Physical distribution box managing apparatus

Abstract

To accurately perform information management of a returnable container by excluding storage of unique identification information based on erroneous reading when information reading from the returnable container is duplicated.SOLUTION: The physical distribution returnable container management apparatus includes a reading part installed corresponding to a lane process part where returnable containers with unique identification information attached thereto are distributed, for reading the unique identification information of the returnable containers, a storage part capable of storing the read unique identification information in association with the lane process part, and a control part for storing the read unique identification information in the storage part in association with the lane process part. The control unit includes an identification information determination unit that determines whether or not unique identification information that matches the latest unique identification information that has been read is already stored in the storage unit in association with the lane process unit, and a storage exclusion unit that excludes the latest unique identification information that has been read by the reading unit from being stored in the storage unit in association with the lane process unit when the unique identification information has already been stored in the storage unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a returnable container management device for physical distribution that manages information on returnable containers used in physical distribution. [Background technology]

[0002] When products, parts, and other items are manufactured at a production base such as a production factory, the cargo containing the products is transported from the production factory to a logistics base such as a distribution warehouse, and then transported to the shipping destination base. When this cargo is transported between bases, a returnable box is used to place the cargo. This returnable box can be a container, wooden box, cardboard, or made of plastic or wood. The returnable box is transported between bases and is used repeatedly and continuously. The returnable box is transported full with cargo loaded on the outbound journey, and is transported empty with the cargo unloaded on the return journey.

[0003] Since the returnable boxes are necessary components for transporting cargo, it is important to manage information about the returnable boxes. Therefore, a technology is known in which an IC card that stores unique identification information, such as code information for data processing, is attached to the exterior of the returnable box, and the card information is read and processed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the technology described in Patent Document 1, a reader device that reads card information contactlessly is installed at each location, and information management, such as the delivery and removal of returnable boxes and products and confirmation of their passage, is performed based on the unique identification information read at each location. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-341845 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In principle, at each base, the transportation of goods is carried out 24 hours a day, 365 days a year without interruption. However, the transportation of goods at the lane process section may be interrupted, for example, for scheduled maintenance or due to the establishment of non-working days such as holidays. If the transportation of goods is interrupted immediately after the reader device reads information, the reader device may read information again when the transportation of the goods is resumed, depending on the positional relationship between the goods and the reader device. In this case, information management is performed based on the information read immediately before the transportation of the goods is interrupted, and then based on the information read immediately after the transportation of the goods is resumed. Therefore, there is a risk that the same returnable box may be managed multiple times at the same base with time intervals.

[0006] Furthermore, at each base station, multiple lanes may be arranged side by side at lane process sections through which returnable boxes are distributed. For example, at each base station, multiple lanes may be arranged side by side at the same type of lane process section through which returnable boxes are distributed in either a full or empty state, and the returnable boxes may flow in the same direction, or a lane process section through which returnable boxes are distributed in a full state and a lane process section through which returnable boxes are distributed in an empty state may be adjacent to each other, resulting in different types of lanes being arranged side by side through which returnable boxes flow in opposite directions.

[0007] When multiple lanes are arranged side by side as described above, it is preferable to install one reader device corresponding to each lane process section in order to prevent missing codes from shipping boxes. However, when multiple lanes are arranged side by side in the same type of lane process section, a reader device in one lane may read information about a shipping box circulating in that lane, while a reader device in an adjacent lane of the same type may erroneously read information about the shipping box. As a result, there is a risk that management operations will be performed on the same shipping box at different locations, even though they are the same lane type.

[0008] Furthermore, when different types of lanes are arranged side by side as described above, a reader device in one type of lane may read information about a shipping box circulating in that type of lane, and then a reader device in a different type of lane may read information about the same shipping box within a shorter period of time than expected. As a result, there is a risk that management operations for the same shipping box will be performed erroneously in different types of lanes within a short period of time.

[0009] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a logistics returnable box management device that is capable of accurately managing returnable box information by excluding the storage of unique identification information based on misreading when information is read from a returnable box multiple times. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] One aspect of the present disclosure is a logistics return box management device that is installed corresponding to a lane process section through which return boxes bearing unique identification information are circulated, and includes: a reading unit that reads the unique identification information of the return box; a memory unit that is capable of storing the unique identification information read by the reading unit in association with the lane process section; and a control unit that stores the unique identification information read by the reading unit in the memory unit in association with the lane process section, wherein the control unit has: an identification information determination unit that determines whether the unique identification information that matches the latest unique identification information read by the reading unit has already been stored in the memory unit in association with the lane process section; and a memory exclusion unit that, when the identification information determination unit determines that the unique identification information has already been stored in the memory unit, excludes the latest unique identification information read by the reading unit from being stored in the memory unit associated with the lane process section.

