How to collect items

Abstract

To provide an article recovery method that enables efficient processing of articles recovered by an article recovery device.SOLUTION: An article recovery method for an article recovery system including a recovery management server 200 and a PET bottle recovery device 100 that recovers articles, includes a recovery state detection step of detecting the recovery state of recovery articles recovered by the PET bottle recovery device 100, and a display control step of controlling so that the recovery management server 200 displays the recovery state detected by the recovery state detection step.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an article recovery method. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art A PET bottle recovery device is known that recovers used PET bottles and can count the number of recovered used PET bottles (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-92844 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The article recovery device, such as the above-mentioned PET bottle recovery device, cannot operate when the capacity of the storage of the recovered articles (recovered articles) becomes full. Therefore, it is necessary to remove the collected articles from the article recovery device before the capacity of the collected articles becomes full. It is required that the removal of the collected articles from such an article recovery device be performed efficiently so as to avoid the situation where the capacity of the collected articles becomes full as much as possible.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to enable efficient processing of articles collected by an article collection device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is an item recovery method in an item recovery system including an information processing device and an item recovery device for recovering items, the item recovery method including a recovery status detection step for detecting the recovery status of items recovered by the item recovery device, and a display control step for controlling the information processing device to display information regarding the recovery status detected by the recovery status detection step. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a PET bottle collection system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1A and 1B are front and side views of a PET bottle recovery device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of a collection history information table in the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of a collection work support map and a detailed situation screen according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a detailed status screen displayed in a collection operation application in the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a collection work support map in the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of a pick-up code screen and an admission code screen in the present embodiment. [Figure 8] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a PET bottle recovery device according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a mobile terminal according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a collection management server in the present embodiment. [Figure 11] 1A to 1C are diagrams showing examples of a collection device information table, a collection location information table, a collection history information table, and a collection contractor information table in this embodiment. [Figure 12]10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure executed by a mobile terminal and a collection management server in the present embodiment in relation to displaying a collection work support map. [Figure 13] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure executed by a mobile terminal and a collection management server in this embodiment in relation to displaying a detailed status screen of collection contractor correspondence. [Figure 14] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure executed by a mobile terminal and a collection management server in accordance with an operation for declaring a contract in the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] <Embodiment> [Overall configuration example of a PET bottle collection system] FIG. 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of a PET bottle collection system (an example of an article collection system) according to this embodiment. In the following explanation, "collection" refers to storing PET bottles in the PET bottle recovery device 100, and "collection" refers to removing the PET bottles recovered by the PET bottle recovery device 100 from the PET bottle recovery device 100 and handing them over to a collection point. "Collection" also refers to taking the PET bottles (recovered items) removed from the PET bottle recovery device 100 by a store clerk or the like and stored in a store or the like, and handing them over to a collection point.

[0009] In this embodiment, for example, a plurality of PET bottle collection devices 100 are installed in a certain area. The PET bottle collection devices 100 are arranged in different locations. For example, the PET bottle collection devices 100 may be installed near vending machines, or within the premises of commercial facilities such as convenience stores, supermarkets, and shopping malls.

[0010] In the figure, an example of one PET bottle collection device 100 installed in a store ST such as a convenience store is shown. In this case, a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal 700 installed in the store ST for accounting purposes may be connected to the collection management server 200 to exchange various information with the collection management server 200. Note that the collection management server 200 may be connected to terminals other than the POS terminals installed in the store ST (for example, tablet terminals carried by store clerks, store clerk terminals such as smartphones, business management terminals installed in the back yard of the store ST, etc.).

[0011] The PET bottle recovery device 100 functions as a recovery facility for PET bottles as recyclable products. For example, a consumer US who purchases a PET bottle beverage inserts an empty PET bottle PE after drinking the beverage into the PET bottle recovery device 100. The PET bottle recovery device 100 of this embodiment reduces the volume of the inserted PET bottle PE and then stores it.

[0012] The PET bottle collection machine 100 is also connected so as to be able to communicate with the collection management server 200 via the network NT. In this case, the PET bottle collection machine 100 may be configured to communicate with the network NT via, for example, a mobile phone communication network. This allows the PET bottle collection machine 100 to communicate wirelessly, eliminating the need to connect a network cable, which increases the degree of freedom in installation, for example.

[0013] In addition, when the PET bottle collection device 100 is installed in a commercial facility such as a convenience store, it may be connected to a terminal such as a POS register used in the commercial facility so as to be able to communicate with each other. The POS register and the PET bottle collection device 100 may be able to communicate with each other directly, or may be able to communicate with each other via a collection management server 200 or a server operated by another commercial facility.

[0014] The collection management server 200 is a server that processes information related to the collection of PET bottles by the PET bottle collection device 100. The collection management server 200 is operated, for example, by a company that provides the PET bottle collection device 100. The collection management server 200 may be a server managed by the headquarters of a convenience store, a server managed by a facility where PET bottles are collected, or a server operated by a third party. Specifically, the collection management server 200 manages collection history information indicating the history (achievement) of PET bottle collection in each of the PET bottle collection devices 100. The collection management server 200 determines the current collection status of each of the PET bottle collection devices 100 based on the collection history information, controls the PET bottle collection device 100 according to the determined collection status, and performs various notifications to the mobile terminal 300 described later.

[0015] The mobile terminal 300 is a mobile terminal device used by the collection contractor UC. The mobile terminal 300 may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a mobile phone. A collection work application is installed in the mobile terminal 300. A personal computer, a POS terminal, or the like may be configured to have the same functions as the mobile terminal 300 in which the collection work application is installed. The collection contractor UC performs collection work. The collection work performed by the collection contractor UC here is to take out the PET bottles collected by the PET bottle collection device 100 as collected goods CG, transport the collected collected goods CG, and deliver them to the collection point 400. The collection contractor UC in this embodiment is not a person who performs collection work as a job, but an ordinary consumer who performs collection work voluntarily. The collection work performed by the collection contractor UC using the mobile terminal 300 will be described later.

[0016] The collection point 400 is a facility provided at a specific location within a certain area. In the figure, an example is shown in which a plurality of collection points 400 are provided within the area, but the number of collection points provided within the area is not particularly limited and may be one.

[0017] The collection point 400 is a facility where PET bottles as collected goods CG taken out from the PET bottle collection devices 100 in various locations are collected. The collected goods CG collected at the collection point 400 are transported to a recycling factory (not shown) and recycled.

[0018] The collection point 400 is communicably connected to the collection management server 200. The collection point 400 transmits information on the collection status of the PET bottles to the collection management server 200. The collection point 400 also transmits to the collection management server 200 collection item receipt history information indicating the history (performance) of receipt of the collection items in response to the delivery of the collection items CG by the collection contractor UC. The collection management server 200 stores the collection item receipt history transmitted from the collection point 400. Based on the collection item receipt history stored by the collection management server 200, the collection management server 200 can perform processing for the mobile terminal 300 related to the provision of benefits such as points according to the delivery record of the collection item CG by the collection contractor UC.

[0019] The manager terminal 600 is a terminal used by a manager at the collection company to manage the PET bottle recovery apparatus 100.

[0020] [Operational overview of the PET bottle recycling device] Next, an outline of the operation of the plastic bottle recovery device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2(A) is a front view of the plastic bottle recovery device 100. Fig. 2(B) is a side view of the plastic bottle recovery device 100.

[0021] In the PET bottle recovery device 100 in the standby state, the outer door of the article insertion section is in a closed state, and the inner door provided between the article insertion section and the storage section so as to be freely opened and closed is also in a closed state. On the other hand, when collecting items, the PET bottle recovery device 100 opens the outer door of the item input section and determines whether the item placed on the loading section of the item input section is recoverable. That is, the PET bottle recovery device 100 determines whether the inserted item is a resin container such as a PET bottle, and whether the container is empty. If it is determined that the container is recoverable, the outer door is closed, an inner door provided between the item input section and the storage section is opened, and the storage section recovers the container. The PET bottle recovery device 100 of this embodiment is also provided with a volume reduction mechanism. The PET bottle recovery device 100 reduces the volume of the containers using the volume reduction mechanism, and can recover a large amount of reduced empty containers in a recovery section with a specified capacity.

[0022] 2, the plastic bottle recovery device 100 has a container insertion section 110 provided at the top of the device main body 100B, and an outer door 111 provided on the outside of the opening of the container insertion section 110. The device main body 100B has a touch panel display section 1400, a card reader 1500, and a code scanner 1800 provided on the front side near the top of the outer door 111. In addition, a baggage hook 100f is provided on the front side of the device main body 100B. The container insertion section 110 is provided with various sensors for determining whether the inserted item is recoverable or not. Examples of the sensors include an optical sensor, a metal sensor, a weighing device, and an imaging device. The PET bottle recovery device 100 determines whether the inserted item is recoverable or not, for example, using the output of these sensors. If it is determined that the inserted item is recoverable, the inserted PET bottle is reduced in volume by a volume reduction mechanism and then stored. On the other hand, if it is determined that the inserted item is not recoverable, the volume of the inserted item is not reduced and stored, and a notification is issued to the consumer US, who is prompted to remove the inserted item from the container insertion section 110.

[0023] A passage 71 communicating with the container storage section 140 is provided below the container insertion section 110. An inner door 112 is provided at a position on the passage 71 communicating from the placement section 116 of the container insertion section 110 to the container storage section 140.

[0024] The PET bottle recovery device 100 is also provided with a volume reduction section 120 (volume reduction mechanism) between the inner door 112 and the container storage section 140. When the inner door 112 is open, the volume reduction section 120 crushes the empty container A from the container input section 110 to reduce its volume, and discharges the reduced container RA into the container storage section 140 below. Further, the device main body 100B of the plastic bottle recovery device 100 has a drawer 100C in which the container storage section 140 is placed, and is provided with a drawer handle 100e and a lock section 100r on the front side.

[0025] In addition, a translucent section 100A (translucent window) is provided on the front side of the device main body 100B, specifically, on the front side of the drawer 100C, so that the empty containers stored in the container storage section 140 can be viewed from the outside.

