Control device, storage system, terminal device, and program

Abstract

To provide a storage device which enhances storage efficiency and enhances convenience for a user.SOLUTION: A control device controls a storage device that stores a storage box capable of storing an object to be stored, and a transport vehicle that transports the storage box taken out from the storage device. The control device includes a control unit that performs a transfer instruction process of instructing the storage device to discharge a storage box to be used by a user among the storage boxes stored in the storage device to the outside of the storage device by a transport device that transports the storage box in the storage device and transfer the storage box to a transport vehicle or to a placement table on which the user can receive the storage box, and a transport instruction process of instructing the transport vehicle to move to a place to be used by the user as a transport destination when the storage box is transferred to the transport vehicle according to an instruction in the transfer instruction process.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device, a storage system, a terminal device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, in work spaces such as offices, each user was assigned a desk in advance to perform their work. However, in recent years, a so-called free address system has been introduced, whereby users are free to choose any available desk from a number of desks.

[0003] In this case, users store their documents, stationery, laptops (personal computers), and other items in storage fixtures such as lockers or shelves. When using a desk, users take the items from the storage fixtures and carry them to the desk they wish to use. When they finish using the desk, users return the items from the desk to the storage fixtures.

[0004] On the other hand, some automated storage cabinets for storing documents used in offices have multiple cabinets, and documents are distributed among these cabinets depending on their frequency of use (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In these automated storage cabinets, a transporter transports documents between the cabinets, thereby achieving distributed storage. There is also a system in which, when workers are present in a meeting space in an office, an autonomous mobile device transports and provides food and drink to the meeting space (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-327520 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-64775 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] When users take items out of or put items into storage fixtures, they must go to the location of the storage fixture assigned to them. Storage fixtures are often installed along the walls of the office space to ensure efficient use of the office space. This can result in a long distance from the storage fixture to the desk, making it difficult to carry the items to the desk. Conventional technology does not reduce this cumbersome process.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a control device, a storage system, a terminal device, and a program that can increase the convenience of using storage fixtures for users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following aspects. (1) One aspect of the present invention is a control device that controls a storage device that stores storage boxes capable of holding items, and a transport vehicle that transports the storage boxes, and includes a control unit that performs a transfer instruction process that instructs the storage device to eject a storage box stored in the storage device that is to be used by a user from the storage device using a transport device that transports the storage box within the storage device, and to transport the storage box to the transport vehicle or to a loading platform where the user can receive the storage box, and when the storage box is transported to the transport vehicle in accordance with the instruction, a transfer instruction process that instructs the transport vehicle to move the storage box to a location that will be used by the user as its destination.

[0009] (2) In the control device according to the aspect (1) above, the control unit receives information about a location designated as the delivery destination in map information displayed on a terminal device.

[0010] (3) In the storage device according to the aspect (1) above, the control unit starts the transfer instruction process for instructing the transfer to the transport vehicle at the reserved time input by the user.

[0011] (4) In the control device according to the aspect (1) above, the control unit starts the transfer instruction process to instruct the user to be transferred to the transport vehicle at a time determined based on information on the detected location of the user.

[0012] (5) In the control device according to the aspect (1) above, the control unit starts the transfer instruction process to instruct the user to be transferred to the transport vehicle when a sensor installed at a predetermined location detects the user, or when a predetermined time has elapsed since the sensor detected the user.

[0013] (6) In the control device according to the aspect (1) above, the control unit starts the transfer instruction process to instruct the transport vehicle when the user starts using the location, when the start time of use of the location previously designated by the user arrives, or when a predetermined time has passed before or since the start time of use.

[0014] (7) In the control device according to the aspect (1) above, the control unit starts the transport instruction process when the scheduled start time of the user's task arrives, or when a predetermined time has passed or is before the scheduled start time, and instructs the transport vehicle to transport the storage box that the user will use for the task.

[0015] (8) In the control device according to the aspect (1) above, the control unit starts the transport instruction process when the scheduled start time of the user's task arrives, or when a predetermined time has passed or is before the scheduled start time, and instructs the transport vehicle to transport the storage box that the user will use for the task.

[0016] (9) In the control device according to the aspect (1) above, a memory unit stores information about attendees of past meetings held in a conference room and information about the storage box used during the meeting, and when the destination is a conference room where a meeting with the attendees is held, the control unit reads from the memory unit the information about the storage box used during the past meeting with the attendees, and in the transport instruction process, instructs the transport vehicle to transport the storage box indicated by the read information.

[0017] (10) In the control device according to the aspect (1) above, the control unit instructs the transport vehicle to transport the storage boxes used by the user in the transport instruction process, and instructs the transport vehicles, excluding the leading transport vehicle, among the multiple transport vehicles to follow the other transport vehicles that have already moved to the destination in the transport instruction process.

[0018] (11) In the control device according to the aspect (1) above, the control unit instructs the transport vehicle to move to the position of the storage box before the transfer instruction process instructing the transport vehicle to transfer the storage box.

[0019] (12) One aspect of the present invention is a storage system comprising: a storage device that stores storage boxes capable of holding items; a transport vehicle that transports the storage boxes; a transfer instruction process that instructs the storage device to eject a storage box stored in the storage device that is to be used by a user from the storage device using the transport device that transports the storage box within the storage device and transfer it to the transport vehicle or to a loading platform where the user can receive the storage box; and a control unit that performs a transfer instruction process that, when the storage box is transferred to the transport vehicle in accordance with the instruction, instructs the transport vehicle to move the storage box to a location that will be used by the user as its destination.

[0020] (13) One aspect of the present invention is a terminal device that includes a display unit that displays map information, and a processing unit that transmits information about the location of the destination specified in the map information displayed on the display unit to a control device that performs the following processes: a process of instructing the storage device to eject a storage box stored in the storage device that is to be used by a user from the storage device using a transport device that transports the storage box within the storage device, and transporting the storage box to a transport vehicle or to a loading platform where the user can receive the storage box; and a process of instructing the transport vehicle to move the storage box to a location used by the user as the destination when the storage box is transported to the transport vehicle in accordance with the instruction.

[0021] (14) One aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to function as the control device according to any one of (1) to (11) above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to one aspect of the present invention, the convenience of using storage fixtures for users can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a storage device according to an embodiment; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the hardware configuration of a storage device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a perspective view of the storage device of FIG. 3, seen from a different direction than FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the storage device of FIG. 3. [Figure 6] 4 is a perspective view of the storage device shown in FIG. 3 with the wall panel forming the side wall, the first opening / closing door, and the upper plate of the storage shelf on one side in the second horizontal direction removed. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrows VV in FIG. 3. [Figure 8]4 is a view of the storage device of FIG. 3 as seen from one side in a first horizontal direction. [Figure 9] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the storage device of FIG. 3 as viewed from a first horizontal direction. [Figure 10] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the layout of the storage device according to the present embodiment in an indoor space. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a transport vehicle according to the present embodiment. [Figure 12] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system control device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a terminal device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of box management information according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of user information according to the embodiment; [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of schedule information according to the embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of facility management information according to the embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of transportation vehicle management information according to the present embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of reservation information according to the embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the terminal device according to the embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the storage system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the storage system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the storage system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the storage system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the storage system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the storage system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the storage system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the storage system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the storage system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 30] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a system control device according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the storage system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. In all drawings for explaining the embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for parts having the same functions, and repeated explanations will be omitted.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a storage system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The storage system 1 of this embodiment includes a storage device 100, a transport vehicle 200, and a system control device 300. While FIG. 1 shows one storage device 100 and one transport vehicle 200, there may be two or more storage devices 100 and two or more transport vehicles 200. The system control device 300 communicates with the storage device 100 via a wired or wireless connection, and with the transport vehicle 200 wirelessly. The system control device 300 may also communicate with the transport vehicle 200 via the storage device 100. In this case, the storage device 100 and the transport vehicle 200 communicate wirelessly. The system control device 300 may be provided in the storage device 100, or may be installed in a location remote from the storage device 100.

[0026] The storage equipment 100 is installed in a facility such as an office that is used repeatedly by a set number of people. The following description will be given taking the case where the storage equipment 100 is installed in an office as an example. The storage equipment 100 has a storage space that stores a plurality of storage boxes 111. The storage boxes 111 are portable boxes in which users can store items. Examples of stored items include, but are not limited to, documents, stationery, and electronic devices such as personal computers and tablet devices that users use in the office.

[0027] The transport vehicle 200 transports the user's storage box 111 that was stored in the storage equipment 100 to the user's desk, a conference room, etc. The transport vehicle 200 also transports the returned storage box 111 from the place where the storage box 111 is used, such as the user's desk or a conference room, to the storage equipment 100.

[0028] The system control device 300 controls the storage equipment 100 and the transport vehicle 200 based on operations performed by the user, data received from external devices, pre-registered data, and the like.

[0029] The system control device 300 is further connected to user terminal devices 400 and sensors 500 installed inside and outside the office via a network N. Although one terminal device 400 and one sensor 500 are shown in FIG. 1, there may be two or more terminal devices 400 and two or more sensors 500.

[0030] The terminal device 400 may be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer. The sensor 500 may be installed, for example, at the entrance (gate) of a station or an office building, at the entrance of the office, on a desk, on a chair, or along the path from the user's home to their desk in the office, around the desk, or in a conference room; however, the sensor 500 may be installed in any location. The sensor 500 detects the presence of a user and notifies the system control device 300. For example, the sensor 500 reads user identification information from the user's employee ID card or the terminal device 400. Alternatively, the sensor 500 may be, for example, a biometric information reader of a biometric authentication system used when entering an office or building. In this case, the sensor 500 acquires the user's biometric information, and the biometric authentication system converts the acquired biometric information into user identification information and notifies the system control device 300.

[0031] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the storage equipment 100. The storage equipment 100 includes a storage box 111, a storage section 112, a transport section 113, a communication section 115, an input section 116, and a processing section 120. The storage equipment 100 also has an opening for ejecting the storage box 111 from the storage equipment 100 and for taking the storage box 111 into the storage equipment 100.

[0032] The storage box 111 is a box having space for storing a user's belongings. The storage box 111 is provided with a label such as a two-dimensional barcode indicating box identification information or an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) label that stores the box identification information. The box identification information is information that uniquely identifies the storage box 111. If the storage system 1 includes multiple storage devices 100, the box identification information includes identification information of the storage devices 100. The storage unit 112 is a rack that stores multiple storage boxes 111.

[0033] The transport unit 113 transports the storage box 111 between the storage unit 112 and a position where the storage box 111 is taken into or discharged from the storage device 100. For example, the transport unit 113 transports the storage box 111 by controlling a transporter 5 shown in Figs. 5, 7 to 9, which will be described later. The transport unit 113 has a reading unit 114 that reads box identification information from a label on the storage box 111.

[0034] The communication unit 115 is realized by a communication module. The communication unit 115 transmits and receives data to and from other devices. For example, the communication unit 115 is connected to the system control device 300 by wire or wirelessly. The communication unit 115 may communicate with the system control device 300 via a network N. The communication unit 115 may also communicate with the guided vehicle 200 wirelessly.

[0035] The input unit 116 inputs information through an operation by an operator. For example, the input unit 116 is an IC card reader, a barcode reader, or the like. The input unit 116 may include a pointing device such as a touch panel, an input device such as a button, or a device such as a keyboard for inputting text information. The input unit 116 may also be integrated with a display device such as a touch panel.

[0036] The processing unit 120 operates the transport unit 113 based on instructions from the system control device 300 or instructions input by the user via the input unit 116 to transport the storage box 111 .

[0037] The processing unit 120 is realized by a hardware processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a computer program (software) stored in a storage unit (not shown). Some or all of the functions of the processing unit 120 may be realized by hardware such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware. The computer program may be stored in advance in a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or flash memory, or may be stored on a removable storage medium such as a DVD or CD-ROM, and installed by inserting the storage medium into a drive.