[0011] According to this configuration, storage of unique identification information based on misreading when information is read from a returnable box twice can be excluded, and information on returnable boxes can be managed with high accuracy. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1]1 is a configuration diagram of a logistics system to which a logistics returnable box management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is applied. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a layout plan view of a logistics base in a logistics system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a configuration diagram of a physical distribution returnable box management device according to an embodiment; [Figure 4] 2 is a layout diagram of a reading unit provided in the physical distribution returnable box management device of the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a situation in which misreading occurs in the same lane process section. [Figure 6] 10 is a diagram for explaining a situation in which misreading occurs when multiple lanes of the same type of lane process section are arranged side by side. FIG. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining a situation in which misreading occurs when lanes of different lane process sections are arranged side by side. [Figure 8] 8 shows specific examples of read data in the situations shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7. FIG. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control routine executed in the physical distribution returnable box management device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Specific embodiments of a physical distribution returnable box management device according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0014] The physical distribution returnable box management device 10 of this embodiment is a device that manages information about returnable boxes used in physical distribution. The physical distribution returnable box management device 10 is applied to a physical distribution system 1. As shown in FIG. 1 , the physical distribution system 1 is a system that transports goods-loaded packages L between, for example, a product production base 2, a physical distribution base 3, and a shipping destination base 4, and further includes a system that returns the returnable boxes R used to transport the goods L in the reverse direction.

[0015] The production base 2 is a factory or the like that produces products, parts, and other commodities. It is possible to have multiple production bases 2. The logistics base 3 is installed at a product production company, a logistics company, or the like, and is a logistics warehouse or the like that collects products produced at the production base 2 and ships them to a shipping destination base 4. The shipping destination base 4 is a factory that assembles products as parts, a retail store that sells products, or the like. It is possible to have multiple shipping destination bases 4.

[0016] The returnable box R is a container, wooden box, cardboard box, or the like on which the cargo L is placed or stored. The returnable box R is made of plastic, wood, or the like, and is formed in a shape that allows the cargo L to be moved. The returnable box R is transported between the bases 2, 3, and 4, and is used repeatedly and continuously. The returnable box R is transported on the outbound route from the production base 2 to the shipping destination base 4 via the logistics base 3 in a loaded state with the cargo L. The returnable box R is transported on the return route from the shipping destination base 4 to the production base 2 via the logistics base 3 in an empty state after the cargo L has been unloaded. Note that hereinafter, an empty returnable box R will be referred to as an empty returnable box R0, and a loaded returnable box R will be referred to as a loaded returnable box R1, as appropriate.

[0017] The period during which the returnable boxes R make one round between the bases 2, 3, and 4 is, for example, one week or one month. The number of returnable boxes R is the number that allows the products produced during that period to be transported smoothly from the production base 2 to the shipping destination base 4. The number of returnable boxes R is managed so that it does not fall below the number required for the production of the products. It is preferable that all returnable boxes R have a standardized, versatile shape, but they may also have a shape that is specific to the product.

[0018] Each returnable box R is assigned a unique identification ID. The unique identification ID is a number, symbol, or the like for distinguishing the returnable box R from other returnable boxes R. The unique identification ID assigned to the returnable box R is stored, for example, as electronic information in an IC tag or a wireless tag. Hereinafter, a tag storing the unique identification ID will be referred to as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag. This RFID tag is attached to the side wall or bottom wall of the returnable box R, and is capable of transmitting information in response to radio waves via RFID, as described below. Note that the RFID tag only needs to be attached to the returnable box R in a replaceable manner, and may be configured so that the unique identification ID is rewritable. The unique identification ID of the RFID tag can be read by a reading unit 40, as described below.

[0019] Next, we will explain the logistics layout of each of the bases 2, 3, and 4. Note that with regard to the returnable boxes R, the distribution format from loading to unloading at the bases 2, 3, and 4 is approximately the same at each of the bases 2, 3, and 4, except for whether or not they contain products, so below we will explain the logistics layout of the logistics base 3.

[0020] 3, the logistics base 3 has a loaded carry-in section 31, a loaded carry-out section 32, an empty box receiving section 33, and an empty box shipping section 34. The loaded carry-in section 31, the loaded carry-out section 32, the empty box receiving section 33, and the empty box shipping section 34 are areas where trucks transporting loaded returnable boxes R1 or empty returnable boxes R0 are parked.

