Automatic ordering device and method for consumables

Abstract

To improve convenience of a user using an automated order service for consumables to be consumed in a facility.SOLUTION: Automated order processing for objects to be ordered registered in advance as consumables targeted for automated order service is performed. In the automated order processing, it is determined whether or not container packages for the objects to be ordered exist in a disposal box, based on internal status data of the disposal box or identification data on the contents of the container packages existing in the disposal box. If it is determined that the container packages for the objects to be ordered exist in the disposal box, the number of discarded container packages for the objects to be ordered existing in the disposal box is calculated. It is determined whether or not the number of discarded container packages is equal to or larger than an upper threshold set according to a sales mode of the objects to be ordered. If it is determined that the number of discarded container packages is equal to or larger than the upper threshold, order data of the objects to be ordered is generated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for automatically ordering items that are consumed in facilities such as residences and offices (hereinafter also referred to as "consumables"). [Background technology]

[0002] JP 2018-185726 A discloses a garbage collection system. This conventional system identifies container packaging discarded in a trash can at home or in an office, and identifies a product corresponding to the contents of the identified container packaging. The conventional system also performs a process of notifying a consumer's terminal of an advertisement for a product identified based on the container packaging or a product related to the identified product, in order to encourage the consumer to purchase a new product.

[0003] JP 2006-039773 A discloses an ordering system for medical supplies. This conventional system orders new medical supplies based on product information attached to the packaging material of the medical supplies. The product information is read using an IC tag that becomes readable when the packaging material is opened. The medical supplies are ordered by a computer system connected to a tag reader that reads the product information when the packaging material is opened. In other words, a series of operations from reading the product information to ordering the medical supplies is automatically performed when the packaging material is opened.

[0004] JP 2018-041234 A discloses a medical material ordering system. This conventional system includes a container for storing medical materials with IC tags attached thereto, a terminal connected to a tag reader, and a server for managing the medical materials. The tag reader is attached to the opening of the storage container. When unused medical materials are taken out of the container, the IC tag information is read by the tag reader, and inventory status information of the medical materials is updated. The inventory status information is obtained by the terminal. Based on the inventory status information, the terminal determines whether or not the medical materials need to be replenished. If it is determined that replenishment is necessary, the terminal places an order for the medical materials with the server. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-185726 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2006-039773 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2018-041234 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] There are various types of container packaging for consumables. For example, when container packaging is classified based on the material and shape, examples include glass bottles, aluminum cans, steel cans, PET bottles, paper container packaging, and plastic container packaging. Glass bottles, aluminum cans, steel cans, and PET bottles mainly contain liquid consumables. Paper and plastic container packaging mainly contain solid consumables.

[0007] Consider an automatic ordering service for consumables that correspond to the contents of discarded container packaging. For the automatic ordering service, the timing of ordering the consumables is important. The timing of this ordering is generally when the container packaging is discarded. However, this general timing may not be appropriate as the timing of ordering. For example, for liquid consumables, it is highly likely that it is more beneficial for users of the automatic ordering service to order when the remaining amount of the liquid is low.

[0008] Furthermore, consumables may be sold with all individually packaged products enclosed in a single package (hereinafter also referred to as "bundled packaging"). Therefore, if an automatic order is placed at the time when the individually packaged consumables are used up, there is a possibility that the facility will have a surplus of consumables in stock. Thus, in order to order consumables at the appropriate time, it is necessary to take into consideration not only the disposal mode of the consumables, but also the usage mode and sales mode. Therefore, development was required from a different perspective than the above-mentioned conventional technology.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique that can improve convenience for users who utilize an automatic ordering service for consumables consumed in a facility. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A first invention is an automatic ordering device that provides an automatic ordering service for consumables corresponding to the contents of container packaging discarded in a waste box owned by a facility. The automatic ordering device includes a memory and a processor. The memory stores internal status data of the waste box or identification data of the contents of the container packaging present in the waste box. The processor performs automatic ordering processing for order items that are registered in advance as consumables that are eligible for the automatic ordering service. The processor, in the automatic ordering process, determining whether or not a container or packaging of the ordered item is present in the waste box based on the internal status data or the identification data of the contents; When it is determined that the container / package of the order target item is present in the waste box, the number of discarded container / packages of the order target item present in the waste box is calculated based on the internal status data or the identification data of the contents; determining whether the number of discarded items is equal to or greater than an upper limit threshold value set according to a sales mode of the ordered items; When it is determined that the number of discards is equal to or greater than the upper limit threshold, order data for the item to be ordered is generated.

[0011] The second invention has the following additional features in addition to the first invention. The memory further stores identification data of consumables that are present in a repository owned by the facility and in which unused or used consumables are stored. The processor, in the automatic ordering process, determining whether the ordered item is present in the storage facility based on the identification data of the consumable item; When it is determined that the order target item is present in the storage facility, an inventory quantity of the order target item is calculated based on the identification data of the consumable item; determining whether the inventory quantity is greater than a lower limit threshold value that is set according to a sales mode of the ordered item; If it is determined that the inventory quantity is above the lower threshold, the order for the item to be ordered based on the order data is canceled.