[0038] An example of the hardware configuration of the storage device 100 will be described. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a storage device 100a. The storage device 100a is an example of the storage device 100. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the storage device 100a of FIG. 3, seen from a different direction than that of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the storage device 100a of FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the storage device 100a shown in FIG. 3, with the wall panel 92 forming the side wall, the first opening / closing door 71, and the upper plate 34 of the storage shelf 3A on one side in the horizontal second direction D2 removed. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrows VV in FIG. 5.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 7, the storage device 100a is installed on a floor surface F in an indoor space 97 (see FIG. 10 described later), such as an office. The storage device 100a is a so-called automatically transported storage system that stores and keeps items used by users of the indoor space 97, and automatically transports the items to a predetermined position (a tray 68 or a transport vehicle 200 described later) as needed. In the following description, the direction perpendicular to the floor surface F is referred to as the up-down direction Dv, a direction extending in one direction in a horizontal plane intersecting the up-down direction Dv is referred to as the horizontal first direction D1, and a direction in the horizontal plane intersecting the up-down direction Dv and the horizontal first direction D1 is referred to as the horizontal second direction D2. Furthermore, in the horizontal second direction D2, the center side of the storage device 100a may be referred to as the inside of the horizontal second direction D2, and the opposite side may be referred to as the outside of the horizontal second direction D2.

[0040] The storage device 100a includes a storage shelf 3, a transport mechanism 4, and a storage space forming section 6. In this embodiment, the storage device 100a has the transport mechanism 4 in the center in the horizontal second direction D2, and has storage shelves 3 on both sides of the transport mechanism 4 in the horizontal second direction D2. The storage device 100a also includes a transport vehicle storage section 8. The transport vehicle storage section 8 is provided, for example, on one side of the storage device 100a in the horizontal second direction D2. The transport vehicle storage sections 8 may also be provided on both sides of the storage device 100a in the horizontal second direction D2. The storage shelf 3 is an example of the storage section 112 shown in FIG. 2, and the transport mechanism 4 is an example of the transport section 113 shown in FIG. 2.

[0041] The items stored in the storage equipment 100a are carried in and out of the storage equipment 100a in storage boxes 2 assigned to each user or group, for example. The storage boxes 2 are an example of the storage boxes 111 in FIG. 2. The storage boxes 2 are formed, for example, in the shape of a box with a bottom that opens upward. The storage boxes 2 are formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangle when viewed in the up-down direction Dv.

[0042] The storage device 100a has storage shelves 3 on both sides in the horizontal second direction D2. The storage shelf 3A on one side in the horizontal second direction D2 and the storage shelf 3B on the other side in the horizontal second direction D2 are provided at a distance in the horizontal second direction D2. A plurality of storage boxes 2 are stored in each of the storage shelves 3A, 3B, and the storage boxes 2 are taken in and out by a transport mechanism 4.

[0043] The storage shelf 3 has multiple support columns 31 and multiple shelf sections 32. As shown in FIG. 5, the multiple support columns 31 are arranged at least at the four corners of the storage shelf 3 when viewed from the vertical direction Dv. Each support column 31 is grounded on the floor surface F and extends in the vertical direction Dv. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the multiple shelf sections 32 are provided at intervals in the vertical direction Dv. Each shelf section 32 is supported by the multiple support columns 31. An upper plate section 34 that covers the multiple shelf sections 32 from above is provided at the top of each of the storage shelves 3A and 3B. Each shelf section 32 can store (place) multiple storage boxes 2 lined up in the first horizontal direction D1. Each shelf section 32 places the storage boxes 2, which are rectangular in plan view, on each shelf section 32 with their long sides aligned along the second horizontal direction D2 and their short sides aligned along the first horizontal direction D1. In this state, a plurality of storage boxes 2 are stored in each of the storage shelves 3A and 3B.

[0044] 5 and 7, the transport mechanism 4 is provided between the storage shelf 3A on one side in the horizontal second direction D2 and the storage shelf 3B on the other side in the horizontal second direction D2. The transport mechanism 4 is provided adjacent to the storage shelf 3A on the other side in the horizontal second direction D2. The transport mechanism 4 is provided adjacent to the storage shelf 3B on one side in the horizontal second direction D2.

[0045] The transport mechanism 4 includes a transporter 5. The transporter 5 is configured to be movable in a horizontal first direction D1, for example, along a rail (not shown) laid on the floor surface F. The transporter 5 has an elevation mechanism (not shown) that allows it to move up and down in a vertical direction Dv. This allows the transporter 5 to be moved to a position facing the shelf portions 32 of each stage of the storage shelf 3A and the storage shelf 3B in the horizontal second direction D2.

[0046] The conveyor 5 is configured to be able to take in and out storage boxes 2 stored in the storage shelf 3 along the second horizontal direction D2. For example, the conveyor 5 has a box placement section 51 on which the storage box 2 can be placed. The box placement section 51 is provided with a belt conveyor (not shown) that moves the placed storage box 2 in the second horizontal direction D2. The conveyor 5 also has an arm (not shown) that can push and pull the storage box 2 to both sides in the second horizontal direction D2 while latching or gripping the storage box 2. The operation of the conveying mechanism 4 is controlled by a controller (not shown) of the storage device 100a. This controller corresponds to the system control device 300 in FIG. 1.

[0047] 3 to 5, the storage space forming section 6 constitutes the outer shell of the storage device 100a. In other words, the storage space forming section 6 surrounds the entire lateral periphery of the storage shelf 3 and the transport mechanism 4, and forms the storage space S in which the storage shelf 3 and the transport mechanism 4 are housed. In this embodiment, the storage space forming section 6 has a pair of side walls 61, a front wall 62, and a rear wall 63.

[0048] The pair of side wall portions 61 divide the storage space S into an inside and an outside in the horizontal second direction D2. The pair of side wall portions 61 are provided on both sides of the storage space forming portion 6 in the horizontal second direction D2. The side wall portion 61A on one side in the horizontal second direction D2 is disposed on one side (outside) of one storage shelf 3A in the horizontal second direction D2. The side wall portion 61A is provided so as to cover the storage shelf 3A from one side in the horizontal second direction D2. The side wall portion 61B on the other side in the horizontal second direction D2 is disposed on the other side (outside) of one storage shelf 3B in the horizontal second direction D2. The side wall portion 61B is provided so as to cover the storage shelf 3B from the other side in the horizontal second direction D2.

[0049] The front wall 62 and the rear wall 63 divide the storage space S into an interior and an exterior in the first horizontal direction D1. The front wall 62 is provided on one side D1a of the storage space forming section 6 in the horizontal first direction D1. The front wall 62 is provided so as to cover the pair of storage shelves 3A, 3B and the transport mechanism 4 from the one side D1a in the horizontal first direction D1. The rear wall 63 is provided on the other side D1b of the storage space forming section 6 in the horizontal first direction D1. The rear wall 63 is provided so as to cover the pair of storage shelves 3A, 3B and the transport mechanism 4 from the other side D1b in the horizontal first direction D1.

[0050] In this embodiment, each of the side wall portion 61, front wall portion 62, and rear wall portion 63 that constitute the storage space forming portion 6 is constructed using a plurality of panel support pillars 91 and a plurality of wall panels 92 arranged between adjacent panel support pillars 91.

[0051] The storage space forming portion 6 opens upward above the transport mechanism 4 located between the upper plate portions 34 of the storage shelves 3A, 3B on both sides in the second horizontal direction D2.

[0052] As shown in Figures 3, 5, and 6, the front wall portion 62 has a first wall portion 62a and a protrusion 65. The first wall portion 62a is provided on one side D1a in the horizontal first direction D1 for the storage shelves 3A, 3B on both sides in the horizontal second direction D2. The first wall portion 62a is disposed with the horizontal first direction D1 as its thickness direction. Each first wall portion 62a covers the corresponding storage shelf 3A, 3B from one side D1a in the horizontal first direction D1.

[0053] The protruding portion 65 is provided on one side D1a in the horizontal first direction D1 with respect to the conveying mechanism 4. The protruding portion 65 is provided between the first wall portions 62a on both sides in the horizontal second direction D2. The protruding portion 65 protrudes further toward the one side D1a in the horizontal first direction D1 than the first wall portion 62a. The protruding portion 65 has a pair of second wall portions 65a and a third wall portion 65b. Each of the pair of second wall portions 65a extends from an inner end of the first wall portion 62a in the horizontal second direction D2 toward the one side D1a in the horizontal first direction D1. Each of the pair of second wall portions 65a is disposed with the horizontal second direction D2 as its thickness direction. The third wall portion 65b connects the ends of the pair of second wall portions 65a on the one side D1a in the horizontal first direction D1. The third wall portion 65b is provided to close the space between the pair of second wall portions 65a. The third wall portion 65b is disposed such that its thickness direction corresponds to the horizontal first direction D1.

[0054] The protrusion 65 also has an upper wall 65t that covers the area surrounded by the pair of second wall portions 65a and the third wall portion 65b from above. In this embodiment, the upper wall 65t is inclined obliquely downward from the other side D1b to the one side D1a in the horizontal first direction D1. Note that the upper wall 65t may extend along a horizontal plane.

[0055] Additionally, an upper closing plate 62c is provided above the end portion of the upper wall portion 65t on the other side D1b in the horizontal first direction D1 in the front wall portion 62. The upper closing plate 62c closes the space between the first wall portions 62a on both sides in the horizontal second direction D2.

[0056] As shown in Figure 5, the storage space S formed by the storage space forming portion 6 has, when viewed from the vertical direction Dv, a first space S1 surrounded by a pair of side wall portions 61, a pair of first wall portions 62a of the front wall portion 62, and the rear wall portion 63, and a second space S2 surrounded by a pair of second wall portions 65a forming the protrusion portion 65 and a third wall portion 65b.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , an opening 66 is formed in each of the pair of second wall portions 65a of the protrusion 65. The opening 66 is a transfer opening for transferring the storage box 2 between the inside and outside of the storage device 100a. The opening 66 is formed in the middle of the second wall portion 65a in the up-down direction. The opening 66 penetrates each of the second wall portions 65a in the horizontal second direction D2. When viewed from the horizontal second direction D2, the opening 66 is formed in a rectangular shape that is long in the up-down direction and has a size that allows the storage box 2 to be taken in and out in the horizontal second direction D2. In this embodiment, the opening 66 is provided in each of the pair of second wall portions 65a, and the storage box 2 can be taken in and out from one side and the other side of the protrusion 65 in the horizontal second direction D2.

[0058] Fig. 8 is a view of the storage device 100a of Fig. 3 as viewed from one side D1a in the first horizontal direction D1. As shown in Figs. 3, 5, 6, and 8, a mounting base 67 is provided on a portion of the second wall portion 65a of the protruding portion 65 that is located below the opening 66. The mounting base 67 is provided along the lower edge of the opening 66. The mounting base 67 is provided so as to extend from the second wall portion 65a to the outside of the second space S2 (protruding portion 65) in the second horizontal direction D2. The mounting base 67 is disposed with the up-down direction Dv as its thickness direction. A storage box 2 that is inserted or removed through the opening 66 can be placed on the mounting base 67.

[0059] As shown in Figures 3, 5, and 6, in this embodiment, a tray 68 is provided on the upper surface of the mounting base 67. The tray 68 is a portion along which the storage box 2 slides when the storage box 2 is carried in or out through the opening 66. The tray 68 is made of a material that is more slidable than the material constituting the mounting base 67, and is formed in a dish shape that opens inward and upward in the second horizontal direction D2. As shown in Figure 4, the tray 68 is disposed on the mounting base 67 with one end 68a (the inner end in the second horizontal direction D2) protruding into the second space S2 through the opening 66.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, the tray 68 has an upward-facing tray surface 68f, a pair of guide portions 68g, and a stopper 68s. The pair of guide portions 68g and the stopper 68s are each formed to rise upward from the tray surface 68f. The pair of guide portions 68g extend upward from both end edges of the tray surface 68f in the horizontal first direction D1. Each of the pair of guide portions 68g extends in the horizontal second direction D2. The pair of guide portions 68g guide the storage box 2, which is inserted or removed through the opening 66, in the horizontal second direction D2 on the tray surface 68f. The stopper 68s extends upward from the outer edge of the tray surface 68f in the horizontal second direction D2. The stopper 68s extends in the horizontal first direction D1 and is provided to connect the outer ends of the pair of guide portions 68g in the horizontal second direction D2. The stopper 68s restricts the storage box 2, which is taken out of the second space S2 through the opening 66, from moving outward in the second horizontal direction D2.