[0021] The loaded carrying-in section 31 is an area where loaded returnable boxes R1 loaded with cargo L from the production base 2 are carried in. The loaded carrying-out section 32 is an area where the loaded returnable boxes R1 carried in at the loaded carrying-in section 31 are sorted and then carried out toward the shipping destination base 4. The empty box receiving section 33 is an area where empty returnable boxes R1 not loaded with cargo L from the shipping destination base 4 are carried in. The empty box shipping section 34 is an area where the empty returnable boxes R1 carried in at the empty box receiving section 33 are sorted and then carried out toward the production base 2.

[0022] Considering the efficiency and workability of truck transportation at the logistics base 3, it is effective for the loaded loading section 31 and the empty box shipping section 34 to be adjacent areas, and it is also effective for the loaded loading and unloading section 32 and the empty box receiving section 33 to be adjacent areas.

[0023] The logistics base 3 also has a lane process section 35. The lane process section 35 is a lane along which returnable boxes R are distributed within the logistics base 3. The lane process section 35 is composed of, for example, rollers or conveyors, and extends in a line from the upstream side to the downstream side. A plurality of returnable boxes R can be lined up vertically between both ends of the lane process section 35. It is preferable that the lane process section 35 has a downward slope from the upstream side to the downstream side so that the returnable boxes R can be distributed smoothly.

[0024] The lane process section 35 has two different types of lane process sections 35-1 and 35-2. The type of lane process section 35 corresponds to the type of returnable box R in circulation, and differs depending on whether the returnable box R in circulation is a loaded returnable box R1 or an empty returnable box R0. The lane process section 35-1 is a lane along which loaded returnable boxes R1 circulate between the loaded inlet section 31 and the loaded outlet section 32. The lane process section 35-2 is a lane along which empty returnable boxes R0 circulate between the empty box receiving section 33 and the empty box shipping section 34. Hereinafter, the lane process section 35-1 will be referred to as the first lane process section 35-1, and the lane process section 35-2 will be referred to as the second lane process section 35-2.

[0025] The first lane process section 35-1 is a lane whose carry-in end is connected to the loaded carry-in section 31 and whose carry-out end is connected to the loaded carry-out section 32. The second lane process section 35-2 is a lane whose carry-in end is connected to the empty box receiving section 33 and whose carry-out end is connected to the empty box shipping section 34. The first lane process section 35-1 and the second lane process section 35-2 may be installed in areas adjacent to each other within the logistics base 3. Each of the first lane process section 35-1 and the second lane process section 35-2 may have a sorting work area provided midway, and may be divided into a front lane area and a rear lane area.

[0026] The first lane process section 35-1 also has a plurality of packed lanes 36. The plurality of packed lanes 36 are arranged generally parallel to one another. Filled shipping boxes R1 circulate through each of the plurality of packed lanes 36. The second lane process section 35-2 also has a plurality of emptying lanes 37. The plurality of emptying lanes 37 are arranged generally parallel to one another. Empty shipping boxes R0 circulate through each of the plurality of emptying lanes 37.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, the physical distribution returnable box management device 10 includes a reading unit 40, a storage unit 51, and a control unit 52.

[0028] The reading unit 40 is a reader that reads the unique identification information ID of the returnable box R. The reading unit 40 is capable of reading the unique identification information ID stored in the RFID tag of the returnable box R. The reading unit 40 may be a reader / writer that is configured to be able to write the unique identification information ID in the RFID tag of the returnable box R.

[0029] The reading unit 40 is capable of contactlessly reading the unique identification information ID in the RFID tag through radio wave communication using RFID. Hereinafter, the reading unit 40 will be referred to as RFID reader 40. Radio waves used for transmission and reception between the RFID reader 40 and the RFID tag are, for example, radio waves in the UHF band (e.g., 900 MHz band). The readable communication distance of the RFID reader 40 is, for example, within 10 meters or within 30 meters.

[0030] The RFID reader 40 has an antenna 41 and a reader control unit 42. The antenna 41 is a unit that transmits and receives radio waves. The antenna 41 is installed corresponding to the lane process unit 35. The antenna 41 is installed separately at least in the first lane process unit 35-1 and the second lane process unit 35-2. The antenna 41 is attached above the lane process unit 35, such as on the ceiling of the building of the logistics base 3. The antenna 41 is directed generally downward from its attachment position and is capable of transmitting radio waves.

