation unit of a hydroponic cultivation apparatus provided in a fruit and vegetable cultivation facility according to the present invention. FIG. [Explanation of symbols]

[0024] 10 tablet terminal, 20 hydroponic cultivation device, 21 rack, 21a to 21c rack shelves, 22 cultivation unit, 23 planting panel, 23a planting hole, 30 work table, 40 carrying-out area (shipping port), B fruit and vegetable packaging, D order information, E outside facility area, H1 worker, H2 delivery person, H3 orderer, P1 to P10 position of cultivation unit on each shelf of rack, R order receipt, S indoor space, V vegetables, W work area DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] An embodiment of a fruit and vegetable ordering and delivery method, an ordering and delivery system, and a fruit and vegetable cultivation facility according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Here, leafy vegetables are grown.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, the order delivery system of this embodiment includes a tablet terminal 10 used to process orders for vegetables V, a hydroponic cultivation device 20 for the vegetables V, a workbench 30 for packaging the harvested vegetables V, and a shipping port 40 for transporting packaged bodies B of the vegetables V outside the facility.

[0027] The tablet terminal 10, the hydroponic cultivation device 20, and the workbench 30 are arranged in the same indoor space S of the fruit and vegetable cultivation facility.

[0028] The shipping port 40 is disposed at the boundary between the indoor space S and the outside facility area E.

[0029] A work area W is provided in the indoor space S, which includes elements such as a tablet terminal 10, a hydroponic cultivation device 20, a work bench 30 and a shipping port 40, or is at least adjacent to these elements.

[0030] The tablet terminal 10, together with a server computer (not shown), constitutes a part of an order processing system implemented in the system of the present invention. Regardless of whether the tablet terminal 10 and the server computer are integrated or separate, the tablet terminal 10 as hardware may have all the functions.

[0031] The order processing system is equipped with a server computer connected to the Internet and is capable of receiving orders based on information input from an orderer terminal (not shown) such as a smartphone. Order processing is carried out by creating an order slip R including order information D from the input information, or outputting the order slip R to the tablet terminal 10.

[0032] The tablet terminal 10 used in this embodiment includes a display capable of displaying information such as an order slip R. A portable terminal having excellent portability is preferable as the tablet terminal 10, but the tablet terminal 10 is not limited to this.

[0033] For example, the tablet terminal 10 is placed within the work area W, and the worker H1 can perform work within the work area W, such as checking the information on the order slip R displayed on the tablet terminal 10.

[0034] The hydroponic cultivation device 20 includes a cultivation unit 22 for cultivating fruits and vegetables, and a rack 21 on which the cultivation unit 22 is placed.

[0035] As shown in Figure 3, each cultivation unit 22 used in this embodiment is equipped with a nutrient solution tank that stores and circulates water containing liquid fertilizer and a planting panel 23 placed on the upper surface of the nutrient solution tank, and the planting panel 23 has ten planting holes 23a per panel for planting seedlings of vegetable V.

[0036] The rack 21 includes a plurality of shelves 21a to 21c, and each shelf can accommodate, for example, ten cultivation units 22 in parallel.

[0037] The cultivation units 22 are arranged in parallel from a first position (front row position) P1 on one end side adjacent to the work area W to a tenth position (rear row position) P10 on the other end side furthest from the work area W.

[0038] This allows the worker H1 to harvest the vegetables V growing in the cultivation unit 22 located at the front row position P1 while remaining within the work area W.

[0039] In this manner, the system of the present invention in this embodiment can carry out both the order receiving step and the harvesting step within the work area W, which makes it convenient to link the order information D with the vegetables V to be harvested.

[0040] Each cultivation unit 22 is installed on a rack 21 in a movable state, and depending on the growth status of the vegetables V, the cultivation unit 22 in which the vegetables V suitable for harvest are growing can be moved to the front row position P1, and the units can be interchanged or moved at any time for the purpose of making them available for viewing by consumers through an exhibition window.

[0041] The workbench 30 is located within the work area W, and the worker H1 can create the fruit and vegetable package B within the work area W even when the packaging work is being performed.

[0042] In the packaging process, it is optional to produce the fruit and vegetable package B using a packaging method that is more airtight and provides better protection, such as vacuum packing, taking into consideration the delivery destination and delivery method.

[0043] A part or the whole of the shipping operation is carried out on the workbench 30.

[0044] The shipping port 40 is adjacent to the work area W, and the worker H1 performs shipping work of the fruit and vegetable packages B at the workbench 30.