[0012] A third invention is an automatic ordering device that provides an automatic ordering service for consumables stored in a storehouse owned by a facility. The automatic ordering device includes a memory and a processor. The memory stores identification data of the consumables in the storage and usage status data of the consumables in the storage. The processor performs automatic ordering processing for order items that are registered in advance as consumables that are eligible for the automatic ordering service. The processor, in the automatic ordering process, determining whether the ordered item is present in the storage facility based on the identification data of the consumable item; If it is determined that the order target item is present in the storage facility, a remaining amount of the order target item is calculated based on the usage status data; determining whether the remaining amount is equal to or less than a lower limit threshold value that is set according to a usage mode of the order target item; When it is determined that the remaining amount is equal to or less than the lower threshold, order data for the item to be ordered is generated.

[0013] A fourth invention is any one of the first to third inventions, further comprising the following features. The processor, in the automatic ordering process, When the order data is generated, a transmission report of the order data is transmitted to a terminal of a user who uses the automatic ordering service at the facility; If a cancellation instruction is received from the terminal within a predetermined time after the transmission of the transmission report, the ordering of the order target item based on the order data is cancelled.

[0014] A fifth invention is an automatic ordering method executed by a computer to provide an automatic ordering service for consumables corresponding to the contents of container packaging discarded in a waste box owned by a facility. The automatic ordering method includes: acquiring internal status data of the waste box or identification data of the contents of the container packaging present in the waste box; A step of determining whether or not a container package of an order target item that is registered in advance as a consumable item that is subject to the automatic ordering service is present in the waste box based on the internal situation data or the identification data of the contents; When it is determined that the container packaging of the order target item is present in the waste box, a step of calculating the number of discarded container packaging of the order target item present in the waste box based on the internal condition data or the identification data of the contents; A step of determining whether the number of discarded items is equal to or greater than an upper limit threshold value set according to a sales mode of the ordered items; generating order data for the order target item when it is determined that the number of discards is equal to or greater than the upper limit threshold; Equipped with.

[0015] The sixth invention is the fifth invention further characterized by the following. The automatic ordering method includes: Obtaining identification data of consumables present in a storage facility in which unused or used consumables are stored, the storage facility having the facility; determining whether the order target item is present in the storage facility based on the identification data of the consumable item; When it is determined that the order target item is present in the storage facility, a step of calculating an inventory quantity of the order target item based on the identification data of the consumable item; A step of determining whether the inventory quantity is greater than a lower limit threshold value that is set according to a sales mode of the order target item; canceling an order for the order target item based on the order data when it is determined that the inventory quantity is greater than the lower threshold value; It further comprises:

[0016] A seventh aspect of the present invention is an automatic ordering method executed by a computer to provide an automatic ordering service for consumables stored in a storehouse owned by a facility. The automatic ordering method includes: acquiring identification data of the consumables present in the storage and usage data of the consumables present in the storage; A step of determining whether or not an order target item that has been registered in advance as a consumable item eligible for the automatic ordering service is present in the storage facility based on the identification data of the consumable item; When it is determined that the order target item is present in the storage facility, calculating a remaining amount of the order target item based on the usage status data; determining whether the remaining amount is equal to or less than a lower limit threshold value that is set according to a usage mode of the order target item; generating order data for the item to be ordered when it is determined that the remaining amount is equal to or less than the lower limit threshold; Equipped with.

[0017] An eighth aspect of the present invention is any one of the fifth to seventh aspects of the present invention, further comprising the following features. The automatic ordering method includes: When the order data is generated, a step of transmitting a transmission report of the order data to a terminal of a user who uses the automatic ordering service at the facility; canceling the order of the order target item based on the order data when a cancellation instruction is received from the terminal within a predetermined time after the transmission of the transmission report; It further comprises: Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the first or fifth invention, when it is determined that the number of discarded container packages of the order target item discarded in the waste box is equal to or greater than the upper threshold, order data for the order target item is generated. The upper threshold is set according to the sales mode of the order target item. Therefore, by using the upper threshold to make a determination, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems that occur when the order target item is individually packaged. Therefore, it is possible to improve user convenience.

[0019] According to the second or sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the disposal status of the container packaging of the ordered item, the inventory status of the ordered item is also taken into consideration. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the occurrence of defects that occur when the ordered item is individually packaged. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience for users.

[0020] According to the third or seventh invention, when it is determined that the remaining amount of the order target item in the storage is equal to or less than the lower threshold, order data for the order target item is generated. The lower threshold is set according to the usage mode of the consumable. Therefore, by using the lower threshold for the determination, it is possible to properly order the order target item even in cases where the disposal mode of the consumable item may change depending on the usage mode of the consumable item. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience for the user.

[0021] According to the fourth or eighth aspect of the present invention, when the order data for the ordered item is generated, it is possible to accept cancellation from the user for a predetermined time period after the transmission of the order data transmission report. Therefore, it is possible to provide the user with an opportunity to cancel the order of the ordered item or to change to another consumable item similar to the ordered item, thereby further improving user convenience. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of an automatic ordering service. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a basic flow of an automatic ordering process according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a problem that occurs when individual packaging is discarded in a waste box. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a facility for carrying out a second example of the automatic ordering process according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a facility for carrying out a third example of the automatic ordering process according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a first configuration example of an automatic ordering device according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a second configuration example of the automatic ordering device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a third configuration example of the automatic ordering device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart showing a first processing example of an automatic ordering process. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart showing a second processing example of the automatic ordering process. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing a third processing example of the automatic ordering process. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart showing a fourth processing example of the automatic ordering process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Hereinafter, an automatic ordering device and an automatic ordering method for consumables according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The automatic ordering method according to the embodiment is realized by computer processing performed in the automatic ordering device according to the embodiment. In addition, in each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be simplified or omitted.