[0031] One or more antennas 41 are provided in the first lane process section 35-1, and one or more antennas 41 are provided in the second lane process section 35-2. To prevent failure to read the unique identification information ID, it is preferable that one antenna 41 is provided corresponding to each loading lane 36 in the first lane process section 35-1, and one antenna 41 is provided corresponding to each unloading lane 37 in the second lane process section 35-2. In the following, it is assumed that an antenna 41 is provided corresponding to each loading lane 36 and each unloading lane 37. Each antenna 41 is capable of transmitting and receiving radio waves to and from the RFID tags of the return boxes R circulating in at least the corresponding lane 36, 37.

[0032] The antenna 41 is arranged on the entrance side of the lane process section 35 where the return box R is carried in, i.e., the loaded carry-in section 31 side or the empty box receiving section 33 side. Specifically, the antenna 41 is arranged on the entrance side where the filled return box R1 is carried in, i.e., the loaded carry-in section 31 side, for the first lane process section 35-1, and on the entrance side where the empty return box R0 is carried in, i.e., the empty box receiving section 33 side, for the second lane process section 35-2.

[0033] The reader control unit 42 is a component that controls the transmission and reception of radio waves by the antenna 41. The reader control unit 42 can control the start and stop of transmission and reception of radio waves using the antenna 41, as well as the output strength. The RFID reader 40 is a type of reader in which the antenna 41 and the reader control unit 42 are independent. One reader control unit 42 is provided corresponding to all antennas, or two reader control units 42 are provided corresponding to the first lane process unit 35-1 and the second lane process unit 35-2. The reader control unit 42 is communicatively connected to each antenna 41 by wire or wirelessly. The reader control unit 42 can control the transmission and reception of radio waves while identifying each antenna 41. The reader control unit 42 is attached to the ceiling, wall, pillar, etc. of the building of the logistics base 3.

[0034] The storage unit 51 and the control unit 52 constitute a host computer 50. The host computer 50 is connected to the RFID reader 40. The unique identification information read by the RFID reader 40 is supplied to the host computer 50 in association with the antenna 41 from which the reading was performed.

[0035] The memory unit 51 is a storage device that can store the unique identification information ID of the returnable box R read by the RFID reader 40 in association with the lane process unit 35 (specifically, the lanes 36 and 37) through which the returnable box R was distributed. The information stored in the memory unit 51 may be log information that can identify, for each returnable box R, which lane process unit 35 and which lane 36 or 37 the returnable box R passed through on the physical distribution route and when. As shown in FIG. 8 , the memory unit 51 stores the identification information RFID_No of the antenna 41 (i.e., the lanes 36 and 37), the unique identification information ID of the returnable box R, and the read date and time in association with each other.

[0036] The control unit 52 is a control device that stores the unique identification information ID of the returnable box R read by the RFID reader 40 in the storage unit 51 in association with the lane process unit 35 (specifically, the lanes 36 and 37) through which the returnable box R has been distributed. The control unit 52 can perform traceability by acquiring information on the receipt or shipment of each returnable box R at the logistics base 3 based on the unique identification information ID of the returnable box R and the lane process unit 35 that are associated with each other. The control unit 52 can also manage the total quantity of returnable boxes R.

[0037] If the unique identification information ID of the return box R read by the RFID reader 40 is misread, the control unit 52 excludes the unique identification information ID from being stored in the memory unit 51. Excluding the unique identification information ID from being stored in the memory unit 51 includes prohibiting the unique identification information ID from being stored in the memory unit 51, and may further include deleting the unique identification information ID that has once been stored in the memory unit 51 from the memory unit 51. The above-mentioned misreading of the unique identification information ID can occur mainly in the following three patterns.

[0038] [Pattern 1] Due to the interruption of transportation of packages L due to regular maintenance or non-operating days at the logistics base 3, the antenna 41 corresponding to the lane 36, 37 may transmit and receive radio waves multiple times in a short period of time for the same return box R circulating in the same lane 36, 37 of the same lane processing section 35, which may result in the RFID reader 40 reading the unique identification information ID multiple times in succession (see Figures 5 and 8(A)). This pattern 1 is based on the transmission and reception of radio waves by one antenna 41 corresponding to one lane 36, 37, and is a same lane pattern in which later readings among the multiple readings are erroneous.

[0039] [Pattern 2] When multiple loading lanes 36 or multiple unloading lanes 37 are arranged side by side, along which returnable boxes R in the same lane process section 35 flow in the same direction, the antennas 41-1, 41-2 corresponding to the multiple lined-up lanes 36-1, 36-2 (or lanes 37-1, 37-2) independently transmit and receive radio waves for the same returnable box R flowing in one lane 36-1 (or lane 37-1), which may result in the RFID reader 40 reading the unique identification information ID multiple times in succession (see FIGS. 6 and 8(B)). This pattern 2 is based on the transmission and reception of radio waves between adjacent antennas 41 corresponding to adjacent lanes 36, 37 in the same lane process section 35, and is a same-type lane pattern in which later readings among the multiple readings are erroneous.