[0026] A handle 100g for carrying the device is provided on the side surface of the device main body 100B.

[0027] In addition, the device main body 100B has a cap insertion section 108 on the front side, and a cap passage 72 is provided from the cap insertion section 108 downward within the device main body, and the cap inserted into the cap insertion section 108 is configured to be stored in the cap storage section 145 via the cap passage 72.

[0028] The plastic bottle recovery machine 100 of this embodiment is also provided with a card reader 1500. The card reader 1500 reads information recorded on a card. For example, if the PET bottle recovery device 100 is installed in a store such as a convenience store, services such as rewards for using the PET bottle recovery device 100 may be provided to consumers who are registered as members of the affiliated convenience store. In such a case, when a consumer who is a member has a plastic bottle collected by plastic bottle collection machine 100, in order to prove that he or she is a member, the consumer must input member identification information into plastic bottle collection machine 100. The consumer who is a member can input the member identification information into plastic bottle collection machine 100 by performing an operation to have card reader 1500 read the member identification information recorded on a card that the consumer possesses as a membership card.

[0029] The consumer US performs a predetermined operation (start-of-use operation) on the plastic bottle recovery apparatus 100 to start using the plastic bottle recovery apparatus 100. The start-of-use operation may be, for example, a predetermined operation on the touch panel display unit 1400. Also, in the case where the consumer US has the card reader 1500 read the membership card as described above, having the card reader 1500 read the membership card may be considered as the start-of-use operation.

[0030] In response to the start-of-use operation, the operation of the PET bottle recovery device 100 for one collection run is started. The collection run refers to having the PET bottle recovery device 100 collect one or more PET bottles brought by the consumer US. In one collection run, the consumer US inserts one PET bottle into the container insertion section 110 of the PET bottle collection device 100, and once the inserted PET bottle has been reduced in volume and stored, the consumer inserts the next PET bottle, and so on, storing the PET bottles one by one in the PET bottle collection device 100. Then, when the consumer US has finished storing all the PET bottles he or she brought this time in the PET bottle recovery device 100, the consumer US may, for example, perform an operation for ending the process on the touch panel display unit 1400. This ends one cycle of recovery operation.

[0031] In response to the completion of one collection operation as described above, the PET bottle collection device 100 generates collection history information reflecting the result of the collection operation (the result of the PET bottle collection device 100 detecting the collection status) and transmits the generated collection history information to the collection management server 200. In other words, the collection history information is transmitted from the PET bottle collection device 100 to the collection management server 200 in response to each collection operation. The collection management server 200 stores the collection history information received from each PET bottle collection device 100, for example, in a collection history information table.

[0032] In addition, the PET bottle recovery device 100 stores recovery history information generated every time a recovery operation is completed. As a result, the PET bottle recovery device 100 accumulates recovery history information every time a recovery operation is performed.

[0033] The PET bottle recovery machine 100 may store collection history information for each completed collection operation. Here, the collection operation is completed by removing the box or bag containing the collected PET bottles from the container storage unit 140 after the previous collection operation is completed, and resetting the box or bag in the container storage unit 140 to return it to the initial state. In this way, the PET bottle recovery machine 100 accumulates collection history information about the removal of the collected goods CG from the PET bottle recovery machine 100 every time a collection operation is completed. Furthermore, the collection history information may be stored so that it is possible to distinguish between collection work performed by store staff and collection work performed by a collection contractor UC, which will be described later.

[0034] 3 shows an example of the contents of the collection history information table, in which one record (one row) in the collection history information table in the figure represents collection history information transmitted from the PET bottle collection device 100 in response to one collection operation. One collection history information item includes fields for device identification information, collection date and time, number of collected items, and collected weight.

[0035] The area for device identification information stores device identification information that uniquely identifies the plastic bottle recovery device 100 that is the sender of the recovery history information. The device identification information is information stored in the plastic bottle recovery device 100.

[0036] The collection date and time (an example of an operation time) field stores the collection date and time, which is the date and time when the corresponding collection operation was performed. The collection date and time may be, for example, the time when the collection operation started, or the time when the collection operation ended. Alternatively, the collection date and time may include both the time when the collection operation started and the time when it ended. The collection date and time may be set, for example, by the PET bottle collection device 100, and then be included in the collection history information transmitted by the PET bottle collection device 100. Alternatively, for example, the collection management server 200 may set the date and time according to the receipt of the collection history information as the collection date and time. When the collection management server 200 sets the collection date and time in this manner, the collection history information transmitted by the PET bottle collection device 100 may not include the collection date and time.

[0037] The area for the number of collected bottles stores the number of PET bottles (recovered bottle count) collected by the PET bottle collection device 100 during the corresponding collection operation. The number of collected bottles is obtained by counting the number of PET bottles that have been reduced in volume and stored by the PET bottle collection device 100 during the collection operation. The collected weight field stores the total weight (collected weight) of the PET bottles collected by the PET bottle collection device 100 during the corresponding collection operation. The collected weight is obtained by measuring the weight of each PET bottle that has been reduced in volume and stored by the PET bottle collection device 100 during the collection operation, and accumulating the measured weights.

[0038] In addition, when the PET bottle collection device 100 is installed on the premises of a store such as a convenience store or supermarket, the collection history information may include store identification information indicating the store in which the device is installed. In addition, if member identification information is read from the membership card when the PET bottle recovery device 100 starts recovery operation, the read member identification information may be included in the recovery history information.

[0039] [Regarding the administrator's understanding of the collection status] In the PET bottle collection system of this embodiment, for example, a manager at a collection company can use the manager terminal 600 to grasp the collection status of each PET bottle collection device 100. The "collection status" here includes the status of the amount of PET bottles stored in the PET bottle collection device 100, the number of PET bottles (collected goods CG) that have been removed from the PET bottle collection device 100 but are still being stored without being transported to the collection point 400, and the like.

[0040] The administrator can operate the administrator terminal 600 to display a collection management screen on the display unit of the administrator terminal 600. The collection management screen is a screen that displays the collection status of the managed PET bottle collection devices 100. As the collection management screen, the administrator terminal 600 can display a collection status map that shows the collection status of the PET bottle collection devices 100 to be collected on a map.

[0041] 4(A) shows an example of a collection status map. The collection status map in the figure shows collection device icons ICC (ICC-1 to ICC-6) indicating the positions of the PET bottle collection devices 100 and collection point icons ICP indicating the positions of the collection points arranged on a map. The collection status map may be enlarged, reduced, moved, etc. in response to operations.

[0042] Each of the collection device icons ICC is, for example, a picture of a bucket. In addition, the collection device icon ICC is in a form that shows the content volume of the bucket. In this way, the collection device icon ICC represents the current capacity of the container storage unit 140 of the corresponding PET bottle collection device 100.

[0043] The collection device icons ICC-4 and ICC-5 are shown with the bucket full, and are illustrated as emitting radio waves. The state of the collection device icon ICC indicates that the corresponding PET bottle collection device 100 has sent a notification of the occurrence of a removal operation because the capacity of the collection items CG is almost full. In other words, the collection device icons ICC-4 and ICC-5 indicate the position of the PET bottle collection device 100 that needs to perform the operation of removing the PET bottles stored in the container storage unit 140.

[0044] In addition, in the figure, the collection device icons ICC-4 and ICC-5 are displayed in the vicinity of the storage container icon IBG in correspondence with them. For example, when the PET bottle collection device 100 is in a state requiring removal work, a clerk of the corresponding store ST may remove the PET bottle from the PET bottle collection device 100. In such a case, the collected goods CG as the PET bottle removed from the PET bottle collection device 100 are stored in a predetermined place such as a backyard or a storeroom in the store ST in a state where they are placed in a collection container such as a box or a bag until they are transported to the collection base 400 by a collection company or a collection contractor UC described later. The state (situation) in which the collected goods CG from which the PET bottles have been removed from the PET bottle collection device 100 are managed to wait for transportation to the collection base 400 is called a collection waiting state. The container icon IBG indicates that the plastic bottle recovery device 100 has the recovery goods CG in the above-mentioned accumulation waiting state.

[0045] In this way, the collection status of each PET bottle collection device 100 can be visually grasped on the collection status map, so that the manager can grasp the number of PET bottles stored in each PET bottle collection device 100 and the number of collection items CG waiting to be collected. Furthermore, from the grasped situation, the manager can plan a collection work procedure, such as the route that the workers who will perform the collection work will take to go around and collect the items. In this case, the manager can plan an efficient collection work procedure, for example, by prioritizing the removal of PET bottles from PET bottle collection devices 100 with a large capacity and by prioritizing the visits to locations with a large number of collection containers waiting to be collected.

[0046] The collection device icon ICC-3 has a warning sign and a picture that looks like it is emitting radio waves. This type of collection device icon ICC indicates that the corresponding plastic bottle collection device 100 has sent an abnormality occurrence notification to the collection management server 200 due to some abnormality (fault) occurring. By such a display, the manager can also know which PET bottle recovery device 100 is experiencing an abnormality. When the manager knows which PET bottle recovery device 100 is experiencing an abnormality, the manager can tell the maintenance person of the collection company to go to the PET bottle recovery device 100 where the abnormality has occurred and deal with it.

[0047] In addition, the collection management server 200 may transmit information on the PET bottle collection device 100 in which the abnormality has occurred to, for example, a terminal of a maintenance person in response to receiving the abnormality occurrence notification. This allows the maintenance person to quickly go to the PET bottle collection device 100 in which the abnormality has occurred and deal with it without being contacted by the administrator.

[0048] In addition, the manager can perform a tap operation on any of the collection device icons ICC arranged on the collection status map. In response to the tap operation, the mobile terminal 300 displays, as a collection management screen, a detailed status screen for the manager that shows details of the status of the PET bottle collection device 100 corresponding to the tapped collection device icon ICC.