[0045] Shipping work includes, for example, displaying order information D linked to the vegetables V being shipped, such as the name and address of the orderer, on the exterior of the fruit and vegetable package B to be shipped, and transporting the fruit and vegetable package B with the delivery destination displayed from the work area W to an area E outside the facility.

[0046] The method of shipping and delivery can include handing over the fruit and vegetable package B from the shipping port 40 to a delivery person H2 or an orderer H3 waiting in an area E outside the facility. It is also optional to transport the fruit and vegetable package B by so-called drone delivery, in which the fruit and vegetable package B is loaded onto a small unmanned aircraft with delivery destination information entered into it and transported directly from the shipping port 40 to the balcony of the customer's home.

[0047] As described above, in the order delivery system of this embodiment, order receiving, harvesting, packaging and shipping can all be carried out in the same indoor space S, eliminating all of the complicated and time-consuming processes that are conventionally performed, such as cultivation in fields, harvesting, packaging in a workshop, delivery by vehicle or the like, storage in a storage area, processing using sodium hypochlorite or the like, storage and display, and retail in a store.

[0048] In addition, this not only eliminates the need for margins from intermediary organizations, but also solves problems such as damage caused by shocks during packaging, transportation, processing, and display, contamination by bacteria, and the sudden temperature changes that can cause significant loss of freshness when stored in a refrigerator.

[0049] Next, each step of the order delivery system according to this embodiment will be described. Note that this embodiment will be described taking as an example so-called online ordering, which is performed via a communication means such as the Internet.

[0050] In this system, the customer first requests the server computer to process the order. Ordering can be done by any method, including telephone, facsimile, verbal communication, etc., in addition to online ordering.

[0051] In this embodiment, orders from customers are accepted during the order waiting state. The order waiting state is entered on condition that there are mature vegetables V growing in the cultivation unit 22.

[0052] When an order is received from a consumer in the order waiting state, the delivery destination information included in the order information D is referenced to confirm that the delivery destination is within a specified distance from the fruit and vegetable cultivation facility. This means that orders are only accepted from areas where delivery is possible within a certain time period.

[0053] In another embodiment, even if there are no sufficiently mature vegetables V in the cultivation unit 22, it is possible to photograph their growth using an imaging device (not shown), and distribute the captured images over the Internet while accepting purchase reservations from consumers who view the images.

[0054] In this case, the person making the purchase reservation will be able to specify the harvest and delivery timing as desired, and the consumer will be able to spot a well-grown plant and reserve the purchase of that plant before it reaches maturity.

[0055] Here, whether or not there are mature vegetables V in the cultivation units 22 can be determined, for example, by inputting information regarding the growth status in each cultivation unit 22 at any time to determine whether the cultivation units 22 are in a waiting state for an order. It is also optional to provide an imaging device capable of photographing the status of the cultivation units 22 and determine the growth status of the plants from images of each planting hole 23a, for example, in an image processing unit / comparison calculation unit provided in a server computer.

[0056] The information on the growing status of fruits and vegetables can include information on the presence or absence and number of stalks of mature vegetables V. Based on whether the information on the number of stalks of mature vegetables V is a value greater than "0", if the value is greater than "0", it can be determined that the vegetables are in a waiting state for an order.

[0057] In this embodiment, when there are no mature vegetables V in the cultivation unit 22, the order is not placed on standby and the order is not accepted. Also, when the order quantity is greater than the number of mature vegetables V, the orderer is notified of this fact, and the order is accepted only when the order quantity is revised to be equal to or less than the number of mature vegetables V.

[0058] In the present invention, if the system is so configured that orders are received when the system is in an order waiting state, it goes without saying that harvesting, packaging, and shipping will be carried out after the order is received.

[0059] In addition, since harvesting immediately after ordering is guaranteed, it is possible to provide the customer with a history of the ordered vegetable V from its pre-harvest growing state to its delivery, which is excellent from the standpoint of traceability.

[0060] When the cultivation unit 22 is in an order waiting state and an order is received from a customer, order processing is started.

[0061] When receiving an order, an order slip R including order information D is displayed on the display of the tablet terminal 10, and may be printed out on paper if necessary.

[0062] The order information D displayed by the order slip R includes information regarding the type of vegetables V to be ordered, order quantity information regarding the order quantity, the orderer's name, the orderer's address, the delivery address, and the worker's name.

[0063] In addition, when the worker H1 in charge of harvesting, packaging, and shipping has been decided at the time of receiving the order, it is optional to include information on the worker for each task in the order information D.

[0064] When the order slip R is output, the order information D is linked to the mature vegetables V to be harvested, and the vegetables V are harvested.