[0040] [Pattern 3] When a loading lane 36 and an unloading lane 37 in which returnable boxes R flow in opposite directions in a different first lane process section 35-1 and a different second lane process section 35-2 are arranged side by side, the antenna 41-1 corresponding to the loading lane 36 and the antenna 41-2 corresponding to the unloading lane 37 may independently transmit and receive radio waves for the same returnable box R flowing in one lane 36, 37 (the loading lane 36 in FIG. 7), which may result in the RFID reader 40 reading the unique identification information ID multiple times in succession (see FIGS. 7 and 8(C)). This pattern 3 is based on the transmission and reception of radio waves between adjacent antennas 41 corresponding to the loading lane 36 and the unloading lane 37 in the different lane process section 35, and is a different lane pattern in which the later readings among the multiple readings are erroneous.

[0041] In response to the misreading due to the above patterns 1 to 3, the physical distribution returnable box management device 10 executes the following process to control the storage of the unique identification information of the returnable box R read by the RFID 40 in the storage unit 51.

[0042] The reader control unit 42 of the RFID reader 40 transmits radio waves from the antenna 41. This radio wave transmission may be performed continuously, or may be performed when a periodic condition is met, such as when a sensor installed in or around the lanes 36, 37 detects that the return box R has passed a predetermined location, or when a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0043] After transmitting radio waves from the antenna 41, the reader control unit 42 determines whether or not it has received information transmitted from the RFID tag of the returnable box R (step S100 shown in FIG. 9). When the RFID tag of the returnable box R receives the radio waves transmitted from the antenna 41, it responds to the radio waves and returns information including unique identification information ID. If the reader control unit 42 receives information transmitted from the RFID tag of the returnable box R by the antenna 41 after transmitting radio waves from the antenna 41 (positive determination in step S100), it transmits the information to the control unit 52 of the host computer 50.

[0044] The control unit 52 determines whether a unique identification information ID matching the unique identification information ID of the latest returnable box R read by the RFID reader 40 (specifically, the unique identification information ID of the returnable box R transmitted from the reader control unit 42 in conjunction with radio wave transmission and reception by any one of the antennas 41) has already been stored in the memory unit 51 in association with the lane process unit 35.

[0045] Specifically, the control unit 52 first determines whether a unique identification information ID that matches the unique identification information ID of the latest return box R read by the RFID reader 40 via one antenna 41 has already been read via the same antenna 41 and stored in the memory unit 51 in association with the same lanes 36, 37 of the same type of lane process unit 35 (step S110).

[0046] The determination in step S110 is made in order to exclude the unique identification information ID related to the misreading from the storage target in the storage unit 51 when a misreading occurs, that is, when the unique identification information ID of the returnable box R is read twice while the returnable box R is circulating once through the logistics center 3 on the outbound or return journey. For this reason, the information to be compared with the latest unique identification information ID read this time is limited to the unique identification information ID read in association with the same lane 36, 37 of the same type of lane process unit 35 within the first predetermined period before the reading of the current unique identification information ID, so as not to include the unique identification information ID that was read normally when the same returnable box R circulated through the same lane 36, 37 of the same type of lane process unit 35 at the logistics center 3 the previous time, one cycle ago.

[0047] The first predetermined period is a period shorter than the shortest period required for the return box R to make one round trip between the bases 2, 3, and 4, and may be, for example, several days such as one day. Furthermore, if the first predetermined period spans a non-operating period of the logistics base 3, the first predetermined period may further include the non-operating period.

[0048] If the control unit 52 determines that the latest unique identification information ID read this time is not stored in the memory unit 51 in association with the same lane 36, 37 of the same type of lane process unit 35 (if a negative judgment is made in step S110), it then determines whether the read unique identification information ID was not read via the same antenna 41 but has already been read via another antenna 41 of the same type of lane process unit 35 and stored in the memory unit 51 in association with another lane 36, 37 of the same type of lane process unit 35 (step S120).