[0049] Fig. 4(B) shows an example of a detailed status screen for an administrator. The detailed status screen in Fig. 4(B) shows an example of a detailed status of the PET bottle collection device 100 in which the amount of collected goods CG is less than a certain amount and therefore no removal work is required, corresponding to the collection device icons ICC-1, ICC-2, ICC-6, etc. in Fig. 4(A). The detailed status screen in the figure shows information such as the name, location, number of collected bottles, collected weight, and whether collection is required for the corresponding PET bottle collection device 100. In this case, the details of the amount of PET bottles collected by the PET bottle collection device 100 are shown by the number of collected bottles and the collected weight.

[0050] The number of collections is represented by the number of container icons IBG. In other words, the number of collections is represented by the number of boxes or bags of collected goods CG that are in a waiting state for collection, and is represented as the number of times that the collected goods CG have been collected (taken out) from the PET bottle collecting device 100.

[0051] In addition, the detailed status screen in the figure displays an image of a bucket showing the degree of storage. With such an image of a bucket, the manager can visually grasp the degree of the storage quantity of the collected goods CG in the PET bottle collection device 100 even on the detailed status screen.

[0052] In this way, the manager can grasp the details of the collection status corresponding to one PET bottle collection device 100 by looking at the detailed status screen for the manager.

[0053] The display of the collection management screen on such a terminal may be possible, for example, on the collection site terminal at the collection site 400. This allows the person in charge at the collection site 400 to grasp the collection status and use it to formulate an operation plan for the collection site 400. Moreover, the display of the collection management screen on such a terminal may also be possible on a terminal provided in the store ST (for example, the POS terminal 700, a store clerk terminal, a business management terminal, etc.).

[0054] [About collection work by collection contractors] Next, a specific example of collection work performed by the collection contractor UC using the mobile terminal 300 will be described. The collection work performed by the collection contractor UC is the work of removing PET bottles from the PET bottle recovery device 100, transporting the removed PET bottles as collection goods CG to the collection point 400, and delivering them to the collection point 400. In other words, the collection work of taking over the collection goods CG waiting to be collected and delivering them to the collection point 400 is performed by the collection company, and is not included in the collection work performed by the collection contractor UC. In addition, the collection contractor UC may also perform collection work by picking up the collected goods CG that are waiting to be collected and delivering them to the collection point 400. However, in the following explanation, an example will be given in which the collection contractor UC does not perform this work, but instead delivers the PET bottles (collection goods CG) removed from the PET bottle collection device 100 to the collection point 400.

[0055] As mentioned above, the collection contractor UC is not a collection company whose job is to perform collection work, but an ordinary consumer who is willing to perform collection work voluntarily. The task of removing the collected goods CG stored in the PET bottle collecting device 100 is originally performed by a store clerk or the like as a manager of the store where the PET bottle collecting device 100 is installed. However, there are cases where the store clerk cannot perform the above task due to circumstances such as a busy store operation or a shortage of store clerks. In such cases, the container storage section 140 of the PET bottle collecting device 100 becomes full of collected goods CG, and an operation prohibition state easily occurs. In addition, there is a shortage of personnel at collection companies to transport the collected items CG removed from the PET bottle collection device 100 to the collection point 400, which can sometimes hinder the smooth process of recycling the collected items CG. Therefore, in this embodiment, the above-mentioned problems are alleviated by having willing general consumers act as collection contractors UC and assist with the collection work.

[0056] A collection work application is installed in the mobile terminal 300. The collection work application is an application that supports the collection work performed by the collection contractor UC. When a consumer undertakes collection work as a collection contractor UC, the consumer is required to perform user registration to register as a user of the collection work application. The collection contractor UC can perform user registration by operating the collection work application. When user registration is performed, the collection management server 200 stores collection contractor information based on information input in response to the user registration operation. This allows the consumer to be registered as a collection contractor UC.

[0057] For example, in a collection area, a PET bottle collection device 100 has been found in which the amount of collected items stored therein has exceeded a certain level. The collection area may be, for example, a specified area based on the current location of the collection contractor UC (i.e., the current location of the mobile terminal 300 possessed by the collection contractor UC), or it may be an area designated in advance by the collection contractor UC. In addition, in the following description, a PET bottle recovery device 100 that has a certain amount of collected items stored therein will also be described as a "PET bottle recovery device 100 requiring collection work."

[0058] The collection management server 200 monitors the amount of collected articles stored in each PET bottle collection machine 100 based on the collection history information transmitted from the PET bottle collection machine 100 . In response to the occurrence of the PET bottle collection device 100 requiring collection work as described above, the collection management server 200 may notify the collection work application of the mobile terminal 300 that the PET bottle collection device 100 requiring collection work has occurred (notification of the occurrence of the collection work required). Such a notification of the occurrence of the collection work required may be sent as a push notification.

[0059] In response to receiving the notification that collection work is required, the collection contractor UC performs an operation to open a collection work application. When the collection work application is opened in response to the notification that collection work is required, the mobile terminal 300 displays a collection work support map for the collection target area on the touch panel display unit. In addition to a passive operation in response to receiving a push notification, the collection work support map can also be displayed by a voluntary operation of the collection contractor UC.

[0060] The collection work support map may be, for example, the same as the collection status map shown in Fig. 4(A). In addition, the collection work support map may be configured to display a predetermined range corresponding to the target area determined by the collection contractor UC. The collection work support map may be configured to display a map based on the current position of the collection contractor UC (i.e., the mobile terminal 300).

[0061] By looking at the collection work support map displayed on the mobile terminal 300, the collection contractor UC can know where the PET bottle recovery devices 100 are installed based on his / her current location. The collection contractor UC can also know which of the PET bottle recovery devices 100 on the map are located where a PET bottle recovery device 100 that needs collection work is located. The collection contractor UC can also know whether or not there is a PET bottle recovery device 100 that is experiencing a malfunction. The collection contractor UC can also know the location of the collection point 400 in the target area.

[0062] In addition, the collection contractor UC can perform a tap operation on any of the collection device icons ICC arranged on the collection work support map. In response to the tap operation, the mobile terminal 300 displays a detailed status screen for the collection contractor, which shows details of the status of the PET bottle collection device 100 corresponding to the tapped collection device icon ICC.

[0063] Figures 5(A) and 5(B) show examples of detailed status screens for collection contractors. In Figures 5(A) and 5(B), the same parts as in Figure 4(B) will not be described. First, the detailed status screen in Figure 5 (A) is an example showing the detailed status of a PET bottle collection device 100 that does not require collection work, corresponding to the collection device icons ICC-2, ICC-6, etc. when the collection work support map is the same as that in Figure 4 (A). The detailed status screen in this figure shows information such as the name, location, number of collected bottles, and collected weight of the corresponding PET bottle collection device 100, similar to the detailed status screen for the administrator in FIG. 4(B). Furthermore, the detailed status screen in the same figure shows information on whether collection work is necessary or not, depending on whether the collection contractor is involved. In the same figure, the information on whether collection work is necessary shows that collection work is not yet necessary.

[0064] Also, in the detailed status screen of the same figure, an image of a bucket showing the storage level is displayed, similar to the detailed status screen for the manager in Fig. 4(B). With such an image of a bucket, the collection contractor UC can visually grasp the storage level of the collected goods CG in the PET bottle collection device 100 even on the detailed status screen.

[0065] In addition, the detailed status screen of the collection contractor response includes a contract declaration button BT1. The contract declaration button BT1 is a button operated by the collection contractor UC to declare that he / she will take out the collection item CG from the corresponding PET bottle collection device 100. In the example shown in the figure, the corresponding PET bottle recovery device 100 is not yet in a state where collection work is required. Therefore, the contract declaration button BT1 in the figure is displayed in a grayed-out (inactive) state, indicating that it cannot be operated.

[0066] FIG. 5(B) shows an example of a detailed status screen of the collection contractor response that is displayed when a tap operation is performed on the collection device icon ICC corresponding to the PET bottle collection device 100 that needs collection work. In the detailed status screen for the waste collection contractor in the same figure, the information on the necessity of collection work indicates that collection work is necessary. Also, in the detailed status screen for the waste collection contractor in the same figure, the image of a bucket represents a certain amount of storage capacity corresponding to the necessity of collection work. Incidentally, the detailed status screen for the collection contractor may also display information on the number of collections, similar to the detailed status screen for the administrator in FIG. 4(B). Also, the contract declaration button BT1 is no longer grayed out and is displayed in an active state. In other words, in this case, the contract declaration button BT1 is displayed in a state where it can be operated.

[0067] When the detailed status screen of the above embodiment is displayed, if the collection contractor UC decides to perform the collection work himself, he operates the contract declaration button BT1 displayed in an active state. That is, the collection contractor UC performs an operation (contract declaration operation) to declare that he will undertake the collection work for the corresponding PET bottle recovery device 100. As a result of the collection contractor UC carrying out the contract declaration operation as described above, the collection contractor UC is set as a person who is qualified to remove the collected goods CG from the corresponding PET bottle collection device 100.

[0068] Fig. 6(A) shows an example of a collection work support map displayed after the contract declaration operation is performed as described above. The collection work support map in the figure is an example showing the result of making a contract declaration after displaying a detailed status screen by tapping the collection device icon ICC-5. The collection work support map in the figure shows a regional range based on the current position PP, which indicates the current position of the collection contractor UC (mobile terminal 300). In the collection work support map in the figure, a contractor callout FD is attached to the collection device icon ICC-5 corresponding to the PET bottle collection device 100 that is the subject of the contract declaration. The contractor callout FD displays the user name of the collection contractor UC who has contracted to pick up the collected goods CG from the corresponding PET bottle collection device 100. The contractor blow-out FD indicates that the collection contractor UC with the user name indicated in the contractor blow-out FD has undertaken to remove the collected items CG for the PET bottle collection device 100 corresponding to the collection device icon ICC-5 to which the application is applied. Furthermore, when a collection work support map for the same area as shown in the figure is displayed on the mobile terminal 300 of another collection contractor, the same contractor blow-up FD as shown in the figure is displayed with the collection device icon ICC-5 attached. By looking at such a display, the collection contractor UC can understand the status of the contract declaration by the collection contractor UC for each PET bottle recovery device 100.