[0065] In this embodiment, an order is accepted only when mature vegetables V are present, which is an entirely new configuration that is incompatible with the business model of conventional contract farmers who want to receive orders early.

[0066] The order information D linked to the mature vegetables V to be harvested is at least a part or all of the above-mentioned order information.

[0067] The vegetables V linked to the order information D are identified, for example, based on the order slip R when it is displayed.

[0068] As a situation in which the vegetable V is identified, for example, it is conceivable that the order information D is linked to a mature vegetable V growing in a specific planting hole 23a of a specific cultivation unit 22.

[0069] Specifically, the mature vegetable V being cultivated in the cultivation spot in the first row of column A of the cultivation unit 22 at the front row position P1 of the first stage of the rack 21 is specified.

[0070] In addition, in the order delivery system of this embodiment, worker H1, who is holding vegetables V and is about to harvest and / or is harvesting, can see the work area W (especially the work table 30 and the packaging materials on the work table).

[0071] This makes it possible to check immediately before harvesting whether there are any mature vegetables V in the work area W that have been harvested earlier but not yet packaged, or whether there are any fruit and vegetable packages B that have been harvested earlier and packaged but not yet removed, and the harvesting work can be carried out only after confirming that no such vegetables V or fruit and vegetable packages B are present, thereby preventing the mixing of mature vegetables V linked to different order information D and the loss of traceability.

[0072] Therefore, it is preferable to configure the indoor space S (work area W) in such a way that the order information D, the work table 30, and the shipping port 40 can all be seen from the harvesting position, as in this embodiment.

[0073] In addition, information linking can be performed at any time, not just immediately after receiving an order, immediately before harvesting work, or at the time of harvesting, and harvest date and time information and harvester information generated at the time of harvesting may be linked.

[0074] Similarly, packaging date and time information and packager information generated at the packaging stage may be linked immediately after packaging, or shipping date and time information and shipper information generated during the shipping process may be linked to the fruit and vegetable package B being shipped.

[0075] The linking relationship between the order information D and the vegetables V is maintained not only at the time of harvest but also until delivery to the orderer, and the orderer can obtain linking information such as the harvest date and time and the expected arrival date and time at any time during the period from harvest to delivery to the orderer.

[0076] A system that can disclose such order information D upon request of the orderer is obviously excellent in terms of traceability and contributes to food safety and security.

[0077] In the harvest stage, the vegetables V growing in the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 20 and linked to the order information D are harvested, so that the harvest is carried out after the order is placed.

[0078] In addition, in this system, the cultivation units 22 can be moved as necessary so that the cultivation units 22 growing mature vegetables V suitable for harvesting are positioned at the front row position P1 of the hydroponic cultivation device 20.

[0079] The harvest of the vegetables V growing in the cultivation unit 22 at the front row position P1 can be carried out by the worker H1 while remaining within the work area W.

[0080] In the packaging operation, the tied vegetables V are packaged to create a fruit and vegetable package B.

[0081] In the system of the present invention, as with harvesting work, packaging work can be performed while visually checking the order information D output on the tablet terminal 10, and packaging work can be performed while viewing the order information D and packaging materials in the same field of view, making it possible to perform packaging work while maintaining the order information D output, and thus providing an advantage in linking information.

[0082] At the shipping stage, the fruit and vegetable packages B are transported to area E outside the facility.

[0083] In the system of the present invention, a shipping port 40 is provided adjacent to the work area W (work table 30), so that fruit and vegetable packages B can be shipped immediately after they are created.

[0084] Furthermore, with this system, similar to harvesting work, the fruit and vegetable packaging B can be removed while visually checking the order information D printed on the tablet terminal 10, and the removal work can be performed while simultaneously visually checking the order information D and the fruit and vegetable packaging B to be shipped in the same field of view, so as mentioned above, it is excellent in terms of traceability.

[0085] Next, the flow of operations of the order delivery system of the present invention will be described.

[0086] In this embodiment, orders are processed on the condition that mature vegetables V suitable for harvesting are being cultivated in the hydroponic cultivation device 20, so if it is determined that there are no mature vegetables V in the cultivation facility, the order will not be accepted.

[0087] Whether or not there are mature vegetables V being cultivated in the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 20 can be determined in any manner, such as by judging based on images obtained from an imaging device provided in the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 20, or by worker H1 checking at any time and inputting information.

[0088] Next, it is determined whether or not there are any mature vegetables V being cultivated in the cultivation unit 22 at the forefront position P1.

[0089] If there are no mature vegetables V at the front row position P1, the cultivation unit 22 in which the mature vegetables V are growing is moved from another row to the front row position P1.