[0049] The determination in step S120 is made in order to exclude the unique identification information ID related to the misreading from the storage target in the storage unit 51 when a misreading occurs, that is, when the unique identification information ID of the returnable box R is read twice while the returnable box R is circulating once through the logistics center 3 on its outward or return journey. For this reason, the information to be compared with the latest unique identification information ID read this time is limited to the unique identification information ID read in association with the other lanes 36, 37 of the same type of lane process unit 35 within the second predetermined period before the reading of the current unique identification information ID, so as not to include the unique identification information ID read normally when the same returnable box R circulated through the other lanes 36, 37 of the same type of lane process unit 35 at the logistics center 3 the previous time, one trip ago.

[0050] The second predetermined period is shorter than the shortest period required for the return box R to make one round trip between the bases 2, 3, and 4, and may be, for example, several days such as one day. Furthermore, if the second predetermined period spans a non-operating period of the logistics base 3, the second predetermined period may further include the non-operating period.

[0051] If the control unit 52 determines that the latest unique identification information ID read this time has not been stored in the memory unit 51 in association with another lane 36, 37 of the same type of lane process unit 35 (if the judgment in step S120 is negative), it then determines whether the read unique identification information ID has already been read via the antenna 41 of a different type of lane process unit 35 and stored in the memory unit 51 in association with the lane 36, 37 of that different type of lane process unit 35 (step S130).

[0052] Then, if the control unit 52 determines that the latest unique identification information ID read this time is not stored in the memory unit 51 in association with the lanes 36, 37 of the different lane process unit 35 (if a negative judgment is made in step S130), it then stores the latest unique identification information ID read in the memory unit 51 in association with the lanes 36, 37 corresponding to the antenna 41 from which the reading was made (step S140).

[0053] On the other hand, if the control unit 52 determines that the latest unique identification information ID read this time has already been stored in the memory unit 51 in association with lanes 36, 37 of a different type of lane process unit 35 (if a positive judgment is made in step S130), it then determines whether the period from the last reading of the unique identification information ID in lanes 36, 37 of the different type of lane process unit 35 to the current reading of the unique identification information ID has exceeded a third predetermined period (step S150).

[0054] The determination in step S150 is intended to exclude the unique identification information ID related to the misreading from the objects to be stored in the memory unit 51 when a misreading occurs in which the unique identification information ID of the returnable box R is read twice when the returnable box R circulates once through the logistics center 3 on the outbound or return journey. For this reason, it is necessary to avoid excluding the unique identification information ID of the latest returnable box R read this time from the objects to be stored in the memory unit 51 due to the presence of the unique identification information ID that was read normally the previous time, half a revolution ago, when the same returnable box R circulated through the lanes 36 and 37 of a different type of lane process unit 35 at the logistics center 3 (i.e., when the outbound and return journeys were reversed compared to the current circulation).

[0055] Therefore, the third predetermined period is a period shorter than the shortest period required for the returnable box R to travel between the outbound and inbound journeys of the logistics center 3, and may be, for example, several days such as one day, half a day, or six hours. Furthermore, if the third predetermined period spans a non-operating period of the logistics center 3, the third predetermined period may further include that non-operating period. Furthermore, the third predetermined period may be different for the outbound-inbound period corresponding to the return journey of the returnable box R and the inbound-outbound period corresponding to the return journey of the returnable box R from the outbound journey.

[0056] Then, if the control unit 52 determines that the period from the previous reading of the same unique identification information ID to the current reading exceeds a third predetermined period (if a positive judgment is made in step S150), the control unit 52 stores the unique identification information ID read this time in step S140 in the memory unit 51 in association with the lane 36, 37 corresponding to the antenna 41 where the reading was made.

[0057] On the other hand, if the control unit 52 determines in step S110 that the unique identification information ID read this time is stored in the memory unit 51 in association with the same lane 36, 37 of the same type of lane process unit 35, if it determines in step S120 that the unique identification information ID read this time is stored in the memory unit 51 in association with another lane 36, 37 of the same type of lane process unit 35, or if it determines in step S150 that the period from the previous reading of the same unique identification information ID to the current reading is less than a third predetermined period, it excludes the latest unique identification information ID read this time from the items to be stored in the memory unit 51 associated with the lane 36, 37 corresponding to the antenna 41 from which the reading was performed (step S160).

[0058] As described above, in the physical distribution returnable box management device 10, as a general rule, when the RFID reader 40 reads the unique identification information ID of a returnable box R circulating in the lanes 36 and 37 of the lane process unit 35 by transmitting and receiving radio waves from the antennas 41 corresponding to the lanes 36 and 37, the unique identification information ID can be stored in the memory unit 51 in association with the lane 36 or 37 of the lane process unit 35. The unique identification information ID of this returnable box R is stored in the memory unit 51 when the returnable box R is received at each physical distribution base 3 after its state changes between a loaded state and an unloaded state. The unique identification information ID of this returnable box R is stored in the memory unit 51 for all returnable boxes R circulating between the bases 2, 3, and 4.