[0024] 1.Automatic ordering service The automatic ordering device according to the embodiment provides an automatic ordering service for consumables. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an outline of the automatic ordering service. The management system 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes, as components related to the automatic ordering service, a facility 1, a management center 2, and a terminal (hereinafter also referred to as a "user terminal") 3 of a user US who uses the automatic ordering service at the facility 1. The facility 1, the management center 2, and the user terminal 3 exchange various data by communication via a network 4. Although one facility 1 is depicted in FIG. 1, the total number of facilities 1 constituting the management system 100 may be two or more.

[0025] The facility 1 is a building such as a residence or a business establishment, where consumables are consumed directly or indirectly by a user US. The facility 1 is equipped with an automatic ordering device 11 according to an embodiment. The automatic ordering device 11 is a computer that performs "automatic ordering processing" of consumables consumed in the facility 1. Details of the automatic ordering processing will be described later. The facility 1 also has a storeroom 12 that stores various consumables (commodity). Examples of the storeroom 12 include a storage shelf, a storeroom, and a warehouse. In the example shown in FIG. 1, consumables C11 and C21 are stored in the storeroom 12. The difference between the consumables C11 and C21 lies, for example, in the category (major classification) of the product to which the consumables belong.

[0026] The facility 1 further includes waste boxes 13 and 14 in which consumables C11 and C12 are disposed. In the waste boxes 13 and 14, container packaging of consumables consumed in the facility 1 is disposed. The difference between the waste boxes 13 and 14 is whether or not container packaging of consumables that are the subject of the automatic ordering service (hereinafter also referred to as "items to be ordered") is disposed. The items to be ordered are registered in advance by the user US. In the embodiment, container packaging of the items to be ordered is disposed in the waste box 14, and other container packaging is disposed in the waste box 13.

[0027] However, the container packaging of the order target item may be discarded in the waste box 13. For example, if the user US does not wish to automatically order the order target item, the user US discards the container packaging in the waste box 13. In other words, the user US discards the container packaging in the waste box 14 only if the user US wishes to automatically order the order target item.

[0028] The disposal box 14 is provided with a tag reader 15. The tag reader 15 reads identification data of the contents of the container packaging present in the disposal box 14 using short-range wireless communication. The identification data is recorded, for example, on an identification tag (for example, an RFID tag) attached to the container packaging. The identification data is read by the tag reader 15 when the container packaging is present in the disposal box 14. The identification data includes data specific to the consumable, such as the manufacturer of the consumable and the type of the consumable. The identification data also includes data regarding the sales mode of the consumable (specifically, whether or not the consumable is sold in a bundled package). The identification data read by the tag reader 15 is transmitted to the automatic ordering device 11.

[0029] In another example of the embodiment, a camera that captures images of the interior of the waste box 14 is provided instead of the tag reader 15. The internal status data of the waste box 14 captured by the camera is transmitted to the automatic ordering device 11. The location of the camera is not particularly limited as long as it is a location that can capture images of the interior of the waste box 14. The camera may be installed near a waste input port of a mobile object (specifically, a waste collection vehicle) that removes and collects the contents (i.e., packaging containers) from the waste box 14.

[0030] The management center 2 performs inventory management of various consumables. The management center 2 includes a server 21 and a warehouse 22. The server 21 is a computer that performs processes related to inventory management of various consumables C11, C12, ... Ck1, Ck2 (k is a natural number greater than or equal to 3) stored in the warehouse 22. The processes related to inventory management include a process for recording the receipt and shipment of consumables stored in the warehouse 22, a process for setting storage locations of the consumables, and a process for delivering the consumables. The processes related to inventory management may include a part of the automatic ordering process performed by the automatic ordering device 11. In this case, the server 21 receives identification data of the contents or internal status data from the facility 1, and generates ordering data for the items to be ordered.

[0031] 1, consumables C11, C12, ... Ck1, Ck2 are stored in warehouse 22. The difference between consumables Ck1 and Ck2 is in the hierarchy (medium or small classification) of products belonging to the same category (major classification). The difference between consumables Ck1 and Ck2 may be the unit of quantity (packaging type) of products belonging to the same category (small classification).

[0032] The user terminal 3 is a computer of the user US. The user terminal 3 may be a computer installed in the facility 1, or may be a terminal (e.g., a tablet or smartphone) that the user US personally carries. Registration and deregistration of an item to be ordered are performed via the user terminal 3. Identification data of the user terminal 3 (i.e., identification data of the user US) is associated with identification data of the facility 1 and registration data of the item to be ordered, and is shared by the automatic ordering device 11 and the server 21.

[0033] 2. Overview of automatic order processing 2-1. The first problem with automatic ordering Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating a basic flow of an automatic ordering process according to an embodiment. The configuration example of the facility 1 shown in Fig. 2 is as described in Fig. 1. In the example shown in Fig. 2, consumables C11 and C21 stored in the storage 12 in Fig. 1 have been consumed, and their container packaging has been discarded in waste boxes 13 and 14. The container packaging of consumable C21 is located in waste box 13, and that of consumable C11 is located in waste box 14. That is, in the example shown in Fig. 2, consumable C11 corresponds to the item to be ordered.