[0090] Of course, it is also possible to harvest the mature vegetables V of the cultivation unit 22 at a position other than the front row position P1, but as mentioned above, the mature vegetables V of the cultivation unit at the front row position P1 have the advantage that they can be harvested while remaining within the work area W.

[0091] In this way, the system in this embodiment waits for orders while mature vegetables V are growing in the cultivation unit 22 at the front row position P1, and accepts orders when they are received from customers who wish to place orders.

[0092] Next, the system of the present invention checks the number of unprocessed received orders. If the number of unprocessed orders is one, the received order is determined to be the order to be processed next.

[0093] If there are two or more pending orders, one of them is selected as the order to be processed next. For example, the order with the earliest order date and time is selected as the order to be processed.

[0094] The step of confirming the number of unprocessed order cases and the step of deciding which order to process may be understood as being included in the same process.

[0095] When the system is configured so that the steps from harvesting to shipping are not executed simultaneously for multiple order items, multiple order information D will not coexist in the work area W, and there will not be multiple mature vegetables V harvested in response to an order, so it goes without saying that mix-ups of vegetables V corresponding to order information D can be prevented.

[0096] When the order to be processed is determined, the order information D of the order is output and displayed on the tablet terminal 10.

[0097] Thereafter, harvesting, packaging and shipping operations are carried out based on the order information D, and the fruit and vegetable package B is delivered to the orderer from the shipping port 40 by appropriate delivery means.

[0098] In this embodiment, the tablet terminal 10, hydroponic cultivation device 20, work table 30 and shipping port 40 are arranged within or adjacent to the work area W, and the system is configured to reliably link the order information D with the vegetables V by independently carrying out the processes from harvesting to shipping for each order. When each process such as harvesting, packaging and shipping is carried out by worker H1, the system is excellent in terms of work execution by a small number of workers (especially working alone).

[0099] Furthermore, focusing on the movement of worker H1 when worker H1 performs the process from order receipt to shipment alone, the movement will be described starting from the point when worker H1 confirms the order. Note that in the system of this embodiment using the mobile tablet terminal 10, the order can be confirmed at any position within the work area W, but for convenience, the description will be given here assuming that the order is confirmed at the position of the tablet terminal 10 shown in FIG. 1 (order confirmation position m1).

[0100] In this system, after confirming an order at the order confirmation position m1 in Figure 1, worker H1 moves along a first movement line (first movement line distance) M1 from the order confirmation position m1 to the harvesting position m2 and harvests the tied mature vegetables V.

[0101] Next, the robot moves along a second movement line (second movement line distance) M2 from the harvesting position m2 to the packaging position m3, and packages the harvested, tied, mature vegetables V.

[0102] Next, the fruit and vegetable package B formed by the packaging is moved from the packaging position m3 to the shipping position m4 along a third flow line (third flow line distance) M3, and the package is shipped, completing the series of operations.

[0103] Thereafter, for example, the product moves from the shipping location m4 to the order receiving location m1 along a fourth flow line (fourth flow line distance) M4.

[0104] Furthermore, if there is an unprocessed order at the time when the above series of operations is completed and the order is confirmed at the shipping location m4, worker H1 moves from the order receiving location (m4) where the order was confirmed to the harvesting location m2, and then carries out the process from harvesting to shipping.

[0105] The flow lines M1 to M4 are all straight lines, are contained within the work area W, and are very short.

[0106] In the system of this embodiment, the total movement line distance from order receipt to the next order (first movement line total distance) Ma (M1+M2+M3+M4), the total movement line distance from harvest to the next order (second movement line total distance) Mb (M2+M3+M4), and the total movement line distance from harvest to shipment (third movement line total distance) Mc (M2+M3) are shorter than the unit movement movement line distance M9.

[0107] The unit movement traffic distance M9 is the longest traffic line when the cultivation units 22 are moved or replaced in the hydroponic cultivation device 20, and corresponds to the distance 20Y of the hydroponic cultivation device 20 in the longitudinal direction.

[0108] That is, in the system of this embodiment, the operations M1 to M4 from one order to the next order are shorter than the longest flow line among the flow lines occurring during system operation, such as the unit movement flow line distance M9.

[0109] In this embodiment, the cultivation unit 22 is not moved during the process from order receipt to shipment, and all operations from harvesting to shipment are completed within the work area W.

[0110] Please note that the unit movement traffic line distance M9 is illustrated as being relatively short, while each of the traffic lines M1 to M4 within the work area W is illustrated as being relatively long, and this cannot be judged by a simple comparison of the lengths in Figure 1.