[0059] Therefore, information on the receipt of each returnable box R at the logistics base 3 can be acquired to perform traceability, and the total amount of returnable boxes R can be managed.

[0060] In addition, in the logistics return box management device 10, if a unique identification information ID that matches the unique identification information ID of the latest return box R read by the RFID reader 40 via one antenna 41 has already been read via the same antenna 41 and stored in the memory unit 51 in association with the same lane 36, 37 of the same type of lane process unit 35 corresponding to that antenna 41, the latest unique identification information ID read this time is excluded from the items to be stored in the memory unit 51 associated with that lane 36, 37.

[0061] Therefore, it is possible to prevent unique identification information ID based on misreading corresponding to the above pattern 1 from being stored in the memory unit 51, thereby improving the traceability of the returnable box R and the accuracy of total quantity management.

[0062] Furthermore, in the logistics return box management device 10, if a unique identification information ID that matches the unique identification information ID of the latest return box R read by the RFID reader 40 via one antenna 41 has not been read via the same antenna 41 but has already been read via another antenna 41 of the same type of lane process unit 35 and stored in the memory unit 51 in association with another lane 36, 37 of the same type of lane process unit 35, the latest unique identification information ID read this time is excluded from the items to be stored in the memory unit 51 associated with the lane 36, 37 corresponding to the antenna 41 through which the reading was performed.

[0063] Therefore, it is possible to prevent the unique identification information ID based on misreading corresponding to the above pattern 2 from being stored in the memory unit 51, thereby improving the traceability of the returnable box R and the accuracy of total quantity management.

[0064] Furthermore, in the logistics return box management device 10, if a unique identification information ID that matches the unique identification information ID of the latest return box R read by the RFID reader 40 via one antenna 41 has already been stored in the memory unit 51 in association with a lane 36, 37 of a different type of lane process unit 35, and if this reading is performed within a short period of time that is equal to or shorter than a third predetermined time from the previous reading, the latest unique identification information ID read this time is excluded from the items to be stored in the memory unit 51 associated with the lane 36, 37 corresponding to the antenna 41 where the reading was performed.

[0065] For example, if the latest unique identification information ID read via one antenna 41 corresponding to the loaded lane 36 of the first lane process section 35-1 has already been stored in the memory unit 51 in association with the loaded unloading lane 37 of the different second lane process section 35-2, the latest unique identification information ID read is excluded from the items to be stored in the memory unit 51 associated with the loaded lane 36.

[0066] Similarly, if the latest unique identification information ID read via one antenna 41 corresponding to the emptying lane 37 of the second lane process section 35-2 has already been stored in the memory section 51 in association with the different emptying lane 36 of the first lane process section 35-1, the latest unique identification information ID read is excluded from the items to be stored in the memory section 51 associated with the emptying lane 37.

[0067] Therefore, it is possible to prevent unique identification information ID based on misreading corresponding to the above pattern 3 from being stored in the memory unit 51, thereby improving the traceability of the returnable box R and the accuracy of total quantity management.

[0068] Furthermore, in the physical distribution returnable box management device 10, the antenna 41 of the RFID reader 40 is arranged on the entrance side of the lane process section 35 where the returnable box R is carried in (i.e., the loaded carry-in section 31 side or the empty box receiving section 33 side). With this configuration, immediately after the returnable box R is carried in to the lane process section 35, the unique identification information ID in the RFID tag of that returnable box R can be read by the RFID reader 40 and stored in the memory section 51 in association with that lane process section 35. Therefore, after the unique identification information ID has been stored, reading of the unique identification information ID by the RFID reader 40 for the same returnable box R can be treated as an erroneous reading, and the read unique identification information ID can be excluded from the storage targets.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the reading unit (RFID reader) 40 and its antenna 41 correspond to the "reading unit," the antenna 41 corresponding to the first lane process unit 35-1 corresponds to the "first reading unit," and the antenna 41 corresponding to the second lane process unit 35-2 corresponds to the "second reading unit."

[0070] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the control unit 52 executes the processing of steps S110, 120, and 130 in the routine shown in FIG. 9 to realize the "identification information determination unit" described in the claims, the control unit 52 executes the processing of step S160 to realize the "memory exclusion unit," "first memory exclusion unit," and "second memory exclusion unit" described in the claims, and the control unit 52 executes the processing of step S130 to realize the "first judgment unit" and "second judgment unit" described in the claims.