[0034] When the consumable C11 is discarded in the disposal box 14, the identification data of the contents of the container packaging (i.e., the consumable C11) is read by the tag reader 15. The automatic ordering device 11 compares the identification data of the contents with the registered data of the item to be ordered. If the two match, the automatic ordering device 11 generates order data for the consumable C11 and transmits it to the outside (i.e., the server 21). The server 21 then performs a shipping process for the consumable C11 based on the order data. This causes the storage facility 12 to be replenished with the consumable C11.

[0035] In another example, the contents of the container packaging present in the disposal box 14 are identified based on the internal status data of the disposal box 14 acquired by a camera. The contents are identified, for example, by using machine learning using image data of the container packaging as training data. The automatic ordering device 11 determines whether the contents of the container packaging (i.e., the consumable C11) are items to be ordered based on the identification result. If it is determined that the contents are items to be ordered, the automatic ordering device 11 generates order data for the consumable C11. The flow thereafter is the same as the example described above.

[0036] However, in the above-described automatic ordering process, a problem occurs if the container packaging of the consumable C11 discarded in the disposal box 14 is individually wrapped. Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining a problem that occurs when individual packaging is discarded in the disposal box 14. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the consumable C11_1 taken out of the bundling packaging of the consumable C11 is consumed, and the individual packaging is discarded in the disposal box 14. Meanwhile, the consumable C11_2 in the bundling packaging remains in the storage 12.

[0037] When all of the bundling packaging of the consumable C11 and the individual packaging of the consumables C11_1 and C11_2 are discarded in the waste box 14, it is desirable to order and replenish the consumable C11. On the other hand, when some of the individual packaging of the consumable C11 is discarded in the waste box 14, or when the bundling packaging of the consumable C11 and some of the individual packaging are discarded in the waste box 14, it may be unnecessary to order and replenish the consumable C11. In particular, when only some of the individual packaging of the consumable C11 is discarded, if the consumable C11 is ordered and replenished, there is a possibility that the inventory of the consumable C11 in the storage 12 will become surplus.

[0038] 2-2. First Example Therefore, in a first example of the automatic ordering process according to the embodiment, in the configuration example shown in FIG. 2, an upper limit discard number UTN is set according to the sales mode of the ordered item. The upper limit discard number UTN is an upper threshold value for the discard number of the ordered item, and is set according to the container packaging category (bundled packaging and individual packaging) of the ordered item. The initial value of the upper limit discard number UTN is a fixed value. The initial value for bundled packaging is set to a value smaller than that for individual packaging. The initial value can also be changed according to the desires of the user US. In this case, the user US operates the user terminal 3 to set the upper limit discard number UTN.

[0039] In the first example, it is determined whether the number of discarded container packages of the order target items discarded in the discard box 14 is equal to or greater than the upper limit discard number UTN. Then, when it is determined that the number of discards is equal to or greater than the upper limit discard number UTN, order data for the order target items is generated. By using such an upper limit discard number UTN, it is possible to prevent problems that occur when the order target items are individually packaged. In addition, by appropriately setting the initial value of the upper limit discard number UTN, or by changing this initial value to an appropriate value by the user US, it is possible to order and replenish the order target items at a timing that suits the preferences of the user US.

[0040] 2-3. Second Example In a second example of the automatic ordering process according to the embodiment, in addition to the upper limit discard quantity UTN, a lower limit stock quantity LSN is set according to the sales mode of the ordered item. The lower limit stock quantity LSN is a lower limit threshold value of the stock quantity of the ordered item stored in the storage 12, and is set according to the classification of the container packaging of the ordered item. As with the upper limit discard quantity UTN, the initial value of the lower limit stock quantity LSN is a fixed value, and this initial value can be changed according to the desires of the user US.

[0041] In the second example, similar to the first example, if it is determined that the discard quantity is equal to or greater than the upper discard quantity UTN, order data for the order target item is generated. Up to this point, it is the same as the first example. However, in the second example, if it is determined that the discard quantity is equal to or greater than the upper discard quantity UTN, it is further determined whether or not the stock quantity SN of the order target item in the storage 12 is greater than the lower stock quantity LSN. The stock quantity SN is calculated by grasping the identification data or internal situation data of the contents in the storage 12.

[0042] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of facility 1 for implementing a second example of the automatic ordering process according to the embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 4, a tag reader 16 is further added to the configuration example shown in FIG. 2. Tag reader 16 reads identification data of the contents of the container packaging present in storage 12 using short-range wireless communication. The basic function of tag reader 16 is the same as that of tag reader 15. A camera may be used instead of tag reader 16. In this case, the internal status data of storage 12 is acquired by the camera. The location of the camera is not particularly limited as long as it is a location where the internal status of storage 12 can be photographed.

[0043] In the second example, the stock quantity SN is calculated based on the identification data of the contents read by the tag reader 16 or the internal status data of the storage 12 acquired by the camera. If it is determined that the stock quantity SN is greater than the lower limit stock quantity LSN, the order based on the order data is canceled. In this way, according to the second example, the stock status of the ordered item is taken into consideration in addition to the disposal status of the container packaging of the ordered item. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the occurrence of defects that occur when the ordered item is individually packaged. In addition, by appropriately setting the initial value of the lower limit stock quantity LSN or changing this initial value to an appropriate value by the user US, it is possible to order and replenish the ordered item at a timing that suits the user US's preferences.