[0111] In addition, in actual system operation, various movements occur, including movements of even longer distances. The above-mentioned movement line distances Ma, Mb, and Mc are shorter than not only the unit movement movement line distance M9 but also the total length 20Y of the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 20 and the longest distance of the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 20. Note that the longest distance of the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 20 in this embodiment is the diagonal distance connecting the upper right corner position 20a and the lower left corner position 20b of the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 20 shown in FIG. 1.

[0112] Furthermore, the maximum distance of the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 20 may be a maximum cultivation separation distance, which is the longest separation distance between vegetables cultivated in the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 20.

[0113] The maximum cultivation separation distance is the straight-line distance corresponding to the diagonal line connecting the position of the planting hole 23a at the lower right of the cultivation unit 22 at the front row position P1 shown in Figure 1 and the position of the spot 23a at the upper left of the cultivation unit 22 at the rear row position P10.

[0114] In addition, if the cultivation unit 22 is not moved, and the vegetables being grown at the position farthest from the work area W are harvested and shipped, the movement path M2a from the harvesting position m2a (in this embodiment, the harvesting position m2a for the vegetables being grown at the upper left spot 23a of the cultivation unit at the last row position P10 in Figure 1) to the packaging position m3 will be long.

[0115] Furthermore, if the cultivation unit 22 is not moved, and the series of processes from order receipt to shipment is repeated, even if the first order of the next series of steps is received at the shipping position m4, which is the end of the previous series of steps, if the vegetables are harvested and shipped from the position farthest from the work area W, the distance of the movement from the order receipt position to the harvesting position will still be long, and these movement paths will usually not be in a straight line.

[0116] The work area W within which the traffic lines M1 to M4 fall is an area surrounded by the adjacent edge (border edge) 20f of the hydroponic cultivation device 20 adjacent to the work area W, the adjacent edge (border edge) 30f of the work table 30 adjacent to the work area W, and the shipping port 40 adjacent to the work area W (the adjacent edge (border edge) 40f of the shipping port 40).

[0117] In other words, the work area W can be said to be an area formed in a region surrounded by the hydroponic cultivation device 20, the work table 30, and the shipping port 40.

[0118] The work area W is an area in which each of the flow lines M1 to M4 can be realized as a straight line of flow, and the area W does not have any structure that would impede the flow lines M1 to M4.

[0119] Furthermore, if the straight connecting lines obtained by connecting the order receiving position m1, harvesting position m2, packaging position m3, and shipping position m4 within the work area W that are not traffic lines M1 to M4 are referred to as visibility lines N1 and N2, the work area W is in a state where it does not have any configuration that would hinder visibility from one end position of these visibility lines N1 and N2 to the other end position.

[0120] Examples of the line of sight include the connecting line N1 connecting the order receiving position m1 and the packaging position m3, and the connecting line N2 connecting the harvesting position m2 and the shipping position m4.

[0121] If there is no configuration that obstructs visibility on the visibility lines N1, N2, the packaging position m3 can be seen from the order receiving position m1, and the shipping position m4 can be seen from the harvesting position m2.

[0122] If this type of visibility is possible, then when harvesting, it will be possible to anticipate not only the next packaging step, but also the next shipping step, making it easier to harvest and ship fresh, delicious vegetables.

[0123] In this embodiment, there is no configuration that impedes linear movement along the traffic lines M1 to M4 along which linear movement is realized, so that, for example, the packaging position m3 can be seen from the harvesting position m2, which is an equally excellent configuration in terms of ease of operation based on ease of visibility.

[0124] In addition, each connecting line (sight line) N1, N2 is a straight line within the work area W.

[0125] The order delivery system according to the present invention is not limited to the forms described in the above embodiments, and is included in the technical scope of the present invention as long as it does not deviate from the spirit of the invention.

[0126] In the above-described embodiment, the cultivation targets are leafy vegetables, but it goes without saying that the cultivation targets are not limited to leafy vegetables and include all fruits and vegetables, including vegetables.