[0069] When the collection contractor UC wishes to cancel the contract declaration, he / she may, for example, tap the collection device icon ICC-5 to display a detailed status screen. In this case, a declaration cancellation button is provided in place of the contract declaration button BT1 on the detailed status screen. The collection contractor UC can cancel the contract declaration by tapping the declaration cancellation button.

[0070] Furthermore, if time passes after the contract declaration without the collection contractor UC going to the target PET bottle recovery device 100 and performing work, during that time, the PET bottle recovery device 100 to which the contract declaration was made will remain in a state where the collection contractor UC who made the contract declaration has exclusive rights to perform collection work, and other collection contractors UC will not be able to make collection declarations. Therefore, the time from when the contract declaration is made until collection work by the corresponding collection contractor UC can be accepted (collection work acceptance time) may be determined, and the time when the collection work acceptance time arrives or the remaining time until the collection work acceptance time arrives may be displayed on the collection work support map in correspondence with the collection device icon ICC for which the contract declaration was made. In this way, if the collection contractor UC that made the contract declaration does not start collection work at the PET bottle collection device 100 even after the collection work acceptance time has passed, the contract declaration becomes invalid and another collection contractor UC can make a contract declaration.

[0071] In addition, the PET bottle collection device 100 corresponding to the collection device icon ICC with the contractor blow-out FD attached is in a state in which the corresponding collection contractor UC has the right to perform collection work, and other collection contractors UC cannot undertake the collection work of the collection items CG. For this reason, when the collection contractor UC taps the collection device icon ICC to which a contractor blow-out FD indicating that a contract declaration has been made by another collection contractor is added, the detailed status screen may be made not to be displayed, so that the contract declaration operation cannot be performed. Alternatively, the detailed status screen may be displayed, but the contract declaration button BT1 on the displayed detailed status screen may be displayed inactive or hidden, for example, so that the contract declaration operation cannot be performed.

[0072] Furthermore, when a plurality of collection point icons ICP are arranged on the collection work support map, there will be a plurality of collection points 400 to which the collection contractor UC can hand over the collected goods CG. In this case, the collection contractor UC may be able to specify the collection point 400 to which the collected goods CG will be delivered by a predetermined operation such as a tap operation on the collection point icon ICP. Alternatively, for example, the collection management server 200 may determine the collection point 400 to which the collected goods CG will be delivered based on the location of the PET bottle collection device 100 that is the subject of the contract declaration and the location of each collection point 400. The collection management server 200 may also determine the collection point 400 to which the collected goods CG will be delivered based on the operation status of the collection point 400 and the number of collected goods CG that are expected to be taken out from the PET bottle collection device 100 that is the subject of the contract declaration. The collection management server 200 may also determine the collection point 400 to which the collected goods CG will be delivered by integrating the location of the PET bottle collection device 100 that is the subject of the contract declaration and the location of each collection point 400, the operation status of the collection point 400, the number of collected goods CG, and the like.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the collection contractor UC performs a specified operation while the collection work support map of Figure 6 (A) is displayed, guidance (route guidance) may be provided regarding the route along which the collection contractor UC will travel during collection work. For example, when the collection contractor UC performs a contract declaration operation and an operation to specify the collection point 400 of the delivery destination, the positional relationship between the current location of the collection contractor UC, the location of the PET bottle recovery device 100 that is the subject of the contract declaration operation, and the collection point 400 of the delivery destination is determined. Therefore, the route RT may be displayed in response to the contract declaration operation and the operation to specify the collection point 400 of the delivery destination.

[0074] As a specific example, as a form of route guidance, the collection work support map in FIG. 6(A) changes to a state in which the route RT is displayed as shown in FIG. 6(B) in response to a predetermined operation being performed.

[0075] The derivation (route search) of such a route RT may be performed, for example, by the collection management server 200 based on map data of the collection work support map, the current location of the collection contractor UC, the location of the PET bottle collection device 100 that is the target of the contract declaration operation, and the location of the collection point 400. Alternatively, the collection management server 200 may cause an external map server to execute a route search. The collection management server 200 may reflect the route RT indicated by the route search result transmitted from the external map server on the collection work support map displayed on the mobile terminal 300.

[0076] The route RT in Figure 6 (B) is configured to indicate the route from the current position PP to the collection device icon ICC-5 to which the contractor blow-out FD that is the target of the contract declaration operation has been attached, and the route from the collection device icon ICC-5 to the collection center icon ICP. By displaying the route RT in this manner, the collection contractor UC can first check the route from his / her current location to the plastic bottle collection device 100 corresponding to the collection device icon ICC-5. The collection contractor UC can also check the route from the plastic bottle collection device 100 corresponding to the collection device icon ICC-5 to the collection point 400.

[0077] The collection contractor UC may also perform a contract declaration operation for multiple PET bottle collection devices 100. In this case, for example, the collection contractor UC visits the multiple PET bottle collection devices 100 in the order of picking up the collected items CG from the current position PP, and the route RT from the last visited PET bottle collection device 100 to the collection point 400 is displayed.

[0078] In addition, when displaying the route RT, if there are multiple collection points 400 in a region, the collection contractor UC may be able to specify one of the multiple collection points 400 as his / her destination. Alternatively, for example, the collection management server 200 may determine the collection point 400 as the destination of the collection contractor UC based on the location and collection status of each of the multiple collection points 400.

[0079] A specific collection operation is performed as follows. The collection contractor UC checks the route RT displayed, for example, as shown in FIG. 6(B), and first goes to the location where the PET bottle collection device 100 corresponding to the collection device icon ICC-5 is installed. In the following explanation, the PET bottle collection device 100 corresponding to the collection device icon ICC-5 is the target of the collection operation (removing the collected goods CG from the PET bottle collection device 100), and is therefore referred to as the "PET bottle collection device 100 that is the target of the operation."

[0080] The collection contractor UC goes to the location where the target PET bottle recovery device 100 is installed. At this time, the collection contractor UC may check the route to the target PET bottle recovery device 100 by the route RT shown on the collection work support map displayed on the mobile terminal 300. In addition, the mobile terminal 300 may have a navigation function that not only displays the route RT on the collection work support map, but also guides the user along the route RT to the destination (the target PET bottle recovery device 100, the collection point 400) by voice, display, or the like. In this case, the collection contractor UC may first move to the target PET bottle recovery device 100 by following the guidance by the navigation function of the mobile terminal 300.

[0081] When the collection contractor UC arrives at the location where the PET bottle recovery device 100 to be used for the work is installed, he or she operates the mobile terminal 300 to display a pick-up code screen as the screen of the collection work application.

[0082] Fig. 7(A) shows an example of a collection code screen. In the collection code screen in the figure, a collection code CD1 is displayed. The collection code CD1 is a code that enables the collection contractor UC to unlock the drawer 100C of the PET bottle recovery device 100 that is the target of the work. The collection code CD1 may be, for example, a coded unlock request that includes collection contractor identification information that identifies the collection contractor UC. Also, although the collection code CD1 in the figure is shown as a two-dimensional code by way of example, it may also be, for example, a barcode.

[0083] The collection contractor UC causes the code scanner 1800 of the PET bottle collection apparatus 100 that is the target of the work to read the collection code CD1 on the collection code screen displayed on the mobile terminal 300. When the target PET bottle recovery machine 100 recognizes that the collection code CD1 read by the code scanner 1800 is an unlocking request, it executes authentication processing using the collection contractor identification information included in the unlocking request with the collection management server 200. At this time, the PET bottle recovery machine 100 may request the collection contractor UC to input a password, and use the input password in the authentication processing. When authentication is established as a result of the authentication process, the target PET bottle recovery machine 100 controls the lock unit 100r so as to unlock the drawer 100C that has been locked up until now. At this time, the target PET bottle recovery machine 100 may notify the collection contractor UC that it has been unlocked. Such notification may be made by display on the touch panel display unit 1400, sound, or the like.

[0084] In this way, the collection contractor UC cannot unlock the drawer 100C unless he has the PET bottle recovery machine 100 read the collection code CD1. This prevents ordinary consumers who are not collection contractors UC from removing the collected goods CG from the PET bottle recovery machine 100.

[0085] The collection contractor UC opens the unlocked drawer 100C, removes PET bottles as collected goods CG from the container storage unit 140, and leaves the container storage unit 140 empty. At this time, the collection contractor UC performs an operation on the target PET bottle collection device 100 to reset to zero the storage capacity (number of collected bottles, collected weight) stored in the target PET bottle collection device 100. Alternatively, the target PET bottle collection device 100 may be configured to reset the storage capacity when it detects that the container storage unit 140 has become empty in response to the removal of collected goods CG.

[0086] The collection contractor UC stores the collected goods CG taken out from the target PET bottle collection device 100 in a transport container such as a transport box or bag. The collection contractor UC also closes and locks the drawer 100C. At this time, the drawer 100C may be automatically locked in response to being closed. Alternatively, the locking may also require, for example, the code scanner 1800 to read the collection code CD1. In this case, the collection contractor UC closes the drawer 100C and then performs an operation to have the code scanner 1800 read the collection code CD1. When the target PET bottle collection device 100 reads the collection code CD1 after the drawer 100C has transitioned from the open state to the closed state, the lock unit 100r is controlled so that the drawer 100C is locked.

[0087] When the removal of the collected goods CG from the target PET bottle collecting device 100 is completed, a notification (notification of completion of collection) of the collection of the collected goods CG by the collection contractor UC may be sent to, for example, the store where the target PET bottle collecting device 100 is installed or the person in charge of the collection work. Such a notification of completion of collection may be sent, for example, from the target PET bottle collecting device 100 to a terminal of the store or the person in charge via the collection management server 200. In addition, the PET bottle recovery device 100 may determine that the removal of the recovered item CG is completed, for example, when it detects that the container storage section 140 has become empty, or when the drawer 100C has been locked after the container storage section 140 has become empty.

[0088] The collection contractor UC carries the transport container containing the collected goods CG and moves to the collection point 400. At this time, the collection contractor UC may check how to get to the collection point 400 by using the route RT shown on the collection work support map displayed on the mobile terminal 300.

[0089] When the collection contractor UC arrives at the entrance of the collection point 400, he operates the mobile terminal 300 to display an entrance code screen as the collection work application screen.