[0044] 2-4. The second problem with automatic ordering The first and second examples described above are examples of improvements that focus on the fact that the manner in which consumables are disposed of can change depending on the manner in which the consumables are sold. Here, the manner in which the consumables are used can also be considered as a factor that affects the manner in which the consumables are disposed of. For example, in the case of liquid-based consumables, it is rare for the container packaging of the consumables to be discarded after each use. In other words, in the case of liquid-based consumables, the consumables are returned to the storage 12 in their container packaging after each use. It is desirable to order and replenish consumables that are returned to the storage 12 in their container packaging, not limited to liquid-based consumables, when the remaining amount becomes low.

[0045] 2-5.Third Example Therefore, in a third example of the automatic ordering process according to the embodiment, in addition to the identification data described in the first example, data regarding the usage mode of the consumable (specifically, whether or not it is a disposable consumable) is recorded in the identification tag. In the third example, a lower limit remaining amount LSA is set according to the usage mode of the item to be ordered, instead of the upper limit discard number UTN described in the first example. The lower limit remaining amount LSA is the lower limit threshold value of the remaining amount of the item to be ordered stored in the storage 12. Like the upper limit discard number UTN, the initial value of the lower limit remaining amount LSA is a fixed value, and this initial value can be changed according to the wishes of the user US.

[0046] In the third example, it is determined whether or not the item to be ordered is present in the storage 12 based on the identification data of the contents read by the tag reader 16 or the internal status data acquired by the camera. If it is determined that the item to be ordered is present in the storage 12, it is determined whether or not the item to be ordered is a consumable item that is taken in and out of the storage 12 each time it is used (i.e., whether or not it is a reusable consumable item). This attribute determination is performed by comparing the identification data or the internal status data with the registered data of the item to be ordered. If it is determined that the item to be ordered is a reusable consumable item, the remaining amount SA of the item to be ordered is calculated. The calculation of the remaining amount SA is performed by grasping the usage status data of the item to be ordered in the storage 12.

[0047] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the facility 1 for implementing a third example of the automatic ordering process according to the embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 5, a weight sensor 17 is further added to the configuration example shown in FIG. 4. The weight sensor 17 measures the weight of the container packaging containing the order target item present in the storage 12. According to the identification data, the weight of the container packaging containing the order target item in an unused state can be grasped. Therefore, for example, the difference between the total weight of the order target item including the container packaging grasped based on the identification data and that measured by the weight sensor 17 (i.e., the usage status data) can be calculated as the remaining amount SA. When the contents of the container packaging can be recognized from the outside, a camera may be used instead of the weight sensor 17. In this case, the usage status data is calculated based on image data acquired by the camera.

[0048] In the third example, it is also determined whether the remaining amount SA is equal to or less than the lower limit remaining amount LSA. Then, when it is determined that the remaining amount SA is equal to or less than the lower limit remaining amount LSA, order data for the item to be ordered is generated. Thus, according to the third example, even when the disposal mode of the consumable may change depending on the usage mode of the consumable, it is possible to order and replenish the item to be ordered at an appropriate time. Also, by appropriately setting the initial value of the lower limit remaining amount LSA, or by changing the initial value to an appropriate value by the user US, it is possible to order and replenish the item to be ordered at a time that suits the preferences of the user US.

[0049] Hereinafter, a configuration example of an automatic ordering device for realizing the first to third improvements of the automatic ordering process described above will be described.

[0050] 3. Example of automatic ordering device configuration FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a first configuration example of the automatic ordering device according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a configuration example for realizing the first improved example described above. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a second configuration example of the automatic ordering device according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a configuration example for realizing the second improved example described above. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a third configuration example of the automatic ordering device according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a configuration example for realizing the third improved example described above.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the automatic ordering device 11 includes a processor 11A, a memory 11B, and a database 11C.

[0052] The processor 11A includes a CPU. The memory 11B stores various data necessary for processing by the processor 11A. Examples of the memory 11B include a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a HDD, and an SSD. The processor 11A executes a computer program to realize various functions of the automatic ordering device 11. The computer program is stored in the memory 11B. However, the computer program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer program may be provided from the outside (for example, the server 21) via a network.

[0053] In the first configuration example shown in Fig. 6, various data stored in memory 11B include identification data IDC_15 and order data ORD. The identification data IDC_15 is data (e.g., RFID data) of the contents of the packaging container read by tag reader 15. If a camera is provided in waste box 14 instead of tag reader 15, internal status data of waste box 14 is stored in memory 11B instead of identification data IDC_15. The order data ORD is data generated when it is determined that the number of items to be ordered to be discarded, calculated based on the identification data IDC_15 or the internal status data, is equal to or greater than the upper limit number to be discarded UTN.

[0054] In the second configuration example shown in Fig. 7, various data stored in memory 11B include identification data IDC_15, IDC_16, and order data ORD. The identification data IDC_16 is data on the contents of the packaging container read by tag reader 16. If a camera is provided in storage 12 instead of tag reader 16, internal status data of storage 12 is stored in memory 11B instead of identification data IDC_16. The identification data IDC_15 and order data ORD are the same as those in the first configuration example shown in Fig. 6.

[0055] In the third configuration example shown in Fig. 8, the various data stored in memory 11B include identification data IDC_16, weight data WTC, and order data ORD. The weight data WTC is data on the weight of the container packaging containing the ordered item measured by the weight sensor 17. If a camera is provided in the storage 12 instead of the weight sensor 17, usage data of the ordered item is stored in memory 11B instead of the weight data WTC. The identification data IDC_16 and order data ORD are the same as those in the second configuration example shown in Fig. 7.