[0127] (1) For contract farmers, it is preferable to receive orders as early as possible, for example, from the perspective of minimizing vegetable waste and determining profits. Sometimes orders are filled up and sold out (orders are suspended) during the vegetable growing stage. And it can be said that selling out early is preferable for contract farmers, including from the perspectives mentioned above. (2) In order to deliver the tastiest vegetables and other fresh produce possible, contracted farmers usually assess the growing conditions of the vegetables and harvest and ship them when they are in the best condition for shipping. However, in outdoor or greenhouse cultivation, the growing conditions and weather, etc., are inseparably linked, even if the influence varies to a greater or lesser extent. If the shipping time is determined with priority given to tastiness (i.e., growing conditions), there will be cases where the shipping time (or arrival time) does not necessarily match the time the customer wants it. In this case, the customer is forced to decide on a menu while paying attention to the arrival time (shipping time) of the ordered vegetables, but if the customer cannot set a menu that uses the ordered vegetables as the menu for the dish immediately after the vegetables arrive, the vegetables will end up being eaten many days after they have been harvested. In other words, even if the contracted farmers directly ship vegetables at the best time, the vegetables will actually be eaten when the quality has deteriorated many days after they have been harvested, and the so-called delicious time will be missed. (3) Having discovered further specific issues, we further investigated better methods of shipping vegetables, including the relationship between the vegetable cultivation period (or growth condition) and the time of order. As a result, we discovered the importance of the time when the customer places the order (time of order receipt). We found that if we could build a harvesting and shipping system that placed importance on the time of order, it would lead to the resolution of the issues mentioned above. (4) A method for shipping fresh produce grown in a cultivation facility in accordance with an order, the method including an order receiving step of receiving an order, a harvesting step of harvesting the fresh produce received in the order receiving step, a packaging step of packaging the fresh produce harvested in the harvesting step, and a step of shipping packages containing the fresh produce harvested in the packaging step, wherein the order receiving step is a step of receiving an order for fresh produce grown in the cultivation facility, the order receiving step is a step of receiving the order when at least a portion of the fresh produce grown in the cultivation facility are mature fresh produce that are in a state suitable for consumption, the harvesting step is executed after the order is received in the order receiving step, the packaging step is a step of packaging the mature fresh produce harvested in the harvesting step after the order receiving step, and the shipping step is a step of shipping packages containing the mature fresh produce harvested and packaged in the harvesting step after the order receiving step. (5) In the present invention, when an order for mature fruits and vegetables (including mature vegetables) is received in the order receiving step, the fruits and vegetables are harvested, packaged, and shipped immediately thereafter. In other words, according to the present invention, not only can the time from harvesting to shipping be expedited, but also the time from order receiving to shipping can be expedited. (6) If shipment can be made quickly after receiving an order, it is possible to harvest and ship mature vegetables that are suitable for consumption (eating) rather than vegetables suitable for shipping, which is excellent for providing fresh and delicious fruits and vegetables (including vegetables). This shipping system is inconceivable for contract farmers who want to receive orders as early as possible and sell out. (7) The reason why the time from order receipt to shipment can be expedited is that the order receipt step of the present invention receives orders for mature vegetables being cultivated in the cultivation facility. In other words, if there are no mature fruits and vegetables being cultivated in the cultivation facility, the order is not received (the order is not accepted). (8) In this way, in the present invention, orders are accepted only when mature fruits and vegetables available for shipping are available, so that the fruits and vegetables can be harvested immediately after the order is received, enabling prompt shipping thereafter. (9) From another perspective, in the present invention, when mature fruits and vegetables are shipped in response to an order from a consumer, the mature fruits and vegetables shipped to the customer are always harvested after the order is received from the customer, and are never harvested before the order is placed. In other words, the mature fruits and vegetables harvested in the harvesting step are always harvested in a state where there is order information having a linking relationship, more specifically, in a state where there is a linking relationship with the order information obtained in the order receiving step. (10) It can also be said that at the time of placing an order, the customer is at the height of their desire to have the ordered fruit or vegetable (including vegetables). In other words, according to the present invention, the fruit or vegetable can be harvested, packaged, and shipped when (or immediately after) the customer's desire to "have that fruit or vegetable" is at its highest. (11) An example of a state in which the desire to buy a particular fruit or vegetable is at its highest is when you have decided (having a clear image in your mind) on the menu for dinner that day (or the next day) that will use the ripe vegetables you have ordered. (12) It is easier to imagine the desire to eat a dish that will be served on the same day or the next day, and it is easier to maintain motivation to eat the dish, compared to a dish that will be served two or three months from now (for example, the expected delivery time of vegetables ordered early from a contract farmer). Furthermore, with the recent development of distribution, it is now possible to notify the customer of the expected arrival date and time at the time of shipment, and the time required from shipment to arrival can be as short as a few hours (at least within 24 hours). (13) In other words, according to the present invention, it is possible for the vegetables to be harvested after an order (received) is placed when the desire for the vegetables is high, and for the vegetables to arrive