[0061] As shown in Fig. 5, the conveyor 5 is configured to be movable between a first space S1 of the storage space S and a second space S2 formed on one side D1a in the horizontal first direction D1 of the first space S1 relative to the first wall portion 62a. More specifically, the conveyor 5 is configured to be movable between a first position P1 facing the storage shelf 3 in the horizontal second direction D2 in the first space S1 of the storage space S as shown in Figs. 3 and 7, and a second position P2 facing the opening 66 in the horizontal second direction D2 in the second space S2 of the storage space S as shown in Figs. 3 and 8.

[0062] At the first position P1, the conveyor 5 can take in and out storage boxes 2 stored in the storage shelves 3 on both sides in the horizontal second direction D2 along the horizontal second direction D2. The conveyor 5 can also transport storage boxes 2 in the horizontal first direction D1 and the up-down direction Dv between the first position P1 and the second position P2. At the second position P2, the conveyor 5 can take in and out storage boxes 2 in the horizontal second direction D2 through either of the openings 66 on both sides in the horizontal second direction D2.

[0063] 3, a first maintenance opening 65h is formed in the third wall portion 65b of the protrusion 65. The first maintenance opening 65h functions as an entrance / exit for an operator to enter and exit the storage space S during maintenance of the storage space S, etc. The first maintenance opening 65h is provided by penetrating a portion of the third wall portion 65b other than the outer peripheral edge in the first horizontal direction D1. Furthermore, a first opening / closing door 71 that can open and close the first maintenance opening 65h is provided in the third wall portion 65b.

[0064] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the transport vehicle storage section 8 of the storage device 100a of Fig. 3, viewed from the first horizontal direction D1. The transport vehicle storage section 8 is formed below the lowest shelf 32D, which is provided at a distance above the floor F. A transport vehicle entrance / exit 69 is formed in the side wall 61A on one side in the second horizontal direction D2, which communicates with the transport vehicle storage section 8 below the lowest shelf 32D. The transport vehicle storage section 8 communicates with the outside of the storage device 100a (storage space forming section 6) through the transport vehicle entrance / exit 69.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 9 , a partition wall 81 is provided below the lowest shelf 32D, spaced apart from the side wall 61A on the inside in the second horizontal direction D2. The partition wall 81 separates the transport mechanism 4 provided in the storage space S from the transport vehicle storage section 8 in the second horizontal direction D2. The transport vehicle storage section 8 is surrounded by the partition wall 81, the lowest shelf 32D, and the floor F. The upper end of the partition wall 81 and the lowermost shelf 32D are spaced apart in the vertical direction. This allows communication between the storage space S and the transport vehicle storage section 8 through a communication opening 89 formed between the upper end of the partition wall 81 and the lowermost shelf 32D.

[0066] The transport vehicle accommodation section 8 can accommodate a transport vehicle 200 that can carry a storage box 2 from outside the storage device 100a. The transporter 5 is configured to be movable to a third position P3 where the storage box 2 can be taken in and out of the storage space S through the communication opening 89 while facing the communication opening 89 in the second horizontal direction D2. At the third position P3, the transporter 5 can take the storage box 2 in and out of the storage space S through the communication opening 89 for the transport vehicle 200 accommodated in the transport vehicle accommodation section 8 through the communication opening 89 in the second horizontal direction D2.

[0067] In such a storage device 100a, the storage box 2 stored in the storage device 100a can also be taken in and out via the transport vehicle 200 stored in the transport vehicle storage section 8. When the transport vehicle 200 is stored in the transport vehicle storage section 8 provided below the storage shelf 3, the storage box 2 can be taken in and out of the transport vehicle 200 through the transport vehicle entrance / exit 69. This allows the storage box 2 to be taken in and out via the transport vehicle 200, in addition to being taken in and out through the opening 66 of the protrusion 65.

[0068] In this case, the conveyor 5 moves the storage box 2 in and out of the transport vehicle 200 in the second horizontal direction D2 at the third position P3. Therefore, the conveyor 5 only needs to have a mechanism for moving the storage box 2 in and out of the storage shelf 3 in the second horizontal direction D2, similar to the mechanism for moving the storage box 2 in and out of the storage shelf 3 at the first position P1 and the mechanism for moving the storage box 2 in and out through the opening 66 at the second position P2. This eliminates the need to add a special component to the conveyor 5 for moving the storage box 2 in and out of the storage space S and the transport vehicle 200, simplifying the configuration of the conveyor 5. The transport vehicle storage section 8 may be used as a waiting area for the transport vehicle 200 when not in use. The waiting area for the transport vehicle 200 may be any location within the interior space 97, and there may be multiple waiting areas.

[0069] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the layout of a storage device 100 (storage device 100a) according to this embodiment in an indoor space 97. As shown in FIG. 10, such a storage device 100 is installed in an indoor space 97, such as an office. In FIG. 10, multiple desks 98 are arranged around the storage device 100 in the indoor space 97. The desk 98 used by each user may be fixed, or may vary depending on the day, as in a free address system. A user using one of the multiple desks 98 stores their own documents, stationery, electronic devices, and other items in a storage box 111 when the desk 98 is not in use. A transport vehicle 200 transports the storage box 111 removed from the storage device 100 to the user's desk 98, and then transports the storage box 111 from the desk 98 to the storage device 100 after the user has finished using it. The indoor space 97 is not limited to a single room, but may include multiple rooms, conference rooms, a hallway, and the like on the same floor.

[0070] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the transport vehicle 200. The transport vehicle 200 has a travel unit 211. The travel unit 211 includes a communication unit 212, a sensor 213, a travel control unit 214, and a drive unit 215. The communication unit 212 is realized by a communication module. The communication unit 212 wirelessly transmits and receives data to and from other devices. The sensor 213 detects surrounding obstacles, etc. The travel control unit 214 uses information detected by the sensor 213 to control the drive unit 215 so as to move the transport vehicle 200 to a destination instructed by the system control device 300 while avoiding obstacles. The drive unit 215 drives wheels (not shown) that come into contact with the floor surface F, thereby moving the transport vehicle 200.

[0071] The transport vehicle 200 may be realized, for example, by combining a wagon equipped with wheels and a traveling vehicle equipped with wheels and running unit 211. In this case, a coupling part is provided between the top of the traveling vehicle and the bottom of the wagon, and the traveling vehicle may couple with the wagon when the transport vehicle 200 needs to move and move the wagon, and when the movement is completed, the coupling part may be detached from the wagon and the traveling vehicle may move to a predetermined traveling vehicle waiting area or a location instructed by the system control device 300. The waiting area for unused wagons and the waiting area for unused traveling vehicles may be the transport vehicle storage unit 8 or any location within the interior space 97. There may be multiple waiting areas for wagons and traveling vehicles.

[0072] 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the system control device 300. The system control device 300 includes a communication unit 311, a storage unit 312, a control unit 313, an input unit 314, and an output unit 315.

[0073] The communication unit 311 is realized by a communication module. The communication unit 311 transmits and receives data to and from other devices. For example, the communication unit 311 is connected to the storage equipment 100 by wire or wirelessly, and to the transport vehicle 200 by wirelessly. The communication unit 311 also communicates with the terminal device 400 via a network N. The communication unit 311 may communicate with the storage equipment 100 or the transport vehicle 200 via the network N, or may communicate with the terminal device 400 by short-range wireless communication or the like.

[0074] The storage unit 312 is realized by a hard disk drive (HDD), flash memory, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), etc. The storage unit 312 stores various data. The storage unit 312 stores box management information, user information, schedule information, map information, facility management information, transport vehicle management information, and transport vehicle management information.

[0075] The box management information indicates the user, organization, and task to which each storage box 111 is assigned, the storage position of the storage box 111 in the storage unit 112, and the current location of the storage box 111. User information includes information such as the organization to which each user belongs. Schedule information indicates the schedule of tasks and the like to be performed by each user. Map information is information showing a map of the indoor space 97 in which the storage equipment 100 is installed. The map information includes information on the location of the storage equipment 100, the locations of equipment such as desks 98 and conference rooms, and information on travel routes that can be used for movement of the transport vehicle 200. Equipment management information is information for managing the equipment in the indoor space 97. The equipment management information indicates the location of each piece of equipment, the user of the equipment, and the usage time. Transport vehicle management information indicates the status of the transport vehicle 200, whether it is available or in use, and the current location of the transport vehicle 200. Reservation information indicates a reservation for transportation of the storage box 111 from the storage equipment 100 using the transport vehicle 200, or a reservation for transportation of the storage box 111 to the storage equipment 100. The information indicating the position may be indicated by a vertical and horizontal coordinate position with a predetermined point in the indoor space 97 as the origin, or may be indicated by a position in three-dimensional coordinates using latitude, longitude, and height.

[0076] The control unit 313 controls the storage equipment 100 and the transport vehicle 200. The control unit 313 instructs the storage equipment 100 and the transport vehicle 200 to transport the storage box 111 to be removed based on information received from the terminal device 400, user identification information detected by the sensor 500, or information stored in the memory unit 312. The control unit 313 also instructs the storage equipment 100 and the transport vehicle 200 to collect the storage box 111 based on information received from the terminal device 400, user identification information detected by the sensor 500, or information stored in the memory unit 312.

[0077] The control unit 313 is realized, for example, by a hardware processor such as a CPU executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 312. Furthermore, some or all of these functional units may be realized by hardware such as an LSI, ASIC, FPGA, or GPU, or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware. The computer program may be stored in advance in a storage device such as a HDD or flash memory, or may be stored in a removable storage medium such as a DVD or CD-ROM and installed by inserting the storage medium into a drive device.

[0078] The input unit 314 inputs information through an operation by an operator. For example, the input unit 314 is configured using an existing input device such as a keyboard, a pointing device (a mouse, a tablet, etc.), a button, or a touch panel. The input unit 314 is operated by the operator when inputting the operator's instructions to the system control device 300. The input unit 314 may be an interface for connecting the input device to the system control device 300. In this case, the input unit 314 inputs an input signal generated in the input device in response to the operator's input to the system control device 300.

[0079] The output unit 315 outputs data via an output device (not shown) connected to the system control device 300. The output device may be configured using, for example, a device that outputs images and characters to a screen. For example, the output device can be configured using a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like. The output device can also be configured using an audio output device (speaker).

[0080] 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device 400. The terminal device 400 includes a communication unit 411, a storage unit 412, an input unit 413, an output unit 414, and a processing unit 415.

[0081] The communication unit 411 is realized by a communication module. The communication unit 411 transmits and receives data to and from other devices. For example, the communication unit 411 is connected to the system control device 300 via a network N. The communication unit 411 may also communicate with the system control device 300 and the storage equipment 100 via short-range wireless communication or the like.

[0082] The storage unit 412 is realized by a HDD, flash memory, RAM, ROM, etc. The storage unit 412 stores various information such as user identification information.

[0083] The input unit 413 inputs information through an operation by an operator. For example, the input unit 413 is configured using an existing input device such as a keyboard, a pointing device (a mouse, a tablet, etc.), a button, a touch panel, etc. The input unit 413 may be an interface for connecting the input device to the terminal device 400. In this case, the input unit 413 inputs an input signal generated in the input device in response to an input by the operator to the terminal device 400.