[0056] In the first configuration example shown in Fig. 6, data OBC of the item to be ordered is registered in the database 11C. The data OBC is registered by a user US. The database 11C also has data OButn of the upper limit discard quantity UTN of the item to be ordered. The database 11C further has data OBitv of the replenishment interval of the item to be ordered. The replenishment interval is the expected time from when the item to be ordered is ordered to when the item to be ordered is delivered to the facility 1.

[0057] Like the upper limit discard number UTN, the initial value of the replenishment interval is a fixed value, and this initial value can be changed according to the wishes of the user US. The initial value of the replenishment interval is set for each item to be ordered. By setting an initial value for each item to be ordered, it becomes possible to replenish the items to be ordered at a timing that suits the preferences of the user US. If schedule data for the user US is available, adjustments may be made to match the time periods for replenishment of the items to be ordered with the time periods when the user US is at facility 1. Adjustments may be made to avoid time periods when the user US is absent from facility 1.

[0058] 7, data OBC of the order target item, data OButn of the upper limit discard quantity UTN, data OBlsn of the lower limit stock quantity LSN, and data OBitv of the replenishment interval are registered in the database 11C. That is, in the second configuration example, in addition to the data described in the first configuration example, data OBlsn of the lower limit stock quantity LSN is registered in the database 11C.

[0059] 8, data OBC of the order target item, data OBlsa of the lower limit remaining amount LSA, and data OBitv of the replenishment interval are registered in the database 11C. That is, in the third configuration example, data OBlsa of the lower limit remaining amount LSA is registered in the database 11C instead of data OButn of the upper limit discard number UTN described in the first configuration example.

[0060] When a part of the automatic ordering process performed by the automatic ordering device 11 is performed as a process related to inventory management of the server 21, the components of the automatic ordering device 11, such as the processor 11A, memory 11B, and database 11C, may be interpreted as components provided in the server 21. In this case, the automatic ordering device 11 only needs to have a function of transmitting the content identification data IDC_15, internal status data, etc. to the server 21.

[0061] 4. Example of automated order processing Next, the flow of the automatic ordering process performed by the automatic ordering device 11 (processor 11A) according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0062] 4-1. First processing example 9 is a flowchart showing a first processing example of the automatic ordering process. The routine shown in FIG 9 corresponds to the first improved example described above.

[0063] 9, first, the identification data IDC_15 is obtained (step S11). As already described, the identification data IDC_15 is data on the contents of the packaging container read by the tag reader 15. If a camera is provided in the waste box 14 instead of the tag reader 15, internal status data of the waste box 14 is obtained instead of the identification data IDC_15.

[0064] Following the process of step S11, it is determined whether or not the container packaging of the ordered item is present in the waste box 14 (step S12). Specifically, in the process of step S12, it is determined whether or not the identification data IDC_15 acquired in step S11 includes data matching the data of the ordered item registered in the database 11C (i.e., data OBC). If it is determined that the identification data IDC_15 does not include data matching the data OBC, the process of the routine in FIG. 9 ends.

[0065] If the determination result in step S12 is positive, the discard number TNi (i is 1≦i≦k) is calculated (step S13). The discard number TNi is the total number of container packages of the ordered items (hereinafter also referred to as "ordered items Ci_14") present in the discard box 14. The discard number TNi is calculated for each ordered item Ci_14 based on the identification data IDC_15. If a camera is provided in the discard box 14 instead of the tag reader 15, the discard number TNi is calculated based on the internal status data of the discard box 14.

[0066] Following the processing of step S13, it is determined whether the discard number TNi is equal to or greater than the upper limit discard number UTN (step S14). As already described, the upper limit discard number UTN is an upper threshold value set according to the classification of the container packaging of the ordered product, and the data OButn is registered in the database 11C. If it is determined that the discard number TNi is less than the upper limit discard number UTN, the processing of the routine of FIG. 9 is terminated.

[0067] If the determination result in step S14 is positive, order data ORD_Ci for the ordered item Ci_14 is generated and transmitted to the server 21 (step S15). The order data ORD_Ci includes data for identifying the facility 1 and the ordered item Ci, and data OBitv on the replenishment interval of the ordered item Ci. The processing of the routine in Fig. 9 may be executed as processing related to inventory management of the server 21. In this case, in the processing of step S15, only the generation of the order data ORD_Ci is performed.

[0068] 4-2. Second processing example 10 is a flowchart showing a second processing example of the automatic ordering process. The routine shown in FIG 10 corresponds to the second improved example described above.

[0069] In the routine shown in Fig. 10, steps S11 to S14 are first performed. The steps S11 to S14 are the same as those described with reference to Fig. 9.

[0070] If the determination result of step S14 is positive, the identification data IDC_16 is acquired (step S21). As already described, the identification data IDC_16 is data on the contents of the packaging container read by the tag reader 16. If a camera is provided in the storage unit 12 instead of the tag reader 16, internal situation data of the storage unit 12 is acquired instead of the identification data IDC_16.

[0071] Following the processing of step S21, the stock quantity SNi is calculated (step S22). The stock quantity SNi is the total number of order items (hereinafter also referred to as "order items Ci_12") present in the storehouse 12. The stock quantity SNi is calculated for each order item Ci_12 based on the identification data IDC_16. If a camera is provided in the storehouse 12 instead of the tag reader 16, the stock quantity SNi is calculated based on the internal situation data of the storehouse 12.