before the start of cooking the dish menu for the day or the next day that was decided upon at the time of the order, and for the vegetables to be used in cooking, and for the dish to be eaten. (14) In this way, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize a food harvesting and shipping cycle in an unprecedented order (an unprecedented concept), in which a dish menu is decided, and then the dishes are cooked and eaten using vegetables harvested after the dishes have been decided. (15) Now, if we analyze the fact that an orderer has imagined the food menu he or she would like to eat on the same day or the next day from the perspective of the passage of time, the time when the image was imagined (starting point, start period) determines the date and time when the imagined food will start to be cooked on the same day or the next day (due date, end period). (16) According to the present invention, the entire series of steps of harvesting, packaging and shipping the ordered vegetables are carried out within the time period from the image date and time to the cooking start date and time (within the period from the start to the end). (17) In other words, according to the present invention, the ordered vegetables are delivered to the customer without disrupting the schedule (anticipated schedule) that the customer had envisioned at the time of ordering (time of receiving the order), so the customer can easily realize the cooking schedule as he or she had envisioned at the time of ordering, and in this respect, the present invention can be said to be an extremely excellent shipping method. If the cooking schedule can be carried out as originally envisioned, the vegetables that arrive will be used in cooking and eaten immediately, and the provision of fresh vegetables will be actually achieved. (18) No matter how much the time from harvest to delivery can be shortened, if the arrival time of the vegetables does not match the schedule of the customer, the vegetables will not be eaten (used in cooking) immediately after they arrive. As a result, the time between harvest and consumption will be long, and the vegetables will not be provided fresh (they will not be eaten fresh). (19) In this regard, according to the present invention, which places importance on the time of order, the orderer can easily carry out the cooking schedule according to his / her image (anticipated schedule), and the delivery method is extremely effective in improving the effectiveness of eating the vegetables as soon as they arrive. (20) In view of the point that the image of the orderer is not hindered, the present invention can be said to be a harvesting and shipping system in which the consumer (orderer) takes the initiative (or which realizes the handing of initiative to the consumer). (21) In this way, in the present invention, the harvest time is always later than the time of the order (received order), i.e., the time when the dish menu is imagined. This can be said to be because it presupposes the existence of linking information, which means that the vegetables linked to the order information are harvested. (22) Note that the order referred to here is based on a desire, such as “I want that vegetable,” and order information is, in other words, desire information. Thus, the present invention is a method for harvesting and shipping vegetables that are linked to desire information (order information) such as “I want that vegetable.” (23) Up until now, it may have been common to think that fresh vegetables can be provided by shortening the period from harvest to delivery. However, in this invention, we focus on the importance of the time of ordering, and believe that it is only by shortening the period from order to consumption (actual eating) rather than from harvest to delivery that we can provide fresh vegetables. We have linked orders and harvests, and ultimately orders and consumption, which shortens the period from order to consumption and makes it possible to provide truly fresh vegetables. (24) In addition, in the present invention, the period during which orders can be placed is limited to the period during which mature vegetables are being grown, and the present invention is excellent in terms of providing delicious vegetables. Furthermore, the present invention, in which harvesting is performed after an order (receives an order), is excellent not only in terms of deliciousness but also in terms of freshness. (25) As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, rather than harvesting and shipping only vegetables suitable for shipping, it is possible to harvest and ship only vegetables suitable for consumption. (26) In the present invention, vegetables linked to order information are harvested after an order is received. In the present invention, it can be said that the order information is linked to the vegetables while the vegetables are in the process of being cultivated. (27) Therefore, according to the present invention, the provider of the system according to the present invention can provide an orderer with, for example, information on the pre-harvest growing condition of vegetables that the orderer will soon eat in real time, and if image data communication is possible, can provide a video of the harvesting process itself in real time, and can show that the vegetables were harvested after the order was placed by providing the order date and time and the harvest date and time. In this way, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide all information about the vegetables linked to order information from the time of harvest to thereafter. (28) In other words, the present invention is extremely excellent from the standpoint of traceability and is extremely excellent not only in terms of the freshness and deliciousness of vegetables, but also in terms of ensuring and providing food safety and security. (29) The harvesting step includes a process of linking at least one of harvester information and harvest date and time information of the mature harvested fruits and vegetables to the mature harvested fruits and vegetables. (30) Furthermore, the packaging step includes a step of linking at least one of information on the packager and packaging date and time information of the mature harvested fruits and vegetables to the mature harvested fruits and vegetables, and the shipping step includes a step of linking at least one of information on the shipper and shipping date and time information of the package to the mature harvested fruits and vegetables. (31) The present invention is a system that excels in linking information, and can easily, quickly and accurately link information that arises after an order is received, such as information regarding harvesting steps. This is excellent in terms of providing information to the orderer and in terms of traceability.