[0084] The output unit 414 outputs data via an output device (not shown) connected to the terminal device 400. The output device may be configured using, for example, a device that outputs images and characters to a screen. For example, the output device may be configured using a CRT, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like. The output device may also be an audio output device (speaker). The output unit 414 may also be a touch panel integrated with the input unit 413.

[0085] The processing unit 415 transmits information to the system control device 300 and outputs information to the output unit 414 based on information input by the input unit 413 and information received from the system control device 300 .

[0086] The processing unit 415 is realized, for example, by a hardware processor such as a CPU executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 412. Furthermore, some or all of these functional units may be realized by hardware such as an LSI, ASIC, FPGA, or GPU, or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware. The computer program may be stored in advance in a storage device such as a HDD or flash memory, or may be stored in a removable storage medium such as a DVD or CD-ROM and installed by inserting the storage medium into a drive device.

[0087] Next, data used by the system control device 300 of the storage system 1 will be described. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of box management information. The box management information includes box identification information, box allocation information, box name, box storage location information, box status information, and information on the user who removed the box. The box identification information uniquely identifies the storage box 111. The box allocation information indicates whether the storage box 111 is free and unassigned, or if not free, the identification information of the user, organization, and task to which the storage box 111 is assigned. The box name is a name given to the user to make it easy to understand what is stored in the storage box 111. The box storage location information indicates the storage location of the box in the storage section 112 of the storage equipment 100. The box status information indicates whether the storage box 111 is inside the storage equipment 100 or has been removed from the storage equipment 100. When the storage box 111 is transported by the transport vehicle 200, information on the destination location is set in the box status information. The destination location information may be indicated by the equipment identification information of the equipment at the destination. The removal user indicates the user identification information of the user who removed the storage box 111.

[0088] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of user information. The user information includes user identification information, a user name, and user affiliation information. The user identification information is information that uniquely identifies a user. For example, an employee number, a telephone number, or the address of the terminal device 400 used by the user may be used, but is not limited to these. If one user has multiple pieces of user identification information, the control unit 313 converts the user identification information as appropriate. The user affiliation information indicates the organization identification information of the organization to which the user belongs. The organization identification information is information that identifies the organization.

[0089] 16 is a diagram showing an example of schedule information. The schedule information indicates user identification information, task identification information that identifies a task to be performed by the user, the period from the start to the end of the task, a work schedule that indicates the date and time when the user plans to process the task, and a task status. The task status indicates whether the task has been completed.

[0090] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of facility management information. The facility management information includes facility identification information, a facility name, facility location information, facility usage information, and additional information. The facility identification information is information that uniquely identifies a facility such as a desk 98 or a conference room. The facility name is a name given to the facility so that users can easily understand it. The facility location information indicates the location of the facility within the indoor space 97. The facility usage information indicates the user identification information of the user who will use the facility and the facility usage time. When a meeting with a visitor takes place in a conference room, the additional information includes information about the visitor and the box identification information of a storage box 111 that has been transported to the conference room. The transported storage box 111 contains materials used for the meeting with the visitor.

[0091] 18 is a diagram showing an example of transport vehicle management information. The transport vehicle management information includes transport vehicle identification information, transport vehicle status information, and transport vehicle position information. The transport vehicle identification information is information that uniquely identifies the transport vehicle 200. The transport vehicle status information indicates whether the transport vehicle 200 is available or in use. The transport vehicle position information indicates the current position of the transport vehicle 200.

[0092] 19 is a diagram showing an example of reservation information. The reservation information indicates a reservation for removing a storage box 111 from the storage equipment 100 using the transport vehicle 200, or a reservation for returning a storage box 111 to the storage equipment 100 using the transport vehicle 200. The reservation information indicates the user identification information of the user who made the reservation, the reservation date and time, the reservation type, the box identification information of the storage box 111 to be transported, and the source and destination of the storage box 111. The reservation type indicates whether the storage box 111 is to be removed from the storage equipment 100 or returned to the storage equipment 100.

[0093] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the storage system usage screen G1 displayed on the output unit 414 of the terminal device 400. The storage system usage screen G1 includes a pull-down menu G10 for selecting the storage box 111 to be removed from the storage equipment 100, buttons G11 and G12 for selecting whether to make a removal reservation, an input field G13 for the reservation date and time if a removal reservation is made, and a screen display button G14 for displaying a map for specifying the location of the delivery destination. The button G12 for no removal reservation indicates immediate removal. The storage system usage screen G1 also includes a pull-down menu G15 for selecting the storage box 111 to be returned to the storage equipment 100, buttons G16 and G17 for selecting whether to make a return reservation, an input field G18 for the reservation date and time if a return reservation is made, and a screen display button G19 for displaying a map for specifying the location of the collection destination. The button G17 for no return reservation indicates immediate return.

[0094] The processing unit 415 of the terminal device 400 transmits user identification information to the system control device 300 when displaying the storage system usage screen G1 on the output unit 414. The control unit 313 of the system control device 300 reads out the received user identification information, the identification information of the user's affiliation, or box management information corresponding to the task identification information of the task the user plans to work on, and returns it to the terminal device 400. The processing unit 415 of the terminal device 400 displays the box names of storage boxes 111 whose box status information is set to be inside the storage device, in the pull-down menu of the storage box to be removed, and displays a pull-down list of box names of storage boxes 111 whose box status information is set to be outside the storage device, such as removal or transport destination location, in the pull-down menu of the storage box to be returned.

[0095] When specifying the location information of the delivery destination or collection destination on a map, the user presses the screen display button G14 or G19 on the storage system usage screen G1. The processing unit 415 of the terminal device 400 displays a map display screen G2 including map data of the indoor space 97 on the output unit 414. For example, the map data is map information stored in the memory unit 312 of the system control device 300. The control unit 313 provides the map information read from the memory unit 312 to the terminal device 400. Alternatively, by installing a sensor or the like on the transport vehicle 200, map data may be created while the transport vehicle 200 is traveling through the indoor space 97. The created map data is provided to the terminal device 400 via the system control device 300. For example, the user can input the location information of the delivery destination or collection destination by tapping the display position of the location they want to specify in the map data displayed on the map display screen G2.

[0096] Next, we will explain the operation of the storage system 1. In the following, we will explain an example in which storage equipment 100a is used as the storage equipment 100. First, we will explain the case in which a user directly operates the storage equipment 100 to take out a storage box 111.

[0097] When the items in the storage box 111 are not being used, such as when the desk 98 is not in use, the user's storage box 111 is stored in the storage unit 112. That is, the user's storage box 111 is stored in the storage shelf 3 of the storage equipment 100a. When the user needs the items in the storage box 111, such as when starting to use the desk 98, the user removes the storage box 111 stored in the storage equipment 100a. The user reads the user identification information into the input unit 116 of the storage equipment 100 and inputs a removal command. The control unit 313 of the system control device 300 reads the box identification information associated with the read user identification information from the box management information. Alternatively, the user may operate the terminal device 400 to send a removal command with the user identification information or box identification information set from the terminal device 400 to the system control device 300. The control unit 313 of the system control device 300 reads the box storage location from the box management information corresponding to the user identification information or box identification information set in the removal command.

[0098] The control unit 313 of the system control device 300 notifies the storage device 100 of the box storage position and instructs it to remove the storage box 111 from the opening to the outside of the storage device 100. The processing unit 120 of the storage device 100 operates the transport unit 113 to transport the storage box 111 at the box storage position to the opening and eject it outside the storage device 100.

[0099] Specifically, the processing unit 120 moves the transporter 5 of the storage device 100a to a position (first position P1) on the storage shelf 3 that faces the read box storage position in the second horizontal direction D2. At the first position P1, the transporter 5 pulls out the storage box 2 (storage box 111) stored in the storage shelf 3 along the second horizontal direction D2 and transfers it to the transporter 5. The transporter 5 then transports the loaded storage box 2 from the first position P1 to the second position P2. At the second position P2, the transporter 5 then pushes the storage box 2 outward in the second horizontal direction D2 and transfers the storage box 2 through the opening 66 onto the tray surface 68f of the placement table 67. This causes the user's storage box 2 to be placed on the placement table 67 outside the storage space forming unit 6.

[0100] The control unit 313 of the system control device 300 sets the box status information in the box management information corresponding to the discharged storage box 111 to indicate that it has been removed from the storage equipment 100, and sets user identification information in the removal user information. The user carries the storage box 111 discharged from the storage equipment 100 to the desk 98 or conference room that the user uses. This allows the user to use the items stored in the storage box 111 to work on the desk 98 or in the conference room.

[0101] After finishing using the desk 98 or the conference room, the user stores the items they were using in the storage box 111. The user returns the storage box 111 to the storage equipment 100. The user places the storage box 111 at the opening, has the input unit 116 of the storage equipment 100 read the user identification information, and inputs a storage instruction.

[0102] Specifically, the user places the storage box 2 (storage box 111) on the tray surface 68f of the mounting table 67 of the storage equipment 100a. After that, the user reads the user identification information using the input unit 116 of the storage equipment 100 and inputs a storage instruction. The control unit 313 of the system control device 300 reads out the box storage position from the box management information associated with the read user identification information. Alternatively, the user may operate the terminal device 400 to send a storage instruction setting the user identification information or box identification information from the terminal device 400 to the system control device 300. The control unit 313 of the system control device 300 reads out the box storage position from the box management information associated with the user identification information or box identification information.

[0103] The control unit 313 of the system control device 300 notifies the storage device 100 of the read box storage position and instructs it to store the storage box 111. The processing unit 120 of the storage device 100 operates the transport unit 113 to take in the storage unit 112 placed near the opening into the storage device 100 and transport it to the box storage position of the storage unit 112.

[0104] Specifically, the processing unit 120 moves the transporter 5 of the storage device 100a to a second position P2 facing the opening 66 in the second horizontal direction D2. At the second position P2, the transporter 5 pulls the storage box 2 (storage box 111) on the tray surface 68f inward in the second horizontal direction D2, thereby transferring the storage box 2 from the tray 68 onto the transporter 5 through the opening 66. The transporter 5 then transports the loaded storage box 2 from the second position P2 to the first position P1. At the first position P1, the transporter 5 pushes the storage box 2 outward in the second horizontal direction D2, transferring it from the transporter 5 onto the shelf portion 32 of the storage shelf 3. As a result, the storage box 2 is stored in the storage shelf 3.

[0105] The control unit 313 of the system control device 300 sets the box status information of the box management information corresponding to the stored storage box 111 to indicate that the box is stored in the storage device, and deletes the user identification information set in the retrieval user information. In this way, the storage of the storage box 111 in the storage device 100 is completed.

[0106] Next, the processing of the storage system 1 when the transport vehicle 200 is used to transport and return the storage box 111 will be described.

[0107] First, an overview of the operation when the transport vehicle 200 is used to remove the storage box 111 from the storage equipment 100 and transport it to a destination will be described. The system control device 300 detects a transport trigger and a destination for the storage box 111. The transport trigger may be, for example, receiving a transport instruction from the user's terminal device 400, arriving at a pre-registered transport time, or a predetermined sensor 500 detecting user identification information. The system control device 300 may receive destination information from the user's terminal device 400 or the sensor 500, or may obtain it from information previously stored in association with the user identification information. The destination is, for example, the location of a facility such as a desk 98 or a conference room used by the user.

[0108] When the system control device 300 detects the transport trigger and the transport destination of the storage box 111, it instructs the transport vehicle 200 to move to the position of the storage equipment 100. Furthermore, the system control device 300 instructs the storage equipment 100 to transport the storage box 111 to the transport vehicle 200. The processing unit 120 of the storage equipment 100 operates the transport unit 113 to transport the storage box 111 to the transport vehicle 200.