[0090] 7B shows an example of the entrance code screen. The entrance code screen in the figure displays the entrance code CD2. The entrance code screen also displays a message instructing the collection contractor UC to have the code scanner read the entrance code CD2 at the entrance gate in order to enter. Those who are qualified to bring collected items to the collection point 400 are predetermined, such as a collection business that has been registered in advance, or a collection contractor UC who has registered as a user of the collection work application. The admission code CD2 is a code that certifies that the collection contractor UC is a legitimate collection contractor and is qualified to bring collected items to the collection point 400. The admission code CD2 may be an encoded admission certification information that includes collection contractor identification information. The admission code CD2 may also be in a format other than a two-dimensional code, such as a barcode.

[0091] The collection contractor UC causes a code scanner provided at the entrance gate of the collection point 400 to read the entrance code CD2. The code scanner provided at the entrance gate is connected to a collection point terminal 500 provided at the collection point 400. The collection point terminal 500 executes authentication processing with the collection management server 200, using the collection contractor identification information acquired from the read entry code CD2. If authentication is successful, the collection point terminal 500 opens the entry gate. The opening of the entry gate allows the collection contractor UC to enter the collection point 400. Note that even at this time, the collection contractor UC inputs a password into a terminal provided at the entry gate, for example, and the password may also be used in the authentication processing. The collection contractor UC enters the collection point 400, goes to a predetermined delivery location, and delivers the collected goods CG to, for example, a person in charge. The person in charge stores the delivered collected goods CG.

[0092] In this way, in the PET bottle collection system of this embodiment, by using a mobile terminal 300 on which a collection work application is installed, ordinary consumers can become collection contractors UC, remove the collection items CG from the PET bottle collection device 100, and bring them to the collection point 400. This makes it possible to compensate for a shortage of personnel to remove the collected items CG from the PET bottle collection device 100, and reduces the likelihood of malfunctions such as the PET bottle collection device 100 remaining full and unable to operate. The collection contractor UC also carries the collected goods CG taken out from the PET bottle collection device 100 to the collection point. This makes it possible to make up for the shortage of personnel at the collection company who transports the collected goods CG taken out from the PET bottle collection device 100 to the collection point 400.

[0093] As described above, the collection contractor UC may also be able to collect the collected goods CG waiting to be collected from the store and deliver them to the collection base 400 (collection goods collection work) as the collection work. In this case, the collection contractor UC may be required to perform a declaration operation to collect the collected goods CG from the store or a notification operation of collection to the PET bottle collection device 100 so that the history of the collection goods collection work can be managed by the collection management server 200. At this time, the collection contractor UC may be configured to input the number of collected goods CG waiting to be collected by the collection contractor UC. In response to the declaration operation or notification operation, the PET bottle collection device 100 transmits a notification to the collection management server 200 that the collected collected goods CG waiting to be collected have been collected. Alternatively, when the collection contractor UC collects the collected goods CG from the store, a store clerk may notify the POS terminal 700 or other store terminals that the collection contractor UC has collected the collected goods CG that are waiting to be collected. In this case, the POS terminal 700 transmits a notification to the collection management server 200 that the collection contractor UC has collected the collected goods CG that are waiting to be collected, in response to the notification operation.

[0094] [Example of the configuration of a plastic bottle recycling device] 8 shows an example of the functional configuration of the plastic bottle recovery device 100 of this embodiment. The plastic bottle recovery device 100 in the figure includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1100, a storage unit 1200, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 1300, a touch panel display unit 1400, a card reader 1500, a code scanner 1800, a communication unit 1600, and a recovery mechanism unit 1700. These components are connected to each other via an internal bus.

[0095] The CPU 1100 executes a program to execute various processes in the plastic bottle recovery device 100. Various functions of the plastic bottle recovery device 100 are realized by the processes of the CPU 1100.

[0096] The storage unit 1200 is an auxiliary storage device that stores various data used by the CPU 1100. The storage unit 1200 stores, for example, programs to be executed by the CPU 1100, image data to be displayed on the touch panel display unit 1400, and the like.

[0097] The RAM 1300 is a main storage device in which the programs and data read from the storage unit 1200 are expanded.

[0098] 2, touch panel display unit 1400 is provided with a display surface exposed on device body 100B. Touch panel display unit 1400 displays images under the control of CPU 1100. Touch panel display unit 1400 accepts operations performed on the display surface by an operating object such as a finger.

[0099] Card reader 1500 is provided in device main body 100B as shown in Fig. 2. Card reader 1500 communicates with a card medium such as a membership card within its communication range by, for example, a predetermined contactless communication method, and reads member information from the card medium of the communication destination.

[0100] The code scanner 1800 is provided in the device main body 100B as shown in Fig. 2. The code scanner 1800 reads codes such as two-dimensional codes and bar codes.

[0101] The communication unit 1600 performs communication via the network NT. As described above, the communication unit 1600 of this embodiment performs communication so as to be wirelessly connected to the network NT.

[0102] The recovery mechanism 1700 is a mechanism that performs operations related to reducing the volume of PET bottles, storing them, and the like as part of the recovery of PET bottles, under the control of the CPU 1100. In correspondence with Fig. 2, the recovery mechanism 1700 includes a container insertion section 110, an outer door 111, an inner door 112, a volume reduction section 120, a container storage section 140, and the like.

[0103] [Example of mobile device configuration] 9, an example of the configuration of the mobile terminal 300 will be described. The mobile terminal 300 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a storage unit 304, a touch panel display unit 305, a communication unit 306, and a positioning unit 307. These units are connected to a bus 309.

[0104] The CPU 301 is a central processing unit that reads out a program stored in the ROM 302, loads it into the RAM 303, and controls the operation of the mobile terminal 300 by executing each step of the loaded program. The ROM 302 is a read-only memory, and stores various information such as programs for operating the mobile terminal 300 . The RAM 303 is a main storage device, and temporarily stores various types of information, such as information used by the CPU 301 and information received by the communication unit 306 . The storage unit 304 serves as an auxiliary storage device and stores programs, various types of information, etc. The storage unit 304 may be configured to include, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc. The touch panel display unit 305 is a display unit configured as a touch panel. Note that in addition to the touch panel display unit 305, physical operators may be provided. A communication unit 306 communicates with other devices via a network. The positioning unit 307 measures its own position in accordance with a positioning system such as a global positioning system (GPS).

[0105] [Example of collection management server configuration] An example of the configuration of the collection management server 200 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. The collection management server 200 in Fig. 10 includes a communication unit 201, a control unit 202, and a storage unit 203.

[0106] A communication unit 201 performs communication via a network NT. The control unit 202 executes various controls in the collection management server 200. The functions of the control unit 202 are realized by a CPU included in the collection management server 200 executing a program.

[0107] The storage unit 203 stores various information used by the control unit 202. The storage unit 203 in the figure includes a collection device information table storage unit 231, a collection history information table storage unit 232, a collection base information table storage unit 233, a collection history information table storage unit 234, and a collection contractor information table storage unit 235.

[0108] The collection device information table storage unit 231 stores a collection device information table. The collection device information table has a structure in which information (collection device information) about each installed plastic bottle collection device 100 is organized into a table. The collection history information table storage unit 232 stores a collection history information table having a structure exemplified in FIG. The accumulation point information table storage unit 233 stores an accumulation point information table having a structure in which information (accumulation point information) relating to each accumulation point 400 is organized into a table. The collection history information table storage unit 234 stores a collection history information table having a structure in which the history (collection history information) regarding the receipt of the collected goods CG from the collection contractor UC at each collection point 400 is organized into a table. The collection contractor information table storage unit 235 stores a collection contractor information table. The collection contractor information table stores information (collection contractor information) registered for each collection contractor UC.

[0109] 11A shows an example of a collection device information table stored in the collection device information table storage unit 231. A record (one row) in the collection device information table in the figure is collection device information corresponding to one PET bottle collection device 100. One piece of collected device information includes fields for device identification information, device name, installation location, installation location coordinates, and contract declaration information. The area for device identification information stores device identification information of the PET bottle recovery device 100 that uniquely identifies the corresponding PET bottle recovery device 100 . The device name field stores the name given to the corresponding PET bottle recovery device 100, such as "Device No. XX." The installation location area stores information indicating the location where the corresponding plastic bottle recovery device 100 is installed. Specifically, the installation area area may store an address indicating the location where the plastic bottle recovery device 100 is installed. The area of ​​the installation position coordinates stores the coordinates (installation position coordinates) of the position corresponding to the location where the corresponding plastic bottle recovery device 100 is installed. The installation position coordinates may be expressed by, for example, latitude and longitude.

[0110] The information on the installation location and the installation position coordinates is used to indicate the location and position of the PET bottle collection device 100 in a collection work application, such as a collection device icon ICC on a collection work support map.

[0111] The area for the contract declaration information stores contract declaration information indicating whether or not a contract declaration has been made for the corresponding PET bottle recovery device 100. If a contract declaration has been made at present, the contract declaration information indicates collection contractor identification information of the collection contractor UC that made the contract declaration. Also, if a contract declaration has not been made at present, the contract declaration information indicates that a contract declaration has not been made.

[0112] In addition, in response to the fact that the PET bottle collection device 100 is installed in stores such as convenience stores and supermarkets, the collection device information may store identification information that uniquely indicates the store in which the corresponding PET bottle collection device 100 is installed. In addition, the recovery machine information may also store information indicating the specifications of the PET bottle recovery machine, information indicating the status of the PET bottle recovery machine, etc.

[0113] 11B shows an example of the collection point information table stored in the collection point information table storage unit 233. A record (one row) in the collection point information table in the figure is collection point information corresponding to one collection point 400. Each piece of collection site information includes each area of ​​site identification information, site name, location, location coordinates, and operation status. The location identification information field stores location identification information that uniquely identifies the corresponding collection location 400 . The base name field stores the name given to the corresponding collection base 400 . The location field stores an address indicating the location of the corresponding collection point 400 . The location coordinate area stores the location coordinates of the corresponding collection point 400. The location coordinates may be expressed by, for example, latitude and longitude.