[0072] Following the processing of step S22, it is determined whether the stock quantity SNi is equal to or less than the lower limit stock quantity LSN (step S23). As already explained, the lower limit stock quantity LSN is the lower limit threshold of the stock quantity of the order target item stored in the warehouse 12, and the data OBlsn is registered in the database 11C. If it is determined that the stock quantity SNi is equal to or less than the lower limit stock quantity LSN, the processing of step S15 is performed. The processing of step S15 is as explained in FIG. 9. On the other hand, if it is determined that the stock quantity SNi is greater than the lower limit stock quantity LSN, the processing of the routine in FIG. 10 is terminated. That is, in this case, no order is placed based on the order data ORD_Ci.

[0073] 4-3.Third processing example 11 is a flowchart showing a third processing example of the automatic ordering process. The routine shown in FIG 11 corresponds to the third improved example described above.

[0074] 11, first, the identification data IDC_16 is acquired (step S31). The contents of the process in step S31 are the same as those in step S21 in FIG.

[0075] Following the process of step S31, it is determined whether or not the container packaging of the ordered item is present in the storage 12 (step S32). Specifically, in the process of step S32, it is determined whether or not the identification data IDC_16 acquired in step S31 includes data matching the data of the ordered item registered in the database 11C (i.e., data OBC). If it is determined that the identification data IDC_16 does not include data matching the data OBC, the process of the routine in FIG. 11 ends.

[0076] If the determination result of step S32 is positive, it is determined whether the ordered item Ci_12 corresponds to a disposable consumable item (step S33). In the process of step S33, specifically, it is determined whether the ordered item Ci_12 corresponds to a disposable consumable item based on the identification data IDC_16 acquired in step S31. If it is determined that the ordered item Ci_12 corresponds to a disposable consumable item, the process of the routine of FIG. 11 is terminated.

[0077] If the determination result in step S33 is negative, the remaining amount SAi is calculated (step S34). The remaining amount SAi is the amount of the order target item remaining in the container packaging of the order item Ci_12, and is calculated based on the usage status data of the order item Ci_12. The usage status data is, for example, the total weight of the order item Ci_12 including the container packaging measured by the weight sensor 17. The remaining amount SAi is calculated as the difference between this measured total weight and the weight of the order item Ci_12 identified based on the identification data IDC_16.

[0078] Following the process of step S34, it is determined whether the remaining amount SAi is equal to or less than the lower limit remaining amount LSA (step S35). As already described, the lower limit remaining amount LSA is the lower limit threshold of the remaining amount of the item to be ordered, and the data OBlsa thereof is registered in the database 11C. If it is determined that the remaining amount SAi is greater than the lower limit remaining amount LSA, the process of the routine of FIG. 11 ends.

[0079] If the determination result in step S35 is positive, order data ORD_Ci for the ordered item Ci_14 is generated and transmitted to the server 21 (step S36). The process in step S36 is the same as that in step S15 in Fig. 9. The process in the routine in Fig. 11 may be executed as a process related to inventory management in the server 21. In this case, in the process in step S36, only the generation of the order data ORD_Ci is performed.

[0080] 4-4. Fourth Processing Example Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing a fourth processing example of the automatic ordering process. The routine shown in Fig. 12 is executed when the order data ORD_Ci is transmitted to the server 21 in the processing examples described with reference to Figs. 9 to 11.

[0081] 12, first, a transmission report of the order data ORD_Ci is transmitted to the user terminal 3 (step S41). In the process of step S41, for example, a part or all of the data included in the order data ORD_Ci is transmitted to the user terminal 3. In another example, data on the period during which an order based on the order data ORD_Ci can be canceled is transmitted to the user terminal 3. This period is calculated based on the replenishment interval data OBitv.

[0082] Following the process of step S41, it is determined whether or not an instruction to cancel the order has been received from the user terminal 3 (step S42). The process of step S42 is repeatedly executed for a predetermined time calculated based on the replenishment interval data OBitv. Then, if the result of the determination in step S42 is positive, an instruction to cancel the order is sent to the server 21 (step S43). The process of the routine in FIG. 12 may be executed as a process related to the inventory management of the server 21. In this case, in the process of step S43, the order data ORD_Ci is deleted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1 Facility 2 Management Center 3. User terminal 11 Automatic ordering device 11A Processor 11B Memory 11C Database 12 Storage 13,14 Disposal box 15,16 Tag Reader 17 Weight Sensor 21 Server 22 Warehouse C11, C12, C21, C22, Ck1, Ck2 consumables Ci Order Item US User LSA Lower Limit Remaining Amount LSN Lower limit stock quantity UTN Discard Limit TNi Discarded SAi remaining amount SNi quantity in stock IDC_15, IDC_16 Identification data OBC Order Item Data OBitv Refill Interval Data OBlsa Lower Limit Remaining Amount Data OBlsn Minimum stock quantity data OButn Data on upper limit of discard ORD, ORD_Ci Order data WTC Weight Data

Claims

1. An automatic ordering device that provides an automatic ordering service for consumables corresponding to the contents of containers and packages discarded in a waste box owned by a facility, A memory in which data on the internal state of the waste box or identification data of the contents of the container packaging present in the waste box is stored; a processor for automatically ordering items registered in advance as consumables eligible for the automatic ordering service; Equipped with The processor, in the automatic ordering process, determining whether or not a container or packaging of the ordered item is present in the waste box based on the internal status data or the identification data of the contents; When it is determined that the container / package of the order target item is present in the waste box, the number of discarded container / packages of the order target item present in the waste box is calculated based on the internal status data or the identification data of the contents; determining whether the number of discarded items is equal to or greater than an upper limit threshold value that is set according to the sales form of the ordered item, the upper limit threshold value including a threshold value that is set for consumable items enclosed in individual packaging containers and a threshold value that is set for consumable items enclosed in individual packaging containers and that are collectively enclosed in one package; When it is determined that the number of discarded items is equal to or greater than an upper limit threshold value set according to a sales mode of the ordered item, order data for the ordered item is generated. An automatic ordering device for consumables.