[0109] Specifically, the processing unit 120 moves the transporter 5 of the storage equipment 100a to a position (first position P1) on the storage shelf 3 that faces the position where the storage box 2 (storage box 111) to be transported is stored in the horizontal second direction D2. At the first position P1, the transporter 5 pulls out the storage box 2 stored in the storage shelf 3 along the horizontal second direction D2 and transfers it to the transporter 5. The transporter 5 transports the loaded storage box 2 from the first position P1 to a third position P3. Then, at the third position P3, the transporter 5 pushes the storage box 2 outward in the horizontal second direction D2 and transfers the storage box 2 through the communication opening 89 onto the top surface of the transport vehicle 200 stored in the transport vehicle storage unit 8.

[0110] Once the storage box 111 has been transferred to the transport vehicle 200, the system control device 300 instructs the transport vehicle 200 to transport it to the destination. The transport vehicle 200 transports the storage box 111 to the instructed destination. When the user receives the storage box 111 at the destination, the user notifies the system control device 300 from their terminal device 400 that receipt is complete. Upon receiving the notification that receipt is complete, the system control device 300 instructs the transport vehicle 200 to move to a transport vehicle standby position. The transport vehicle standby position may be, for example, the transport vehicle storage section 8 or another location. The transport vehicle 200 moves from the destination to the transport vehicle standby position in accordance with the instructions from the system control device 300.

[0111] Next, an overview of the operation when the transport vehicle 200 is used to transport and return the storage box 111 to the storage equipment 100 will be described. The system control device 300 detects a trigger for collection of the storage box 111 and a collection destination. The collection trigger may be, for example, receiving a collection instruction from the user's terminal device 400, arriving at a pre-registered collection time, or a predetermined sensor 500 detecting user identification information. The collection destination may be, for example, a facility such as a desk 98 or conference room where the user used the storage box 111. The system control device 300 may receive the collection destination from the user's terminal device 400 or may acquire it from pre-stored information. For example, the system control device 300 may acquire, as collection destination information, information on the delivery destination stored when the storage box 111 was transported.

[0112] When the system control device 300 instructs the transport vehicle 200 on the collection destination, the transport vehicle 200 moves to the collection destination. When the transport vehicle 200 arrives at the collection destination, the user loads the storage box 111 onto the transport vehicle 200 and instructs the system control device 300 from the terminal device 400 to return the box. The return instruction includes user identification information or box identification information. When the system control device 300 receives the return instruction, it instructs the transport vehicle 200 to move to the location of the storage device 100 (the transport vehicle storage section 8 of the storage device 100a).

[0113] When the transport vehicle 200 arrives at the storage equipment 100, the control unit 313 of the system control device 300 reads out the box storage location from the box management information corresponding to the user identification information or box identification information set in the return instruction. The control unit 313 notifies the storage equipment 100 of the box storage location and instructs it to transfer the storage box 111 transported by the transport vehicle 200 into the storage equipment 100. The processing unit 120 of the storage equipment 100 operates the transfer unit 113 to transfer the storage box 111 from the transport vehicle 200 to the storage unit 112.

[0114] Specifically, the processing unit 120 moves the transporter 5 of the storage equipment 100a to the third position P3. At the third position P3, the transporter 5 pulls the storage box 2 (storage box 111) on the transport vehicle 200 that has arrived at the transport vehicle storage section 8 inward in the second horizontal direction D2, thereby transferring the storage box 2 from the transport vehicle 200 onto the transporter 5 through the communication opening 89. The transporter 5 transports the loaded storage box 2 from the third position P3 to the box storage position (first position P1). At the first position P1, the transporter 5 pushes the storage box 2 outward in the second horizontal direction D2, transferring it from the transporter 5 onto the shelf section 32 of the storage shelf 3. As a result, the storage box 2 is stored in the storage shelf 3.

[0115] The control unit 313 of the system control device 300 sets the box status information of the box management information corresponding to the storage box 111 stored in the storage unit 112 to indicate that it is stored in the storage equipment 100.

[0116] The system control device 300 may also receive box identification information read from the label of the storage box 111 pulled into the device by the reading unit 114 of the storage device 100. The system control device 300 reads the box storage location from the box management information corresponding to the box identification information received from the storage device 100, instead of the user identification information set in the return instruction or the box management information corresponding to the box identification information.

[0117] The control unit 313 of the system control device 300 may also instruct the storage device 100 to select any empty box storage position that is not being used by any of the storage boxes 111 stored in the storage device 100. In this case, the control unit 313 of the system control device 300 writes the instructed box storage position into the box storage position information in the box management information corresponding to the storage box 111 stored in the storage unit 112. In this way, the storage of the storage box 111 in the storage device 100 is completed.

[0118] Furthermore, when removing a storage box 111 from the storage unit 112 of the storage equipment 100, the control unit 313 of the system control device 300 may sequentially read the box identification information from the labels attached to the storage boxes 111 in the storage unit 112 by the reading unit 114 while moving the conveying unit 113. Specifically, the control unit 313 reads the box identification information from each storage box 2 by the identification information reader provided on the conveying unit 5 while moving the conveying unit 5 of the storage equipment 100a in the first horizontal direction D1 and in the up-down direction. In this way, the control unit 313 searches for a storage box 111 labeled with box identification information associated with the user identification information input by the input unit 116. Upon finding a storage box 111 from which box identification information associated with the input user identification information has been read from the label, the control unit 313 instructs the storage equipment 100 to remove the storage box 111 from the storage unit 112.

[0119] Next, the detailed processing of the storage system 1 when the storage box 111 is transported using the transport vehicle 200 will be described.

[0120] When a user starts using (checks in) a desk 98 assigned to them by free address system, when they finish using (checks out) an assigned desk 98, or when they make a reservation to use a desk 98, conference room, etc., the system control device 300 receives this information from an external facility management system at any time and updates the facility management information stored in the memory unit 312.

[0121] For example, when the control unit 313 of the system control device 300 receives information indicating that a user has checked in at a desk 98, it writes the user identification information of the user and facility usage information that includes the check-in time and the scheduled check-out time into the facility usage information of the facility management information corresponding to that desk 98. The scheduled check-out time may be determined by the control unit 313 of the system control device 300 or may be received from the facility management system. The scheduled check-out time can be set arbitrarily, such as a predetermined time after the check-in time or the time to leave work.

[0122] Furthermore, when the control unit 313 of the system control device 300 receives information indicating that a user has checked out from a desk 98, it may delete the facility usage information that includes the current time in the usage time from the facility management information corresponding to that desk 98, or may rewrite the end time of the facility usage information that includes the current time in the usage time to the time of check-out. The facility management information may not be stored in the memory unit 312 of the system control device 300, and the control unit 313 may refer to the facility management information stored in the facility management system.

[0123] Furthermore, the user updates the schedule information stored in the system control device 300 as needed using the terminal device 400 or the like. The storage unit 312 of the system control device 300 may not store the schedule information, and the control unit 313 may refer to the schedule information stored in an external system that manages the user's schedule.

[0124] Furthermore, the travel control unit 214 of the transport vehicle 200 notifies the system control device 300 of its own position information at predetermined time intervals. The control unit 313 of the system control device 300 updates the transport vehicle position information in the transport vehicle management information based on the position information received from the transport vehicle 200. The transport vehicle 200 does not need to transmit position information if it is not moving.

[0125] 21 and 22 are flow diagrams showing the processing of the storage system 1 when immediately transporting a storage box 111 using the terminal device 400. For example, a user may instruct immediate transport while on their way to work or in the office.

[0126] 21, the user inputs information about the storage box 111 to be removed and the location of the destination via the input unit 413 of the user's terminal device 400 (step S101). For example, the user inputs information about the storage box 111 to be removed and the location of the destination using the storage system usage screen G1 or the map display screen G2 displayed on the output unit 414 of the terminal device 400. The user specifies the location of the destination by tapping on a location corresponding to the destination on the map data displayed on the output unit 414. The destination may be, for example, the user's fixed desk 98, a desk 98 that is reserved or assigned in a free address system, or a conference room. The terminal device 400 transmits a transport instruction to the system control device 300, which includes user identification information, target box information indicating the box identification information of the input storage box 111, and destination designation information indicating the location of the input destination (step S102).

[0127] The transport instruction does not have to include information about the storage box 111 that is the object of removal. In this case, the user does not have to input information about the storage box 111 that is the object of removal in step S101. The transport instruction does not have to include information about the destination of removal. In this case, the user does not have to input information about the destination of removal in step S101.

[0128] When the control unit 313 of the system control device 300 receives the transport instruction from the terminal device 400, it acquires the transport destination information and the target box information (step S103).

[0129] Specifically, the control unit 313 converts the destination designation information set in the delivery instruction into position information in the indoor space 97, and sets it as the destination information. If the delivery instruction does not include destination designation information, the control unit 313 identifies facility management information in which the user identification information and the usage time including the current time are set in the facility usage information, and reads out facility location information from the identified facility management information and sets it as the destination information.

[0130] Furthermore, the control unit 313 reads out the target box information from the transport instruction. If the target box information is not set in the transport instruction, the control unit 313 obtains the target box information by one of the following target box acquisition methods.

[0131] (1) The control unit 313 identifies the box management information in which the user identification information read from the transport instruction and box status information indicating that the box is stored in the storage device are set, and reads the box identification information from the identified box management information to set it as the target box information. In this way, the storage box 111 for personal use by the user is obtained as the target for removal.

[0132] (2) The control unit 313 reads from the user information the user affiliation information corresponding to the user identification information read from the transport instruction, and identifies box management information in which box identification information corresponding to the read user affiliation information and box status information indicating that the box is stored in a storage device are set. The control unit 313 reads the box identification information from the identified box management information and sets it as target box information. As a result, the storage box 111 containing materials, equipment, etc. used by the organization to which the user belongs is identified as the target for removal.

[0133] (3) The control unit 313 identifies schedule information using the user identification information read from the transport instruction, and from the identified schedule information, identifies task identification information for which the current time is included in the task period or work schedule and whose task status is incomplete. The control unit 313 identifies box management information in which the identified task identification information and box status information indicating that the task is stored in a storage device are set. The control unit 313 reads box identification information from the identified box management information and sets it as target box information. As a result, when a scheduled task is incomplete, the storage box 111 containing materials related to the task is identified as the target for removal.

[0134] (4) If the identified facility management information is a conference room and a visitor is set in the additional information, the control unit 313 searches for facility management information with past usage times using the visitor information. The control unit 313 reads out the box identification information set in association with the visitor information in the additional information of the facility management information obtained by the search, and sets this as the target box information. In this case, the control unit 313 writes the target box information into the box identification information of the additional information of the identified facility management information. This identifies the storage box 111 containing materials used in past meetings with customers or business partners as the target for retrieval.

[0135] If there are multiple pieces of box identification information that can be the target box information, all of them may be used as the target box information, or the box names corresponding to these box identification information may be read from the box management information and sent to the terminal device 400 of the user's storage device. The processing unit 415 of the terminal device 400 displays a list of the received box names, and returns the box identification information corresponding to one or more box names selected by the user using the input unit 413 to the system control device 300. The control unit 313 of the system control device 300 sets the box identification information corresponding to the received box names as the target box information.

[0136] The control unit 313 selects a guided vehicle 200 for which guided vehicle status information indicating availability is set in the guided vehicle management information (step S104). If there is no guided vehicle management information for which availability status information is set, the control unit 313 waits until availability is set in any of the guided vehicle management information, and selects that guided vehicle management information. The selected guided vehicle 200 is described as the selected guided vehicle 200. The control unit 313 sets the guided vehicle status information in the guided vehicle management information corresponding to the selected guided vehicle 200 to in use.