[0114] The location and coordinate information of the location are used to indicate the location and position of the collection point 400 in the collection work application, such as a collection point icon ICP on a collection work support map.

[0115] The operation status area stores information (operation status information) indicating the current operation status of the corresponding collection point 400. The operation status information may indicate, for example, the current amount of collected goods CG stored, the amount of collected goods CG that can be collected, the number of collected goods CG stored in a store after collection work by a store clerk, etc. The operating status area can be used, for example, by the collection management server 200 when determining the collection point 400 to which the collection contractor UC is to hand over the collected goods CG taken out from the PET bottle collection device 100 .

[0116] 11(C) shows an example of the contents of the accumulation history information table stored in the accumulation history information table storage unit 234. One record (one row) in the accumulation history information table in the figure is accumulation history information corresponding to one collection (collection of goods) of a collection item CG from a collection contractor UC. One collection history information includes fields for base identification information, collection date and time, collection contractor identification information, collection amount, and target device identification information. The location identification information field stores location identification information that indicates the collection location 400 where the corresponding item was picked up. The pickup date and time field stores the date and time when the corresponding item was picked up. The area for collection contractor identification information stores the identification information of the collection contractor who handed over the collection item CG in response to the corresponding item pick-up. The collection amount field stores the amount of collected goods CG collected in response to the corresponding item collection, weighed at the collection point 400. The collection amount may be either or both of the weight and number of collected goods CG. In the figure, an example is given in which the collection amount is both weight and number. Note that if weighing is not performed at the collection point 400, the collection amount does not need to be stored. The area for the target device identification information stores, as the target device identification information, device identification information that indicates the PET bottle recovery device 100 that is the subject of collection.

[0117] 11(D) shows an example of the contents of the collection contractor information table stored in the collection contractor information table storage unit 235. One record (one row) in the collection contractor information table in the figure is collection contractor information corresponding to one collection contractor UC. The collection contractor information corresponding to one collection contractor UC includes areas for collection contractor identification information, collection contractor basic information, a password, and collection work history information. The collection contractor identification information area stores collection contractor identification information indicating the corresponding collection contractor UC. The collection contractor basic information area stores collection contractor basic information indicating basic information about the corresponding collection contractor UC. The collection contractor basic information may include, for example, the name, age (generation), contact information, etc. of the corresponding collection contractor UC. The password field stores the password registered by the corresponding collection contractor UC.

[0118] The collection work history information area stores collection work history information about the corresponding collection contractor UC. The collection work history information is information showing the history of each collection work performed by the corresponding collection contractor UC. The history corresponding to one collection work in the collection work history information includes information such as the collection work date and time, the collection source device, the delivery location, and the processing amount. The collection work date and time indicates the date and time when the corresponding collection work was performed. The collection work date and time may be, for example, a date and time corresponding to at least one of the start date and time and the end date and time of the collection work. The start date and time of the collection work may be, for example, a date and time when authentication is established between the PET bottle collection device 100 and the collection management server 200. Furthermore, the end date and time of the collection work may be the timing when the collection site terminal 500 of the collection site 400 where the collection item CG was collected transmits collection result information to the collection management server 200. The area for the recovery source device stores device identification information of the PET bottle recovery device 100 that is the recovery source (received object) in the corresponding collection work. The delivery destination base area stores the base identification information of the collection base 400 where the collected items are delivered in the corresponding collection work. The processing volume field stores the processing volume in the corresponding collection work. The processing volume is the number of collected items CG that the collection contractor UC took out from the PET bottle collection device 100 and delivered to the collection point 400. The processing volume is equal to the collection volume in the collection history information corresponding to the same collection work, unless, for example, an operational error or fraud occurs.

[0119] [Example of processing procedure] An example of a process procedure executed by the mobile terminal 300 and the collection management server 200 in relation to displaying the collection work support map will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0120] First, an example of a process procedure executed by the mobile terminal 300 will be described. Step S101: While the collection work application is running, the mobile terminal 300 waits for a display trigger for a collection work support map to occur. The display trigger for the collection work support map is generated by a predetermined operation on the screen of the collection work application running on the mobile terminal 300. Alternatively, the display trigger of the collection work support map may be generated in response to the reception of a collection work occurrence notification. In this case, in response to the reception of the collection work occurrence notification by the mobile terminal 300, the collection work support map is automatically displayed without the operation of the collection contractor UC. In addition, the display trigger for the collection work support map may be generated when the collection work support map is already being displayed and it is time to update the collection work support map, for example, after a certain period of time has elapsed.

[0121] Step S102: In response to the occurrence of a display trigger for the collection work support map, the mobile terminal 300 transmits a map request to the collection management server 200. The map request includes collection contractor identification information and reference position information. The collection contractor identification information included in the map request is collection contractor identification information of the collection contractor UC registered as a user of the collection work application installed on the mobile terminal 300. The reference position information is information indicating a position (reference position) that serves as a reference for determining the range of the map when the collection work support map is initially displayed. The reference position may be a position measured by the positioning unit 307, or may be a position registered in advance by the user (collection contractor UC), such as the user's home.

[0122] Step S103: In response to the map request transmitted in step S102, the collection management server 200 transmits a collection work support map. The mobile terminal 300 displays the collection work support map transmitted from the collection management server 200 on the touch panel display unit 305.

[0123] Next, an example of a process performed by the collection management server 200 will be described. Step S201: The collection management server 200 receives the map request transmitted from the mobile terminal 300 in step S102. Step S202: The collection management server 200 sets the geographical range (map range) of the collection work support map to be generated this time, based on the reference position indicated by the reference position information included in the received map request. Step S203: The collection management server 200 acquires from the collection device information table storage unit 231 collection device information for each PET bottle collection device 100 (corresponding collection device) included in the map range set in step S202. Step S204: The collection management server 200 calculates the amount of collected items stored as the collection status of each collection device.

[0124] Step S205: The collection management server 200 acquires, from the collection point information table storage unit 233, collection point information for each collection point 400 (corresponding collection point) included in the map range set in step S202.

[0125] Step S206: The collection management server 200 generates map information. The map information is data used for displaying a collection work support map on the mobile terminal 300. To generate the map information, the collection management server 200 acquires map data for the map range set in step S202. The collection management server 200 may acquire the map data for the map range from, for example, a map data server that provides external map data. Alternatively, the collection management server 200 may store the map data in the storage unit 203, and then acquire the map data for the map range from the map data stored in the storage unit 203. The collection management server 200 also generates a collection device icon ICC for each of the collection devices. At this time, the collection management server 200 generates a collection device icon ICC using an image of a bucket in a storage state according to the calculated storage capacity. At this time, the collection management server 200 places a contractor blowout FD on the corresponding device for which a contract declaration has already been made, based on the contract declaration information in the collection device information of the corresponding collection device. The collection management server 200 places each of the generated collection device icons ICC on the map data. At this time, the collection management server 200 refers to the installation position coordinates indicated in the collection device information of the corresponding collection device acquired in step S203, and specifies the position on the map data where the collection device icon ICC is to be placed. In addition, the collection management server 200 generates a collection point icon ICP for each collection point and places the generated collection point icon ICP on the map data. At this time, the collection management server 200 refers to the location coordinates indicated in the collection point information of the collection point acquired in step S205, and specifies the position on the map data where the collection point icon ICP is to be placed.

[0126] Step S207: The collection management server 200 transmits the map information generated as described above to the mobile terminal 300 that is the source of the map request.

[0127] An example of a process procedure executed by the mobile terminal 300 and the collection management server 200 in relation to the display of a detailed status screen of the collection contractor response will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0128] First, an example of a processing procedure executed by the mobile terminal 300 will be described. Step S301: The mobile terminal 300 waits for an operation of tapping on a collection device icon ICC while the collection operation support map is being displayed. Step S302: In response to the tapping of the collection device icon ICC, the mobile terminal 300 transmits a detailed status screen request for the collection contractor. The detailed status screen request includes device identification information indicating the PET bottle collection device 100 corresponding to the tapped collection device icon ICC. Step S303: The mobile terminal 300 receives the detailed screen information for the collection contractor transmitted from the collection management server 200 in response to the transmission of the detailed status screen request, and displays the received detailed status screen on the touch panel display unit 305.

[0129] Next, an example of a process performed by the collection management server 200 will be described. Step S401: The collection management server 200 receives the detailed status screen request transmitted from the mobile terminal 300 in step S302. Step S402: The collection management server 200 judges whether the target PET bottle collection device 100 indicated by the device identification information included in the received detailed status screen request is in a state requiring collection work. For this purpose, the collection management server 200 may acquire the current capacity of PET bottles in the target PET bottle collection device 100, and judge whether the acquired capacity is equal to or greater than a threshold value, depending on whether the target PET bottle collection device 100 is in a state requiring collection work.

[0130] Step S403: If it is determined in step S402 that the target PET bottle collection device 100 is in a state where collection work is required, the collection management server 200 generates detailed status screen information corresponding to the collection work. The detailed status screen information generated in step S403 is information that indicates that information on the necessity of collection work is necessary as shown in FIG. 5(B), and displays a detailed status screen in a state where the contract declaration button BT1 is arranged in an active state.

[0131] Step S404: If it is determined in step S402 that the target PET bottle collection device 100 is in a state in which collection work is not required, the collection management server 200 generates detailed status screen information corresponding to the absence of collection work. The detailed status screen information generated in step S404 is information that indicates that information on the necessity of collection work is not required as shown in Fig. 5(A), and displays a detailed status screen in a state in which the contract declaration button BT1 is arranged in an inactive state.

[0132] An example of a process procedure executed by the mobile terminal 300 and the collection management server 200 in response to a contract declaration operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0133] First, an example of a process procedure executed by the mobile terminal 300 will be described. Step S501: The mobile terminal 300 waits for a contract declaration operation to be performed while displaying a detailed status screen of the collection contractor.

[0134] Step S502: When a contract declaration operation is performed, the mobile terminal 300 transmits a contract declaration notice to the collection management server 200. The contract declaration notice is information notifying that the corresponding collection contractor UC has declared the contract. The contract declaration notice includes collection contractor identification information indicating the corresponding collection contractor UC and collection device identification information indicating the PET bottle collection device 100 designated as the collection target by the corresponding contract declaration operation.