[0071] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Furthermore, this specification not only discloses the technical ideas indicated by the citation relationships set forth in the claims at the time of filing, but also discloses technical ideas that appropriately combine the matters set forth in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1: logistics system, 2: production base, 3: logistics base, 4: shipping destination base, 10: logistics return box management device, 31: loaded inlet section, 32: loaded outlet section, 33: empty box receiving section, 34: empty box shipping section, 35: lane process section, 35-1: first lane process section, 35-2: second lane process section, 36: loaded lane, 37: empty empty lane, 40: reading section (RFID reader), 41: antenna, 42: reader control section, 50: host computer, 51: memory section, 52: control section.

Claims

1. a reading unit that is installed corresponding to a lane process unit through which returnable boxes bearing unique identification information are distributed, and that reads the unique identification information of the returnable boxes; a storage unit capable of storing the unique identification information read by the reading unit in association with the lane process unit; a control unit that stores the unique identification information read by the reading unit in the storage unit in association with the lane process unit; Equipped with The control unit an identification information determination unit that determines whether the unique identification information that matches the latest unique identification information read by the reading unit has already been stored in the storage unit in association with the lane process unit; a memory exclusion unit that excludes the latest unique identification information read by the reading unit from the memory unit associated with the lane process unit when the identification information determination unit determines that the unique identification information has already been stored in the memory unit; and A logistics returnable box management device having the above structure.

2. the identification information determination unit determines whether the unique identification information that matches the latest unique identification information read by the reading unit has already been stored in the storage unit in association with the lane process unit that corresponds to the reading unit, 2. The logistics return box management device according to claim 1, wherein the memory exclusion unit excludes the latest unique identification information read by the reading unit from being stored in the memory unit associated with the lane process unit corresponding to the reading unit.

3. The lane process unit has a plurality of lanes, The reading unit is provided corresponding to each of the lanes, the identification information determination unit determines whether the unique identification information that matches the latest unique identification information read by one of the reading units has already been read by another of the reading units and stored in the storage unit in association with the lane process unit; 2. The logistics return box management device of claim 1, wherein when the identification information determination unit determines that the unique identification information has already been stored in the memory unit, the memory exclusion unit excludes the latest unique identification information read by one of the reading units from being stored in the memory unit associated with the lane process unit.

4. The lane processing unit has a first lane processing unit and a second lane processing unit of different types, the reading unit has a first reading unit corresponding to the first lane process unit and a second reading unit corresponding to the second lane process unit, The identification information determination unit a first determination unit that determines whether the unique identification information that matches the latest unique identification information read by the first reading unit has already been stored in the storage unit in association with the second lane process unit that corresponds to the second reading unit; a second determination unit that determines whether the unique identification information that matches the latest unique identification information read by the second reading unit has already been stored in the storage unit in association with the first lane process unit that corresponds to the first reading unit; and and The storage exclusion unit a first memory exclusion unit that excludes the latest unique identification information read by the first reading unit from the storage unit associated with the first lane process unit corresponding to the first reading unit when the first determination unit determines that the unique identification information has already been stored in the storage unit; and a second memory exclusion unit that excludes the latest unique identification information read by the second reading unit from the storage unit associated with the second lane process unit corresponding to the second reading unit when the second determination unit determines that the unique identification information has already been stored in the storage unit; and The physical distribution returnable box management device according to claim 1, further comprising:

5. When the first determination unit determines that the unique identification information has already been stored in the memory unit, and a period from when the second reading unit reads the unique identification information to when the first reading unit reads the unique identification information is equal to or shorter than a first predetermined period, the first memory exclusion unit excludes the latest unique identification information read by the first reading unit from being stored in the memory unit associated with the first lane process unit corresponding to the first reading unit, 5. The logistics return box management device of claim 4, wherein, when the second discrimination unit determines that the unique identification information has already been stored in the memory unit, the second memory exclusion unit excludes the latest unique identification information read by the second reading unit from being stored in the memory unit associated with the second lane process unit corresponding to the second reading unit when the period from when the first reading unit reads the unique identification information to when the second reading unit reads the unique identification information is less than or equal to a second predetermined period.

6. 2. The physical distribution returnable box management device according to claim 1, wherein the reading unit is disposed on an entrance side of the lane process unit through which the returnable boxes are carried in.

7. the first reading unit is disposed on an entrance side of the first lane process unit through which the return box is carried in, The physical distribution returnable box management device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the second reading unit is disposed on an entrance side of the second lane process unit through which the returnable boxes are carried in.

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