[0137] The control unit 313 instructs the selected transport vehicle 200 to move to the storage device 100 (transport vehicle storage unit 8) (step S105). If there are multiple storage devices 100, the control unit 313 identifies the storage device 100 based on the information included in the box identification information indicated by the target box information. The travel control unit 214 of the selected transport vehicle 200 controls the drive unit 215 to move to the storage device 100 (transport vehicle storage unit 8) (step S106), and upon arrival, notifies the system control device 300 of the arrival (step S107). Note that if the control unit 313 determines that the position of the storage device 100 (transport vehicle storage unit 8) is set in the transport vehicle position information of the selected transport vehicle 200, the storage system 1 may omit the processes of steps S105 to S107.

[0138] The control unit 313 of the system control device 300 reads out box storage position information corresponding to the target box information from the box management information stored in the memory unit 312. The control unit 313 instructs the storage equipment 100 to transfer the storage box 111 located at the storage position indicated by the read box storage position information to the transport vehicle 200 (step S108). The processing unit 120 of the storage equipment 100 transfers the storage box 111 to the selected transport vehicle 200 in accordance with the instruction from the system control device 300 (step S109), and notifies the system control device 300 that the transfer is complete (step S110). The control unit 313 sets the destination information in the box status information of the box management information corresponding to the transferred storage box 111, and sets the user identification information in the removal user information (step S111).

[0139] The control unit 313 transmits a transport instruction in which the destination information is set to the selected transport vehicle 200 (step S112). The travel control unit 214 of the selected transport vehicle 200 controls the drive unit 215 to move to the position indicated by the destination information set in the destination instruction (step S113). When the selected transport vehicle 200 arrives at the destination, the travel control unit 214 notifies the system control device 300 of the arrival (step S114). The user receives the storage box 111 carried by the selected transport vehicle 200.

[0140] In cases where the number of guided vehicles 200 is small compared to the number of users, the user promptly returns the selected guided vehicle 200 after receiving the storage box. As shown in FIG. 22, the processing unit 415 of the terminal device 400 notifies the system control device 300 of the completion of receipt, in which the user identification information has been set, in accordance with instructions input by the user via the input unit 413 (step S131). Upon receiving the notification of the completion of receipt, the control unit 313 of the system control device 300 instructs the selected guided vehicle 200 to move to a predetermined standby position (step S132). The travel control unit 214 of the selected guided vehicle 200 controls the drive unit 215 to move to the standby position (step S133). Upon arriving at the standby position, the travel control unit 214 of the selected guided vehicle 200 notifies the system control device 300 of the arrival (step S134). The control unit 313 of the system control device 300 sets the transport status information of the guided vehicle management information corresponding to the selected guided vehicle 200 to "vacant" (step S135).

[0141] Alternatively, when the user removes the contents from the storage box 111 carried by the selected transport vehicle 200, the user inputs a return instruction using the input unit 413 of the terminal device 400 while the storage box 111 is still on the transport vehicle 200. The processing unit 415 of the terminal device 400 transmits the return instruction, in which the user identification information has been set, to the system control device 300 (step S151).

[0142] When the control unit 313 of the system control device 300 receives the return instruction, it instructs the selected transport vehicle 200 to move to the storage equipment 100 (transport vehicle storage unit 8) (step S152). The travel control unit 214 of the selected transport vehicle 200 controls the drive unit 215 to move to the storage equipment 100 (step S153). When the selected transport vehicle 200 arrives at the storage equipment 100 (transport vehicle storage unit 8), it notifies the system control device 300 of the arrival (step S154).

[0143] The control unit 313 of the system control device 300 reads out the box storage position information corresponding to the target box information from the box management information. The control unit 313 instructs the storage equipment 100 to transfer the storage box 111 from the transport vehicle 200 to the storage position indicated by the box storage position information (step S155).

[0144] The processing unit 120 of the storage equipment 100 operates the transport unit 113 in accordance with instructions from the system control device 300 to transfer the storage box 111 from the selected guided vehicle 200 to a storage position in the storage unit 112 (step S156), and notifies the system control device 300 of the completion of the transfer (step S157). The control unit 313 of the system control device 300 writes a note to the box status information in the box management information corresponding to the transferred storage box 111 indicating that the box is stored in the storage equipment, and deletes the user identification information from the retrieval user information (step S158). The control unit 313 also sets the vehicle position information in the vehicle management information corresponding to the selected guided vehicle 200 to "vacant" (step S159). After step S159, the storage system 1 may perform the processes of steps S132 to S134.

[0145] If the user does not mind using the transport vehicle 200 for a long period of time, the transport vehicle 200 may be left at the destination after the processing of Fig. 21. After the user has finished using the facilities such as the desk 98 or the conference room, the user places the used items in the delivered storage box 111 and inputs a return instruction via the input unit 413 of the terminal device 400, and the processing begins with step S151.

[0146] 21, if the user carries the storage box 111 from the transport vehicle 200, uses the contents stored therein, and then places the storage box 111 on the transport vehicle 200, the sensor 213 may detect this and notify the system control device 300. Upon receiving the notification from the transport vehicle 200, the system control device 300 performs the processing from step S152.

[0147] Furthermore, when there are multiple storage boxes 111 to be transported, the storage boxes 111 may be transported to the destination by multiple transport vehicles 200. In this case, the control unit 313 of the system control device 300 selects multiple available transport vehicles 200. The control unit 313 instructs the storage device 100 to transfer a predetermined number of storage boxes 111 to the first selected transport vehicle 200 by the same process as above, and instructs the transport vehicle 200 to transport them to the destination. Furthermore, the control unit 313 instructs the storage device 100 to transfer the remaining predetermined number of storage boxes 111 to the second selected transport vehicle 200 by the same process as above. The control unit 313 may instruct the second selected transport vehicle 200 to transport them to the destination by the same process as above, or may instruct it to follow the first transport vehicle 200. Furthermore, the control unit 313 may instruct the third and subsequent selected transport vehicles 200 to follow any of the previous selected transport vehicles 200.

[0148] In the above, the destination designation information is a position on the map data displayed by the terminal device 400, but, for example, facility identification information can also be used. In this case, facility identification information is associated with the position of facility such as desk 98 displayed on the map data. When the user taps on the location of facility on the map, the terminal device 400 transmits the facility identification information of the facility at the tapped location to the system control device 300 as destination designation information. The control unit 313 of the system control device 300 reads the facility location information from the facility management information corresponding to the facility identification information and sets it as destination information.

[0149] Alternatively, a destination selected by the user from a list of facility names may be used as the destination designation information. In this case, the control unit 313 of the system control device 300 transmits information associating the facility name with the facility identification information to the terminal device 400. The processing unit 415 of the terminal device 400 displays the list of facility names on the output unit 414, and transmits the facility identification information corresponding to the facility name selected by the user from the list using the input unit 413 to the system control device 300 as the destination designation information.

[0150] Furthermore, if the user is near the destination desk 98 in the office or in a conference room, the input unit 413 of the terminal device 400 may read in the equipment identification information attached to the desk 98 or the equipment identification information attached to the entrance of the conference room, a desk, furniture, etc. The control unit 313 of the system control device 300 reads out the equipment location information from the equipment management information corresponding to the equipment identification information and sets it as destination specification information.

[0151] Furthermore, in steps S155 and S156, the system control device 300 and the storage equipment 100 may operate as follows: The control unit 313 of the system control device 300 instructs the storage equipment 100 to transfer the storage box 111 from the transport vehicle 200 to the inside. When the processing unit 120 of the storage equipment 100 takes the storage box 111 from the selected transport vehicle 200 to the inside, it reads the box identification information from the label of the storage box 111 using the reading unit 114 and notifies the system control device 300. The control unit 313 of the system control device 300 reads the box storage position information corresponding to the received box identification information from the box management information and notifies the storage equipment 100. The processing unit 120 of the storage equipment 100 transfers the storage box 111 taken inside to the storage position indicated by the received box storage position information.

[0152] Furthermore, in step S155, the system control device 300 and storage equipment 100 may operate as follows: The control unit 313 of the system control device 300 refers to the box storage position information in the box management information and assigns unused box storage position information. The control unit 313 instructs the storage equipment 100 to move the storage box 111 from the transport vehicle 200 to the storage position indicated by the assigned box storage position information. In step S158, the control unit 313 sets the assigned box storage position information in the box management information.

[0153] Furthermore, in step S108, the system control device 300 and the storage device 100 may operate as follows. The control unit 313 of the system control device 300 instructs the storage device 100 to read box identification information from the label of the storage box 111 in the storage unit 112. The processing unit 120 of the storage device 100 moves the transport unit 113, reads box identification information from the label attached to the storage box 111 in the storage unit 112 using the reading unit 114, and notifies the system control device 300. If the received box identification information does not match the target box information, the control unit 313 of the system control device 300 instructs the storage device 100 to read box identification information from the next storage box 111. Upon receiving the instruction, the processing unit 120 of the storage device 100 moves the transport unit 113 to the position of the next storage box 111 in the storage unit 112, reads box identification information from the label attached to the storage box 111 at the destination using the reading unit 114, and notifies the system control device 300. On the other hand, if the received box identification information matches the target box information, the control unit 313 instructs the storage device 100 to transfer the storage box 111, which has the label from which the box information was read, to the transport vehicle 200.

[0154] 23 is a flow diagram showing the processing of the storage system 1 when the storage box 111 is immediately returned using the terminal device 400. For example, the user instructs immediate return at the office.

[0155] The user inputs information about the storage box 111 to be returned and the location of the collection destination using the input unit 413 of their terminal device 400. For example, the user inputs information about the storage box 111 to be returned and the location of the collection destination using the storage system usage screen G1 or the map display screen G2 displayed on the output unit 414 of the terminal device 400 (step S201). In this case, the processing unit 415 acquires the location on the map data displayed on the output unit 414 based on the location tapped by the user, or the equipment identification information of the equipment displayed at the tapped location on the map data, and sets this as the collection destination designation information. Alternatively, the processing unit 415 may set as the collection destination designation information the equipment identification information corresponding to the equipment name selected by the user using the input unit 413 from the list of equipment names displayed on the output unit 414.

[0156] The terminal device 400 transmits a collection instruction to the system control device 300, which includes the user identification information, target box information indicating the box identification information of the input storage box 111, and collection destination designation information (step S202).

[0157] The collection instruction does not have to include information about the storage box 111 to be returned. In this case, the user does not have to input information about the storage box 111 to be returned in step S201. The collection instruction does not have to include information about the collection destination. In this case, the user does not have to input information about the collection destination in step S201.

[0158] When the control unit 313 of the system control device 300 receives the collection instruction, it acquires collection destination information and target box information (step S203).

[0159] Specifically, the control unit 313 converts the collection destination designation information set in the collection instruction into location information in the indoor space 97, and sets this as the collection destination information. Alternatively, the control unit 313 reads out facility location information from facility management information corresponding to the facility identification information indicated in the collection destination designation information, and sets this as the collection destination information. If the return start instruction does not include collection destination designation information, the control unit 313 identifies facility management information in which user identification information and usage time including the current time are set in the facility usage information, and reads out facility location information from the identified facility management information, and sets this as the collection destination information. Alternatively, the control unit 313 identifies box management information using the user identification information or target box information, and reads out delivery destination information from the box status information of the identified box management information, and sets this as the collection destination information.

[0160] Furthermore, the control unit 313 reads out target box information from the collection instruction. If target box information is not set in the collection instruction, the control unit 313 may read out box identification information from the box management information that corresponds to the user identification information set in the collection instruction and whose box status information does not indicate storage in a storage device, and use this box identification information as the target box information.

[0161] The control unit 313 selects a guided vehicle 200 for which guided vehicle status information indicating availability is set in the guided vehicle management information (step S204). If there is no guided vehicle management information for which availability status information is set, the control unit 313 waits until availability is set in any of the guided vehicle management information, and selects that guided vehicle management information. The selected guided vehicle 200 is described as the selected guided vehicle 200. The control unit 313 sets the guided vehicle status information of the guided vehicle management information corresponding to the selected guided vehicle 200 to in use.