[0135] Step S503: In response to the transmission of the contract declaration notice, the collection management server 200 transmits updated map information. The mobile terminal 300 uses the received updated map information to display the collection work support map. In the collection work support map displayed in this manner, as shown in FIG. 5(B), a contractor's blowout FD is attached to the collection device icon ICC indicating the PET bottle collection device 100 designated as the collection target by the current contract declaration operation.

[0136] Next, an example of a process performed by the collection management server 200 will be described. Step S601: The collection management server 200 receives the contract declaration notice transmitted from the mobile terminal 300 in step S502.

[0137] Step S602: When the collection management server 200 receives the contract declaration notice, it searches the collection device information table storage unit 231 for collection device information associated with the collection device identification information included in the contract declaration notice. The collection management server 200 updates the contract declaration information in the searched collection device information from a state of no declaration to a state in which the collection contractor identification information included in the received contract declaration notice is indicated. As a result, for the PET bottle collection device 100 designated as the collection target by the current contract declaration operation, the corresponding collection contractor UC is registered as a person qualified to collect the collection item CG.

[0138] Step S603: The collection management server 200 updates the map information. That is, the collection management server 200 adds a contractor blow-out FD to the collection device icon ICC that corresponds to the collection device information updated to indicate the collection contractor identification information in step S602, among the collection device icons ICC arranged in the map information. The name of the collection contractor UC indicated by the collection contractor identification information included in the contract declaration notice is indicated in the added contractor blow-out FD.

[0139] Step S604: The collection management server 200 transmits updated map information to the mobile terminal 300 that sent the contract declaration notice so that the collection work support map reflecting the contents of the map information updated in step S603 can be displayed on the mobile terminal 300. The updated map information may be information on the difference between the map information before and after the update, or may be the updated map information itself.

[0140] In addition, when the collection contractor UC has completed removal of the collection item CG, the PET bottle collection apparatus 100 updates the corresponding contract declaration information to a no declaration state.

[0141] In addition, the PET bottle recovery device 100 may transmit a notification to that effect (a removal completion notification) to the recovery management server 200 in response to the completion of removal of the recovery item CG by the collection contractor UC. The collection management server 200 may update the collection work support map by erasing the contractor's blow-out FD that was attached to the collection device icon ICC corresponding to the plastic bottle collection device 100 that sent the removal completion notification, and transmit updated map information of the updated collection work support map to the mobile terminal 300. As a result, in the collection work support map of the mobile terminal 300, the contractor's blow-out FD that was attached to the collection device icon ICC corresponding to the plastic bottle collection device 100 from which the collection contractor UC has completed removal of the collection item CG is erased.

[0142] <Modification> Next, a modification of this embodiment will be described.

[0143] [First Modification] In the above embodiment, unless the PET bottle recovery machine 100 has a certain capacity or more, the collection contractor UC cannot declare the contract. In this modified example, the PET bottle recovery machine 100 may be a target for declaring the contract regardless of the capacity.

[0144] [Second modified example] In this modified example, a privilege may be given to the collection contractor UC in accordance with carrying out the collection work. Specifically, collection points may be given to the collection contractor UC according to the collection work performed. In this case, for example, the collection contractor information stored in the collection contractor information table storage unit 235 may store collection point history information, so that the collection management server 200 can manage the collection points. In addition, collection points may be calculated by adding a fixed number of points for each collection operation, or the number of points added may vary depending on the number (processing amount) of collection items CG removed from the PET bottle collection device 100 during the collection operation. In this case, for example, when the accumulated value of collected points reaches a certain level, a special benefit such as a gift or a coupon may be given.

[0145] [Third Modification] The collection operation application installed on the mobile terminal 300 may be implemented as an additional function of an application for another purpose. As an example, the collection operation application may be a function added to a beverage purchasing application used when purchasing a beverage from a vending machine. For example, a user of a beverage purchasing application connects mobile terminal 300, on which the beverage purchasing application is running, to a vending machine via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). With mobile terminal 300 and the vending machine connected, the user purchases a beverage from the vending machine. At this time, payment for the beverage may be made using a payment function of the beverage purchasing application. In this way, by using the beverage purchasing application to purchase a beverage from a vending machine, the user is given an item equivalent to points according to the beverage purchased. When the given items reach a predetermined number, a ticket is issued on the beverage purchasing application with which the beverage can be purchased for free or at a discounted price. In this case, volunteers from among users of the beverage purchasing application are registered as collection contractors UC and are made to carry out the collection work.

[0146] When a collection work application is implemented as an additional function of such a beverage purchasing application, collection points awarded to the collection contractor UC in response to the collection work may be awarded as an item to be used in the beverage purchasing application.

[0147] [Fourth Variation] For example, there may be cases where fraudulent conduct occurs in which the amount of collected goods CG taken out from the PET bottle recovery device 100 that is the subject of the operation is inflated by including PET bottles procured from sources other than the PET bottle recovery device 100, or a certain amount of goods is removed from the collected goods CG before it is handed over to the collection point 400. For example, if a bonus were given in the form of points that differ depending on the amount of collected goods CG collected during collection work, and the basis for calculating points was the amount measured at the collection point 400, rather than the amount collected when collected from the PET bottle collection device 100, there was a risk of fraudulent activity in which the amount collected was inflated. Furthermore, if the collection contractor UC were to transfer the PET bottles to another collection company and receive payment in return, there is a possibility that fraudulent removal of a certain amount of goods from the collected goods CG could occur.

[0148] Therefore, when the collected goods CG are received at the collection point 400, a person in charge weighs the collected goods CG. Here, the weight and / or the number of the collected goods may be weighed in accordance with the collected amount in the collection history information. The person in charge inputs the weighing results into the collection site terminal 500. The weighing device may output the weighing result data to the collection site terminal 500. The collection point terminal 500 transmits a verification request for the input weighing result to the collection management server 200. The verification request includes the weighing result and the collection contractor identification information of the corresponding collection contractor UC.

[0149] When the collection management server 200 receives the matching request, it searches the collection work history information collector information table storage unit 235 for collection contractor information associated with the collection contractor identification information included in the received matching request. The collection management server 200 acquires the amount of collected goods CG (taken amount) taken out from the target PET bottle collection device 100 in response to the current contract declaration, which is stored in the searched collection work history information. The collection management server 200 may calculate the take-out amount by using the collection history information of the target PET bottle collection device 100 stored in the collection history information table storage unit 232.

[0150] The collection management server 200 determines whether the acquired removal amount is the same as the measurement value indicated by the weighing result included in the received comparison request, and transmits the determination result to the collection site terminal 500. The collection site terminal 500 outputs the determination result, for example, by display. The person in charge checks the displayed determination result. If the determination result indicates that the removal amount and the measurement value are the same, the person in charge receives the collected goods CG from the collection contractor UC. On the other hand, if the determination result indicates that the removal amount and the measurement value are not the same, the person in charge may refuse to receive the collected goods CG from the collection contractor UC.

[0151] For example, the collection contractor UC may weigh the collected goods CG when the collection contractor UC enters the collection point 400. In this case, the weight information is also transmitted from the collection point terminal 500 to the collection management server 200 and compared with the amount of the collected goods. In this case, if it is determined that the weight value is the same as the taken-out amount, the entrance gate opens and the collection contractor UC can enter the collection site 400 and hand over the collected goods CG. On the other hand, if it is determined that the weight value is not the same as the taken-out amount, the entrance gate is not opened. In this case, the collection contractor UC cannot hand over the collected goods CG to the collection site 400. By implementing such operations, it becomes possible to prevent the above-mentioned fraudulent acts.

[0152] [Fifth Modification] In addition, in the above embodiments and modified examples, part of the processing executed by the mobile terminal 300, the collection center terminal 500, etc. may be executed by a higher-level device such as a collection management server 200 connected via communication to the customer terminal device 50 and the collection center terminal 500. As one of the above-mentioned aspects, a thin client system configuration may be provided. Specifically, for example, the collection management server 200 may be configured as a thin client-compatible server (e.g., a cloud server), and the mobile terminal 300, the collection base terminal 500, etc. may function as thin clients. In this case, thin client terminals such as the mobile terminal 300 and the collection base terminal 500 transmit commands and the like corresponding to operations performed on themselves to the collection management server 200. In response to information received from the thin client terminal, the collection management server 200 may execute predetermined processing such as various judgments and transmit image data or web page data as a screen reflecting the processing results to the thin client terminal. The mobile terminal 300 and the collection base terminal 500 as thin client terminals display the transmitted image data or web page data by an image viewer or web browser.

[0153] [Sixth Modification] The article recovery device in this embodiment is not limited to a PET bottle recovery device that recovers PET bottles. The article recovery device in this embodiment may be, for example, a device that recovers empty cans, a device that recovers plastic waste, a device that recovers food trays to be recycled, etc. For example, in a device that recovers plastic waste, the weight of the collected articles may be measured instead of the number of articles.

[0154] [Seventh Variation] The PET bottle recovery device 100 that is the target of the collection work may detect that the drawer 100C has transitioned from an open state to a closed state and notify the manager of the PET bottle recovery device 100 of the end of the collection work. By receiving the notification, the manager can confirm the completion of the work. In addition, for example, the collection management server 200 may be made capable of evaluating the collection work of the collection contractor UC based on the history of the collection work. The collection management server 200 may be made capable of providing the manager with the results of the evaluation of the collection contractor UC. For example, based on the results of the evaluation, the collection management server 200 may preferentially send a notification of a collection request to the mobile terminal 300 of the collection contractor UC with a high evaluation, or may increase the points given to the collection contractor UC according to the collection work according to the evaluation of the collection contractor UC. On the other hand, the collection management server 200 may lower the priority of the notification of a collection request for a collection contractor UC with a low evaluation, or may reject the contract declaration operation in some cases.