Claims

1. A method for directly delivering fruits and vegetables grown in a fruit and vegetable cultivation facility to consumers without going through an intermediate organization after harvesting the fruits and vegetables in response to an order from the consumers, comprising the steps of: an order waiting step of entering a standby state for waiting for orders from consumers for the fruits and vegetables when the fruits and vegetables reach a ripe state suitable for harvesting; a delivery destination confirmation step of, when an order is received from a consumer in the standby state, referring to delivery destination information included in the order, confirming that the delivery destination is within a predetermined distance from the fruit and vegetable cultivation facility; a plant count confirmation step for confirming that there are enough mature fruit or vegetable plants to fulfill the order; a harvesting step of harvesting the fruits and vegetables corresponding to the order on the condition that it is confirmed in the delivery destination confirmation step that the delivery destination is within a predetermined distance and that the necessary number of mature fruits and vegetables are present in the plant number confirmation step; A packaging step of packaging the fruits and vegetables harvested in the harvesting step; A fruit and vegetable ordering and delivery method, comprising a delivery step of directly delivering the fruit and vegetable packages prepared in the packaging step to the consumer.

2. 2. The method for ordering and delivering fruits and vegetables according to claim 1, wherein the fruit and vegetable cultivation facility is equipped with a hydroponic cultivation device.

3. 3. The method for ordering and delivering fruits and vegetables according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fruit and vegetable cultivation facility is maintained in a substantially sterile state by a highly airtight structure and / or a ventilation system.

4. 3. The fruit and vegetable ordering and delivery method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the number of people allowed inside the fruit and vegetable cultivation facility at one time is controlled to a maximum of one person.

5. A method for directly delivering fruits and vegetables grown in a fruit and vegetable cultivation facility to consumers without going through an intermediate organization after harvesting the fruits and vegetables in response to an order from the consumers, comprising the steps of: a distribution step of distributing, via the Internet, images of the fruits and vegetables in the growing process taken by an imaging device installed in the fruit and vegetable cultivation facility; a delivery destination confirmation step for confirming, when a purchase reservation application for the fruit or vegetable is received from a consumer who has viewed the image, that the delivery destination is within a predetermined distance from the fruit or vegetable cultivation facility by referring to delivery destination information included in the purchase reservation; a reservation acceptance step of accepting the reservation on the condition that it is confirmed in the delivery destination confirmation step that the delivery destination is within a predetermined distance; a harvest and delivery time designation step for designating a harvest and delivery time at a desired timing for the fruit and vegetables that the consumer has reserved for purchase; A harvesting step of harvesting fruits and vegetables according to the designated harvest time; A packaging step of packaging the fruits and vegetables harvested in the harvesting step; A fruit and vegetable ordering and delivery method, comprising a delivery step of directly delivering the fruit and vegetable packages prepared in the packaging step to the consumer in accordance with the designated delivery time.

6. A system in which fruits and vegetables grown in a fruit and vegetable cultivation facility are harvested according to orders from consumers and then delivered directly to them without going through intermediate organizations, etc. an order waiting means for starting a waiting state for waiting for an order from a consumer for the fruit or vegetable when the fruit or vegetable reaches a ripeness suitable for harvesting; a delivery destination confirmation means for, when an order is received from a consumer in the standby state, referencing delivery destination information included in the order and confirming that the delivery destination is within a predetermined distance from the fruit and vegetable cultivation facility; a plant number confirmation means for confirming that a sufficient number of mature fruit or vegetable plants are present to fulfill the order; a harvesting means for harvesting the fruits and vegetables corresponding to the order on condition that the delivery destination confirmation means confirms that the delivery destination is within a predetermined distance and the plant number confirmation means confirms that the required number of mature fruits and vegetables are present; a packaging means for packaging the fruits and vegetables harvested by the harvesting means; A fruit and vegetable ordering and delivery system comprising a delivery means for directly delivering the fruit and vegetable packages prepared by the packaging means to the consumer.

7. A fruit and vegetable cultivation facility having at least a hydroponic cultivation device, a ventilation system, a harvesting area, a packaging area, and an area for removing packaged fruit and vegetable products, and constructed with a highly airtight structure, characterized in that the number of people allowed inside the facility at one time is controlled to a maximum of one by appropriate means.

8. 8. The fruit and vegetable cultivation facility according to claim 7, further comprising an exhibition window through which the inside of the facility can be seen from the outside, and the hydroponic cultivation device further comprises a unit installation section for detachably installing a plurality of cultivation units.

9. The fruit and vegetable cultivation facility described in claim 8, wherein the cultivation unit comprises a nutrient solution tank and a planting panel placed thereon, the planting panel having a predetermined number of planting holes, the upper ends of which are formed in an arched shape.

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