[0162] The control unit 313 transmits a transport instruction in which the collection destination information has been set to the selected transport vehicle 200 (step S205). The travel control unit 214 of the selected transport vehicle 200 controls the drive unit 215 to move to the position indicated by the collection destination information set in the transport instruction (step S206). When the travel control unit 214 of the selected transport vehicle 200 arrives at the collection destination position indicated by the collection destination information, it notifies the system control device 300 of the arrival (step S207). Note that if the control unit 313 determines that the collection destination position indicated by the collection destination information is set in the transport vehicle position information of the selected transport vehicle 200, the storage system 1 may omit the processes of steps S205 to S207.

[0163] When the user places the storage box 111 to be returned on the selected transport vehicle 200, the user inputs a return instruction using the input unit 413 of the terminal device 400. The processing unit 415 of the terminal device 400 transmits the return instruction, in which the user identification information has been set, to the system control device 300 (step S208). Upon receiving the return instruction, the control unit 313 of the system control device 300 performs the same processes as steps S152 to S159 in FIG. 22.

[0164] 24 is a flow diagram showing the processing of the storage system 1 when making a transport reservation using the terminal device 400. For example, a user makes a transport reservation for a storage box 111 before arriving at the office, such as before going to work or on the way to work, or before the start of a meeting.

[0165] 21, the user inputs information about the storage box 111 to be removed, information about the delivery destination, and also inputs the reservation time using the input unit 413 of his / her terminal device 400 (step S301). The processing unit 415 of the terminal device 400 transmits a delivery reservation instruction to the system control device 300, in which the user identification information, the target box information, the delivery destination designation information, and the reservation time are set (step S302). Note that the delivery reservation instruction does not have to include the equipment identification information or the target box information.

[0166] When the control unit 313 of the system control device 300 receives the transport reservation instruction from the terminal device 400, it acquires the transport destination information and the target box information by the same process as in step S103 of Fig. 21 (step S303). The control unit 313 generates reservation information including the user identification information and reservation time read from the transport reservation instruction, the reservation type indicating pick-up, the acquired target box information, transport source information indicating the position of the storage equipment 100 (transport vehicle storage section 8), and the acquired destination information, and registers the information in the memory unit 312 (step S304). When there are multiple storage equipment 100, the control unit 313 identifies the storage equipment 100 based on the box identification information indicated in the target box information.

[0167] 25 is a flow diagram showing the processing of the storage system 1 when making a return reservation using the terminal device 400. For example, the user makes a return reservation before arriving at the office or at the office.

[0168] 23, the user inputs information about the storage box 111 to be returned, information about the collection destination, and also inputs the reservation time using the input unit 413 of their own terminal device 400 (step S331). The processing unit 415 of the terminal device 400 transmits a return reservation instruction, which includes the user identification information, the target box information, collection destination designation information, and the reservation time, to the system control device 300 (step S332). Note that the return reservation instruction does not have to include the target box information or collection destination designation information.

[0169] When the control unit 313 of the system control device 300 receives a return reservation instruction from the terminal device 400, it acquires collection destination information and target box information by processing similar to step S203 in FIG. 23 (step S333). The control unit 313 generates reservation information including the user identification information and reservation time read from the return reservation instruction, the reservation type indicating return, the acquired target box information, transport source information setting the acquired collection destination, and transport destination information indicating the location of the storage apparatus 100 (transport vehicle storage section 8), and registers the information in the memory unit 312 (step S334). When there are multiple storage apparatuses 100, the control unit 313 identifies the storage apparatus 100 by information included in the box identification information indicated by the target box information. Furthermore, when the reservation type is return, the reservation information does not need to include target box information.

[0170] FIG. 26 is a flow diagram showing the reservation execution process of the storage system 1. The storage system 1 repeatedly executes the process of FIG. 26. The control unit 313 of the system control device 300 detects reservation information whose reservation time matches the current time (step S351). The control unit 313 determines the reservation type of the detected reservation information (step S352). If the control unit 313 determines that the reservation type is removal (step S352: removal), it reads out the delivery destination information and box identification information from the reservation information and sets the read box identification information as the target box information (step S353). Thereafter, the storage system 1 executes the processes of steps S104 to S114 in FIG. 21 and steps S131 to S135 or steps S151 to S159 in FIG. 22 (step S354).

[0171] On the other hand, if the control unit 313 determines that the reservation type is return (step S352: return), it reads the delivery source information and box identification information from the reservation information and sets them as collection destination information and target box information, respectively (step S355). Thereafter, the storage system 1 performs the processes of steps S204 to S159 in Fig. 23 described above (step S356). Note that if the transport vehicle 200 is left at the destination after the process in Fig. 21, the storage system 1 may perform the processes from step S152 in Fig. 23.

[0172] Next, the operation of the storage system 1 triggered by sensor detection will be described. FIG. 27 is a flow diagram showing the operation of the storage system 1 triggered by sensor detection. The sensor 500 is installed, for example, at the user's home, a train station, an office entrance, an office elevator hall, near the entrance or exit of the indoor space 97, or at a predetermined checkpoint. Alternatively, the sensor 500 may be installed on equipment within the office or on fixtures near the equipment. The sensor 500 may also be a reader for reading user identification information from an employee ID card or the like when authenticating entry into an office or building.

[0173] When the sensor 500 detects the user identification information, the sensor 500 sends a detection notification to the system control device 300, which includes the detected user identification information and sensor identification information that identifies the sensor itself (step S401). The detection notification may be sent to the system control device 300 from a server device of the system that uses the sensor 500.

[0174] The sensor 500 may be a position detection device such as a GPS (Global Positioning System) provided in the user's terminal device 400. When the current position information detected by the position detection device of the terminal device 400 indicates that the user has entered a predetermined area such as the area from home to the station, the area near the station, the office entrance, the office elevator hall, or the indoor space 97, the processing unit 415 of the terminal device 400 sends a detection notification to the system control device 300 that includes the user identification information, the area that has entered, and the sensor identification information.

[0175] The control unit 313 of the system control device 300 determines whether the sensor 500 is compatible with the transport of the storage box 111 based on the sensor identification information in the detection notification (step S402). For example, in the case of a sensor 500 that reads user identification information when entering a building or indoor space 97 that includes an office, the control unit 313 determines that the sensor 500 is compatible with the transport of the storage box 111. If the determination in step S402 is YES, the control unit 313 performs the process of step S405, which will be described later.

[0176] If the control unit 313 determines NO in step S402, it determines whether the sensor 500 is compatible with the collection of the storage box 111 (step S403). For example, in the case of a sensor 500 that reads user identification information when exiting an office building or an indoor space 97, the control unit 313 determines that the sensor 500 is compatible with the collection of the storage box 111. If the control unit 313 determines YES in step S403, it performs the process of step S406, which will be described later.

[0177] If the determination in step S403 is NO, the control unit 313 determines whether the time when the detection notification was received is within the work clock-in time slot (step S404). The work clock-in time slot may be a time from a predetermined time before the start of work to a time a predetermined time after the start of work.

[0178] If the control unit 313 determines YES in step S402 or YES in step S404, it performs processing from step S103 in Figure 21 using the user identification information set in the received detection notification instead of the user identification information set in the transport instruction (step S405).

[0179] Alternatively, the control unit 313 may predict the user's arrival time at the office based on the location or area information of the sensor 500 that sent the detection notification and the distance from the office. For example, the storage unit 312 stores the sensor identification information of the sensor 500 in association with the location or area information where the sensor 500 is installed, and the control unit 313 acquires the location or area information corresponding to the sensor identification information set in the detection notification. The control unit 313 sets the reservation time to the predicted arrival time or a predetermined time before or after the predicted arrival time, such as 5 to 10 minutes. The control unit 313 performs the processing from step S303 in FIG. 24 using the user identification information set in the received detection notification and the calculated reservation time, instead of the user identification information set in the transport reservation instruction.

[0180] As a result, the user's storage box 111 is delivered to the desk 98 before or after the user arrives at the office, so the user can immediately use the contents stored therein.

[0181] Furthermore, when a user logs in to an in-house system using a terminal device 400 or the like, the in-house system may notify the system control device 300 of the user identification information of the logged-in user. Upon receiving the notification, the control unit 313 of the system control device 300 performs processing in step S405. As a result, when the user starts up a computer terminal at the desk 98 or a conference room, the storage box 111 may be delivered. The storage box 111 is delivered while the user is preparing to start work.

[0182] On the other hand, if the control unit 313 determines YES in step S403 or NO in step S404, it performs the process of step S406. The process of step S406 is performed when the user performs the process of step S114 in FIG. 21, but does not perform the process of FIG. 22, and the transport vehicle 200 remains at the user's desk 98 or in the conference room. When the user goes home or leaves the conference room, the user places the storage box 111 on the transport vehicle 200. In step S406, the storage system 1 performs the process from step S152 in FIG. 22. Alternatively, the control unit 313 may perform the process of step S406 after a predetermined time has elapsed since receiving the detection notification.

[0183] A sensor 500 may be provided to detect whether or not a person is seated at a desk 98 or a chair in a conference room, and if the sensor 500 detects that the person has not been seated for a predetermined period of time, it may notify the system control device 300. The control unit 313 of the system control device 300 identifies facility usage information in which the current time is included in the usage time or the end of the usage time is within a predetermined period of time from the current time, from the facility management information of the facility such as the desk 98 or conference room corresponding to the chair on which the sensor 500 that sent the notification is provided, and reads out the user identification information. The control unit 313 performs the process of step S406 using the read out user identification information and the facility location information of the facility corresponding to the chair on which the sensor 500 is provided.

[0184] As described above, when the user returns home or leaves his / her desk for a while, the storage box 111 can be returned to the storage equipment 100 without the user having to give any instructions.

[0185] Next, we will explain the operation of the storage system 1 using data as triggers. One trigger is the user's schedule, and the other is the equipment usage time.

[0186] FIG. 28 is a flow diagram showing the processing of the storage system 1 when a user's schedule is used as a trigger. The control unit 313 of the system control device 300 detects, from the schedule information stored in the storage unit 312, schedules for which the start time of a scheduled work is the current time, or a predetermined time before or after the current time, and the task status is incomplete (step S501). The control unit 313 reads user identification information and task identification information from the detected schedule information, and reads box identification information corresponding to the read task identification information from the box management information to set it as target box information. Furthermore, the control unit 313 reads the read user identification information and facility location information from facility management information whose usage time includes the start time of the scheduled work, and sets it as delivery destination information (step S502). The control unit 313 performs the processing from step S104 in FIG. 21 using the user identification information, target box information, and delivery destination information (step S503).

[0187] As a result of the above, a storage box 111 containing materials related to tasks that have not yet been completed is brought to the desk 98, making it possible for the user to immediately use the materials they need and to be reminded of the tasks.

[0188] The control unit 313 of the system control device 300 also detects, from the schedule information stored in the storage unit 312, schedules for which the end time of the scheduled work is the current time, or a predetermined time before or a predetermined time after the current time (step S504). The control unit 313 reads user identification information and task identification information from the detected schedule information, and reads box identification information corresponding to the read task identification information from the box management information to set it as target box information. The control unit 313 also reads facility location information from facility management information that includes the read user identification information and includes the end time of the scheduled work in its usage time, and sets it as collection destination information (step S505). The control unit 313 performs the process from step S204 in FIG. 23 using the user identification information, the target box information, and the collection destination information (step S506). Note that if the transport vehicle 200 is left at the destination after the process of FIG. 21, the storage system 1 may perform the process from step S152 in FIG. 23.

[0189] As a result, the user can quickly return to the storage equipment 100 the storage box 111 that stores the materials related to the task that is scheduled to be completed.

[0190] In step S501, the control unit 313 of the system control device 300 may detect, for example, in the morning, schedule information stored in the storage unit 312 for a task whose end date falls within a period that is a predetermined number of days prior to the current date and that is further determined to be incomplete. As a result, the storage box 111 for the incomplete task is transported in place of a reminder.