2. 2. The automatic ordering device according to claim 1, The memory further stores identification data of consumables that are present in a storage facility in which unused or used consumables are stored, The processor, in the automatic ordering process, determining whether the ordered item is present in the storage facility based on the identification data of the consumable item; When it is determined that the order target item is present in the storage facility, an inventory quantity of the order target item is calculated based on the identification data of the consumable item; determining whether the inventory quantity is greater than a lower limit threshold value that is set according to a sales mode of the ordered item; When it is determined that the inventory quantity is greater than a lower limit threshold value set according to the sales mode of the ordered item, the order of the ordered item based on the order data is canceled. An automatic ordering device for consumables.

3. An automatic ordering device that provides an automatic ordering service for consumables stored in a storehouse owned by a facility, A memory in which identification data of the consumables present in the storage and usage status data of the consumables present in the storage are stored; a processor for automatically ordering items registered in advance as consumables eligible for the automatic ordering service; Equipped with The processor, in the automatic ordering process, determining whether the ordered item is present in the storage facility based on the identification data of the consumable item; If it is determined that the order target item is present in the storage facility, a remaining amount of the order target item is calculated based on the usage status data; determining whether the remaining amount is equal to or less than a lower limit threshold that is set according to a usage state of the order target item and is set for a consumable item that is returned to the storage unit every time it is used; When it is determined that the remaining amount is equal to or less than a lower limit threshold value set according to a usage mode of the order target item, order data for the order target item is generated. An automatic ordering device for consumables.

4. The automatic ordering device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The processor, in the automatic ordering process, When the order data is generated, a transmission report of the order data is transmitted to a terminal of a user who uses the automatic ordering service at the facility; When a cancellation instruction is received from the terminal within a predetermined time after the transmission of the transmission report, the order of the order target item based on the order data is cancelled. An automatic ordering device for consumables.

5. 1. An automatic ordering method executed by a computer to provide an automatic ordering service for consumables corresponding to contents of containers and packaging discarded in a waste box owned by a facility, comprising: acquiring internal status data of the waste box or identification data of the contents of the container packaging present in the waste box; A step of determining whether or not a container package of an order target item that is registered in advance as a consumable item that is subject to the automatic ordering service is present in the waste box based on the internal situation data or the identification data of the contents; When it is determined that the container packaging of the order target item is present in the waste box, a step of calculating the number of discarded container packaging of the order target item present in the waste box based on the internal condition data or the identification data of the contents; A step of determining whether the number of discarded items is equal to or greater than an upper limit threshold value that is set according to the sales mode of the ordered items, the upper limit threshold value being set for consumable items enclosed in individual packaging containers and for consumable items enclosed in individual packaging containers and enclosed in one package as a whole; generating order data for the order target product when it is determined that the number of discarded products is equal to or greater than an upper limit threshold value set according to a sales mode of the order target product; 13. An automatic ordering method for consumables, comprising:

6. 6. The automatic ordering method according to claim 5, Obtaining identification data of consumables present in a storage facility in which unused or used consumables are stored, the storage facility having the facility; determining whether the order target item is present in the storage facility based on the identification data of the consumable item; When it is determined that the order target item is present in the storage facility, a step of calculating an inventory quantity of the order target item based on the identification data of the consumable item; A step of determining whether the inventory quantity is greater than a lower limit threshold value that is set according to a sales mode of the order target item; When it is determined that the inventory quantity is greater than a lower limit threshold value that is set according to a sales mode of the order target item, canceling the order of the order target item based on the order data; The method for automatically ordering consumables, further comprising:

7. 1. An automatic ordering method executed by a computer to provide an automatic ordering service for consumables stored in a storehouse owned by a facility, comprising: acquiring identification data of the consumables present in the storage and usage data of the consumables present in the storage; A step of determining whether or not an order target item that has been registered in advance as a consumable item eligible for the automatic ordering service is present in the storage facility based on the identification data of the consumable item; When it is determined that the order target item is present in the storage facility, calculating a remaining amount of the order target item based on the usage status data; determining whether the remaining amount is equal to or less than a lower limit threshold that is set according to a usage state of the order target item, the lower limit threshold being set for a consumable item that is returned to the storage unit every time it is used; generating order data for the order target item when it is determined that the remaining amount is equal to or less than a lower limit threshold value that is set according to a usage mode of the order target item; 13. An automatic ordering method for consumables, comprising:

8. The automatic ordering method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, When the order data is generated, a step of transmitting a transmission report of the order data to a terminal of a user who uses the automatic ordering service at the facility; canceling the order of the order target item based on the order data when a cancellation instruction is received from the terminal within a predetermined time after the transmission of the transmission report; The method for automatically ordering consumables, further comprising:

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