[0155] [Eighth Modification] The PET bottle recovery device 100 to be collected may be installed on the premises of an apartment building or other collective housing, and the residents of the collective housing may collect the bottles as a collection contractor UC. In this case, the contract declaration operation may be restricted to only the residents of the collective housing.

[0156] [Ninth Variation] In the above embodiment, when the amount of PET bottles stored in the PET bottle recovery device 100 is equal to or greater than a certain amount (i.e., equal to or greater than a threshold value), the collection contractor UC is able to declare acceptance and a notification is sent that collection work is required. In this modified example, the threshold amount of storage at which a notification of the need for collection work is issued may be changeable as appropriate depending on the location where the PET bottle collection apparatus 100 is installed, the operational history of the PET bottle collection apparatus 100, and the like. For example, the PET bottle recovery device 100 can be installed near a store such as a convenience store or a vending machine. Depending on the store, collection work by a store clerk or a collection contractor UC can be expected relatively quickly, but there is a high possibility that a collection contractor UC who can respond quickly cannot be found at a vending machine. In addition, the capacity of the PET bottle recovery device 100, which operates infrequently, is unlikely to fill up quickly. Therefore, for the PET bottle recovery device 100 that is likely not to obtain a collection contractor UC, the threshold capacity for which a collection work occurrence notification is issued can be set to a predetermined value lower than a certain standard value, thereby ensuring a longer time for accepting contract declarations before the capacity is full. Also, for the PET bottle recovery device 100 that is installed in a store or has a low operating frequency, the threshold capacity for which a collection work occurrence notification is issued can be set to a predetermined value higher than a certain standard value.

[0157] [Tenth Modification] For example, in a store such as a convenience store, for some reason, there are cases where the store wishes to avoid having a collection contractor UC perform collection work for the PET bottle collection apparatus 100 installed in the store. As a specific example, during off-season, store staff can perform high-quality collection work themselves, so cooperation from the collection contractor UC is not necessary, but during busy seasons, there may be cases where store staff are unable to complete the collection work, so cooperation from the collection contractor UC is required. In response to such a case, for example, a store clerk may operate the store's POS terminal to set whether or not to allow a contract declaration operation for the store in the collection work application of the mobile terminal 300. Furthermore, a store clerk may operate the store's POS terminal to cancel a contract declaration made by the collection contractor UC. When cancellation is performed, for example, the collection management server 200 may notify the mobile terminal 300 of the collection contractor UC that made the contract declaration of the cancellation.

[0158] <Overview of the embodiment> [Technical field] The present invention relates to an article recovery method. [Background technology] 2. Description of the Related Art A PET bottle recovery device is known that recovers used PET bottles and can count the number of recovered used PET bottles (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art document] [Patent documents] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-92844 A [Summary of the invention] [Problem to be solved by the invention] The article recovery device, such as the above-mentioned PET bottle recovery device, cannot operate when the capacity of the storage of the recovered articles (recovered articles) becomes full. Therefore, it is necessary to remove the collected articles from the article recovery device before the capacity of the collected articles becomes full. It is required that the removal of the collected articles from such an article recovery device be performed efficiently so as to avoid the situation where the capacity of the collected articles becomes full as much as possible. The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to enable efficient processing of articles collected by an article collection device.

[0159] [Means for solving the problem] (1) As described above, one aspect of this embodiment is an item recovery method in an item recovery system including an information processing device (e.g., a mobile terminal 300) and an item recovery device (e.g., a PET bottle recovery device 100) that recovers items, the item recovery method including a recovery status detection step of detecting the recovery status of items recovered by the item recovery device, and a display control step of controlling the information processing device to display the recovery status detected by the recovery status detection step (e.g., display of a recovery device icon ICC that indicates the capacity of a bucket). According to the above configuration, the collection contractor UC can grasp the capacity of each PET bottle collection machine 100 by looking at the collection machine icon ICC displayed on the mobile terminal 300. This allows the collection contractor UC to take measures such as prioritizing collection work from the PET bottle collection machine 100 with the largest capacity. In other words, it becomes possible to efficiently process the items (PET bottles) collected by the PET bottle collection machine 100.

[0160] (2) One aspect of this embodiment is the item collection method described in (1), in which the collection status detection step displays information regarding the collection of the collected items (such as information on whether collection is necessary on a detailed status screen) in response to an operation being performed on a display regarding the collection status (e.g., a collection status map or a collection work support map). According to the above configuration, in addition to the collection status of the PET bottle collection device 100, it is possible to grasp the necessity of collection of the collected items, etc.

[0161] (3) One aspect of this embodiment is an item recovery method as described in (1) or (2), which includes a declaration enabling step of enabling the information processing device to declare (e.g., declare a contract) a collection operation to collect items from the item recovery device when the collection status detected by the collection status detection step satisfies a predetermined condition (e.g., when the storage capacity of the PET bottle recovery device 100 becomes equal to or greater than a certain amount), and a declaration receiving step of receiving the declaration of the collection operation at the information processing device. According to the above configuration, if the collection status in the PET bottle collection device 100 does not satisfy a predetermined condition, collection work by the collection contractor UC can be prevented from being performed.

[0162] (4) One aspect of this embodiment is the item collection method described in (3), in which the declaration enabling step enables the collection work to be declared to the information processing device when the collection status detected by the collection status detection step satisfies the condition that the amount of collected items has reached a certain amount or more. According to the above configuration, unless the storage capacity of the PET bottle recovery device 100 reaches a certain level, collection work by the collection contractor UC can be prevented.

[0163] (5) One aspect of this embodiment is an item recovery method as described in any one of (1) to (4), comprising a code display step in the information processing device for displaying code information that is read to enable collection work to be performed on the item recovery device. According to the above configuration, only a collection contractor UC who can display code information on the mobile terminal 300, i.e., a person who has registered as a user of the collection work application and is qualified to undertake collection work, can remove collected items CG from the PET bottle collection device 100.

[0164] (6) One aspect of this embodiment is an item collection method described in any one of (1) to (5), wherein the item collection system includes a server device (e.g., a collection management server 200), and the server device includes a collection status acquisition step for acquiring the collection status detected by the collection status detection step. According to the above configuration, the collection management server 200 can integrate the collection status of a plurality of PET bottle collection devices 100 installed in various locations.

[0165] (7) One aspect of this embodiment is the item recovery method described in (5), wherein the server device includes an information presentation step that presents information regarding the transportation of the recovered items to a collection center based on the recovery status acquired by the recovery status acquisition step and information regarding a collection center (400) where the recovered items recovered by the item recovery device are accumulated. According to the above configuration, the collection management server 200 can obtain a route from the target PET bottle collection device 100 to the collection point 400, and display the obtained route on the mobile terminal 300. In addition, the collection management server 200 can determine the collection point 400 to which the collected goods CG should be brought based on the location and collection status of each collection point 400, and can show the determined collection point 400 to the collection contractor UC on the mobile terminal 300.

[0166] In addition, a program for realizing the functions of the above-mentioned PET bottle collection device 100, collection management server 200, mobile terminal 300, etc. may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to perform the processing of the above-mentioned PET bottle collection device 100, collection management server 200, mobile terminal 300, etc. Here, "reading a program recorded on a recording medium into a computer system and executing it" includes installing the program into a computer system. The "computer system" here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. In addition, the "computer system" may include multiple computer devices connected via a network including the Internet, a WAN, a LAN, a dedicated line, and other communication lines. In addition, the "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a portable medium such as a flexible disk, an optical magnetic disk, a ROM, a CD-ROM, and a storage device such as a hard disk built into a computer system. In this way, the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transient recording medium such as a CD-ROM. In addition, the recording medium also includes a recording medium provided inside or outside and accessible from a distribution server to distribute the program. The code of the program stored in the recording medium of the distribution server may be different from the code of the program in a format executable by the terminal device. In other words, the format in which the program is stored in the distribution server does not matter as long as it can be downloaded from the distribution server and installed in a format executable by the terminal device. The program may be divided into multiple parts, downloaded at different times, and then combined on the terminal device, or each of the divided programs may be distributed by a different distribution server. Furthermore, the "computer-readable recording medium" includes a memory that holds a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system that becomes a server or a client when a program is transmitted via a network. The above program may also be for realizing part of the above-mentioned functions.Furthermore, the above-mentioned functions may be realized in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, that is, a so-called differential file (differential program). [Explanation of symbols]

[0167] 100 PET bottle collection device, 200 collection management server, 300 mobile terminal, 400 collection point, 500 collection point terminal

Claims

1. An item recovery system including an information processing device and an item recovery device that recovers items, a recovery status detection means for detecting a recovery status of the recovered items recovered by the item recovery device; a display control means for controlling a display relating to the collection status detected by the collection status detection means to be displayed on a predetermined information processing device, The display control means controls so that information enabling an operation to change the locking or unlocking state of the article recovery device is displayed on a predetermined information processing device. An item recovery system.

2. The display control means controls a predetermined information processing device so that the storage status of the containers in the article recovery device and the storage status of the containers taken out of the article recovery device are displayed on the same screen. The article recovery system according to claim 1 .

3. The display control means controls a predetermined information processing device to display information used for entrance to a place to which the collected items are brought.

3. An article recovery system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. In an item recovery system including an information processing device, an item recovery device that recovers items, and a server device, a program for causing a first computer to function as the information processing device and a second computer to function as the server device, The first computer is caused to function as a collection status detection unit that detects a collection status of the collected items collected by the item collection device, a display control means for controlling the second computer so that a display relating to the collection status detected by the collection status detection means is displayed on a predetermined information processing device, and the display control means controls so that information enabling an operation to change the locking or unlocking state of the item collection device is displayed on the predetermined information processing device; program.

5. An item recovery method in an item recovery system including an information processing device and an item recovery device that recovers items, comprising: a collection status detection step in which a collection status detection unit detects a collection status of the collected items collected by the item collection device; a display control step in which a display control means controls a display relating to the collection status detected by the collection status detection step so that the display is performed in response to an operation of a predetermined information processing device; The display control step controls a display of information enabling an operation to change a locking or unlocking state of the article recovery device to be performed in a predetermined information processing device in response to an operation. Method of collecting items.

Images