[0191] FIG. 29 illustrates the processing of the storage system 1 when the equipment usage time is used as a trigger. The control unit 313 of the system control device 300 detects, from the equipment management information stored in the storage unit 312, the start time of the usage time that is the current time or a predetermined time before or after the current time, such as 5 to 10 minutes (step S601). The control unit 313 reads out the user identification information and equipment location information from the detected equipment management information, and sets the read equipment location information as the delivery destination information (step S602). The control unit 313 uses the read out user identification information and delivery destination information to perform the processing from step S103 in FIG. 21 (step S603).

[0192] Furthermore, the control unit 313 of the system control device 300 detects, from among the equipment management information stored in the storage unit 312, the equipment whose end time of use is the current time or a predetermined time before or after the current time, such as 5 to 10 minutes (step S604). Alternatively, the control unit 313 may detect schedule information in which the task status has been changed to completed. The task control unit 313 reads out the user identification information and equipment location information from the detected equipment management information, and sets the read equipment location information as collection destination information (step S605). The control unit 313 performs the process from step S203 in FIG. 23 using the user identification information and collection destination information (step S606). Note that if the transport vehicle 200 is left at the destination after the process of FIG. 21, the storage system 1 may perform the process from step S152 in FIG. 23.

[0193] As a result, when it is time for the user to go home, the transport vehicle 200 arrives at the user's seat, allowing the user to quickly return the storage box 111 and go home. In addition, the arrival of the storage box 111 allows the user to know that the end of the usage time of the facility such as the conference room is approaching.

[0194] At the time of check-in, the user reads the equipment identification information attached to the desk 98 using the input unit 413 of the terminal device 400 and transmits it to the equipment management system to perform check-in processing, and the control unit 313 of the system control device 300 may receive the user identification information of the user who checked in and the equipment identification information of the desk 98 that the user checked in to from the equipment management system. As a result, the storage system 1 performs the processing of step S603.

[0195] Furthermore, when checking out, the user may read the equipment identification information attached to the desk 98 using the input unit 413 of the terminal device 400 and transmit it to the equipment management system to perform the checkout process, and the control unit 313 of the system control device 300 may receive the user identification information of the user who checked out and the equipment identification information of the desk 98 that the user checked out from the equipment management system. As a result, the storage system 1 performs the process of step S606.

[0196] The control unit 313 of the system control device 300 may identify box management information in which destination location information is set in the box status information at regular intervals or at a specified time such as the end of work hours. When the control unit 313 reads the user identification information of the retrieving user from the identified box management information, the storage system 1 performs the process from step S203 in Fig. 23. If the transport vehicle 200 is left at the destination after the process in Fig. 21, the storage system 1 may perform the process from step S152 in Fig. 23.

[0197] Furthermore, the control unit 313 of the system control device 300 may acquire information on the user's daily clock-out time, and when it is the clock-out time predicted based on the acquired clock-out time, determine whether there is box management information in which the destination information is set in the box status information and the user identification information of the user who retrieved the item is set in the information of the user who retrieved the item. If the control unit 313 determines that there is box management information, it performs processing from step S203 in Fig. 23. Note that if the transport vehicle 200 is left at the destination after the processing in Fig. 21, the storage system 1 may perform processing from step S152 in Fig. 23.

[0198] 30 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the system control device 300. The system control device 300 includes a processor 701, a storage unit 702, a communication interface 703, and a user interface 704.

[0199] The processor 701 is a central processing unit that performs calculations and control. The processor 701 is, for example, a CPU (central processing unit). The processor 701 reads and executes programs from the storage unit 702. The storage unit 702 further has a work area and the like for the processor 701 to use when executing various programs. The communication interface 703 is connected to other devices so as to be able to communicate with them. The user interface 704 is an input device such as a keyboard, a pointing device (a mouse, a tablet, etc.), a button, a touch panel, etc., and a display device such as a display. Human operations are input via the user interface 704.

[0200] The functions of the control unit 313 are realized by the processor 701 reading and executing a program from the storage unit 702. Note that all or part of these functions may be realized using hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The storage unit 312 is realized by the storage unit 702. The communication unit 311 is realized by the communication interface 703. The above programs may be distributed via a network such as the Internet. The above programs may be for realizing part of the above-described functions, or may be capable of realizing the above-described functions in combination with a program already stored in the computer system.

[0201] (Other embodiments) Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and modifications. Addition, omission, substitution, and other modifications of the configuration are possible within the scope of the spirit of the present invention. The present invention is not limited by the above description, but is limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

[0202] Furthermore, the storage equipment 100 is installed in an indoor space 97 such as an office, but the present invention is not limited to this. The storage equipment 100 may be installed in various facilities such as libraries, hospitals, schools, etc.

[0203] According to the embodiment described above, the storage system includes a storage device, a transport vehicle, and a control unit. The storage device stores storage boxes capable of storing items. The storage device includes a transport device that transports the storage boxes within the storage device. The transport vehicle transports storage boxes removed from the storage device. The control unit performs a transfer instruction process to instruct the storage device to eject a storage box stored in the storage device and use it by a user, and then transfer it to the transport vehicle or to a platform where the user can receive the storage box. When the storage box is transferred to the transport vehicle in accordance with the instructions in the transfer instruction process, the control unit may instruct the transport vehicle to move to the location of the storage box before performing the transfer instruction process to instruct the transport vehicle to transfer the storage box. The control unit may be provided in, for example, a control device. The control device corresponds to, for example, the system control device 300 in the embodiment.

[0204] The control unit may receive information about a location specified as a delivery destination in map information displayed on the terminal device. The control unit may also start a transfer instruction process to instruct transfer to the transport vehicle at a reservation time input by the user. The control unit may also start a transfer instruction process to instruct transfer to the transport vehicle at a time determined based on information about the detected user's location. The control unit may also start a transfer instruction process to instruct transfer to the transport vehicle when a sensor installed at a predetermined location detects the user, or when a predetermined time has elapsed since the sensor detected the user. The control unit may also start a transfer instruction process to instruct transfer to the transport vehicle when the user starts using a location, when the start time of use of the location previously specified by the user arrives, or when a predetermined time has passed before or after the start time of use.

[0205] The control unit may start a transfer instruction process when the scheduled start time of the user's task arrives, or when a predetermined time has passed or is before the scheduled start time, and instruct the user to transfer the storage box used by the task to the transport vehicle. If the status information of the user's task indicates that the task is incomplete, the control unit may instruct the transfer instruction process to transfer the storage box used by the user to the transport vehicle.

[0206] The storage system may have a memory unit that stores information about attendees of past conferences held in a conference room and information about storage boxes used during the conferences. When the destination of the delivery is a conference room where a conference with the attendees will be held, the control unit reads from the memory unit the information about the storage boxes used during the past conference with the attendees, and instructs the delivery vehicle to transport the storage box identified by the read information.

[0207] In addition, the control unit may instruct, in the transport instruction process, to transport a plurality of storage boxes used by a user to a plurality of transport vehicles. In this case, in the transport instruction process, the control unit may instruct, among the plurality of transport vehicles, transport vehicles other than the leading transport vehicle to move in a manner following the other transport vehicles that have moved to the destination earlier.

[0208] In addition, within the scope of the spirit of the present invention, it is possible to replace the components in the above-described embodiments with well-known components as appropriate, and the above-described modified examples may be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0209] 1. Storage system 2. Storage box 3, 3A, 3B…Storage shelf 4...Transport mechanism 5...Conveyor 6...Storage space forming section 8...Transport vehicle storage area 32...Shelf section 65...Protruding part 65a…Second wall part 65b…Third wall part 66…Aperture 67...Placement table 69...Transport vehicle entrance / exit 89…Communication opening 97…Indoor space 98...Desk 100, 100a...Storage device 111...Storage box 112...Storage section 113...Transportation section 114...Reading unit 115…Communications Department 116...Input section 120...Processing section 200...Transport vehicle 211...Running section 212…Communications Department 213...Sensor 214...Travel control unit 215...Drive unit 300...System control device 311…Communications Department 312...Storage section 313...Control unit 314...input section 315...Output section 400...Terminal device 411…Communications Department 412...Storage section 413...input section 414...Output section 415... Processing section 500...sensor N...Network P1…first position P2…Second position S: Storage space

Claims

1. A storage device that stores storage boxes capable of storing items, and a control device that controls a transport vehicle that transports the storage boxes, a control unit that performs a transfer instruction process to instruct the storage device to eject a storage box to be used by a user from the storage device using a transport device that transports the storage box within the storage device, and to transport the storage box to the transport vehicle or to a platform where the user can receive the storage box, and when the storage box is transported to the transport vehicle in accordance with the instruction, to perform a transfer instruction process to instruct the transport vehicle to move to a location used by the user as a transfer destination; A control device comprising:

2. the control unit receives information about a location designated as the delivery destination in map information displayed on a terminal device. The control device according to claim 1 .

3. the control unit starts the transfer instruction process for instructing transfer to the transport vehicle at the reserved time input by the user. The control device according to claim 1 .

4. the control unit starts the transfer instruction process for instructing the user to be transferred to the transport vehicle at a time determined based on information about the detected position of the user. The control device according to claim 1 .

5. the control unit starts the transfer instruction process to instruct the user to be transferred to the transport vehicle when a sensor installed at a predetermined location detects the user, or when a predetermined time has elapsed since the sensor detected the user. The control device according to claim 1 .

6. the control unit starts the transfer instruction process to instruct the transfer to the transport vehicle when the user starts using the location, when the time to start using the location designated in advance by the user arrives, or when a predetermined time has passed since the time to start using the location or a predetermined time has elapsed since the time to start using the location. The control device according to claim 1 .

7. the control unit starts the transport instruction process when a scheduled start time for a task of the user arrives, or when a predetermined time has passed since the scheduled start time, and instructs the transport vehicle to transport the storage box to be used by the user for the task. The control device according to claim 1 .

8. When the status information of the user's task indicates that the task is incomplete, the control unit instructs the transport vehicle to transport the storage box used by the user for the task in the transport instruction process. The control device according to claim 1 .

9. a storage unit that stores information about attendees of past conferences held in a conference room and information about the storage boxes used during the conferences; When the destination is a conference room where a conference with the attendee will be held, the control unit reads from the storage unit information about the storage box used in a past conference with the attendee, and instructs the transport vehicle to transport the storage box indicated by the read information in the transport instruction process. The control device according to claim 1 .

10. The control unit instructs the plurality of transport vehicles to transport the plurality of storage boxes used by the user in the transport instruction process, and instructs the transport vehicles excluding a leading transport vehicle among the plurality of transport vehicles to move following the other transport vehicles that have moved to the destination earlier in the transport instruction process. The control device according to claim 1 .

11. the control unit instructs the transport vehicle to move to a position of the storage box before the transport instruction process of instructing the transport vehicle to transport the storage box. The control device according to claim 1 .

12. a storage device that stores a storage box capable of storing items; a transport vehicle that transports the storage box; a control unit that performs a transfer instruction process to instruct the storage device to eject a storage box to be used by a user from the storage device using a transport device that transports the storage box within the storage device, and to transport the storage box to the transport vehicle or to a platform where the user can receive the storage box, and when the storage box is transported to the transport vehicle in accordance with the instruction, to perform a transfer instruction process to instruct the transport vehicle to move to a location used by the user as a transfer destination; A storage system comprising:

13. a display unit that displays map information; a processing unit that transmits information about the location of the destination specified in the map information displayed on the display unit to a control device that performs the following processes: a process of instructing the storage device to eject a storage box to be used by a user from the storage device using a transport device that transports the storage box within the storage device, and transporting the storage box to a transport vehicle or to a platform where the user can receive the storage box; and a process of instructing the transport vehicle to move to a location used by the user as the destination when the storage box is transported to the transport vehicle in accordance with the instructions; and A terminal device comprising:

14. Computer, A program that causes the control device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 to function.

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